Health and Safety Advisor

JOB SUMMARY

The post holder will assist the Head of Health and Safety throughout the whole range of Health and Safety service functions. 

The post holder will act as a competent person for health and safety as defined by the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999. They will ensure the services operating across the Trust comply with their statutory duties under current Health and Safety legislation, approved codes of practice and guidance in relation to employment and service provision, and other related law. They will also work proactively with services to establish and maintain a system that promotes a culture of safe working practices and provide direct support and guidance of the Departmental Safety Officers (DSO).

Location: North London

Job Type: Temporary 

Duration of booking: Expected to last 3 months with possible extension

Proposed start date: ASAP

Pay Rates: Up to £34 per hour Umbrella or £30 per hour PAYE inclusive of holiday pay

Hours / Working Days: 37.5 hours per week / Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm 

Sector: Healthcare 

Based: Office / Hospital 

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. RESPONSIBILITIES

• To assist in the development and implementation of health and safety strategy and Risk Management Standards programmes
• Using the Trust Risk Management Database System interrogate and analyse incident data to identify trends and practical solutions to improve the Trust’s safety performance
• To conduct thorough incident investigations that lead to the identification of the root causes and recommend remedial action that will prevent or reduce the likelihood of recurrence and/or severity of harm
• Ensure that the appropriate external agencies are informed of incidents within the required time frames, for example the HSE (RIDDOR reporting), in accordance with legislative requirements, Trust Policy & Procedures
• Undertake detailed health and safety risk assessments that culminate in robust risk reduction plans. The plans will be implemented in a timely manner and monitored to ensure effectiveness and compliance
• To develop and regularly undertake health and safety compliance audits using methodology to bring health and safety matters to the attention of the respective committees and working groups of the Trust
• Provide expert health and safety advice to managers in a manner that promotes ownership at the local level and facilitates problem solving
• Attend Health & Safety committees & working groups, participating as required and championing risk management activities. Produce accurate reports and minutes as requested for meetings, committees and external agencies
• Produce policies, procedures and communications, as directed by the Head of Health & Safety and Senior Health and Safety Advisor, that assist Trust management and staff to comply with Health & Safety legislation and best practice
• Contribute to the maintenance and development of the health and safety departments resource library held on the Trust Intranet for all staff to access providing them with the knowledge they need in a quick and accessible medium
• Prepare, plan and deliver health and safety management training materials to all levels of Trust staff to ensure the Trust meets its statutory obligation to provide information, instruction, training, and where appropriate, supervision to staff, to ensure they can work safely
• Engage stakeholders (Trust staff, contractors and other personnel as necessary) in risk management activities, promoting local ownership of risk and thus helping to embed a positive health and safety culture
• Undertake any other duty relevant to the provision of a comprehensive risk management service commensurate with the grade as directed by the Head of Health & Safety and Senior Health and Safety Advisor 
• The job description is not intended to be exhaustive and it is likely that duties may be altered from time to time in the light of changing circumstances and after consultation with the postholder
• Communicate and liaise with all levels of staff as required via either e-mail, telephone, meeting, face to face contact. Key internal points of contact will include: Head of Health & Safety, Senior Health and Safety Advisor, Risk & Safety team, Department Safety Officers, Clinical Directors, General Managers, Directors of Nursing, Clinical Leads, Directorate staff, Occupational Health, Waste Manager, Specialist safety advisers (radiation, fire etc), Medical school safety representatives, Estates and Facilities, Trade union representatives
• Communicate and liaise with external organisations, i.e. HSE, NPSA, CNST, MHRA, other Trusts, agencies, contractors, consultants, companies as needed and other NHS and non NHS bodies
• Effectively implement by communication at all levels the Trusts Health & Safety strategy and develop this as required
• Formulate, review and develop existing Trust Health & Safety statements and policy documentation and relaunch/disseminate as needed ensuring all personnel are aware of their responsibilities
• Provide competent advice with regard to Health & Safety regulation across the Trust
• Establish, review and implement a system of audit checks and communicate this to all levels.  Produce regular Health & Safety performance reports for divisional groups as part of the performance monitoring procedures
• Ensure Health & Safety issues are fully understood by all, that Directors and Senior Management are fully engaged and that good Health & Safety practice is followed as part of the daily routine
• Provide support and advice to managers and staff dealing with RIDDOR reportable incidents.  Undertake investigations as directed and follow up of RIDDOR reportable incidents by effectively communicating at all levels.
• Assist with the development and delivery of the Trust’s Annual Health & Safety report and action plan, ensuring that standards are being met and any gaps are proactively managed and systems put in place to ensure patient and staff safety.
• Develop and maintain internal relationships with others responsible for all specialist areas of Health & Safety related activity to facilitate the effective exchange of ideas, information and learning
• Experience of being able to persuade and negotiate with staff at all levels of the organisation in order to reduce risk and improve the safety of the environment