Safety Officer - Projects

Safety Officer - Projects ROLE PROFILE GENERAL Date December 2025 Location Aggeneys, Northern Cape Operations (Please indicate the operation – by ticking the appropriate box) GB BMM VZI Projects Job Grade C4 (Paterson) / M7 (Vedanta) ROLE CONTEXT Project operations at Vedanta Zinc International (VZI) involve high-risk activities including construction which includes working at height, lifting and cranage, excavations, confined space, energy isolation, mobile equipment movement, and tailings/water management interactions and commissioning also covering the OHSACT sites Effective safety leadership is essential to achieving VZI’s Zero Harm objectives and maintaining compliance with the Mine Health and Safety Act (MHSA) and internal Critical Control Standards . The Safety Officer – Projects (C4) s responsible for ensuring compliance with all applicable health and safety legislation, mine-specific regulations, client requirements, and company standards throughout the project lifecycle. The role supports the safe execution of mining construction, infrastructure, shutdown, expansion, commissioning, and operational projects by proactively identifying hazards, monitoring compliance, and implementing effective risk controls. PURPOSE OF THE ROLE To protect the health, safety, and wellbeing of employees, contractors, visitors, and stakeholders by implementing and maintaining effective health and safety systems across mining projects. The Safety Officer ensures that project activities are conducted safely, risks are effectively managed, legal compliance is achieved, and the organisation's objective of Zero Harm is supported while enabling successful project delivery. RESPONSIBILITIES 1. Safety Compliance and Legal Requirements · Ensure compliance with the Mine Health and Safety Act, Occupational Health and Safety Act, regulations, codes of practice, and company standards. · Monitor adherence to client and site-specific health and safety requirements. · Conduct routine compliance inspections and audits. · Ensure all project safety documentation is maintained and current. · Support legal compliance reporting requirements. 2. Hazard Identification and Risk Management · Conduct baseline, issue-based, and continuous risk assessments. · Identify hazards associated with mining and project activities. · Develop and implement risk mitigation measures. · Participate in job hazard analyses and task risk assessments. · Monitor implementation and effectiveness of control measures. 3. Contractor Safety Management · Verify contractor compliance with site health and safety standards. · Conduct contractor safety evaluations and inspections. · Support contractor onboarding and induction programmes. · Ensure contractor personnel possess required competencies and certifications. 4. Incident Investigation and Reporting · Investigate incidents, injuries, near misses, and dangerous occurrences. · Compile incident investigation reports and root cause analyses. · Recommend corrective and preventative actions. · Monitor closure and effectiveness of corrective actions. · Maintain incident records and reporting statistics. 5. Workplace Inspections and Monitoring · Conduct daily, weekly, and monthly safety inspections. · Monitor compliance during high-risk work activities. · Verify compliance with permit-to-work systems. 6. Safety Training and Awareness · Facilitate site safety inductions. · Conduct toolbox talks and safety campaigns. · Provide coaching and guidance on safe work practices. · Promote employee participation in safety initiatives. · Support competency assessments and refresher training programmes. 7. Emergency Preparedness and Response · Assist in developing emergency response procedures. · Coordinate emergency drills and simulations. · Ensure emergency equipment inspections are completed. · Support emergency response activities when required. · Participate in crisis and incident management processes. 8. Safety Performance Reporting · Prepare safety statistics and reports. · Analyse safety trends and recommend improvement initiatives. · Report on key safety performance indicators. · Maintain safety records, registers, and action trackers. 9. Safety, Health & Environmental Integration Promote integration between Safety, Health, Environment and Social performance. Support environmental compliance where activities overlap (dust control, waste, spills). Conduct VFLs, field walkdowns, PTOs and participate in IBRA/HIRA processes. QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Qualifications · SAMTRAC or COMSOC Certificate or equivalent Health and Safety qualification. · Registration as a member of a recognised professional safety body ( SACPCMP) compusory · Valid driver’s licence and medical fitness. Experience · 3-5 years' experience in a mining, construction, engineering, or project safety environment. · Experience conducting incident investigations and risk assessments. · Experience implementing health and safety management systems. · Working knowledge of the Mine Health and Safety Act and related regulations. Technical Competence · Knowledge of MHSA, OHSA, and mining regulations. · Hazard identification and risk assessment. · Incident investigation and root cause analysis. · Safety auditing and inspection techniques. · Permit-to-work systems. · Contractor safety management. · Emergency response planning. · Report writing and statistical analysis. · Health and Safety Management Systems (ISO 45001). Behavioural · Strong safety leadership. · Attention to detail. · Integrity and professionalism. · Assertiveness and confidence. · Effective communication and influencing skills. · Problem-solving capability. · Conflict resolution skills. · Planning and organisational skills. · Teamwork and collaboration. · Ability to work under pressure. Organisational Fit · Demonstrates VZI Values: Care, Integrity, Innovation, Agility, and Ownership. · Acts as a key link between operational teams and the Safety Manager – Projects. · Drives disciplined execution of safety standards and risk management practices. · Strengthens VZI’s safety culture through visibility and consistent engagement.