Health & Safety Officer

Role Purpose

To champion a safe and positive working environment by embedding health and safety standards across all areas of our retail operations. The Health & Safety Officer will play a key role in identifying risks, promoting safe behaviours, supporting teams and ensuring our employees, customers and partners experience a safe environment every day. This role will help drive a proactive safety culture while ensuring compliance with legislation and company safety requirements within our DIY and Home Improvement retail environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct regular health and safety inspections across all store areas, including the sales floor, receiving, yard, warehouse, stockrooms, offices, and customer areas
• Identify, assess, and report potential hazards including unsafe stock stacking, incorrect storage of building materials, spills, damaged equipment, blocked walkways, unsafe lifting practices, and electrical or fire risks
• Complete workplace risk assessments and implement preventative measures to minimise incidents and improve overall store safety
• Maintain and manage health and safety files, risk assessments, safe operating procedures, safety policies, and compliance documentation
• Ensure compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act, company policies, and retail safety standards
• Monitor safe handling practices for DIY-related products including building materials, tools, equipment, chemicals, and other operational merchandise
• Conduct safety inductions for new employees, contractors, and service providers while ensuring accurate record keeping
• Facilitate safety training, toolbox talks, and awareness initiatives to promote safe working practices
• Partner with department managers to identify safety risks and implement effective corrective actions
• Investigate workplace incidents, customer incidents, near misses, and unsafe conditions, providing recommendations to prevent recurrence
• Monitor emergency readiness, including fire safety requirements, first aid standards, evacuation procedures, and emergency processes
• Maintain accurate safety records including inspection reports, hazard registers, training records, incident reports, and action plans
• Support internal safety audits and ensure findings are resolved within agreed timelines
• Promote a positive safety culture where every team member takes ownership and responsibility for workplace safety

Qualification and Experience

• Matric (Grade 12) or equivalent qualification
• Relevant Health & Safety qualification (e.g., SAMTRAC, Occupational Health & Safety Certificate/Diploma, or equivalent)
• Sound knowledge of the Occupational Health and Safety Act and retail safety requirements
• Previous experience in a Health & Safety Officer role within a retail, hardware, DIY, warehouse, distribution, or similar operational environment
• Experience working in environments involving stock handling, receiving, merchandising, customer interaction, and operational risk management
• Proven experience conducting safety inspections, risk assessments, incident investigations, and compliance audits
• Strong understanding of safe handling practices relating to tools, equipment, building materials, and general retail operations
• Excellent communication and training skills with the ability to influence and engage employees at all levels
• Strong administration skills with attention to detail and the ability to maintain accurate safety documentation
• Ability to work independently, identify risks proactively, and implement practical safety solutions in a fast-paced retail environment

This advert will remain open for 8 weeks as part of our new store opening recruitment drive. Applications will be reviewed throughout the period and shortlisted candidates will be contacted as the process progresses. Only successful candidates moving to the next stage will be contacted.