POSITION OBJECTIVE

The Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Officer is responsible for developing, implementing, monitoring, and continuously improving the Company’s Occupational Health and Safety Management System to ensure a safe, healthy, and legally compliant work environment across all operational areas, including hardware retail floors, warehouses, yards, lumber sections, steel operations, fuel-adjacent areas, and transportation activities.

The OHS Officer ensures compliance with the Occupational Safety and Health Act (Chap. 88:08) and all applicable regulations of Trinidad and Tobago, while promoting a strong safety culture throughout the organization. The role operates across all locations including Sea Lots, Chaguanas and Point Lisas and reports directly to the Operations and Retail Manager.

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

LEGAL COMPLIANCE & GOVERNANCE

·        Ensure full compliance with the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSH Act) and all related regulations, codes of practice, and guidelines applicable to hardware, warehouse, yard, and transportation operations.

·        Maintain and update the Company’s Health and Safety policies, procedures, SOPs, and records in accordance with statutory requirements.

·        Act as the Company’s primary liaison with the Occupational Safety and Health Agency (OSHA), Ministry of Labour, Public Health Authorities, and other regulatory bodies.

·        Provide regular updates and reports to the Operations and Retail Manager on compliance status and safety performance.

RISK MANAGEMENT & INSPECTIONS

·        Conduct and document routine and annual risk assessments for all locations, for all work activities, including but not limited to:

o   Lumber handling and storage

o   Steel and heavy material handling

o   Forklift and heavy equipment operations

o   Yard and warehouse activities

o   Retail floor operations

o   Diesel tank and flammable material zones

·        Develop, implement, and monitor risk control measures and safe systems of work.

·        Conduct regular workplace inspections, walkabouts, and safety audits with Supervisors and Management, documenting findings and corrective actions.

INCIDENT MANAGEMENT

·        Investigate workplace incidents, accidents, near-misses, vehicle incidents, and unsafe acts or conditions using root cause analysis.

·        Prepare incident investigation reports, corrective action plans, and follow-up reports until closure.

·        Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of incidents, investigations, and statutory notifications as required by law.

TRAINING, AWARENESS & SAFETY CULTURE

·        Develop and coordinate H&S training programs, including:

o   New employee safety orientation

o   Use of PPE

o   Forklift and equipment safety

o   Fire safety and emergency response

o   Manual handling and ergonomics

·        Conduct bi-weekly toolbox meetings across all locations, addressing current risks, incidents, near-misses, and safe work practices.

·        Promote a positive safety culture through continuous education, communication, and engagement with employees at all levels.

·        Coach and guide Supervisors and Managers in enforcing safety standards and leading by example.

·        Liaise with external suppliers and service providers to obtain quotations and coordinate safety-related training and services in a timely manner.

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS

·        Establish, lead, and maintain the Emergency Response Team.

·        Develop and coordinate emergency response plans, evacuation procedures, and drills (fire, spill, medical emergencies, etc.).

·        Ensure availability, inspection, and maintenance of firefighting equipment, first-aid kits, and emergency supplies.

·        Ensure adequate numbers of trained First Aiders at all locations.

EQUIPMENT, CERTIFICATION & CONTRACTOR SAFETY

·        Coordinate the licensing and certification of:

o   Forklift operators

o   Class 4 and Class 5 drivers

·        Coordinate inspections and certification of:

o   Racking and shelving weight-bearing capacity

o   Welding and structural modifications

·        Monitor contractor and visitor compliance with Company safety requirements.

·        Ensure daily and weekly vehicle inspection checklists are completed, reviewed, followed up, and properly filed.

DOCUMENT CONTROL & RECORD KEEPING

·        Maintain a structured filing system (physical and/or electronic) for all OHS documentation, including but not limited to:

o   Risk assessments

o   Incident and accident reports

o   Training and toolbox meeting records

o   Daily and weekly vehicle inspections

o   Equipment and operator certifications

o   Emergency drills and audit reports

·        Ensure all records are readily available for internal review and regulatory inspections.

MONITORING, REPORTING & CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT

·        Track and report on H&S performance indicators, compliance levels, and corrective actions.

·        Prepare and submit regular safety reports to Senior Management via the Operations and Retail Manager.

·        Recommend improvements, commendations, or disciplinary actions based on safety performance and compliance.

·        Support business continuity and occupational health initiatives where applicable.

OTHER DUTIES

·        Perform any other related duties as assigned to support the Company’s health, safety, and environmental objectives.

 
Knowledge, Experience and Key Competencies:

• At least an Associate Degree in Occupational Safety and Health
• Knowledge of the Occupational Safety & Health Act and other relevant legislation and best practices
• A minimum of ten (10) years’ experience in the field
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications

• Highly organized with strong coordinating and multi-tasking skills
• Able to adhere to deadlines for assigned tasks
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to communicate with all levels of staff in the organization