Maria M. Dercksen
SHEQ Officer / SHEQ Coordinator
Boksburg
Summary
Dedicated SHEQ professional with extensive experience designing, implementing, and managing Safety, Health, Environment, and Quality systems across national operations. Skilled in compliance management, risk reduction, training, auditing, and continuous improvement. Known for strong leadership, analytical ability, and the capacity to build collaborative relationships across all levels of an organization. Committed to driving a safe, high-performing, and compliant workplace.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
20
20
Certifications
Work History
SHEQ Coordinator
ITA Security Products and Solutions
Bredell
01.2025 - Current
- Design and implement a Safety Management System ensuring regulatory compliance across operations.
- Lead the rollout of a SHEQ System, strengthening governance and operational consistency.
- Chair SHEQ committees and facilitate cross-functional collaboration.
- Deliver training and manage training needs to improve workforce competence.
- Support quality initiatives and contributed to continuous improvement.
- Assist with SHEQ budgeting and resource planning.
- Liaise with clients, suppliers, and contractors to maintain compliance.
- Develop and execute training programs.
- Lowered RIFR by 1% in twelve months.
- Lead teams and implement new systems to enhance SHEQ performance.
- Developed SHEQ KPI/KPA dashboards for management reporting.
- Created and maintained safety files.
SHEQ Officer
Mentis Africa
Elandsfontein
08.2021 - 11.2024
- Designed and implemented a national Safety Management System across multiple sites.
- Chaired SHE committees and supported management functions.
- Built strong relationships with workers, management, and suppliers to promote safety culture.
- Delivered training and conducted training needs assessments.
- Contributed to quality assurance and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Established and managed the SHEQ budget.
- Liaised with clients, suppliers, and contractors.
- Led teams and supported the implementation of new systems.
- Participated in developing SHEQ KPI/KPA dashboards.
- Managed security team operations.
- Completed and participated in internal and external audits.
- Promoted personal development and awareness of EHS issues and concerns among plant personnel.
- Enhanced employee awareness of environmental hazards through regular educational seminars and workshops.
- Implemented successful waste reduction initiatives aimed at minimizing environmental impact while promoting sustainable operations throughout the organization.
- Managed about 20-30 emails per day, addressing HSE issues, reports and continuous improvement suggestions and recommendations.
- Organized annual emergency preparedness drills to assess organizational readiness in case of unexpected incidents or natural disasters.
- Provided ongoing support to management in the development and execution of risk mitigation strategies, ensuring business continuity during critical incidents.
- Streamlined safety processes by developing and implementing standardized EHS procedures across the organization.
- Minimized risk exposure by identifying potential hazards and taking corrective actions in a timely manner.
- Served as a liaison between company management and regulatory authorities during inspections and audits, ensuring transparency and cooperation in addressing any identified issues.
- Monitored health and safety issues in manufacturing plant.
- Maintained accurate EHS documentation, including incident reports, inspection findings, and corrective action plans for future reference and analysis.
- Established a robust system for tracking and reporting key EHS performance metrics to senior management, facilitating informed decision making.
- Facilitated cross-functional collaboration to address complex EHS issues, resulting in safer working conditions for all staff members.
- Reduced workplace accidents by implementing comprehensive safety training programs for employees.
- Collaborated with external agencies on relevant industry standards updates, incorporating necessary changes into company-wide EHS practices accordingly.
- Monitored workplace activities to determine compliance with safety regulations and standards.
- Educated employees on hazardous waste management, emergency response and safe work practices.
- Conducted safety audits and inspections to identify workplace hazards and deficiencies.
- Investigated incidents, determining root causes and implementing corrective actions.
- Kept abreast of new EHS developments through attending courses and maintaining contact with other EHS professionals and regulatory agencies.
- Ensured compliance with federal, state, and local regulations by conducting thorough facility inspections and audits.
- Conducted regular hazard assessments to identify areas of improvement within existing safety protocols, leading to more effective prevention measures being put into place.
- Promoted a culture of safety by consistently emphasizing the importance of following established EHS policies and guidelines.
- Supported continuous improvement efforts within the organization through regular reviews of existing safety measures and identification of potential enhancements.
- Proactively addressed concerns raised by employees regarding workplace safety or environmental issues, fostering trust between staff members and EHS department.
- Championed employee health initiatives by organizing wellness programs and promoting awareness of healthy lifestyle choices within the workplace.
- Trained and educated plant management and employees to develop and maintain understanding of good environmental, safety and health practices.
- Improved incident response times by establishing clear communication channels between management, employees, and emergency personnel.
- Researched and devised new safety initiatives and strategies to improve safety performance.
- Devised and monitored safety performance metrics to assess and improve safety performance.
- Identified accident causes and optimal prevention strategies by conducting thorough investigations and analyses.
- Developed and implemented safety policies and procedures to promote workplace safety.
- Provided new-employee health and safety orientations and developed materials for presentations.
- Performed safety analyses to evaluate potential risks and develop risk mitigation strategies.
- Evaluated new equipment purchases from an EHS perspective to ensure proper precautions were taken before integration into daily operations.
- Investigated Incidents and entered in computerized tracking system.
Freelance Consultant
SHEIMS and Bonke Konke Construction
Boksburg
01.2021 - 07.2021
- Provided SHEQ consultation services including risk assessments, compliance support, training, and system development for SMEs.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to successfully deliver comprehensive solutions for clients.
- Managed client relationships through regular check-ins and updates on project progress.
- Evaluated client needs and expectations, establishing clear goals for each consulting engagement.
- Developed innovative strategies for clients, resulting in increased revenue and business growth.
- Assisted clients in navigating complex industry challenges with strategic recommendations.
- Liaised with customers, management, and sales team to better understand customer needs and recommend appropriate solutions.
- Enhanced communication among team members to foster collaborative and supportive work environment.
- Identified areas of improvement for clients'' operations, implementing targeted solutions to increase productivity.
- Delivered high-quality presentations to stakeholders, effectively communicating project objectives and results.
- Analyzed data sets to identify trends and opportunities for process improvements within client organizations.
- Conducted thorough market research and analysis, providing valuable insights for client decision-making.
- Streamlined internal processes to enhance team efficiency and improve overall project outcomes.
- Designed tailored training programs for employees at various levels within the organization, boosting overall skillsets.
- Enhanced client decision-making, synthesizing complex data into clear, concise reports and dashboards.
- Optimized supply chain operations for clients, reducing costs and improving efficiency through strategic vendor management.
- Delivered comprehensive reports and presentations to stakeholders, providing insights and actionable recommendations for business improvement.
- Streamlined communication processes for clients, enabling more effective collaboration and decision-making.
- Developed and maintained strong client relationships, ensuring high levels of satisfaction and repeat business.
- Improved organizational efficiency, overhauling outdated operational procedures with innovative, tech-driven solutions.
- Conducted risk assessments for business processes, recommending measures to mitigate potential impacts.
- Directed market entry strategies for clients looking to expand into new territories, ensuring compliance and cultural alignment.
- Analyzed financial data to identify cost-saving opportunities, advising clients on budget optimization strategies.
- Implemented customer relationship management (CRM) systems, improving client engagement and retention rates.
- Boosted client revenue streams by identifying and capitalizing on untapped market opportunities.
- Facilitated workshops and training sessions for client staff, enhancing their skills and knowledge in key areas.
- Cultivated positive relationships with vendors to deliver timely and cost-effective supply of services and materials.
- Educated staff on organizational mission and goals to help employees achieve success.
- Optimized customer experience by delivering superior services and effectively troubleshooting issues.
- Managed round 20 email, telecoms from customer relating to concerns, recommendations and enquiries.
Safety Officer
Edward Snell & Co. Pty. Ltd.
Isando, Kempton Park
12.2009 - 12.2020
- Implemented and established a comprehensive Safety Management System.
- Chaired SHE and MHI committees and supported key management functions.
- Engaged with workers and collaborated with management and suppliers to strengthen safety culture.
- Established and managed the SHE budget.
- Facilitated training and assessed management training needs.
- Liaised with suppliers and contractors to ensure compliance.
- Led teams and supported operational safety initiatives.
- Developed and executed training programs.
- Completed and participated in internal and external audits.
- Improved IFR by 5% in twelve months.
Education
Matric - Grade 12
04.2001 -
High School Diploma -
04.2001 -
Skills
Reporting
Analytical Thinking and Analytical skills
Problem-solving
Adaptability and flexibility
Time management abilities
Team leadership
Teamwork and collaboration
Assertive
Problem-solving skills
Organizational skills
Excellent communication skills
Self motivation
Reliability
Accomplishments
Lowered the TRIFR by 8.5% in two years, Established a SMS which received an award from RMA; was one of 5 people at my previous employer to have been globally recognized to receive an award from the company for my contribution to the SMS and the positive change within the company. Transformed the SMS to be 90% paperless through the use of Microsoft Sharepoint, Electronic based Safety platform and tablets.
Affiliations
SAIOSH Technical Member: 60264694
SACMPC Registration: CHSM - In Progress
Certification
Samtrac
CAREER ASPIRATION
To grow into a senior SHEQ role where I can strengthen compliance, lead continuous improvement, and support a safe, high-performing organization. I aim to develop my technical and leadership skills to contribute more strategically and add long-term value.
Timeline
SHEQ Coordinator - ITA Security Products and Solutions
01.2025 - Current
SHEQ Officer - Mentis Africa
08.2021 - 11.2024
Freelance Consultant - SHEIMS and Bonke Konke Construction
01.2021 - 07.2021
Safety Officer - Edward Snell & Co. Pty. Ltd.
12.2009 - 12.2020
Skills Academy - Matric, Grade 12
04.2001 -
High School Evander - High School Diploma,
04.2001 -