Role Profile

Safety Officer

Typical job description:

The safety officer is responsible for creating, maintaining and improving safety in the workplace. They are responsible for making sure that legislation is adhered to and assist in planning, implementing, monitoring and reviewing the health and safety strategies of an organisation.

The role also includes formulating operational procedures that recognise hazards. They seek to minimise conflict between safety and production considerations and assess risk and propose workable solutions.

Safety officers undertake inspections, carry out accident investigations, keep records and write reports.

They advise on fire regulations, safeguarding machinery, noise, hazardous substances, occupational health and environmental health. Liaison with professionals, such as officers of enforcing authorities like the Health and Safety Executive, is common.

Key Processes:

The exact nature of the work will depend on the size of the employing organisation.
However, it will almost certainly involve:

  • ensuring the legal requirements for health and safety in the UK is maintained in the workplace
  • identification and control of workplace hazards
  • ensuring safe systems of work are in place
  • working knowledge of all site specialist work rules
  • understand the principles of risk assessments and method statements

Entry Level:

L3 Science/Engineering qualification
Commercial/industry-related work experience
Functional Skills (Numeracy, Literature and IT Level 2)
L3 NEBOSH Certificate in Occupational Health & Safety

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Pay and conditions:

Salaries start between 22,000GBP and 25,000GBP.

Experienced Safety Officers can earn between 25,000GBP and 30,000GBP a year.

Safety Officers normally work five days per week 37.5 hours but may be required to work out of these hours if an emergency arises.

Also, they may be required to wear personal protective equipment including overalls, gloves, hard hat and safety goggles depending on the role.

Industry Standard:

NEBOSH Level 4 Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety

Competencies:

  • Identify the hazards and outline appropriate control measures in the following areas;
  • movement of people and vehicles
  • manual and mechanical handling
  • operate equipment
  • electrical, chemical and biological, physical and psychological skills
  • working at height, excavation work & confined spaces & demolition
  • Be able to carry out a safety inspection of the workplace identifying hazards, recommending control measures and preparing a management report

Knowledge needed for the role:

  • A comprehensive knowledge and understanding of all regulatory requirements relating to safety, health and environment. These include COSHH, COMAH, FMEA, Manual Handling, PPE, Environment and Waste Management, Environmental Protection Act 1990 and Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.

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