Safety Officer
Job Purpose
The Safety Officer is responsible for promoting and enforcing a proactive zero-harm safety culture across the mining and processing operation. The role ensures compliance with all Mine Health & Safety legislation, site safety standards, and operational procedures through effective risk management, workplace inspections, incident management, and workforce engagement. The incumbent will work closely with Operations, Maintenance, Contractors, and Project teams to ensure safe and sustainable work execution across all plant and mining activities.
Key Responsibilities
Health & Safety Management
- Implement, maintain, and continuously improve the site Health and Safety Management System (HSMS).
- Ensure compliance with the Mine Health and Safety Act (MHSA), Occupational Health and Safety requirements, regulations, codes of practice, and company SHE standards.
- Conduct routine workplace inspections, audits, task observations, and risk assessments across operational and maintenance areas.
- Identify unsafe acts, unsafe conditions, and non-compliances, ensuring timely corrective and preventative actions are implemented.
- Support line management in achieving site safety KPIs and zero-harm objectives.
- Promote visible felt leadership and behavioural safety practices across all operational areas.
Risk & Hazard Control
- Facilitate Hazard Identification and Risk Assessments (HIRA) for operational, maintenance, shutdown, and project activities.
- Monitor and support high-risk activities including:
- Mobile equipment and ore hauling operations
- Crushing, milling, flotation, and concentrate handling activities
- Working at heights
- Confined space entry
- Hot work and welding activities
- Lifting operations and crane activities
- Isolation and lock-out procedures
- Hazardous materials and reagent handling
- Dust, noise, and occupational exposure controls
- Verify that critical controls and permits are effectively implemented and maintained.
- Ensure compliance with Surface Mobile Equipment and Man-Machine Separation standards to minimise operational interaction risks.
Incident Management
- Investigate incidents, accidents, near misses, and dangerous occurrences using structured root cause analysis methodologies.
- Compile detailed incident investigation reports with corrective and preventative action plans.
- Track and follow up on close-out actions to ensure sustainable improvement and prevention of recurrence.
- Maintain accurate incident statistics and trend analyses to support proactive risk reduction initiatives.
Training & Safety Awareness
- Conduct safety inductions for employees, contractors, and visitors entering the operation.
- Facilitate toolbox talks, daily safety engagements, safety campaigns, and behavioural-based safety initiatives.
- Assist with development and rollout of safe work procedures and critical risk standards.
- Support operational teams in building a strong safety culture focused on accountability, awareness, and proactive hazard management.
- Promote fire prevention awareness, emergency preparedness, and correct use of firefighting equipment.
Compliance & Documentation
- Maintain accurate SHE records, inspection reports, statutory registers, and legal compliance documentation.
- Assist with internal audits, client audits, and Department of Mineral Resources inspections.
- Ensure valid permits, medicals, certifications, and legal appointments are maintained where applicable.
- Support closure of audit findings and SHE action items within required timelines.
Emergency Preparedness & Response
- Support development and maintenance of Emergency Response and Crisis Management Plans.
- Coordinate and participate in emergency drills including fire, medical, environmental, and evacuation scenarios.
- Act as a first responder during emergencies when required.
- Ensure emergency equipment, signage, and evacuation arrangements remain compliant and operational.
Environmental & Occupational Health Support
- Support implementation of environmental and occupational hygiene controls across the operation.
- Monitor exposure risks relating to dust, fumes, noise, chemicals, and process reagents.
- Promote good housekeeping standards and environmentally responsible work practices.
- Assist with occupational health awareness initiatives and compliance monitoring.
Minimum Qualifications
- Grade 12 (Matric).
- National Diploma or Certificate in Safety Management / Occupational Health & Safety.
- SAMTRAC, COMSOC, NEBOSH, or equivalent recognised SHE qualification.
- Relevant Mine Health & Safety training certificates.
- Valid First Aid Level 1 Certificate (or higher).
- Valid driver's license.
Experience Required
- Minimum 3–5 years' experience as a Safety Officer within mining, mineral processing, or heavy industrial operations.
- Experience within base metals processing plants (zinc, copper, lead, or similar) will be advantageous.
- Experience in plant commissioning, shutdowns, operational readiness, or construction environments will be beneficial.
- Sound understanding of both surface mining and processing plant operational
Knowledge & Skills
- Strong understanding of the Mine Health & Safety Act and associated regulations.
- Competent in risk assessments, incident investigations, and safety auditing techniques.
- Good communication, facilitation, and report-writing skills.
- Ability to influence positive safety behaviour across multidisciplinary teams.
- Strong attention to detail and ability to work effectively under operational pressure.
- Computer literate in MS Office and safety reporting systems.
- Good understanding of permit-to-work systems, isolation procedures, and statutory compliance requirements.
- Strong teamwork, leadership support, and interpersonal engagement capability.
