Senior Occupational Health and Safety Officer

About the role

The Department of Water and Sanitation is hiring a Senior Occupational Health and Safety Officer in Infrastructure Management: Northern Operations Cd: Water Resource Infrastructure Operations and Maintenance Dir: Operations Northern, based in Hartbeespoort Cluster office. This is a permanent post, paying R413,001 a year. How to apply: All applications to be submitted online on the following link: https://erecruitment.dws.gov.za/ Reference number to quote: 301026/21 Closing date: 30 October 2026 Use the new Z83 form and attach a detailed CV.

Responsibilities

• To be based at the Technical Services Sub-Directorate at the Northern Operations Cluster Office, reporting directly to the sub-directorate Head: Technical Services, and provide Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) support, coordination, monitoring and assurance to the Hartbeespoort, Groblersdal and Tzaneen Area Offices.
• Coordinate and support the implementation of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, Regulations and applicable DWS OHS policies, procedures and standards.
• Develop and maintain SHE/OHS management systems, procedures and programmes.
• Coordinate the implementation of Hazard Identification and Risk Assessments and monitor the effectiveness of risk-control measures.
• Conduct regular OHS inspections and compliance assessments at DWS operational facilities, including dams, pump stations, canals, workshops, construction sites and other workplaces.
• Investigate OHS incidents, accidents and near misses, conduct root-cause analysis and monitor the implementation and closure of corrective and preventative actions.
• Coordinate statutory reporting of reportable incidents and manage COIDA-related processes.
• Interpret and coordinate the implementation of recommendations arising from internal and external audits, inspections and compliance assessments.
• Monitor OHS compliance of contractors and service providers and provide technical advice to managers, supervisors, employees and OHS representatives.
• Compile monthly, quarterly and annual OHS performance reports, including incidents, injuries, fatalities, near misses, risks, trends and corrective actions in accordance with the approved reporting matrix.
• Coordinate emergency preparedness, fire safety programmes, emergency procedures and drills, and liaise with relevant emergency services and regulatory bodies.
• Develop and facilitate OHS awareness, training, workshops and safety promotion programmes.
• Provide OHS input into maintenance procedures, safe systems of work and operational practices to promote the application of best practices.
• Assist with the planning and management of the OHS budget and resources.
• Maintain appropriate OHS records, registers and compliance documentation.
• Promote a positive safety culture, employee participation, innovation and continuous improvement, including initiatives for reporting hazards, near misses and safety improvement suggestions.
• Provide specialist OHS advice and regular performance feedback to the Head: Technical Services and relevant management structures and provide technical input into the strategic and operational planning of the OHS function.

Requirements

• A relevant NQF level 6 qualification in Occupational Health and Safety.
• Minimum Three (3) to 4 years’ experience in Occupational Health and Safety environment.
• The disclosure of valid unexpired driver’s license (Annotate such details on the CV).
• Knowledge of strategic and operational plan in Occupational Health and Safety Management.
• OHS Policy implementation.
• Monitoring and evaluation principles.
• Knowledge of research procedures and techniques. knowledge in Occupational Health and Safety and its application within the Operations and Maintenance (O&M) environment.
• Disciplinary knowledge in public administration.
• Knowledge of health and safety management systems design, techniques and tools.
• Ability to write, review and proof-read OHS reports.
• Understanding of Government legislation.
• Knowledge of OHS Act and Regulations (Act 85 of 1993).
• Knowledge of the risk management theory and practical auditor’s assessment.
• Computer literacy skills.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Have experience related to Safety management within the Operations and Maintenance environment.
• Having any professional registration associated with Occupational Health and Safety will be an added advantage.
• Willing to travel extensively and work irregular hours.