Safety Officer

Role & responsibilities

1. Risk Assessment and Safety Planning

• Conducting thorough risk assessments before any work begins, identifying potential hazards related to electrical systems, equipment, and installation processes.
• Developing and implementing safety plans that address identified risks, including emergency response procedures, safe work practices, and personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements.

2. Safety Inspections and Audits

• Regularly inspecting the site to ensure compliance with safety protocols and regulations.
• Conducting safety audits to assess the adherence to established safety standards and identifying areas for improvement.
• Inspecting electrical equipment, wiring, and installations to ensure they are properly installed and meet safety codes.

3. Training and Awareness

• Organizing safety training for workers, ensuring they understand the potential hazards of electrical work and how to safely handle tools, machinery, and electrical components.
• Ensuring workers are trained in first aid and CPR, as well as other emergency procedures.
• Promoting awareness of electrical hazards, such as shock risks, fire hazards, and arc flash risks, among all personnel.

4. Monitoring and Enforcing Safety Compliance

• Monitoring work activities to ensure compliance with safety standards, codes, and regulations (such as OSHA or local safety laws).
• Enforcing the use of necessary PPE, including gloves, helmets, safety glasses, insulated tools, and ear protection.
• Ensuring proper lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures are followed during maintenance or when de-energizing electrical circuits.

5. Accident and Incident Investigation

• Investigating accidents, near-misses, or unsafe incidents to determine the root cause.
• Reporting findings to management and ensuring corrective actions are implemented to prevent reoccurrence.
• Documenting incidents for future reference and legal compliance.

6. Documentation and Reporting

• Keeping records of safety inspections, risk assessments, training sessions, and incidents.
• Preparing and submitting safety reports to management, regulatory bodies, or clients.
• Ensuring all safety permits (e.g., for confined space entry or hot work) are obtained and maintained.

7. Emergency Response Planning

• Developing and implementing emergency response plans in case of electrical accidents, fires, or other emergencies.
• Coordinating with emergency response teams and ensuring workers know the emergency evacuation procedures and assembly points.
• Ensuring fire extinguishers, first-aid kits, and other emergency supplies are accessible and in good working order.

8. Coordination with Contractors and Subcontractors

• Ensuring that subcontractors and third-party vendors comply with safety regulations.
• Coordinating safety efforts across different teams and ensuring communication about potential electrical hazards.
• Reviewing safety protocols for each phase of the electrical fit out project and adjusting them if necessary.

9. Safety Equipment and Maintenance

• Ensuring that all electrical tools and equipment are properly maintained and inspected before use.
• Confirming that safety devices such as residual current devices (RCDs) or circuit breakers are functional.
• Overseeing the maintenance and safe storage of electrical equipment and tools.

10. Promoting a Safety Culture

• Creating a culture of safety by encouraging workers to report unsafe conditions or behaviors.
• Encouraging proactive safety measures, such as regular safety meetings, toolbox talks, or safety drills.

11. Liaising with Authorities

• Ensuring compliance with relevant national and local safety regulations and codes.
• Liaising with local regulatory authorities (e.g., electrical safety boards, building inspection departments) during inspections or audits.

12. Emergency Electrical Safety Measures

• Ensuring that proper grounding, bonding, and insulation procedures are followed.
• Ensuring electrical installations are tested and commissioned before being turned on to avoid hazards like short circuits or overloads.