Job Summary
The Health and Safety Officer is responsible for developing, implementing and monitoring the organization's health, safety, and environmental (HSE) programs to ensure compliance with local regulations, standards and internal policies. This role plays a key part in promoting a safe workplace, conducting inspections, managing risk assessments, coordinating safety trainings and providing guidance on safe work practices.
Key Responsibilities
Health & Safety Management
- Develop, implement, and update health and safety procedures and guidelines.
- Conduct regular workplace inspections and audits to identify hazards and ensure compliance.
- Perform risk assessments and recommend corrective actions to prevent incidents.
- Investigate accidents, near-misses, and unsafe conditions; prepare investigation reports and ensure follow-up actions are completed.
- Monitor compliance with legal requirements, industry standards and organizational safety protocols.
- Coordinate emergency preparedness plans, including fire drills, evacuation procedures and emergency response.
Training & Awareness
- Plan safety training sessions (e.g., fire safety, first aid, PPE use, hazard communication).
- Provide orientation and safety induction sessions for new employees, contractors and visitors.
- Promote a strong safety culture through awareness programs and safety campaigns.
Laboratory Safety Oversight
- Ensure laboratories comply with chemical safety, biological safety and equipment safety standards.
- Conduct lab-specific risk assessments, including chemical handling, storage and disposal.
- Monitor proper use of fume hoods, biosafety cabinets, eyewash stations and emergency showers.
- Oversee chemical inventory management, MSDS/SDS documentation and labeling compliance.
- Ensure proper waste management for chemical, biological and hazardous materials.
- Advise lab personnel on laboratory best practices, PPE use, spill response and emergency procedures.
- Coordinate periodic lab safety audits and ensure corrective actions are implemented.
Documentation & Reporting
- Maintain accurate safety records, logs, reports, and inspection checklists.
- Prepare monthly and annual HSE performance reports.
- Review contractor safety documents, permits to work and ensure safe execution of high-risk activities.
Collaboration & Support
- Work closely with department heads, lab supervisors, facility teams and project managers to enhance safety performance.
- Support sustainability, environmental compliance, and workplace wellness initiatives.
- Participate in HSE committee meetings and support continuous improvement efforts.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in occupational health & safety, Environmental Science, Engineering, or related field.
- Relevant certifications (e.g., NEBOSH IGC, IOSH, OSHA, First Aid/CPR).
- Minimum of 23 years of experience in a health & safety role, preferably with lab safety exposure.
- Strong knowledge of UAE HSE regulations (if applicable), risk assessment methods and safety management systems.
- Excellent communication, reporting and problem-solving skills.
Key Skills
- Hazard identification & risk assessment
- Laboratory safety & chemical management
- Incident investigation
- Emergency response
- Training & communication
- Attention to detail and compliance focus
