Health, Safety and Welfare Advisor – Avon Fire and Rescue Service

Summary of role

Under the supervision of the Senior Health, Safety and Welfare Practitioner, you will provide a wide range of specialist support and competent advice to assist the Unit in providing comprehensive health and safety advice and support across Avon Fire & Rescue Service.

Key responsibilities will include improving awareness of health, safety and welfare issues within Avon Fire & Rescue Service by identifying and minimising risks and developing safe working practices. You will do this through disseminating information and preparing and delivering health and safety training programmes and initiatives.

Some of the things you will be doing

  • Provide general advice to managers and supervisors on a wide range of matters and procedural issues relating to health, safety and welfare.
  • Help improve awareness of health, safety and welfare issues within the Service, by undertaking basic research. Liaise with external bodies, agencies and other Fire & Rescue Services to obtain or exchange information on health and safety matters and best practice, or for benchmarking.
  • Retrieve, record and distribute relevant health and safety information including all ‘OSHENS’ incidents and maintain the ‘OSHENS’ recording system.
  • Assist with health and safety audits as required by the Health, Safety and Welfare Manager.
  • Provide advice and act as a focal point on food hygiene issues.
  • Carry out technical workplace inspections, identifying hazards and potential risks and checking relevant health and safety documentation and guidance is in place.
  • Draft suitable and sufficient standard operating procedures (SOPs) and review existing as requested by you line manager.
  • Ensure the secure storage of evidence in connection with investigations or formal proceedings.
  • Carry out any additional responsibilities as reasonable and appropriate, as agreed with line manager.

What we will need from you

Essential

  • A relevant Level 3 qualification such as NEBOSH National General Certificate in Occupational Health & Safety.
  • Knowledge of health and safety law, its interpretation and application within the workplace, and evidence of developing knowledge of ACOPS and health and safety guidance.
  • A CIEH Level 2 Award in Food Safety (or equivalent) with a good knowledge of food hygiene regulations, or willingness to gain the qualification following appointment.
  • Able to evidence the development of experience and skills of checking and monitoring legal compliance in practice, undertaking investigations, and assessing working procedures and practices.
  • Experience of collating, interpreting, analysing and presenting basic statistical information.
  • Experience of maintaining and managing computerised systems.
  • Computer literate and able to input and extract data in various formats.
  • Effective organising skills, with an efficient, methodical approach.  Able to use own initiative to prioritise work with competing deadlines, and manage time efficiently with minimal supervision.
  • Able to communicate effectively at all levels, orally and in writing.
  • Able to drive with a full current valid driving licence, or ability to arrange suitable alternative transport to travel to various work locations.

Desirable

  • Membership of a relevant professional body.
  • A qualification in ergonomic assessment.
  • Experience of working in a Health and Safety Role.

What you can expect in return

  • 26 days annual holiday (plus public holidays) rising to 30 days after 5 years, and 31 days after 10 years of service
  • Local Government Pension – Defined Benefit Scheme
  • Electric Vehicle Salary Sacrifice Scheme
  • Cycle to Work scheme
  • Welfare and Wellbeing services
  • Staff Engagement Groups
  • Access to Medical Intervention Scheme
  • Access to Blue Light card with offers online and high street discounts
  • Use of the multi-gym, sports hall, restaurant, free parking and beautiful open surroundings at our Headquarters in Portishead.

How to apply

Once you have read the job description, please complete the application form telling us how your skills, qualifications and experience match those required for this role, please provide examples wherever you can. The information you give will assist us in our shortlisting process.

If you experience any issues with the application or require a paper version please contact recruitment@avonfire.gov.uk. Late applications will not be accepted. Please quote job reference number 4807 on any communications. Thank you.

With effect from July 2023 legislation was amended to enable all Fire & Rescue Services to undertake standard DBS checks for all employees.  All job roles require a standard DBS check, with certain defined roles requiring an enhanced check.  These will be renewed throughout employment.

Avon Fire & Rescue Service is committed to securing equality of opportunity. We welcome applications from all members of our community who are currently under-represented at Avon Fire & Rescue Service, particularly women, Disabled people and members of ethnic minority communities.

Salary: £33,945 - £36,648 or £30,296 - £33,024 if not qualified

Contract type: Full Time

Closing date: October 18 2024

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