Position Description
| Position Title |
Safety Officer |
| Status | Part time / volunteer |
| Date | 15 May 2023 |
Context
Habitat for Humanity is a global not-for-profit provider of housing and housing-based solutions for low-income families in need. Habitat for Humanity (HFH) works in thousands of communities around the world and has built, rehabilitated and repaired over one million homes, helping more than 39 million people. Our vision is a world where everyone has a safe and decent place to live.This role lends itself to a senior industry safety professional who may now have the time to invest his/her expertise pro-bono for Habitat For Humanity Australia. Flexibility would be assured, but the envisaged candidate would provide safety leadership for the organisation and advise on safe/ best practice where appropriate.
More about our work:
As the Safety Officer – Australian Programs you will play a lead role in creating a safety culture to improve the safety and wellbeing of employees, volunteers, and stakeholders within our small not-for-profit organization. This position requires a proactive individual who can support the team and identify potential hazards, maintain safety protocols, and provide training and guidance to promote a safe working environment. The Safety Officer will collaborate with various Habitat stakeholders to implement and monitor safety programs, policies, and procedures, while maintaining compliance with relevant laws and regulations.
You will initially champion the final integration and implementation of the new Work Health and Safety System, then work with the various teams to ensure it is understood, used complied with and maintained.
Responsibilities:
- Implementing and assisting with the maintenance of the WHS management system to ensure it continues to meet all legal and industry standards.
- Facilitate safety assessments and inspections of the organization’s facilities from time to time, identifying potential risks and hazards.
- Develop and implement safety policies, protocols, and procedures, tailored to the unique needs of the organization or task to be undertaken, if required.
- Facilitate safety training to employees, volunteers, and stakeholders, ensuring understanding and compliance with safety standards.
- Collaborate with department heads and workers to address safety concerns, offering guidance and recommendations for improvement.
- Stay up to date with safety regulations, industry best practices, and emerging trends, and adapt organizational practices accordingly.
- Monitor safety compliance and evaluate effectiveness of safety programs through audits and inspections.
- Investigate and analyse incidents and accidents, identifying root causes and implementing corrective actions to prevent future occurrences.
- Serve as a resource person for safety-related inquiries, providing guidance and support to employees and volunteers.
Position requirements:
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Minimum of 5 years of experience in a safety-related role, preferably within the residential construction sector.
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Strong knowledge of safety regulations, standards, and best practices.
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Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively interact with individuals at all levels of the organization.
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Proven ability to develop and deliver safety training programs.
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Detail oriented with exceptional organizational and problem-solving skills.
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Ability to work independently or as part of a team, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines.
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Proficient in using safety management software, MS Office Suite, and other relevant tools.
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Preferably experience working within a not-for-profit or similar setting.
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Certification in Health and Safety or related field.
Working conditions
- This is a part-time position, requiring approximately 16 hours per week, although this figure may vary with agreement. The Safety Officer may need to conduct occasional site visits, however work will primarily be performed at the organization’s office location in North Sydney, although working from home may be available.
- The successful applicant will need to provide evidence of a clear criminal history and adhere to HFH’s Code of Conduct, policies and procedures including the Child Protection Policy.
Habitat’s Statement of Expectations surrounding Safeguarding
Habitat for Humanity requires that all employees take seriously their ethical responsibilities to safeguarding our intended beneficiaries, their communities, and all those with whom we work. Managers at all levels have responsibilities to support and develop systems that create and maintain an environment that prevents harassment, sexual exploitation and abuse; safeguards the rights of beneficiaries and community members (especially children); and promotes the implementation of Habitat for Humanity’s code of conduct