Occupational Health And Safety Officer (GMG/AM 4)

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Technical/Professional Responsibilities: 

• Evaluate practices, procedures, and facilities to assess risk and adherence to the law, encourage cooperation and consultation for continuous improvement in safety and health levels; 
• Interprets and implements Government’s OSHA and policies; 
• Ensures that new or revised policies are implemented and fully understood;
• Maintains network links with occupational health and safety practitioners to keep abreast of new developments and best practices; 
• Identifies areas where health and safety improvements are needed and develops proposals to rectify same; 
• Provides accurate and appropriate advice to the Director, Employee Relations and occupational Health and safety on all occupational health and safety issues of the Department; 
• Monitors the implementation of policies concerning occupational health and safety and conditions of work to ensure compliance with terms and agreement of labour contract and international best practices; 
• Investigates health and safety related complaints and prepares reports;
• Maintains and updates Emergency Response Plans and Procedures; 
• Investigates and reports on accidents/incidents at the workplace; 
• Conducts Occupational Health & Safety seminars; 
• Research past arbitration decisions, grievances related to occupational health and safety and implement measures to mitigate; 
• Designs, develops, conducts and analysis staff satisfaction surveys; 
• Develops and implements recommendation arising from staff satisfaction surveys and other research; 
• Consults with stakeholders to address occupational health and safety issues;
• Investigates and participates in matters relating to occupational health and safety and ensure the correct procedures are followed with a view to arrive at amicable resolution;
• Develops and establishes an active programme for OSHA that supports the legal framework and employment policies for the Government of Jamaica (employer) and participates in implementing appropriate systems for a healthy and safe work environment.

Other Responsibilities: 

• The incumbent may, from time to time, be assigned duties not specifically outlined within the job description but are within the capacity, qualifications and experience normally expected from a person occupying this position. 

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

• Knowledge of regulatory standards and compliance requirements; 
• Excellent knowledge of the Staff Orders; 
• Good knowledge of Labour Laws and Industrial Relations practices; 
• Good knowledge of Occupational Health and Safety Act and practices; 
• Computer Literate in Microsoft Office Suite including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Projects;
• Excellent problem solving and critical thinking skills; 
• Excellent written and oral communication skills; 
• Ability to conduct investigations and produced reports accordingly; 
• Excellent interpersonal skills; 
• Excellent negotiating skills; 
• Excellent conflict management skills; 
• Excellent time management skills; 
• Excellent planning and organizing skills; 
• Good presentation skills; 
• Strong leadership and motivational skills. 

MINIMUM REQUIRED QUALIFICATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial Engineering or Occupational Health & Safety or Risk Management or equivalent qualification and training; 
• Specialized training in Occupational Health and Safety; 
• Three (3) years’ experience in a similar capacity. 

SPECIAL CONDITIONS ASSOCIATED WITH THE JOB

• Critical deadlines for completion of tasks. 
• May be required to work beyond the normal working hours. 
• May be required to work on weekends and public holidays. 
• Exposure to high-risk environments within Correctional Facilities and their environs. 

The Department of Correctional Services thanks all applicants for their interest, but only those shortlisted will be contacted.