Job Purpose
The Construction Safety Engineer ensures compliance with occupational health and safety regulations on construction sites by implementing risk control measures, conducting safety audits, and fostering a zero-harm culture. The role combines engineering principles with safety management to prevent accidents on high-risk projects (high-rises, bridges, industrial plants). Key Responsibilities
1. Hazard Identification & Risk Control

• Conduct baseline risk assessments (BRA) and task-specific risk assessments (TRAs) for:
  • Working at heights (scaffolding, formwork)
  • Heavy lifting (cranes, rigging)
  • Confined spaces (tunnels, pipelines)
• Implement hierarchy of controls (elimination, PPE, administrative controls)

2. Regulatory Compliance

• Enforce OHS Act (85 of 1993), Construction Regulations 2014, and SANS 10085 (scaffolding)
• Maintain Construction Work Permit System for high-risk activities
• Ensure compliance with Client-Specific Requirements (e.g., Eskom, SANRAL)

3. Safety Engineering Solutions

• Design fall protection systems (guardrails, anchor points)
• Review temporary works designs (shoring, falsework) for safety compliance
• Specify explosion-proof equipment for hazardous areas (petrochemical sites)

4. Incident Management

• Lead incident investigations using ICAM or 5 Whys methodology
• Compile SHEQ statistics for CIDB reporting
• Implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence

5. Training & Culture Development

• Deliver toolbox talks on critical risks (electrical safety, excavation collapses)
• Train workforce on emergency procedures (fire, structural collapse)
• Conduct safety leadership workshops for supervisors

Required Qualifications

• BTech/BEng in Civil/Mechanical/Industrial Engineering
• Mandatory Certifications:
  • SAMTRAC/NEBOSH International Diploma
  • SACPCMP Registration as Construction Health & Safety Agent (CHSA)
  • Fall Arrest Planner Certification
• Advantageous:
  • ISO 45001 Lead Auditor
  • Incident Investigator Certification (NOSA/IRCA)

Essential Skills & Competencies
Technical Skills

• HSE Software: SAP EHS, SafetyStratus, Procore
• Engineering Analysis: Load calculations for temporary structures
• Regulatory Knowledge:
  • Mine Health & Safety Act (for hybrid mining/construction projects)
  • International Standards (OSHA, NFPA)

Behavioral Skills

• Conflict resolution for contractor non-compliance
• Persuasive communication to enforce safety protocols
• Data-driven decision making (analyzing near-miss trends)

Experience Requirements

• 5+ years in construction safety (high-risk sectors preferred):
  • High-rise buildings (>10 floors)
  • Civil infrastructure (bridges, dams)
  • EPC projects (power plants, oil & gas)
• Proven Experience With:
  • Tower crane safety protocols
  • Hot work permit systems
  • Demolition engineering controls