Occupational Health & Safety Consultant (Contractor OHS) at Absa, Johannesburg

Absa is hiring an Occupational Health & Safety Consultant to support the implementation, monitoring and auditing of health and safety policies, standards and controls across the Absa Group, with a specific focus on building contractors.

In this role, you will be the go to person for OHS compliance across various Absa workplaces. You will monitor OHS management information systems, obtain quarterly reports from workplaces, follow up on outstanding information and escalate non compliance where needed. You will also liaise with internal business units such as CRES, Regional Operations, Group Wellness, Human Capital and Group Learning to eliminate risks like noise levels and facility related hazards.

Day to day, you can expect to conduct site inspections and investigations, including injury on duty investigations, and submit detailed reports on your findings. You will perform OHS audits and proactive inspections, analyse investigation reports from in country consultants and authorities, and make recommendations to enhance compliance. You will also attend business unit, regional and legislated OHS committee meetings to make sure OHS requirements are highlighted and addressed.

Part of your role will involve helping with the development and revision of OHS policies, procedures and standards. You will assist in country consultants with annual OHS plans, facilitate approvals from senior management and monitor changes in legislation. You will also manage the OHS SharePoint site to create ongoing awareness and ensure contractors and service providers comply with country legislation by auditing their systems and certification.

Managing the OHS system and process is key. You will send notifications to managers and OHS representatives for quarterly reports, monitor and guide all Absa workplaces, compile quarterly reports and escalate non compliance to stakeholders. You will also assist with audits, inspections and guidance on appointments for managers, OHS representatives, first aiders, fire wardens and evacuation leaders, and ensure all workplaces conduct emergency evacuations at least once a year.

Please note: This is a full time position based in Johannesburg, Gauteng. Applications must be submitted through Absa's official careers portal. Preference may be given to candidates from underrepresented designated groups, including persons with disabilities, in line with Absa's Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging commitments and Employment Equity objectives. Absa encourages applicants who may require reasonable accommodation during the recruitment process to let them know so that appropriate support can be provided.

• NQF Level 5 in Occupational Health and Safety or equivalent qualification
• Valid registration with SACPCMP as a CHSO or Candidate CHSO
• Risk assessment, risk management and OHS experience up to auditing level
• Incident Investigation certificate or diploma
• SAMTRAC or NEBOSH certificate or diploma
• Minimum of 5 years' experience in the OHS environment in a major institution, preferably in banking or construction
• Experience with supervisory and reporting functions
• Effective communication, written and oral skills
• Computer literacy in MS Office applications
• Experience in liaising with external OHS stakeholders
• Strong stakeholder management skills
• Good knowledge of Occupational Health and Safety legislation
• Audit skills and application of project management methodology and risk management principles
• Proficient in analytical risk identification and measurement, as well as risk response strategies
• Self motivated with good planning and travel management skills
• Ability to implement compliance frameworks
• Bachelor's Degree and Advanced Diplomas: Physical Planning and Construction (Required)

• Ensure compliance with OHS standards and legislation
• Monitor the OHS management information system by obtaining quarterly reports from all Absa workplaces
• Assist regions to become and remain compliant by sending reminders and escalating non compliance to management
• Liaise with business units by providing expert opinions, advice and recommendations on the OHS Act and COID
• Engage with internal business units such as CRES, Regional Operations, Group Wellness, Human Capital and Group Learning to eliminate risks
• Provide input for training material and present training courses if necessary
• Conduct site inspections and investigations, including injury on duty investigations, and submit reports on findings
• Conduct OHS audits and proactive inspections and report on findings with recommendations
• Attend business unit, region specific and legislated OHS committee meetings
• Assist with the development and revision of OHS policies, procedures and standards
• Assist in country consultants to compile annual OHS plans and facilitate approvals from senior management
• Advise business on area specific OHS solutions, including research and development with technical experts such as SABS and occupational hygienists
• Maintain the OHS SharePoint site to create continual OHS awareness
• Audit contractors and service providers to ensure compliance with country legislation
• Monitor OHS implementation at building sites according to Construction Regulations
• Manage the OHS system by sending notifications to managers and OHS representatives for quarterly reports
• Compile monthly and quarterly risk management reports and submit to Line Manager
• Escalate non compliances for OHS system reports, appointments and training requirements
• Compile ad hoc and executive level reports after country visits
• Provide guidance and assistance to eliminate or mitigate risks using internal resources, external experts and approved service providers
• Be available by email and cell phone to assist internal and external clients with OHS matters
• Provide communication on Absa Engage and the OHS SharePoint site
• Travel to conduct training, premises conformance tests and workplace inspections
• Drive viewer engagement and participation for Group wide physical and virtual OHS campaigns