JOB TITLE: HOD – Safety Officer

INDUSTRY: Petroleum / Petrochemical / Industrial Operations

LOCATION: (Offices based in Vereeniging)

Sites: Kroonstad, Klerksdorp, Oos London, Bethlehem, Ladysmith en Waltloo.

JOB PURPOSE:
The purpose of this role is to ensure full compliance with Occupational Health & Safety legislation, company SHEQ standards, environmental regulations, and operational safety procedures within a high-risk petroleum and industrial environment. The successful candidate will be responsible for implementing, monitoring, and continuously improving all health, safety, environmental, and risk management systems across the operation.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Ensure compliance with the Occupational Health & Safety Act and all relevant petroleum industry regulations
Develop, implement, and maintain SHEQ policies, procedures, and safety management systems
Conduct regular site inspections, audits, and risk assessments
Investigate incidents, accidents, near misses, and non-conformances, including implementation of corrective actions
Ensure all safety files, permits, and compliance documentation are maintained and up to date
Manage contractor safety compliance and induction processes
Facilitate toolbox talks, safety meetings, and employee safety training
Monitor hazardous chemical handling, fuel storage compliance, and environmental controls
Ensure emergency preparedness procedures, evacuation plans, and firefighting systems are compliant and operational
Compile monthly SHEQ reports and compliance statistics for management
Liaise with regulatory authorities, auditors, and external service providers where required
Drive a strong safety culture throughout the organisation
Ensure ISO standards and internal safety standards are maintained where applicable
Assist management with continuous improvement initiatives related to operational safety and risk reduction

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Grade 12 / Matric
Relevant Safety Qualification (SAMTRAC / NEBOSH / Diploma in Safety Management or equivalent)
SACPCMP registration advantageous
Minimum 5–10 years’ experience within a petroleum, petrochemical, fuel, refinery, manufacturing, or heavy industrial environment
Strong knowledge of OHS Act, risk management, incident investigation, and environmental compliance
Experience with permit systems, contractor management, and high-risk operations
Computer literate (Microsoft Office, reporting systems, SHEQ systems)
Valid driver’s licence and own transport

ADVANTAGEOUS EXPERIENCE:

ISO 45001 / ISO 14001 exposure
Hazardous chemical handling and storage experience
Emergency response and firefighting training
Experience managing multiple operational sites
Internal auditing experience
Experience within depots, refineries, tank farms, or fuel distribution environments

KEY COMPETENCIES:

Strong leadership and communication skills
High attention to detail
Excellent problem-solving and investigation abilities
Strong administrative and reporting capabilities
Ability to work under pressure in high-risk operational environments
Excellent organisational and compliance management skills

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Industrial / petroleum operational environment
Exposure to hazardous environments and site-based activities
May require overtime, standby duties, or travel between sites

SALARY RANGE:
Market-related salary package based on qualifications, experience, and operational responsibility level.

Send detailed CV’s, Certificates, and ID copy to cv@midvaalrecruitment.co.za
Use reference number MID660