Junior Safety Officer

About Queally Group

Queally Group stands among Ireland's largest privately-owned agricultural businesses, boasting a global footprint with several manufacturing sites across Ireland, the UK, and beyond. As a family-owned enterprise, it prioritizes employee loyalty and support, which has been instrumental in its steady growth. The group's mission centers on producing premium-quality goods sustainably while positively impacting local communities. Its approach combines innovation with traditional values to satisfy evolving customer and stakeholder needs.

Role Overview

The Junior Safety Officer position at Irish Dog Foods involves assisting the Environment, Health, and Safety (EHS) Manager in managing EHS aspects across the facility. This opportunity is ideal for recent graduates holding a Level 7 Health & Safety qualification seeking practical experience and career advancement in EHS within a manufacturing context.

Primary Responsibilities

• Foster a proactive health and safety culture by engaging stakeholders at all organizational levels, promoting shared responsibility, adherence to regulations, and continuous enhancement of safety performance.
• Monitor the reporting system, provide updates to EHS leadership and departments, and thoroughly investigate near-miss incidents and hazards using established reporting tools.
• Perform routine audits and safety inspections, compile detailed reports, implement corrective and preventive measures, and coordinate with relevant departments to resolve identified issues.
• Support the EHS manager during external compliance audits.
• Determine and schedule safety training requirements, ensuring timely delivery of mandatory sessions; develop and circulate safety communications such as toolbox talks and alerts to encourage ongoing improvements.
• Manage the training matrix to accurately document and track all training activities.
• Oversee emergency preparedness related to fire safety, chemical handling, and site vehicle operations, updating protocols as necessary.
• Assist in accident, incident, and near-miss investigations by ensuring prompt documentation, reporting, and implementation of corrective measures.
• Regularly update company risk assessments, safe operating procedures, work instructions, and the overarching safety statement.
• Support the engineering team in administering the contractor management program, including managing contractor diaries and verifying compliance documentation before site access authorization.
• Communicate safety documentation requirements to contractors and audit their activities for compliance.
• Provide senior management with daily safety performance statistics to identify improvement areas and emerging trends.
• Encourage ongoing professional development to facilitate career growth.

Qualifications and Skills

• Possess at least a Level 7 qualification in Health and Safety.
• Preferably have 1 to 2 years of experience in a health and safety role, though this is desirable rather than mandatory.
• Occupational First Aid certification is advantageous but not required.
• Exhibit excellent communication and interpersonal abilities to clearly convey safety rules to diverse audiences.
• Proficient with computer applications, especially MS Office.
• Self-driven and proactive, capable of working independently or collaboratively.
• Strong administrative and literacy skills for generating comprehensive reports.
• Detail-oriented with the ability to liaise firmly with department managers to ensure compliance where necessary.
• Adopt a mindset focused on continuous improvement.
• Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) could be granted based on relevant experience, training, or volunteer work.

Additional Information

Responsibilities may evolve due to the dynamic nature of the business. Some travel may be required. Appointment depends on eligibility to work in Ireland. Queally Group is an equal opportunity employer committed to inclusivity.