HSE Site Manger: PV Solar-Limpopo, South Africa

SUMMARY:
-

POSITION INFO:

Job Purpose:
To lead, manage, and coordinate Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) policies and practices for Solar PV projects within South Africa. The HSE Manager ensures compliance with South African legal and regulatory requirements, industry standards, and company policies. The role aims to foster a safe work environment, promote zero harm, by leading and managing on-site HSE resources to ensure compliance.

Qualifications:

Education:
National Diploma in Safety Management NQ6 or Advanced Diploma/Btech in Safety Safety Management at NQ7

Certifications:
Registration with the South African Council for Professional and Technical Chemists (SACPCMP) as CHSM/Pr. Can Agent is a must.
Legal Liability / Construction Regulations 2014
ISO 45001:2018 Implementation/Auditing

Standards Knowledge:
Familiarity with ISO 45001, ISO 14001, and other relevant international and South African standards.

Experience:

Professional Experience:
5 to 10 years of experience in managing Health, Safety, and Environment for projects, preferably within the renewable energy or construction sectors.
Proven experience with Solar PV projects in construction phase.

Key Responsibilities:

1. HSE Policy Implementation
Develop, implement, and maintain HSE policies, procedures, and programs tailored to South African regulations and industry standards.

2. Compliance and Auditing
Ensure compliance with relevant HSE legislation, including permits and licenses, as well as client-specific HSE requirements.
Conduct regular HSE audits, inspections, and assessments at project sites to ensure adherence to South African laws (e.g., Occupational Health and Safety Act, Construction Regulations).
Liaise with local regulatory authorities for site inspections and permit acquisitions.

3. Risk Management
Identify, evaluate, and mitigate HSE risks specific to Solar PV projects in the South African context, considering local environmental conditions and socio-economic factors.
Develop and maintain emergency response plans suitable for South African project sites and conduct regular drills.
Knowledge of main transmission substations, HV regulations, and associated risks and controls, including Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures.

4. Training and Development
Organize and lead HSE training sessions, including inductions, toolbox talks, and specialized training for all project staff and contractors.
Ensure workers are aware of the risks and required safety measures associated with Solar PV systems and local operational contexts.
Assist construction companies in implementing HSE requirements by providing high-quality HSE induction materials, safety toolbox talks reports, rosters, emergency procedure drills, and accident/near-miss root cause analyses.

5. Incident Investigation and Reporting
Lead investigations into accidents, incidents, and near-misses, ensuring root causes are identified and corrective actions are implemented in line with South African protocols.
Maintain accurate records and prepare detailed reports on HSE performance, incidents, and corrective actions.
Monitor incident trends and recommend continuous improvements to enhance safety and environmental performance.
Participate in the investigation of potential accidents or high potential near misses.

6. Stakeholder Engagement
Collaborate with project management, contractors, local communities, and authorities to promote HSE awareness and compliance.
Represent the company at community meetings, stakeholder briefings, and public forums related to HSE matters.
Foster positive relationships with local communities to support the social license to operate.

7. Sustainability and Environmental Management
Manage and minimize the environmental impact of Solar PV operations, focusing on waste management, water conservation, land use, and emissions reduction.
Ensure compliance with South African environmental regulations and develop plans for sustainable resource usage.
Promote initiatives that support South Africa’s renewable energy and sustainability goals.

8. HSE Documentation and Reporting
Maintain accurate HSE records, including risk assessments, incident reports, compliance documents, and environmental monitoring data.
Prepare and present regular HSE performance reports to senior management and relevant stakeholders.
Ensure documentation meets both company standards and South African regulatory requirements.

9. Operational Responsibilities
Ensure daily safety coordination of construction companies.
Deliver required work permits (especially hot work permits).
Ensure that works performed by construction staff comply with method statements and work permits.
Ensure licenses and equipment are appropriate for tasks performed and that equipment conforms to standards with required periodic inspections.
Oversee construction site housekeeping and the efficiency of sanitation and environmental facilities.
Pay special attention to workers who do not understand the main worksite language by providing translators and ensuring understanding of safety instructions.
Record observations of inspections on the client-provided report template, communicate observations and required actions to the site manager and construction companies, and follow up on action closures.
Participate in safety committee meetings.

10. Reporting and Documentation
Write monthly reports summarizing monthly events, headcount and man-hours, water and energy consumptions, and waste balance.
Assist in drafting HSE plans and all HSE forms and procedures, either leading the drafting or assisting as specified by the client.

Skills and Competencies:

Regulatory Knowledge:
Strong knowledge of South African HSE regulations, codes, and standards related to Solar PV and construction.

Communication:
Strong verbal and written communication skills in English; proficiency in additional South African languages (e.g., Sesotho, isiZulu) is a plus.