Safety Officer

Position Overview

The Office of Public Works (OPW) is seeking to fill one Safety Officer role within its Historic Building Maintenance Service based in Dublin. This role involves ensuring health and safety compliance across construction and public accessible sites.

Candidate Qualifications and Requirements

• Possess at minimum a Level 7 National Framework of Qualifications degree in Occupational Health and Safety or an equivalent qualification recognized by Irish standards.
• Alternatively, hold a Level 8 National Framework of Qualifications degree or an equivalent qualification.
• Applicants with a Level 8 qualification need at least one year of postgraduate experience; those with Level 7 require a minimum of three years postgraduate experience in occupational health and safety and construction work.
• Hold a full, clean, and current driving licence (category B & W) and use personal transport.
• Be aware that driving licences restricted to automatic transmission vehicles or certain UK/NI licences that have not been exchanged for Irish licences are ineligible.

Ideal Skills and Knowledge

• Thorough understanding of hazards and risk controls related to construction and occupational safety.
• Comprehensive knowledge of construction health and safety management systems and public site safety management.
• Competence in information technology to perform necessary administrative and reporting duties.
• Strong interpersonal and communication abilities.
• Experience with health and safety management frameworks such as ISO 45001 and records management.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a systematic inspection schedule for site visits and audits.
• Keep the Health & Safety Legislation Register updated and in accordance with the Integrated Management System.
• Perform risk assessments and provide induction training for new employees.
• Manage health and safety training programs including development, implementation, evaluation, and maintaining training records.
• Promote workplace health and safety initiatives and ensure regulatory compliance.
• Maintain key registers related to chemical safety, fire safety, and other hazards across offices and sites.
• Facilitate safety meetings, record minutes, organize safety representative elections, and act as liaison for safety issues.
• Investigate incidents, compile statistics, and identify root causes for corrective measures.
• Audit contractor safety documentation and provide health and safety services across OPW sections as required.
• Onsite responsibilities include weekly inspections, contractor monitoring, risk assessment, and safety systems review such as traffic management and lifting operations.

Additional Expectations

• Exhibit flexibility and mobility as required by service demands.
• Carry out all tasks safely, adhering to health and safety regulations to protect colleagues and the public.
• Engage in training sessions as needed and adapt to new work practices and technologies.
• Demonstrate good teamwork, maintain composure under pressure, make sound emergency decisions, and work independently with managerial guidance.
• Communicate professionally and maintain a courteous demeanor with all stakeholders.
• Adopt a proactive, positive, and flexible approach to work responsibilities and workplace presence.
• Perform other duties appropriate to the grade as assigned by management.