Health & Safety Officer | CHSO at RPO Recruitment

Job Description

• A well-established contractor is looking for a committed, reliable, and experienced Health & Safety Officer to join their Cape Town team. This is a senior HSE role for a seasoned professional with approximately 10 years of construction HSE experience. Someone who is SACPCMP-registered, highly credible on site, and holds themselves to the highest standards of professional conduct.

The Projects You'll Work On and Need Experience On 

• This role involves HSE management on major new builds and complex multi-storey construction projects across a prestige portfolio, including:
• Commercial redevelopments 
• Luxury residential 
• Heritage refurbishments & restorations 
• Retail projects 
• Hospitality & bespoke projects

Key Responsibilities

• Implement and enforce HSE policies, procedures, and legal requirements across all active construction sites
• Conduct regular site inspections, audits, toolbox talks, and risk assessments
• Manage and verify permit-to-work systems for high-risk activities including working at heights, excavations, and hot work
• Identify hazards, investigate incidents, and ensure corrective actions are implemented and closed out
• Ensure all workers are inducted, competency-checked, and equipped with correct PPE at all times
• Maintain accurate and audit-ready HSE records, registers, and documentation
• Liaise with principal contractors, subcontractors, and clients on all HSE-related matters
• Assist in compiling and reviewing Health & Safety Plans, files, and specifications
• Report on HSE performance indicators and escalate non-compliances to management
• Promote a strong safety culture through visible leadership, coaching, and consistent enforcement

Qualifications & Requirements:

• National Diploma in Safety Management, or equivalent qualification
• Relevant certifications including SAMTRAC, Legal Liability, First Aid, HIRA, SHEMTRAC, Working at Heights, and Construction Regulations
• Registration with SACPCMP as a Construction Health & Safety Officer (CHSO) (essential)

Experience & Attributes

• Approximately 10 years of health and safety experience within the construction industry
• Proven track record on large, complex building projects (multi-storey and new build experience essential)
• Well-spoken, professional, and reliable with strong work ethic and personal accountability
• Confident communicator able to engage effectively at all levels 
• Highly organised with the ability to manage HSE documentation and compliance across multiple work fronts simultaneously