HSE Officer at R-Jolad Hospital

Position Summary: The Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) Officer is responsible for ensuring the hospital environment is compliant with health and safety regulations, maintaining a safe working environment for staff, and safeguarding patients. This role involves implementing safety policies, conducting risk assessments, managing safety audits, and ensuring adherence to both local and international HSE standards.

Core Working Relationships/Key Stakeholders

Internal on-site

• All hospital employees, medical staff, nursing staff, management team, maintenance teams, security staff, etc.

External

• Vendors, Contractors, Patients, Visitors, etc., Regulatory Bodies, etc.

Accountabilities:

• Shall work with and under the supervision of the Lead, HSE.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and maintain hospital-wide HSE policies and procedures in accordance with national regulations and international best practices.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant safety legislation, hospital policies, and industry standards.
• Review and update safety protocols regularly to address new hazards, technology, and legal requirements.
• Conduct regular risk assessments to identify potential hazards in the workplace, including chemical, biological, physical, and ergonomic risks.
• Implement corrective measures to minimize risk and prevent accidents, incidents, or injury.
• Conduct periodic safety audits and inspections in various hospital departments, including clinical areas, laboratories, and non-clinical environments such as kitchens and maintenance rooms.
• Ensure fire safety measures, including functional fire alarms, fire extinguishers, evacuation routes, and fire drills, are in place and properly maintained.
• Lead the investigation of incidents and near-misses, documenting findings and implementing corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
• Maintain detailed reports of incidents, including root cause analysis, recommendations, and preventive strategies.
• Coordinate emergency response plans and serve as a point of contact for safety-related emergencies.
• Develop and deliver training programs for hospital staff, including topics such as workplace safety, fire safety, proper handling of hazardous materials, infection control, and emergency procedures.
• Provide safety inductions for new employees and ensure all staff have up-to-date knowledge of safety protocols and procedures.
• Organize regular safety drills (e.g., fire drills, evacuation exercises) and debrief staff on performance and areas for improvement.
• Monitor and manage the safe storage, handling, and disposal of hazardous materials, including medical waste, chemicals, and biological materials.
• Ensure proper labeling and handling of hazardous substances in compliance with OSHA, WHO, and local health department regulations.
• Work with waste management teams to ensure appropriate segregation and disposal of medical waste, sharps, and other potentially hazardous materials.
• Promote and implement health surveillance programs to monitor employees’ health in relation to workplace exposure (e.g., radiation, chemicals).
• Ensure that the hospital complies with occupational health standards, including infection prevention and control.
• Monitor employee health records to identify trends in workplace-related illnesses or injuries and recommend measures to mitigate risks.
• Ensure that all hospital facilities and equipment meet safety standards and are regularly inspected and maintained.
• Work with the biomedical and engineering teams to ensure the safety of hospital equipment and to address any potential risks associated with faulty or malfunctioning devices.
• Ensure appropriate signage is displayed in hazardous areas (e.g., radiation zones, biohazard rooms) and that safety equipment (e.g., protective clothing, eyewash stations, respirators) is readily available.
• Maintain accurate records of all HSE activities, including risk assessments, incident reports, safety inspections, and staff training records.
• Prepare regular HSE performance reports for hospital management, highlighting key issues, compliance status, and recommendations for improvement.
• Collaborate with department heads, maintenance teams, and external contractors to ensure hospital safety protocols are followed in day-to-day operations.
• Serve as the hospital’s point of contact for regulatory bodies and coordinate HSE audits and inspections.
• Provide advice and guidance to hospital staff on HSE-related matters, encouraging a proactive approach to safety.

Qualifications and Competencies

• Bachelor’s Degree in Occupational Health and Safety, Environmental Science, or a related field.
• Professional certifications such as NEBOSH, IOSH, or other relevant HSE qualifications are highly preferred.
• Relevant safety certifications from recognized safety bodies are required. Experience
• Minimum of 1-3 years of experience as an HSE officer, preferably in a healthcare or hospital environment.
• Proven track record of successfully implementing safety programs and reducing workplace incidents.
• Experience in managing health and safety audits, compliance with regulatory requirements, and responding to external audits.

Key Skills

• Strong knowledge of local and international health, safety, and environmental regulations (e.g., OSHA, WHO).
• Expertise in conducting risk assessments, safety audits, and incident investigations.
• Excellent communication and training skills to effectively educate staff on safety matters.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and manage safety initiatives in a fast-paced hospital environment.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and initiatives simultaneously.
• Proficiency in safety management systems, data analysis, and incident reporting tools.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams.
• Ability to stay calm and take appropriate action during emergencies or high-pressure situations.
• Attention to detail, ensuring compliance with complex regulations and protocols.

Personal Qualities

• Strong ethical standards and commitment to maintaining a safe and secure environment for patients and staff.
• Proactive, with a focus on prevention and continuous improvement in safety practices.
• Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and make decisions quickly in urgent situations.
• Empathetic and supportive attitude towards employees, patients, and visitors, ensuring their safety is a priority at all times.
• Flexibility to adapt to changing safety requirements and hospital needs.