Health and Safety Advisor

3 months contract with a Local Authority

Job Summary

• Worcestershire Forest District Council is seeking an experienced Health and Safety Advisor to provide interim cover for a vacant post.
• This role will act as the Council’s day-to-day professional adviser on all health, safety, fire and welfare matters, with a strong on-site presence based at the Depot in Kidderminster.
• The postholder will support the delivery and continuous improvement of the Council’s Health and Safety Management System, ensure compliance with statutory requirements, and promote a positive health and safety culture across all services.
• This is a hands-on, operational role, requiring five days per week on site and close collaboration with managers, employees, trade unions and regulatory bodies.

Key Duties/Accountabilities (Sample)

• Act as the Council’s competent professional adviser on health, safety, fire and welfare matters.
• Deliver, maintain and audit the Council’s Health and Safety Management System in line with legislation and best practice.
• Provide expert advice and guidance to managers and staff on risk assessments, safe systems of work and control measures.
• Lead and support workplace inspections, audits and monitoring visits across Council services.
• Produce clear reports outlining findings, remedial actions and implementation timescales.
• Investigate accidents, incidents and dangerous occurrences, ensuring RIDDOR compliance.
• Maintain accurate records of accidents, incidents and work-related ill health and analyse trends.
• Develop, review and update health and safety policies, procedures and guidance.
• Deliver and coordinate health and safety training, including risk assessment and manual handling.
• Work collaboratively with Trade Union Health & Safety Representatives and chair health and safety meetings.
• Liaise with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), insurers and other regulatory bodies as required.
• Support procurement and contract evaluation by advising on health and safety compliance.
• Provide advice in relation to emergency response and critical incidents.
• Maintain oversight of the Council’s High Risk Register and escalate significant issues to senior management.

Skills/Experience

• Minimum 3 years’ occupational experience in a health and safety advisory role.
• Strong working knowledge of health and safety legislation, regulations and best practice.
• Experience working within local government or a similar public sector organisation.
• Ability to act as a competent person under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations.
• Proven experience of conducting audits, inspections and investigations.
• Experience of accident reporting and RIDDOR compliance.
• Confident advising and influencing senior managers and stakeholders.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience delivering health and safety training and presentations.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to prioritise and meet deadlines.
• Good ICT skills, including Microsoft Office.

Additional Information

• Client: Wyre Forest District Council.
• Location: Depot – Green Street, Kidderminster (5 days on site).
• Hours: 37 hours per week.
• Driving Licence: Full UK driving licence required.
• DBS: Basic.