Director: Occupational Health And Safety And Environment at The University of Zululand

• Lead, direct and coordinate the overall management, development, implementation and maintenance of a comprehensive occupational health and safety management system that will ensure compliance with the occupational safety and health laws, regulations and industry best practices.
• Develop a high-level strategy for and the roll out of occupational health and safety environmental governance, plans and control mechanisms required to ensure legal compliance and best OHS best practice through implementing a strict set of guidelines.
• Preparing and supporting the implementation of resources and establishing a culture of health and safety.

KEY ACTIVITIES

• Develop and review an OSH policy framework to ensure compliance with legislation for the effective control of occupational safety and health risks.
• Lead OSH strategic objectives, serve as an expert technical resource for the management executives and provide executive reports on the implementation of OSH management systems.
• Manage a team of occupational safety and health professionals and associated resources to ensure the effective functioning of the OSH Unit.
• Develop OSH management systems inclusive of plans, procedures, safe systems of work and review to monitor their effectiveness.
• Oversee the establishment and maintenance of OSH related documentation and records.
• Establish annual /quarterly work plans for the OSH Unit, establish key performance indicators and evaluate the overall performance of the OSH management system.
• Represent the University on all OSH matters with external professionals and regulatory agencies/bodies.
• Identify OSH training needs and develop and execute an OSH training programme and evaluate its delivery and impact. Develop and implement an OSH Audit Plan in accordance with the OSH Act and Regulations.
• Develop project proposals for inclusion in the University’s development programme and provide oversight and management for OSH project activities.
• Provide strong directional support and guidance with the implementation of OSH operational policies, programmes, procedures etc.
• Undertake major investigations such as incidents resulting in fatalities, occupational diseases, or major property damage.
• Model, promote and influence behavioral and cultural changes through effective leadership and engagement.
• Manage and prepare annual budgetary allocation for functioning of the Occupational Safety and Health Unit.
• Develop and maintain technical competence for the OSH team and provide leadership, coaching and direction for team members.
• Ensures that the strategic establishment of project and / or contractor health, safety and environmental compliance takes place in line with OHS Act requirements.
• Maintain project reporting dashboard for review by directors, vice chancellor and council.
• Develop safety management systems that fullfills the strategy for the implementation of the statutory, moral and ethical requirements for duty of care of employees, students and contractors.
• Meet with the Deans and Managers on a fortnightly basis to ensure the OHS&E Strategy is met.
• Maintain registration with the South African Institute of Safety and Health (SAIOSH) and the South African Council for the Project and Construction Management Professions (SACPCMP) registration is a mandatory requirement as a Construction Health and Safety professional.
• Meet the appointment requirements as an Employer’s Health and Safety Agent: the
• person appointed as agent by the Employer in terms of Regulation 4(5) of the
• Construction regulations as the being the employer’s agent responsible for health and safety matters.
• Perform other related duties as required.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Master’s degree in a relevant qualification.
• Relevant experience in risk management in project management and operational environment.
• Experience within the corporate and major infrastructure safety management environment.
• 8 to 10 years’ relevant experience in developing strategic safety management implementational diverse management environments. With experience in major in infrastructure health, safety and environment monitoring and reporting.
• Experience in the preparation and presentation of health, safety and environment reporting leading and lagging indicators.
• Experience in understanding, interpretation and preparation of planned health, safety and environment strategies and compliance in both business and project environment. Extensive knowledge of health, safety and environment in all corporate, building and engineering services and how they are integrated with health, safety and environment processes and controls.
• Knowledge of OHS Act and regulations.
• Knowledge of NEMA.
• Knowledge of Compensation Claims and Administration.
• Basic knowledge of the COIDACT, National Building Regulations and Environmental Legislation.
• Basic knowledge of all other Labour Legislation.

MANDATORY PROFESSIONAL REGISTRATION

Registration with a recognised professional body, such as:

• SACPCMP (South African Council for the Project and Construction Management

Professions) Registration as:

• Construction Health and Safety Officer (CHSO)
• Construction Health and Safety Manager (CHSM)

SAIOSH (South African Institute of Occupational Safety and Health)

• GradIOSH / TechIOSH / MIOSH / PrIOSH
• Occupational Health & Environmental Competence (Added Advantage)

Knowledge

• Knowledge of occupational hygiene (noise, lighting, air quality, ergonomics).
• Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) training.

Experience with ISO standards:

• ISO 45001 (Occupational Health & Safety Management Systems).
• ISO 14001 (Environmental Management Systems).
• Construction Regulations compliance.
• Contractor safety management.
• Permit-to-work systems.
• Working at heights, confined spaces, electrical safety.
• Safety file audits and site inspections.

Skills

• Strong leadership, coaching and mentoring skills.
• Honesty and integrity.
• Interpersonal skills and communication.
• Strategic planning and implementation.
• Conflict Resolution and Management.
• Comprehensive understanding of risk management hierarchy of controls.
• Risk management processes.
• Ability to streamline processes.