Safety Engineer

Role & responsibilities

1. Risk Assessment and Hazard Identification

• Conduct Hazard Analysis: Perform regular hazard assessments (HAZOP, HAZID, SIL, etc.) to identify potential risks in the design, construction, and operation phases.
• Risk Control Measures: Identify control measures to mitigate risks, including engineering controls, administrative controls, and personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Emergency Response Planning: Develop emergency response plans for various hazardous scenarios, such as fires, chemical spills, explosions, or natural disasters.

2. Safety Compliance and Regulations

• Ensure Regulatory Compliance: Ensure that all operations comply with local, national, and international safety regulations and standards (e.g., OSHA, EPA, API, NFPA, ATEX, and other industry-specific codes).
• Update Safety Procedures: Continuously update safety protocols and procedures to meet regulatory changes and improve safety practices.
• Environmental Safety Compliance: Ensure that the project adheres to environmental safety regulations, such as pollution control, waste management, and water safety.

3. Safety Training and Awareness

• Develop Training Programs: Design and implement safety training programs to educate employees, contractors, and other stakeholders about safety procedures and best practices.
• Conduct Safety Drills: Organize regular safety drills and simulations to prepare workers for emergency situations.
• Promote Safety Culture: Foster a culture of safety across the organization by encouraging open communication, reporting of hazards, and proactive safety practices.

4. Safety Inspections and Audits

• Routine Safety Inspections: Conduct regular safety inspections and audits on equipment, work sites, and operations to identify potential hazards and unsafe conditions.
• Equipment Safety Checks: Ensure that equipment and machinery are regularly inspected and maintained in accordance with safety standards.
• Audit Safety Programs: Evaluate the effectiveness of existing safety programs and procedures through audits, inspections, and incident reviews.

5. Incident Investigation and Reporting

• Investigate Incidents: Lead investigations into any safety incidents or near-misses, identify root causes, and recommend corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
• Incident Reporting: Ensure all incidents, accidents, and near-misses are reported accurately and in a timely manner, complying with local regulations.
• Root Cause Analysis: Conduct detailed root cause analyses of safety incidents to identify systemic issues and implement long-term corrective actions.

6. Safety Documentation and Reporting

• Maintain Safety Records: Maintain and update safety records, including inspection reports, audit findings, risk assessments, and incident investigations.
• Safety Reports: Prepare and submit regular safety performance reports to management, highlighting safety metrics, trends, and areas requiring attention.
• Permit to Work Systems: Oversee the implementation and monitoring of Permit to Work systems, ensuring that workers obtain appropriate authorization before performing high-risk activities.

7. Design and Safety Systems Integration

• Safety Engineering Design: Collaborate with project engineers and designers to integrate safety features into the design phase, ensuring the safety of plant systems and equipment.
• Safety System Implementation: Oversee the installation and commissioning of safety systems, such as fire suppression systems, gas detection, safety alarms, and emergency shutdown systems (ESD).
• Process Safety Management: Implement and monitor process safety management systems, ensuring that all processes and equipment are designed, operated, and maintained to prevent major hazards.

8. Control of Hazardous Materials

• Handling Hazardous Substances: Ensure safe storage, handling, and disposal of hazardous chemicals, fuels, and materials used in the refinery or oil & gas project.
• Chemical Safety: Monitor and enforce safety protocols for working with flammable, toxic, and hazardous substances, including the use of Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS).
• Fire and Explosion Prevention: Implement measures to prevent fire, explosion, and chemical spills through effective design, safety equipment, and workforce training.

9. Contractor and Subcontractor Safety Management

• Safety Oversight for Contractors: Ensure that contractors and subcontractors follow safety standards and procedures in line with company policies.
• Safety Inductions for Contractors: Provide safety inductions and training for all contractors and external personnel working on site.
• Monitor Subcontractor Safety Performance: Regularly review subcontractor safety performance and address any concerns to ensure safe work practices.

10. Health and Safety Performance Monitoring

• Monitor Safety Metrics: Track key safety performance indicators (KPIs), such as incident rates, near-misses, and hazard reports, to assess safety performance.
• Continuous Improvement: Implement continuous improvement programs based on safety data, trends, and feedback from personnel.
• Promote Occupational Health: Support initiatives aimed at improving workers health, including ergonomics, noise exposure, and air quality, and addressing concerns like fatigue.

11. Safety Equipment and PPE Management

• PPE Provision and Inspection: Ensure that appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) is available, used, and regularly inspected for all workers.
• Safety Equipment Maintenance: Oversee the maintenance, calibration, and replacement of safety equipment such as gas detectors, fire extinguishers, and first-aid kits.

12. Collaboration and Communication

• Cross-functional Teamwork: Work closely with project managers, engineers, and other stakeholders to integrate safety considerations into all stages of the project.
• Safety Meetings: Organize regular safety meetings and briefings to communicate safety issues and foster dialogue about potential risks and mitigations.
• Emergency Coordination: Coordinate with emergency services, local authorities, and other relevant agencies for emergency preparedness and response.

13. Crisis Management and Disaster Recovery

• Develop Crisis Plans: Create and maintain crisis management plans for potential accidents, natural disasters, or catastrophic events.
• Crisis Communication: Ensure clear and effective communication during emergencies, both internally (to workers) and externally (to the public and regulatory authorities).