H&S Specialist - Brits, ZA at Bridgestone South Africa (Pty) Ltd

Job Purpose

• The Health & Safety Specialist will be responsible for implementing and maintaining safety protocols, procedures, and regulations to ensure a safe working environment for all employees. They will oversee safety training, conduct regular inspections, investigate accidents, and recommend corrective actions to mitigate risks and prevent incidents

Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement safety policies, procedures, and programs in compliance with EMIA, local, provincial, national regulations.
• Conduct regular safety inspections of equipment, machinery, and facilities to identify hazards and ensure compliance with safety standards.
• Provide safety training to plant personnel on topics such as hazard recognition, proper equipment usage, emergency procedures, and personal protective equipment (PPE) usage.
• Be a root cause specialist during accidents, incidents, and near misses’ investigations to determine root causes and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence and help guideline led investigations.
• Maintain records of safety inspections, training sessions, and accident investigations.
• Collaborate with management, Process Leads, ODMs, and personnel to promote a safety-conscious culture and encourage active participation in safety initiatives.
• Stay updated on industry best practices, emerging trends, and regulatory changes related to safety in tire manufacturing.
• Conduct risk assessments, JSA and recommend measures to minimize occupational hazards and environmental impact.
• Participate in safety committees, meetings, and audits to assess and improve safety performance.
• Participate in HSE contractor vetting, accreditations and management.
• Conduct periodic Contractor: Collaborate with procurement in implementing HSE requirements throughout the end-to-end procurement process.
• Monitor and enforce compliance with safety regulations and company policies among contractors and visitors.

Qualifications & Experience Required
Education, Master, other certification:

• Bachelor’s degree in occupational health and safety, Industrial Engineering, or related field.
• Certification in occupational health and safety e.g. Certified Safety Professional, Certified Machinery Safety Expert, B.Tech: Safety; Nebosh certificate) preferred.

Experience (years):

• Minimum of 3 years of experience in a safety role within a manufacturing environment, preferably in tire manufacturing.

Technical Skills:

• Strong knowledge of safety regulations and standards, including OHS requirements.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to effectively train, communicate, and collaborate with employees at all levels.
• Analytical mindset with the ability to conduct thorough investigations and risk assessments.
• Attention to detail and strong organizational skills to maintain accurate records and documentation.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite and familiarity with safety management software is a plus.
• Demonstrated leadership abilities and the capability to drive change and foster a safety culture.
• Physical ability to perform safety inspections and respond to emergencies as needed.

Languages Skills:

• Proficiency in English is essential

Soft/Behavioral Skills:

• Attention to Detail
• Communication Skills
• Problem-Solving
• Time Management
• Adaptability
• Collaboration and Teamwork
• Cultural Sensitivity · Customer Orientation
• Proactiveness · Conflict Resolution