A dedicated and results-driven Health Safety and Environment (HSE) professional with 3 years experience and a proven track record of overseeing, implementing and maintaining effective HSE management programs within the construction, civil engineering and coal mining industries. Proficient in conducting thorough hazard identification & risk assessments, aspects & impacts registers, incident investigations, site inspections, internal audits, developing comprehensive safe work procedures, waste management plans, and providing continuous training to promote a culture of safety within the workplace that aspires to zero harm. Strong ability to comprehend, interpret and implement OHS Act and ensure compliance with regulations & standards are upheld. I am registered with the South African Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (Saiosh) at a technical level. I hold a Msc in Geography, BSc Honours in Geography and Environmental Management, BSS in Geography and Environmental Management (Summa cum laude) and SAMTRAC certificate. I am seeking an opportunity to utilize my experience and drive for success to contribute to creating a safe and healthy work environment, overall well-being of all employees and success of the Company. My long term goal is to continue to advance and excel in the field of HSE while making a positive impact on the Company's sustainability efforts.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Safety Officer
Lucazi (Pty) Ltd
06.2021 - 12.2021
Implemented and maintained Occupational Health, Safety, Environmental and Quality (SHEQ) systems for the 25 ML and 10 ML water reservoir construction
Compile and review safety files for various projects
Conduct SHEQ inductions
Ensure that all new employees go for medical surveillance and certificates are kept valid
Conduct Site SHEQ inspections and audits, report on noncompliance and timely implement sustainable solutions
Carryout Incident and accident investigations
Manage PPE procurement, issuance and training on use/ maintenance
Liaise with external SHEQ consultants to ensure that all relevant SHEQ trainings are conducted
Carryout tools and equipment inspections
Review COVID-19 SHEQ plan, procedures and Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (HIRA)
Covid-19 screening of employees, maintain records and ensure that all employees are COVID-19 compliant
Present toolbox talks and ensure that pre-task risk assessments and Daily Safety Task Instructions (DSTIs) are done
Share information, suggestions and observations with the Project Manager to create consistency in SHEQ standards throughout the team and the entire company
Met set SHEQ targets and objectives
Analyse hazardous areas to enable acceptable safety levels
Review and report on the staff's compliance with SHEQ rules
Achievements -I successfully improved the waste management system, achieving an 85% score from external auditors
By enhancing the hazard identification and risk assessment processes and training employees on the changes, we saw a 45% reduction in incidents
I also trained and certified 10 general workers in SHE programs, including first aid and firefighting, significantly boosting their knowledge and compliance with regulations
Conducting regular site inspections and audits ensured adherence to safety, health, and environmental standards
Additionally, I built strong relationships with stakeholders to foster an effective safety culture within the organization
Reason for Leaving - Emigration to New Zealand
SHE Officer
Padsor Scaffolding and Construction
11.2019 - 02.2021
Act as the main contact person for Occupational Health, Safety and Environmental (HSE) related issues for the following projects in Hwange: Zimbabwe Power Company (ZPC) employee Houses construction, ZPC Administration block construction and ZPC Guard house construction as part of the Sino Hydro Hwange ZPC expansion project
Provide strategic advice and support on HSE aspects and be responsible for day-to-day site operations
Provision of coordination, support, direction and expertise in proactive HSE Management, ensuring effective controls are in place and managed, compliant with legislative and company obligations
Ensure that all incidents are documented, investigated and recommended improvements implemented
Develop, implement and coordinate internal HSE Management training to employees to ensure optimal organisational capability is achieved in line with the Company's learning and development strategies and procedures
Liaise with external Health & Safety Consultants in the provision of external Health and Safety training programs including working at heights and Scaffolding procedures
Coordinate emergency preparedness drills such as first aid, fire fighting
Conduct site inspections and observation on all working places
Develop and review the application of procedures, processes, methodologies and technologies where appropriate
Plan, develop, implement and train employees on site waste management as well as liaise with the local board's waste management services department on waste collection and proper disposal methods
Promote recycling and reusing of resources on site where appropriate
Promote sustainable site water use and conservation
Coordinate aspects of land pollution, dust control measures and employee hygiene/ health to ensure compliance with environmental and health regulations
Plan, develop, implement and train employees on Covid-19 HSE Plan, Policy and Procedures
Assist in the preparation of HSE budgets, procurement and forecasts to effectively deliver on the department's business plan
Demonstrate a commitment to HSE by integrating good HSE management into everyday practices and influencing all site personnel do the same
Manage the development, implementation and audit of HSE Management Standards and design appropriate strategies to ensure compliance throughout the business
Coordinate and undertake site HSE monitoring programs, data collections and analysis, and reporting to ensure compliance with obligations, commitments and company requirements
Maintain site HSE Risks/ Aspects and Obligations Registers
Assist in the continuous improvement and maintenance of the site's HSE management systems (ISO Standards)
Achievements - I conducted hazard identification and risk assessments, leading to a 45% reduction in potential hazards and injuries
Trained over 300 employees in safety procedures, increasing awareness by 30%, and certified 20 workers in SHE courses
Implemented cost-saving initiatives that cut safety-related costs by 40% while maintaining safety standards
Successfully coordinated SHE efforts across construction projects, ensuring timely completion without major incidents
Conducted thorough incident investigations and regular audits, achieving over 90% audit points from external auditors and zero non-conformity notices
My proactive approach to compliance with SHE standards earned recognition for outstanding performance
Reason for Leaving - Emigrating to South Africa
Supplemental Instruction Facilitator & Tutor
University of KwaZulu-Natal
08.2015 - 05.2018
Attend Facilitators training sessions and meetings
Prepare educational worksheets and deliver sessions/ training needs to 1st year, 2nd year and 3rd year students enrolled in Geography and Environmental Management and Environmental Science courses/ modules, including GIS & Remote Sensing
Observe other Facilitators to ensure quality compliance and weekly report writing
Coordinate delivery of practical sessions/ assignments to 1st year, 2nd year, 3rd year and honours students enrolled in Geography and Environmental Management/ Science modules, including GIS & Remote Sensing
Mark scripts, check for errors in final exam marks, assist with script viewing, data capturing and delivering corrections to those in need
Arrange final exam scripts according to student number order for easy retrieving when needed
Offer consultation to all students but most importantly to students at risk
Achievements -I received high praise and positive testimonials from over 600 students, from first years to honors, who achieved grades of 60% and above, with many earning distinctions of 75% or higher
My approachable teaching style, clarity, and effectiveness contributed significantly to their success
I implemented engaging lesson plans that incorporated technology and real-world case studies, boosting student engagement and understanding
Additionally, I collaborated with lecturers and course coordinators to enhance academic performance and maintained lasting connections with my students, fostering a supportive learning environment
Reason for Leaving - I left because my contract ended in May 2018, and I was unable to renew it as I had completed my studies
The position required current students for renewal, which I no longer qualified for
Environmental Assistant (Volunteer)
Palmiet River Nature Reserve
09.2017 - 12.2017
Attending community meetings to capture community needs and concerns
Conducting task bask hazard identification and risk assessments (HIRA) for each site
Collecting water samples and macro invertebrates to monitor river health (water quality) by means of a miniSASS tool
Preparing samples for laboratory analysis and report writing
Achievements -I successfully learned to use the miniSass tool for the first time, enhancing my skills in data collection and analysis
My active involvement in river health monitoring activities was both fulfilling and impactful, contributing to the preservation and improvement of local ecosystems
Reason for Leaving - I left because it was a temporary and voluntary position, and I chose not to continue in 2018 as they had new volunteers joining the team
SHEQ Intern (Volunteer)
Hwange Colliery Company Limited
01.2015 - 06.2015
Assist with the maintenance of the Occupational Health, Safety and Environmental (HSE) Management systems and programs (ISO Standards)
Assist with updating and conducting HSE inductions, and maintaining training matrix
Ensure employees are aware of HSE Management issues including hazards, risk management, responsibilities and accountabilities, legal compliance and systems awareness
Familiarise with HSE aspects/ issues in various departments such as technical services, medical, housing, sewage treatment survey, open cast and underground mining, geology, engineering, metallurgy, coal preparation plant and maintenance workshops
Help conduct incident investigations, root cause analysis and HSE reporting
Assist with HSE Internal and External audits
Effectively manage workplace hazards and risks, and ensure all incidents are notified and updated into the system
Conduct EIAs and hazard identification & risk assessments/ noncompliance issues to help coordinate and complete Safe Working Procedures and reduce environmental risks arising from coal mining operations
Coordinate aspects of acid mine drainage, sewage waste, coal preparation wastewater treatment, oil spillages and management, medical waste, dust control, air pollution, litter/land pollution, coal fires, surface effluent water, underground water samples for monitoring and rehabilitation to ensure compliance with environmental and health regulations
Assist HSE Officers and Managers to review and monitor HSE performance
Assist with Incident and injury management including reporting and investigation
Participate in daily pre-start HSE meetings, toolbox talks to ensure adequate employee involvement in HSE system development and implementation
Ensure that HSE plans are implemented for each department by supporting field staff including attendance to site when required
Ensure that effective HSE pre-planning of each job is completed
Develop and distribute internal HSE communications to promote understanding of HSE initiatives, updates to policy, processes and procedures
Communicate technical findings to the local communities (including schools) through workshops on health, safety and environmental issues such as cholera outbreak, malaria, spontaneous combustion, house fires, water leakages and the need for conservation, acid mine drainage, wildlife awareness and waste management
Achievements - I demonstrated my ability to conduct thorough incident investigations, identifying root causes and implementing corrective actions to prevent future occurrences
I conducted safety inspections across various departments, including medical services, estate, waste, and mechanical workshops, ensuring compliance with SHE policies and regulations by identifying gaps and implementing new measures
Additionally, I facilitated first aid drills across departments, enhancing emergency preparedness and responsiveness, crucial for saving lives
My understanding of the coal processing plant cycle and my new skills in sampling and surveying coal stockpiles further enriched my contributions to the organization
Reason for Leaving - I left to pursue a Master's degree program in South Africa
During this time, I undertook temporary voluntary work at Hwange Colliery Company to gain exposure and experience in Occupational Health, Safety, and Environmental Management while awaiting the outcome of my South African visa application
Supplemental Instruction Facilitator & Tutor
University of KwaZulu-Natal
02.2014 - 12.2014
Apprentice and SHE Representative
Hwange Colliery Company Limited
01.2010 - 01.2011
Teacher
Detema Secondary School
09.2009 - 12.2009
Education
Master of Science - Geography
University of KwaZulu-Natal
SAMTRAC - undefined
NOSA
Introduction to SAMTRAC - undefined
Bachelor of Science Honours - Geography and Environmental Management
University of KwaZulu-Natal
Bachelor of Social Science - Geography and Environmental Management
GCE Advanced Level Certificate - undefined
Regina Mundi Secondary
GCE Ordinary Level Certificate - undefined
Marist Brothers Secondary
Skills
Integrated Management Systems
Timeline
Safety Officer
Lucazi (Pty) Ltd
06.2021 - 12.2021
SHE Officer
Padsor Scaffolding and Construction
11.2019 - 02.2021
Environmental Assistant (Volunteer)
Palmiet River Nature Reserve
09.2017 - 12.2017
Supplemental Instruction Facilitator & Tutor
University of KwaZulu-Natal
08.2015 - 05.2018
SHEQ Intern (Volunteer)
Hwange Colliery Company Limited
01.2015 - 06.2015
Supplemental Instruction Facilitator & Tutor
University of KwaZulu-Natal
02.2014 - 12.2014
Apprentice and SHE Representative
Hwange Colliery Company Limited
01.2010 - 01.2011
Teacher
Detema Secondary School
09.2009 - 12.2009
Master of Science - Geography
University of KwaZulu-Natal
SAMTRAC - undefined
NOSA
Introduction to SAMTRAC - undefined
Bachelor of Science Honours - Geography and Environmental Management
University of KwaZulu-Natal
Bachelor of Social Science - Geography and Environmental Management