Health and Safety Officer Jobs

Are you passionate about creating safer workplaces and ensuring compliance with the highest standards of occupational health and safety?

Health and Safety Officer jobs offer a rewarding career path for professionals who are committed to protecting people, promoting wellbeing, and managing workplace risks.

At Stafffinders, we recruit for a wide range of Health and Safety Officer roles across the UK, from fast-paced construction sites to office environments, manufacturing plants and public sector organisations. Whether you’re just starting your career or looking to step into a senior HSE position, we can help you find a role that matches your skills, qualifications, and ambitions.

What Does a Health and Safety Officer Do?

A Health and Safety Officer is responsible for developing, implementing, and monitoring policies and procedures that ensure a safe working environment for all employees. This vital role involves identifying potential hazards, conducting risk assessments, and providing guidance to ensure compliance with current health and safety legislation.

Health and Safety Officers also play a crucial part in fostering a culture of safety, ensuring every employee understands and follows best practices to minimise workplace accidents and incidents. Typical responsibilities include:

• Developing and promoting health and safety strategies across the organisation.

• Conducting risk assessments and recommending effective control measures.

• Ensuring compliance with UK Health and Safety at Work Act and other relevant legislation.

• Carrying out regular site inspections to identify potential hazards.

• Investigating and reporting on accidents, incidents, and near misses.

• Advising management on safe systems of work and accident prevention.

• Delivering training and toolbox talks to employees and contractors.

• Liaising with regulatory bodies and external inspectors.

• Keeping up to date with changes in health and safety law and best practice.

• Providing specialist advice on fire safety, hazardous substances, or environmental health.

This is a hands-on role that combines technical expertise with strong communication and leadership skills, ensuring that safety is prioritised without compromising productivity.

Skills, Experience and Education

To thrive in a Health and Safety Officer job, you’ll need a balance of technical knowledge, attention to detail, and excellent interpersonal skills. You’ll be comfortable working with people at all levels of an organisation, from site operatives to senior management, promoting a proactive approach to health and safety.

Key skills include

• Comprehensive knowledge of UK health and safety legislation and compliance standards.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.

• Excellent communication and influencing skills.

• The ability to write clear and accurate reports.

• Confidence to conduct audits, investigations, and training sessions.

• Attention to detail and a proactive, hands-on approach.

• Leadership qualities with the ability to promote a positive safety culture.

• A calm, methodical approach to problem-solving and risk management.

Education and Experience

To secure a Health and Safety Officer job in the UK, most employers require a degree or diploma in Occupational Health and Safety, Environmental Health, or a related discipline. However, relevant work experience and industry-recognised qualifications can be just as valuable.

Professional certifications such as those from the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) or the National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health (NEBOSH) are highly sought after and can significantly boost your employability in this field.

Gaining hands-on experience through internships, apprenticeships, or junior HSE roles is an excellent way to develop your skills and understanding of industry-specific safety requirements. Continuous professional development is also key, keeping your knowledge up to date with new legislation, technologies, and best practices.

Career Progression and Opportunities

A career as a Health and Safety Officer offers strong opportunities for growth, with the potential to advance into senior or specialist positions such as: Health and Safety Manager, HSE Advisor or Consultant, Environmental Health Officer and Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) Director.

With experience, you may choose to specialise in a particular sector such as construction, manufacturing, renewables, or logistics, where demand for skilled HSE professionals continues to rise.

Explore our latest Health and Safety Officer jobs and take the next step in your HSE career today.