Health and Safety Advisor
NEBOSH National General Certificate or equivalent qualification Technical member or Associate member of the Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) and working towards TechIOSH Minimum of two years experience in an occupational health and safety role, preferably within a large organisation such as the NHS Good presentation and training skills, preferably evident by qualification Experience of patient handling techniques and equipment in a clinical setting Specialist knowledge of health and safety legislation and civil case law Good working knowledge of the Reporting of Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013 (RIDDOR) Interpretation and translation of legislation into practical actions and solutions, including developing policies, providing information and advice, training, writing reports and undertaking audits and inspections It is essential that the post holder has a high level of interpersonal and communication skills as there is a need to communicate with all members of staff throughout the Trust and with external organisation representatives including enforcing authority officers such as the Health and Safety Executive.
These communication skills will include both oral and written skills as there is often a need to investigate incidents and provide comprehensive reports on findings and recommendations in order to comply with health and safety legislation and to advise on the adoption of best practice.The post holder must be enthusiastic, approachable, committed and have a flexible working approach and there is often a need for effective influence and negotiation skills especially when implementing change in safe working practices and providing advice to enable a safe working environment to be created.
Although an ability to work independently is necessary, it is essential that the post holder is able to participate effectively as a member of a multi-skilled team and be able to challenge as well as support improvements. Good time management is needed to meet deadlines for actions and results are often set both internally and externally, e.g. HSE requesting information relating to the investigation of a RIDDOR incident, as a result of meetings, requests and enquiries and these have to be met.
The post holder must possess good presentation and training skills and have the ability to undertake presentations and training on a range of health and safety related topics to a variety of personnel. There will also be a need to possess good computer skills in order to prepare training sessions and also use suitable packages for the production of written communications.Ability to travel throughout the Health Community is required to ensure that appropriate advice is provided to resolve health and safety related situations. The post holder should be someone with the drive and desire to deliver high quality services and who is able to be innovative in their approach to delivering positive outcomes.
Please refer to the attached job description for full details of the main duties and responsibilities that the post holder is required to undertake