Health and Safety Officer - Tasks and specialisations
Kaikōtuitui Take Hauora, Take Haumaru
Tasks & duties
Health and safety officers may do some or all of the following:
- ensure businesses comply with health and safety legislation for workplaces
- work with staff to manage, monitor and improve health and safety standards in workplaces
- undertake workplace safety inspections such as monitoring noise levels in a factory
- ensure health and safety requirements are met before and when workplace alterations are made or new equipment is installed
- educate and inform staff and managers on how to identify safety risks and set up preventative measures
- help design health and safety monitoring systems and policies
- check the efficiency of health and safety management systems and policies
- develop emergency procedures (for earthquake and fires) and co-ordinate emergency teams
- provide emergency training (for earthquakes and fires)
- educate staff about safety when working at heights or in confined spaces
- assist in the rehabilitation of staff who have been injured or ill
- facilitate regular health and safety checks for staff, and give first aid to staff when accidents occur
- organise first aid training for staff
- develop workplace safety systems, policies and processes
- conduct eyesight and hearing tests and workstation assessments
- give counselling and advice, or refer people to other health professionals.
Margeurite Besier discussing health issues with a production worker
Updated
September 2009
