Safety Officer – Defy Appliances Ladysmith (Permanent Position)
Apply for the Safety Officer position at Defy Appliances in Ladysmith. This permanent role focuses on Occupational Health & Safety compliance, audits, emergency preparedness, environmental monitoring, contractor management, SHE reporting, and ISO standards. Ideal for candidates with SAMTRAC, HIRA, First Aid, and ISO 14001/45001 experience.
Defy Appliances, the largest manufacturer and distributor of major household appliances in Southern Africa, is seeking a highly motivated Safety Officer to join its Risk & Safety/Compliance Division at the Ladysmith plant. This role plays a crucial part in supporting Defy’s ongoing commitment to upholding world-class Occupational Health, Safety, and Environmental (SHE) standards. The successful candidate will work in a dynamic manufacturing environment where proactive risk management, safety awareness, and compliance excellence are essential.
Introduction to the Role
As a leading brand in the manufacturing industry, Defy places strong emphasis on maintaining a safe and compliant workplace. The Safety Officer will ensure that all operations adhere to the Occupational Health & Safety Act (OHS), environmental regulations, and internal compliance systems. This position requires someone who is detail-oriented, confident in conducting training, knowledgeable in ISO standards, and capable of maintaining rigorous documentation for audits.
The role offers an opportunity to influence workplace culture by promoting safety awareness, driving environmental responsibility, and ensuring that employees and contractors work within legal and company-approved safety frameworks.
Job Description
The Safety Officer will be responsible for overseeing the development, implementation, and maintenance of safety programs across the facility. You will support various operational teams to reduce workplace incidents, promote continuous improvement, and maintain compliance with legal and industry standards. Strong communication, leadership, and analytical skills are essential, as the role requires frequent reporting, inspections, and coordination with both internal and external stakeholders.
Key Responsibilities
- Compliance, Inspections & Audits
Conduct regular workplace inspections and internal audits
Identify unsafe acts and conditions, and ensure corrective actions are completed
Maintain Aspects and Impacts files in line with ISO requirements
Ensure relevant permits and licenses are up to date
Prepare documentation for external audits
- Safety & Environmental Management
Promote Environmental, Safety, and Energy awareness across the site
Prepare and review risk assessments for all departments
Oversee MSDS and Chemical Management processes
Track and report on Environmental, Safety and Energy KPIs
Conduct emergency drills, incident investigations, and root-cause analyses
- Contractor & Employee Training
Conduct SHE Induction for all employees, contractors, and visitors
Review contractor files for compliance with company safety standards
Provide refresher training on safety procedures, emergency responses, and hazards
Promote safety culture through awareness campaigns and meetings
- Reporting & Administrative Control
Compile accurate SHE data and submit reports as required
Maintain comprehensive documentation for audits
File waste disposal waybills and environmental records
Ensure all documentation aligns with ISO 14001, ISO 45001 and relevant legal requirements
Minimum Requirements
To qualify for this role, applicants must meet the following:
Diploma in Safety Management
SAMTRAC, AHSTRAC, HIRA certifications
First Aid Certification (Level 1 or higher)
Advanced Fire Fighting
ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 (Implementation & Internal Audit)
ISO 50001 (advantageous)
Experience in Waste Management
Proven Legal Compliance knowledge
Valid driver’s licence
Experience working in a unionized environment
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Why This Role Matters
A manufacturing plant is a high-risk environment, and the contribution of a Safety Officer can determine the quality of working conditions, employee wellbeing, and regulatory compliance. At Defy, safety is not merely a requirement it is a core value.
This role directly impacts operational efficiency and ensures the company continues to lead the market through responsible and sustainable practices. The Safety Officer also acts as a bridge between management, employees, and contractors, interpreting legislation and transforming it into practical, everyday safety procedures.
Work Environment & Company Culture
Defy Appliances values teamwork, accountability, and operational excellence. The ideal Safety Officer will thrive in a fast-paced environment where daily tasks vary and proactive problem-solving is essential. Collaboration with engineering, production, maintenance, and HR departments is routine, making strong interpersonal and communication skills vital.
Working in a unionized environment also requires respect, fairness, and professionalism, especially when implementing safety protocols that affect all employees.
Additional Information
Defy Appliances is committed to equal employment opportunities, fair recruitment practices, and maintaining a safe, respectful workplace. Candidates who demonstrate strong ethical values, leadership potential, and a passion for safety improvement will be highly regarded.
Successful applicants may also benefit from long-term career growth opportunities within the company, as Defy continues to expand across Southern Africa.
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