Job Description

Job Purpose

To monitor, coordinate, and enforce health, safety, and environmental compliance across the mine on a shift basis. The HSE Shift Officer provides safety oversight, conducts inspections, responds to incidents, supports emergency readiness, and ensures alignment to the Mine Health & Safety Act (MHSA), environmental standards, and company HSE policies.

Key Responsibilities

• Shift HSE Oversight & Monitoring
• Provide HSE coverage for all operations during shift hours.

Conduct routine safety inspections across:

• Processing plant
• Crushing & conveying areas
• Tailings facilities
• Workshops & stores
• Contractor work zones
• Monitor compliance with safe work procedures, permits, and risk assessments.

Risk Identification & Hazard Control

• Identify hazards, unsafe conditions, and non-compliance issues.
• Implement and track corrective and preventive actions.
• Facilitate on-the-spot risk assessments (SLAM / HIRA) when needed.
• Stop unsafe work in accordance with MHSA Section 23 rights.

Incident Response & Reporting

• Respond to incidents, near-misses, injuries, spills, or safety events during shifts.
• Secure the scene, assist emergency response, and gather facts.
• Conduct initial investigations and submit detailed reports.
• Support root cause analysis for serious incidents.

Permit & Contractor Safety Compliance

Verify:

• Lock-out/Tag-out procedures
• Hot work permits
• Working-at-heights permits
• Confined space entries
• Lifting operations
• Safeguarding protocols
• Monitor contractor HSE compliance and ensure adherence to site requirements.

Environmental Monitoring

• Conduct environmental checks related to:
• Water stewardship
• Waste handling
• Tailings integrity (visual inspections)
• Dust, noise, and emissions
• Report deviations or environmental risks immediately.

Emergency Preparedness

Support emergency response teams in:

• Fire response
• Spill containment
• First aid support (if trained)
• Evacuations
• Ensure emergency equipment (fire extinguishers, spill kits) is maintained and accessible.

Training & Safety Culture Support

• Deliver shift safety briefings and toolbox talks.
• Coach employees on safe behaviour and compliance with standards.
• Support induction training for new employees and contractors.

Documentation & Reporting

• Maintain accurate shift records:
• Inspection logs
• Incident reports
• Permit audits
• Non-compliance registers
• Compile daily or shift-end HSE summary reports.

Required Skills & Competencies

• Technical Competencies

Strong knowledge of:

• Mine Health & Safety Act (MHSA)
• HIRA and SLAM tools
• Safe work procedures in mining and processing
• Environmental controls and waste management
• Incident investigation skills (ICAM / TapRoot advantageous).
• Familiarity with processing plant equipment (crushers, mills, conveyors, chemicals).

Behavioural Competencies

• Assertive, confident decision-making.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to remain calm during emergencies.
• High attention to detail and safety-first mindset.
• Ability to influence safe behaviour in others.

Qualifications & Experience

Minimum Requirements

• Grade 12 (Matric)
• 3–5 years HSE experience in mining or heavy industrial operations.
• Recognised Safety qualification (SAMTRAC, NEBOSH, COMSOC, or equivalent).
• Valid driver's licence.

Preferred

• Mineral processing or metallurgy environment experience.
• First Aid Level 1–3.
• Firefighting training.
• Incident investigation certification (ICAM, TapRoot).
• Experience in zinc, copper, lead, or base metals operations.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Reduction in incidents, near-misses, and unsafe acts.
• Completion and quality of shift inspections and reports.
• Compliance with permits, SOPs, and MHSA requirements.
• Timely response and management of incidents.
• Closure of corrective and preventive actions.
• Quality of safety coaching and engagement with teams.