Velile Mbenene
Cape Town
Summary
Accomplished Group Health and Safety Officer with a proven track record in developing and implementing health, safety, and environmental plans. Specialises in internal audits, compliance management, and training coordination to enhance workforce competencies. Focused on risk minimisation through incident investigation and corrective action. Strong communicator with expertise in fostering a culture of safety and maintaining regulatory compliance.
Overview
1
1
Certification
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
GROUP HEALTH AND SAFETY OFFICER
MERLIN GROUP
Cape Town, South Africa
01.2021 - Current
- Ensured compliance with national and local government requirements and client SHE standards, reinforcing operational integrity.
- Develop, implement, and improve the health, safety and environmental plans, Policies, programs, and procedures for each workplace/ company.
- Set company safety, health and environmental targets and oversee the process of achieving such targets.
- Conducted regular health and safety audits, identifying risks and implementing corrective measures to maintain a safe working environment.
- Investigated accidents occurred in the area to determine the cause, improve overall risk management and prevent similar occurrences in future.
- Monitored the use of personal protective equipment PPE, ensuring proper usage and maintenance for maximum protection.
- Set health and safety budgets and manage expenditure thereof.
- Compiled reports on OHS-related activities for management review, providing insights to inform decision-making.
- Prepared and submitted detailed reports on health and safety performance to senior management.
- Conducted training needs analysis, identified gaps, and facilitated staff training across all companies to enhance safety competencies.
- Assessed training requirements for OHS across all individual companies in the group.
- Carry out internal audits and contractor Vetting and auditing.
- Carry out internal and contractor legal compliance auditing.
- Scheduled meetings to discuss and verify health and safety concerns, addressing best practices and quality standards.
- The company received a 99.5% score of NOSA - Vodacom bi-annual Vetting.
- Maintain up to date the group and individual company SHEMS.
- Implementation and migration to a digital HSE management system.
GROUP SAFETY OFFICER
PAR EQUITY GROUP
Cape Town, South Africa
10.2019 - 12.2021
- Developed and improved health and safety plans, programs, and procedures for individual companies in the group, enhancing overall workplace safety.
- Ensure that all companies in the group comply with relevant health and safety legislation.
- Monitored compliance with health and safety regulations, reducing workplace accidents and promoting a safe environment.
- Conducted safety inspections and risk assessments, identifying hazards and recommending corrective actions to promote a safe work environment.
- Investigating workplace accidents.
- Analysed incident reports, identifying trends and developing strategies to reduce future occurrences.
- Reporting on OHS-related activities.
- Ensure compliance with the client health and safety specifications.
- Conduct internal Auditing.
- Conduct subcontractor Safety File Audits.
- Led training sessions on regulatory compliance, enhancing the team's knowledge and skills.
- Identify OHS-related training needs in the workplace for each individual company in the group.
- Prepared detailed reports on daily activities, incidents, and investigations, ensuring accurate records for legal proceedings and supporting compliance with regulations.
- Prepared detailed reports for senior management, outlining operational performance and strategic recommendations.
- Conducted employee evaluations and reviews to identify and recommend areas for improvement.
- Reviewed and updated operational procedures, ensuring alignment with current best practices and regulatory requirements.
- Responded to emergency calls for service, providing timely assistance and support to individuals in distress.
WESTERN CAPE REGIONAL SAFETY OFFICER
CCS INTERNATIONAL SA
Cape Town, South Africa
06.2015 - 09.2019
- Enforcing a safety culture and compliance with the Act and Project EHS requirements.
- Ensured safety and security of workplace by establishing and implementing procedures and policies for a safe environment.
- Monitored compliance with health and safety regulations, reducing workplace accidents and promoting a safe environment.
- Conducted risk assessments to identify potential security threats and implemented preventative measures.
- Investigated incidents and implemented preventative measures to prevent reoccurrence.
- Analysed incident reports to identify trends, developing strategies that aim to reduce future occurrences.
- Oversaw high-risk operations, ensuring compliance with safety protocols.
- Managed a team of junior officers, providing leadership and guidance for operational efficiency.
- Led training sessions on regulatory compliance, enhancing team's knowledge and skills.
- Prepared detailed reports for senior management, outlining operational performance and strategic recommendations.
- Prepared detailed reports on daily activities, incidents, and investigations, maintaining accurate records for legal proceedings.
- Reviewed and updated operational procedures, ensuring alignment with current best practices and regulatory requirements.
- Investigated complaints and took corrective actions, improving service quality and customer satisfaction.
- Collaborated with local agencies and organisations to address community safety concerns, implementing effective preventative measures.
- Developed and maintained relationships with community leaders to support local engagement initiatives.
- Participated in recruitment panels, selecting candidates who align with organisational values and objectives.
- Conducted employee evaluations and reviews to identify and recommend areas for improvement.
- Assessed risk and made critical decisions under pressure to protect life and property during high-risk situations.
ROPE ACCESS L2 SUPERVISOR
SKYRIDERS INDUSTRIAL ROPE ACCESS
Lephalale, South Africa
06.2014 - 02.2015
- Supervise L1 technicians when carrying out rope access work and HIGH-RISK operations.
- Carry out daily risk assessments and TSTIs and communicate to all staff on site.
- Carry out daily inspections and complete relevant checklists.
- Carry out working at heights requirements.
- Oversaw daily operations, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.
- Supported operations at Medupi Power Station, ensuring efficient workflow and adherence to safety standards.
- Gave clear staff instruction to achieve production output.
- Fostered a positive working environment, encouraging teamwork and collaboration.
- Maintained high standards of cleanliness and organisation in the workplace.
- Monitored inventory levels and ordered stock, maintaining operational readiness and preventing shortages.
- Resolved customer complaints promptly, converting negative experiences into positive outcomes and enhancing client satisfaction.
TECHNICIAN AND JUNIOR SAFETY OFFICER
CAPETEL SA
Cape Town, South Africa
09.2012 - 05.2014
- Monitored and enforced compliance with company policies and procedures to ensure workplace safety and security.
- Promoted safety culture and ensured compliance with the Act and Project EHS requirements.
- Investigated incidents and implemented preventative measures to prevent recurrence.
- Train employees on company policies, procedures, and risk assessments.
- Executed civil works to ensure infrastructure integrity and compliance.
- Carry out BTS & antenna installations.
- Carry out antenna, microwave antenna installations, penning, mechanical and electrical tilts.
- Set up equipment to test and verify functionality and performance.
- Installed new technological equipment, following strict specifications and safety protocols.
- Inspected equipment and systems to identify issues and report problems for repair.
- Provided technical support and training to junior technicians and new staff members.
Education
Health and Safety Management - Occupational Health & Safety Management
Cape Peninsula University of Technology
Cape Town, WC03-2022
Paralegal Practitioner - Law
University of Cape Town
Cape Town12-2021
Bachelor of Commerce - Law
Regent Business School
Cape Town, WC07-2026
SAMTRAC - Occupational Health, Safety, Environmental & Risk Management
Nosa College
Cape Town03-2025
Skills
- HSE management
- HSE compliance auditing
- ISO 14001:2015
- Risk management
- Risk assessment
- Risk assessment design
- Legal Compliance
- Safety program design
- Safety training coordination
- Emergency management
- Process improvement
- Change management
- Budget management
- Compensation management
- Problem solving
- Conflict resolution
- Safety training coordination
Custom
- Health & fitness
- Blog writing
- Reading
- Legal case judgements
- Commissions of enquiry
- High profile court cases
Personal Information
ID Number: 8709236028088
Languages
English
Proficient
C2
Xhosa
Proficient
C2
Certification
- Management Development certified
- Fleet Safety Management certified
- Defensive driving certified
- Incident/ Accident Investigation
- HIRA
Interests
- Reading (Five Levels of Leadership)
- Music
- Knowledge sharing
Work Availability
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
swipe to browse
Timeline
GROUP HEALTH AND SAFETY OFFICER
MERLIN GROUP
01.2021 - Current
GROUP SAFETY OFFICER
PAR EQUITY GROUP
10.2019 - 12.2021
WESTERN CAPE REGIONAL SAFETY OFFICER
CCS INTERNATIONAL SA
06.2015 - 09.2019
ROPE ACCESS L2 SUPERVISOR
SKYRIDERS INDUSTRIAL ROPE ACCESS
06.2014 - 02.2015
TECHNICIAN AND JUNIOR SAFETY OFFICER
CAPETEL SA
09.2012 - 05.2014
Health and Safety Management - Occupational Health & Safety Management
Cape Peninsula University of Technology
Paralegal Practitioner - Law
University of Cape Town
Bachelor of Commerce - Law
Regent Business School
SAMTRAC - Occupational Health, Safety, Environmental & Risk Management
Nosa College