The Office of Public Works (OPW) invites applications for permanent and fixed term positions in the role of
Safety Officer
in the OPW East Region Drainage Maintenance and Construction Division based in Trim, Co. Meath.
Essential Eligibility Requirements (at the closing date):
Candidates must have, on the closing date for receipt of applications the following minimum requirements:
* A Level 7 Qualification (National Framework of Qualifications), in Occupational Health and Safety, (or equivalent) *
OR
* A Level 8 Qualification (National Framework of Qualifications), in Occupational Health and Safety (or equivalent) *
*
Irish or Foreign qualification (deemed in a similar field of study) recognised as equivalent to the above qualification on the Irish National Framework of Qualifications.
* Satisfactory post-graduate experience of Occupational Health & Safety, construction work, knowledge of construction methods, site management and construction design process;
* no less than one year post-graduate experience for applicants with a Level 8 Qualification;
* no less than three years' post-graduate experience for applicants with a Level 7 Qualification.
* A full, clean and current driving licence, minimum category B & W and use of own transport;
Principal Duties and Responsibilities
The following list of duties is not exhaustive but indicative of the role of Safety Officer in the
East Drainage Maintenance and Construction Services Division:
* Assist in the implementation, management and upkeep of the Integrated Management System (IMS) presently in place. The IMS is accredited to ISO 9001:2015 (Quality) and ISO 45001:2018 (Health & Safety). This includes updating of Safety Statement (in consultation with Safety Officers from across all OPW Regions), auditing of systems, implementing of corrective and preventative actions;
* Develop inspection programme to ensure all sites are visited and inspected on a regular basis, and conduct these inspections;
* Liaise at all times with Engineering Team onsite and report findings as required at Section Meetings, Regional Safety Committee meetings and Safety Management Meetings;
* Identifying changes in existing relevant Health & Safety Legislation;
* Maintain the Register of Health & Safety Legislation as part of the Integrated Management System in conjunction with the IMS Co-ordinator;
* Undertake risk assessments;
* Carry out and co-ordinate emergency procedures in conjunction with the Engineering Teams;
* Provide health & safety induction training for new staff;
* Control, supervise, and instruct staff as directed by the Engineer Grade I;
* Develop, prepare and organise the annual Health and Safety Training Programme in consultation with the Head of Section and Engineering Team;
* Assess/evaluate training courses;
* Ensure Training Database in maintained and up to date;
* Develop and implement staff health & safety promotion policies and initiatives;
* Control and manage the Project Risk Assessment and Safety Plan Database;
* Ensure that all relevant registers e.g. chemical register, fire register, etc., are in place and maintained in all offices, depots and sites within the East Region;
* Communicate Health & Safety matters to all employees (Training, Safety Statement, Inspections, toolbox talks, etc.);
* Attend and contribute to Monthly Section Meetings, quarterly Regional Safety Committee Meetings, quarterly Safety Officer Network Meetings, and bi-annual Safety Management Meetings as required;
* Organise and minute quarterly Regional Safety Committee Meetings in conjunction with other Regional Safety Officers;
* Organise the election of Safety Representatives as required;
* Provide assistance, advice and arrange training for Safety Representatives;
* Be available to discuss local safety issues with safety representatives as they arise
* Report, record and investigate incidents, accidents, near misses and dangerous in accordance with OPW's documented procedures, and identify trends;
* Identify root cause of incidents and required follow-up actions;
* Compile Health & Safety Statistics/Reports as required;
* Audit Health & Safety documents from contractors as required;
* Carry out all other reasonable duties as may be directed by the Head of Section from time to time;
* Provide a level of service to other Sections within OPW on request, in consultation with the Head of Section.
Duties on Site
* Conduct site inspections weekly onsite;
* Monitor contractors onsite from appointment through to training and continual supervision onsite;
* Risk assessments for all aspects of work which will require constant monitoring, supervision, updating and implementation;
* Review systems onsite for all elements of project including Traffic Management, lifting operations, working in the vicinity of overhead/underground services, working adjacent to water, working in close proximity to members of the public. Ensure all hazards are continually addressed and systems updated accordingly.
A Safety Officer is required to:
* demonstrate flexibility and mobility, consistent with the needs of the service;
* Carry out all work in a safe manner both to colleagues and to the public through understanding, observance and application of Health and Safety regulations;
* Successfully undertake training as and when required;
* Co-operate with the introduction of new work practices and technology;
* Contribute to and maintain a good team spirit and an effective team-working environment;
* Remain calm while working under pressure when effectively dealing with incidents;
* Make sound judgements in emergency situations;
* Work on own initiative in accordance with manager/supervisor instructions whilst being an effective part of a larger team;
* Apply excellent and effective interpersonal and communication skills coupled with a professional, polite and courteous manner when dealing with colleagues, management and the public;
* Apply a positive, flexible and proactive approach to work allied with an ability to deliver an effective work presence;
* carry out other duties/works deemed by management as appropriate to the grade and to the position;