About this role
Job summary
The Health & Safety Advisor will provide competent, professional and practical health and safety advice across the Trust, supporting the delivery of a safe environment for staff, patients, visitors and contractors. The postholder will work closely with clinical and corporate services to ensure health and safety risks are identified, assessed, controlled and effectively managed in accordance with UK legislation, HSE guidance, NHS requirements and Trust policies.
Main duties of the job
Provide competent health and safety advice to managers and staff across the Trust. Undertake and support risk assessments, including COSHH, violence and aggression, DSE and other workplace risks. Investigate accidents, incidents and identifying root causes and recommending corrective actions. Monitor compliance with health and safety legislation, HSE guidance, Conduct health and safety inspections and audits. Advise managers on appropriate risk controls and monitor actions t. Provide specialist COSHH advice. Support the management of violence and aggression, slips, trips and falls, manual handling and other occupational risks. Assess and support RIDDOR reporting. Deliver health and safety training. Work collaboratively with Occupational Health, IPC, Estates & Facilities, Security, and other specialist teams. Promote a proactive health and safety culture, learning from incidents. Maintain up-to-date knowledge of legislation, HSE guidance and NHS requirements. Key Skills and Attributes
Sound knowledge of UK health and safety legislation and HSE guidance. Experience in risk assessment, auditing and incident investigation. Ability to analyse risks and provide practical solutions. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Ability to work independently and manage competing priorities. Confidence working with staff at all levels, including senior managers. Commitment to CPD and promoting a positive health and safety culture.
About us
Please refer to the Applicant Guide via the link below for key information:- Applying to LGT Guide - Key Information for Applicants
Our people are our greatest asset. When we feel supported and happy at work, this positivity reaches those very people we are here for, the patients. Engaged employees perform at their best and our Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) initiatives contribute to cultivate a culture of engagement. We have four staff networks, a corporate EDI Team and a suite of programmes and events which aim to insert the 5 aspirations:
Improving representation at senior levels of staff with disabilities, from black, Asian, and ethnic minorities background, identify as LGBTQ+ and women, through improved recruitment and leadership development Widening access (anchor institution) and employability Improving the experience of staff with disability Improving the EDI literacy and confidence of trust staff through training and development Making equalities mainstream
Job description Job responsibilities
The Health & Safety Advisor will provide competent, professional and practical health and safety advice across the Trust, supporting the delivery of a safe environment for staff, patients, visitors and contractors. The postholder will work closely with clinical and corporate services to ensure health and safety risks are identified, assessed, controlled and effectively managed in accordance with UK legislation, HSE guidance, NHS requirements and Trust policies.
Main Responsibilities
Provide competent health and safety advice and guidance to managers and staff across clinical and non-clinical areas. Undertake, review and advise on workplace risk assessments, including COSHH, violence and aggression, manual handling, slips/trips/falls, DSE and other occupational risks. Support managers in identifying appropriate risk control measures and monitor actions through to completion. Conduct health and safety inspections, audits and compliance assessments, producing clear reports and recommendations. Investigate workplace accidents, incidents, near misses and dangerous occurrences, identifying immediate, underlying and root causes and recommending preventative actions. Assist with the assessment and reporting of RIDDOR incidents and maintain appropriate records. Provide specialist advice on COSHH, including chemical storage, exposure controls, Safety Data Sheets, PPE and emergency arrangements. Support the management of violence and aggression, workplace violence, occupational health risks, hazardous substances and other workplace hazards. Provide advice on the selection and appropriate use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and respiratory protective equipment (RPE). Develop, review and contribute to health and safety policies, procedures, guidance and risk assessment templates. Deliver or support the delivery of health and safety training, awareness sessions and staff briefings. Monitor legislative and regulatory developments and advise managers on their implications for Trust services. Work collaboratively with Occupational Health, Infection Prevention and Control, Estates & Facilities, Security, HR, Procurement and other specialist teams to manage workplace risks. Promote a positive and proactive health and safety culture, encouraging learning from incidents and sharing good practice. Maintain accurate records of risk assessments, audits, incidents, inspections and action plans, ensuring information is current and traceable. Monitor departmental compliance with health and safety requirements and escalate significant risks or areas of non-compliance appropriately. Prepare reports, statistical information and performance data for the Health & Safety Team, relevant committees and senior management. Support the implementation and continuous improvement of the Trust's Health & Safety Management System. Participate in Trust projects, service developments and changes to ensure health and safety considerations are incorporated at an early stage. Provide advice on contractor and construction-related health and safety matters where appropriate, including review of relevant risk assessments and safe systems of work. Support managers following significant incidents and assist with identifying and implementing lessons learned and preventative measures. Undertake workplace visits and provide practical advice to resolve health and safety concerns. Maintain professional competence through continuing professional development (CPD) and remain informed of current NHS, HSE and industry best practice. Undertake any other duties appropriate to the grade and role as required by the Head of Health & Safety. Key Accountability
The postholder will be expected to identify significant health and safety risks, provide proportionate and evidence-based advice, challenge unsafe practices where necessary, and support managers to fulfil their health and safety responsibilities. The role will contribute to continuous improvement in health and safety performance and the protection of staff, patients and others affected by Trust activities.
Person Specification
Qualifications Essential
Nebosh Diploma or working towards or equivalent Masters or equivalent experience/knowledge. Relevant professional qualifications at Diploma level or above E.g.: NEBOSH Diploma Parts 1&2 in Occupational Health and Safety, or equivalent. Membership of a professional body (e.g.: IOSH/ BSC/ CIMOSH)
Desirable
Teaching/training qualification
Experience Essential
Substantial experience working in a healthcare setting with exposure to standard setting and use of a risk register. Substantial prior experience In a senior Health and Safety Advisory role in a large, complex organisation Experience in training/teaching in Health and Safety
Knowledge and Skills Essential
Ability to formulate, plan, develop, organise and implement a broad range of complex activities across the Trust, including adapting and adjusting to deal with uncertainty, as necessary: oe.g.: improving Trust performance with mandatory training in health and safety subjects. Excellent self and time management
Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Certificate of Sponsorship Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Employer details Employer name Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust
Address University Hospital Lewisham
London
SE13 6LH
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.lewishamandgreenwich.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)