Health & Safety Specialist

Talent84is delighted to be representing our client; a Leading international FMCG manufacturing in their search for a Health & Safety Specialist to join their Northumberland operation.

Reporting to the Health & Safety Manager, the Health & Safety Specialist will be tasked with assisting the HSE function in achieving all relevant HSE objectives to protect the health, safety and welfare of all employees. This will be achieved by providing competent health and safety guidance, support and the reduction of accidents and near misses through thorough accident / incident investigation.

• Represent the HSE function, whilst providing competent advise and solutions with regard to all aspects of health and safety including CDM projects / activities.
• Provide support and guidance for accident / near miss / incident investigations as well as the identification and writing of risk assessments, COSHH assessments and work instructions.
• Monitor monthly and annual accident statistics, identify trends, interpret data and produce ad hoc reports.
• Establish key working relationships with colleagues at all levels of the business and, where applicable, contractors, regulatory authorities and other third parties.
• Liaise and co-operate with all necessary statutory bodies, e.g. HSE, Fire and Rescue.
• To complete all identified tasks in relation to the health and safety function, to include ensuring all relevant administration is complete as required.
• Liaise with external training providers to plan, organise and assist in the presentation of all health and safety related training courses (internal and external), ensuring the Human Resources department receive copies of all certificates.
• Assist in the reviewing and development of the Health and Safety specific training strategies.
• Monitor the issue of permits to work in all areas and ensure adherence to current procedure.
• Support the Health and Safety management in achieving and maintaining relevant ISO accreditation.
• Health and Safety Audits and inspections as required.
• Support and guidance to all members of the Health and Safety team.
• To act in a professional manner at all times, modelling correct behaviours and following site rules at all times, particularly those related to health and safety.
• Provide instant feedback to any individual not conforming to any site rules, particularly those related to health and safety.
• To advocate and use the reporting systems on site for near misses, incidents and accidents.
• Ensure that effective and timely communication is maintained at all times with other members of the Health and Safety team.
• To attend and facilitate Health and Safety Committee Meetings.
• Mentor and coach placement students working within the department.
• To provide out of hours support as required.
• Demonstrate professional competence and maintain development by keeping skills and knowledge up to date and providing evidence of continuing professional development, which includes being an active member of IOSH.
• To undertake any other reasonable duties and tasks as commensurate with the position.
• To represent the Health and Safety department and present at new starter inductions.
• To act as an ambassador for the Health and Safety team by displaying professionalism, energy, enthusiasm and commitment.
• To engage with employees on a daily basis helping to proactively drive improvement by challenging colleagues and managers and lead by example.

To be considered for the role, it is essential that you possess demonstrable experience in Health & Safety to a minimum of Advisor/Officer level, gained working in a manufacturing setting. You will possess a minimum of NEBOSH certificate level (Diploma preferred but not essential) as well as IOSH certification/membership. You will be a visible health & Safety professional, actively engaging & positively influencing employees at all levels: from shop-floor to senior management

• NEBOSH National Certificate in Fire Safety and Risk Management (Preferred not required)
• Full driving licence.
• Good working knowledge of all health and safety related legislation and ACOPs, specifically the Health and Safety at Work, etc. Act 1974 and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999.
• Intermediate standard of IT skills and competent use of Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to positively influence others.
• Ability to work individually as well as a member of a team.
• Ability to plan and organise workload to ensure that work is appropriately prioritised and deadlines are met.