Health and Safety Advisor

E te kaikimi mahi, tēnā koe

Have you got a true passion for health and safety? Are you a people person who is motivated by the enhancement of the wellbeing of your team? Read on if this sounds like you.

The Malaghan Institute of Medical Research is looking to appoint a new Health & Safety Advisor to build on our current safety culture, and the policies, processes, and systems we have carefully established. The Malaghan Institute is New Zealand’s leading independent biomedical research institute, with a focus on breakthrough discoveries in immunology and immunotherapy and we have over 140 staff committed to finding cures for diseases using the body’s own immune system. Working with the science support team, this role is well suited to someone who's passionate about creating an accident and injury free environment and ensuring that people are safe and happy in their workplace.

This is a hands on Health and Safety role where you'll be tasked with working with people throughout all levels of the organisation, advising on all safety matters. You will be proactive in learning the intricacies of how we work, from the researchers in our labs to our hard-working support staff. You will provide sound advice to senior management based on your familiarity with the Health & Safety at Work Act and WorkSafe best practices. Working mostly autonomously, you will be happy handling all aspects of H&S at the Institute, with support from knowledgeable co-workers who value the importance of your role.

This is a full-time, permanent position, working 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday 8:30am – 5:00pm.

Ngā Pūkenga / Experience and Skills:

• Knowledge of Aotearoa’s H&S legislation and WorkSafe best practice


• Applicable H&S qualification or proven experience in a H&S role


• Natural communicator who is confident and clear when discussing H&S issues will all staff, be it responding to staff incidents, advising senior management, or presenting to the wider team. 


• Diligent attention to detail with first-rate organisational skills to ensure things don’t fall through the cracks.

Ngā kawenga / Key Responsibilities:

Policy and Legislation:

• Ensure H&S policies and response plans are up to date, reflect current practice at the Institute, and are made readily available to all staff members.


• Interpret and report on H&S legislation and advise senior management of WorkSafe best practice guidelines.


• Engage with external collaborators to ascertain industry best practice and align Institute H&S practices accordingly.

Investigation and Reporting:

• Organise CHASER (Committee for Health & Safety and Emergency Response) meetings and ensure CHASER decisions and recommendations are actioned.


• Investigate serious accidents and near misses reported at the Institute, and ensure preventative measures are implemented.


• Represent H&S at Institute staff meetings and management meetings.


• Produce monthly H&S reports for Heads of Department. Gather and report data and information relating to workplace H&S to Trust Board, CHASER and other management meetings as requested.

Hazard  Management:

• Establish and optimise Institute H&S processes. Ensure these processes are continually refined to reflect best practice and current legislative requirements.


• Working with Institute staff, ensure that all workplace hazards are being actively managed with appropriate safety protocols and training.


• Work with the General and Manager and Director to refine the Institute’s risk management framework.

Staff Engagement and Culture:

• Promote staff engagement as a core component of H&S at the Institute.


• Provide advice and guidance to Institute groups around discussion of H&S issues.


• Coordinate safety training programs for employees, including new hire orientation, refresher courses, and specialised training as needed.


• Deliver Institute-wide presentations and field health and safety queries in meetings

Ngā painga / Benefits:

• Training and development opportunities to support you in your career with us, with potential for career progression


• Possible support in funding your relevant study


• Employee Assistance Programme – confidential, professional services to support and guide you through your personal or work challenges


• An excellent location, with great offices at Victoria University in Kelburn offering a great choice of cafes and other amenities
  


• Opportunity to contribute to a supportive and life-saving team


• Exposure to a unique research environment working with highly driven scientists and support staff


• Salary from $90 - 100K, depending on experience.

The Malaghan Institute is also an equal opportunity employer, and values diversity alongside being committed to upholding Te Tiriti o Waitangi and Vision Mātauranga. We support Māori health advancement in partnership with Te Urungi Māori, the Institute’s Māori advisory group, we therefore welcome Māori applicants for this role. 

If you think you’ve got what is takes to further elevate our Health and Safety culture, apply now by sending both your Cover Letter and CV. Applications close Monday 9 March at 5:00pm and interviews will be run throughout the process. 

Applicants must have the legal right to work in New Zealand.