Job Description – HSE Safety Officer

Company: Petrochemical & Refining Complex
Location: Middle East – Saudi Arabia
Industry: Oil, Gas & Petrochemical
Department: Health, Safety & Environment (HSE)

Position Summary

The HSE Safety Officer is responsible for implementing, monitoring, and maintaining Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) programs to ensure compliance with Saudi regulations, company standards, and international best practices. The role focuses on preventing workplace incidents, promoting a strong safety culture, and supporting safe operations throughout refinery and petrochemical facilities.

Key Responsibilities

Safety Management

• Ensure compliance with company HSE policies and procedures.
• Conduct routine safety inspections of refinery and petrochemical facilities.
• Identify hazards and implement corrective and preventive actions.
• Monitor contractor safety performance and compliance.
• Promote a proactive safety culture across all departments.

Risk Assessment

• Perform Job Safety Analysis (JSA).
• Participate in Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (HIRA).
• Assist in Process Hazard Analysis (PHA) and HAZOP studies.
• Review risk mitigation plans before work execution.

Permit to Work (PTW)

• Verify work permits before job commencement.
• Ensure compliance with:
  • Hot Work Permit
  • Cold Work Permit
  • Confined Space Entry
  • Excavation Permit
  • Electrical Isolation (LOTO)
  • Working at Height Permit
• Monitor high-risk activities during execution.

Incident Investigation

• Investigate accidents, incidents, and near misses.
• Conduct Root Cause Analysis (RCA).
• Prepare incident reports with corrective actions.
• Follow up on implementation of recommendations.

Emergency Response

• Participate in emergency drills.
• Support fire and rescue teams during emergencies.
• Inspect emergency equipment.
• Maintain emergency preparedness documentation.

Safety Audits & Inspections

• Conduct daily and weekly HSE inspections.
• Perform contractor safety audits.
• Monitor compliance with:
  • PPE requirements
  • Housekeeping standards
  • Safe lifting practices
  • Scaffolding safety
  • Electrical safety
  • Mechanical safety

Environmental Protection

• Monitor waste management activities.
• Ensure compliance with environmental regulations.
• Support pollution prevention initiatives.
• Monitor emissions, spills, and environmental incidents.

Safety Training

• Conduct HSE induction for employees and contractors.
• Deliver toolbox talks.
• Organize safety campaigns and awareness programs.
• Provide training on emergency response and safe work practices.

Documentation

• Maintain HSE records and reports.
• Prepare monthly safety statistics.
• Update safety procedures and manuals.
• Maintain inspection and audit records.

Required Qualifications

• Diploma or Bachelor’s Degree in:
  • Occupational Safety
  • Environmental Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Chemical Engineering
  • Industrial Engineering
  • Related Engineering Discipline

Preferred Certifications

• NEBOSH IGC
• IOSH Managing Safely
• OSHA 30-Hour
• First Aid & CPR
• Fire Warden Training
• Confined Space Entry
• Work at Height
• H2S Safety
• Incident Investigation
• Risk Assessment
• ISO 45001 Internal Auditor
• ISO 14001 Awareness

Required Experience

• 3–8 years of HSE experience in:
  • Oil & Gas
  • Petrochemical Plants
  • Refineries
  • LNG Plants
  • Industrial Construction
• Middle East (Saudi Arabia/GCC) experience is an advantage.

Technical Skills

• Permit to Work (PTW)
• Job Safety Analysis (JSA)
• Hazard Identification & Risk Assessment (HIRA)
• HAZOP awareness
• Lockout/Tagout (LOTO)
• Gas Testing
• Emergency Response
• Incident Investigation
• Root Cause Analysis (RCA)
• Safety Auditing
• Environmental Management
• Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)

Soft Skills

• Strong communication skills
• Leadership and teamwork
• Problem-solving ability
• Attention to detail
• Report writing
• Time management
• Decision-making under pressure

Working Conditions

• Refinery and petrochemical plant environment
• Rotational shifts (day/night)
• Outdoor work in high-temperature conditions
• Exposure to industrial hazards with mandatory PPE compliance

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Zero Lost Time Injuries (LTI)
• Reduction in recordable incidents
• PTW compliance rate
• Completion of scheduled safety inspections
• Closure of corrective actions
• Training completion rate
• Contractor HSE compliance
• Environmental compliance performance

Preferred Candidate Profile

Candidates with experience in large integrated refinery and petrochemical complexes, strong knowledge of international HSE standards, and recognized certifications such as NEBOSH, IOSH, OSHA, and ISO 45001 are highly desirable. Familiarity with Saudi Aramco or major GCC oil and gas safety standards is considered an added advantage.