HEALTH AND SAFETY REPRESENTATIVE

1. Job Purpose

We are seeking a responsible and safety-conscious Health and Safety Representative to promote workplace health and safety, identify potential hazards, communicate employees’ safety concerns to management, and support compliance with applicable occupational health and safety requirements.

The successful candidate will work closely with the Health and Safety Officer, supervisors, management, and employees to maintain a safe working environment and prevent workplace accidents, injuries, and occupational illnesses.

2. Roles and Responsibilities

Workplace Health and Safety

• Represent employees on matters relating to occupational health and safety.
• Identify and report unsafe acts, unsafe conditions, and potential workplace hazards.
• Conduct workplace safety inspections in accordance with the inspection programme and applicable requirements.
• Report identified hazards and recommend appropriate corrective measures.
• Monitor compliance with site health and safety rules, procedures, and instructions.
• Encourage employees to follow safe working practices.

Risk Assessment and Hazard Identification

• Participate in hazard identification and risk assessment activities.
• Assist the Health and Safety Officer and supervisors in communicating risk control measures to employees.
• Report new hazards arising from changes in work activities, equipment, materials, or site conditions.
• Monitor whether agreed safety precautions are being followed.
• Encourage employees to stop and report work that presents an immediate danger, following site procedures.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

• Monitor the correct use of required personal protective equipment.
• Report damaged, defective, or unsuitable PPE.
• Encourage employees to comply with PPE requirements.
• Report repeated non-compliance to the relevant supervisor or Health and Safety Officer.

Safety Communication and Training

• Participate in toolbox talks, safety meetings, and site inductions as required.
• Communicate employees’ safety concerns to management and the Health and Safety Officer.
• Promote safety awareness among workers and contractors.
• Assist in communicating emergency procedures and evacuation arrangements.
• Encourage workers to report incidents, near misses, and dangerous conditions.

Incident Reporting and Investigation

• Promptly report accidents, injuries, near misses, and dangerous occurrences.
• Assist with incident investigations when requested and appropriately authorised.
• Help identify possible causes of incidents and recommend preventative measures.
• Monitor whether corrective actions communicated to the workforce have been implemented.
• Maintain confidentiality when dealing with incident and employee information.

Health and Safety Meetings and Documentation

• Attend Health and Safety Committee meetings where applicable.
• Present employee safety concerns and inspection findings.
• Assist with maintaining inspection checklists and other relevant safety records.
• Follow up on reported hazards and communicate outstanding issues to management.
• Cooperate with the Health and Safety Officer and supervisors during audits and inspections.

3. Minimum Requirements

• Grade 12 / Matric certificate or equivalent, where required by the employer.
• Recognised Health and Safety Representative training certificate, or willingness to complete the required training where appropriate.
• Basic knowledge of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, 1993.
• Understanding of workplace hazards, risk controls, and safe work practices.
• Ability to identify and report unsafe conditions.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to read, understand, and communicate safety instructions.
• Good observation and reporting skills.
• Ability to work effectively with employees, supervisors, and management.
• Commitment to maintaining a safe and healthy workplace.

4. Experience Requirements

• Previous experience in a construction, civil engineering, manufacturing, infrastructure, or industrial environment is advantageous.
• Experience participating in workplace inspections or safety meetings is beneficial.
• Knowledge of construction hazards, including working at heights, excavations, moving plant, lifting operations, and electrical hazards, is an advantage.

5. Preferred Additional Requirements

• Valid Health and Safety Representative training certificate.
• Basic First Aid and Fire Safety training certificates.
• Knowledge of construction site safety procedures and emergency response.
• Ability to complete inspection checklists and basic safety reports.
• Familiarity with PPE requirements and incident reporting procedures.

6. Key Competencies

• Strong awareness of workplace health and safety.
• Good communication and listening skills.
• Integrity, accountability, and attention to detail.
• Ability to identify hazards and report concerns promptly.
• Teamwork and cooperation.
• Confidence to raise safety concerns respectfully.
• Good problem-solving and observation skills.
• Commitment to continuous safety improvement.