Safety Program Coordinator (POSHO Assistant) at U.S. Embassy South Africa

Duties

Inspections 30%

• Schedules and performs required safety and health and fire inspections of all USG facilities, including offices, residences, annexes and warehouses for conditions that pose an imminent threat to occupants and structure. Performs visual inspections of fire detection, alarm, and suppression systems when installed in buildings. High hazard areas as delineated in 15 FAM 962(e) will be inspected at least twice per year. Identifies hazards and evaluates safety risks, using SHEM and FIR standards and references, and Occupational Safety and Health Administration guidelines. Determines methods for correcting identified safety and fire hazards and coordinates to implement solution. Prepares reports of findings and recommendations and oversees completion of hazard abatement.

Training 10%

• Develops and provides safety training in conjunction with SHEM and FIR requirements for supervisors and employees in accordance with applicable requirements and ensures that employees are familiar with safety rules and procedures for performing their jobs in a safe manner. Also provides training to employees and family members on residential safety hazards such as carbon monoxide, pest control, pool safety and the proper use of safety equipment. Conducts fire and life safety training programs for office and residential building occupants.

Mishap Investigation 10%

• Assists in conducting investigations under the direction of the POSHO for all mishaps involving fires, injuries, illnesses, motor vehicle accidents, property loss and employee complaints/suggestions regarding hazardous conditions or equipment and institutes operational guidelines for post personnel to prevent occurrence /reoccurrence. Perform basic fire investigations and analysis of cause. Reports as necessary to SHEM in accordance with 15 FAM 964, FIR in accordance with 15 FAM 820 and 850 and tracks accident trends for the POSHO and SHEM Committee. Documentation: Maintain and updates office files to include records of POSHO inspections, reports of investigations, complaints of unsafe working conditions, accident and incident reports, trainings, surveys and minutes of SHEM Committee meetings. Keeps the SHEM reference library current. Maintains a complete inventory of all chemical products used at post and keeps Material Safety Data Sheets for each product. Ensures that safety equipment is procured as needed and that all tools and equipment are maintained in good condition. Reviews job tasks and selects appropriate proper personal protective equipment to include safety shoes, protective eyewear, and other items to protect employees.

Implementation 50%

• Under the authority of the POSHO, ensures that all management and administrative policies and operations at post conform and are consistent with 15 FAM 930 SHEM and 15 FAM 800 FIR program responsibilities. Ensures that employees follow prescribed safety and health procedures, use appropriate safety equipment, and report hazardous conditions and mishaps. Assists the POSHO and other offices with the implementation of SHEM special emphasis programs to include residential safety compliance, carbon monoxide poisoning prevention; integrated pest management program; motor vehicle safety management program; and the swimming pool safety program. Serves as a member of the post’s SHEM Committee and acts as a recorder for committee minutes. During construction and renovation projects, ensures that contractors have and adhere to a safety plan that protects both embassy personnel and contractors. Develops plans, procedures, and standards to implement fire protection and prevention programs.

Qualifications and Evaluations

Requirements:

EXPERIENCE: 

• Minimum three (3) years of experience in the maintenance or construction field performing repair work or in the field of occupational safety, to include work experience as a construction supervisor or quality control assurance inspector with experience in managing people and resources.

JOB KNOWLEDGE: 

• The Safety Coordinator requires knowledge of host country practices, rules, environment, business environment, and laws that pertain to safety, health, and environmental management. Comprehensive knowledge of SHEM and OSHA guidelines and required practices and procedures; general specialist knowledge of environmental safety standards.

Education Requirements:

Mandatory:

•  Minimum two years Post-Secondary studies at the College/University level or Vocational/Trades School training in facilities management, environmental safety, construction, engineering, or architecture is required.