Health and Safety Officer

Westfalia Fruit is a leading multinational supplier of fresh fruit and related value-added products to global markets. Through our vertically-integrated supply chain we grow, source, ripen, pack, process and market quality avocadoes & fresh produce – 365 days a year & across the globe.

With the largest avocado-growing footprint in the world, we are recognized as the leading #avo experts and considered as the supplier of choice to both retail & wholesale customers whom we serve from sales offices in the UK, Europe, North America, Latin America & Southern Africa.

Westfalia Fruit Estates, situated in Tzaneen, has a vacancy for a suitably qualified and experienced: Health and Safety Officer

Purpose of the role:

Reporting to the Head of Health and Safety, this role will support and guide 3 facilities (Inzana Nursery, People & Culture department (experience with Security guards and Occupational Health), and Westfalia Marketing) as well as ensuring compliance with health, safety, and environmental standards across our operational environments.

Key Responsibilities:

• Implement, monitor, and continuously improve the Occupational Health & Safety Management System in line with the OHS Act, Regulations, ISO 45001, HACCP, and other applicable legislation.
• Conduct site inspections, audits, hazard identification and risk assessments (HIRA), and job observations.
• Investigate accidents, incidents, near misses, and unsafe conditions; ensure root causes are identified, and corrective actions are implemented.
• Deliver inductions, toolbox talks, and ongoing training for employees, contractors, and new recruits.
• Oversee contractor safety compliance and maintain legal registers.
• Promote a strong safety culture and encourage employee engagement in hazard and near-miss reporting.
• Liaise with regulators, auditors, and other stakeholders and support internal and external audit readiness.
• Maintain accurate safety records, reports, and digital reporting systems (e.g., Teams/SharePoint)

Education:

• National Diploma, Btech or post-graduate degree in Health & Safety, Engineering or Environmental Health essential
• SAMTRAC or NEBOSH certification essential
• Registered as a SAIOSH Member
• SACPCMP advantageous

Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years’ relevant Health & Safety experience, preferably in agriculture, food processing, or FMCG.
• Chemical Handling, Ammonia, Major Hazard Installation, Machine Guarding experience
• Environmental management experience
• Legal Liability Training
• Legally able to act as a Health & Safety appointee under the OHS Act.
• Valid driver’s license and willingness to travel between sites.

Behavioural Competencies:                              

• Self-motivated, hardworking, and energetic
• Strong communication, facilitation, and training delivery skills.
• Conflict resolution and negotiation ability.
• Sound knowledge of incident investigation, HIRA, contractor management, and HACCP.
• Computer literacy (MS Office, SharePoint, EHS reporting systems).
• Highly organized with strong attention to detail.
• Proactive, self-driven, and able to work effectively across a culturally diverse workforce.

The Company offers a Total Guaranteed Remuneration Package which comprises provident fund, insured benefits, medical aid and an option to structure an annual bonus.

Closing date for applications will be 20 May 2026.

NB: Should you not receive correspondence by 08 June 2026, please regard your application as being unsuccessful.