The Safety & Emergency Response Officer is responsible for developing, implementing, and monitoring health, safety, environmental (HSE), and emergency response programs across the Al Faya Project, including apiary operations, honey processing facilities, warehouses, laboratories, and field activities. The role ensures compliance with UAE health and safety regulations, food safety standards, environmental requirements, and policies while maintaining a safe working environment for employees, contractors, visitors, and assets.

Role Accountabilities

1. Health, Safety & Environment (HSE)

• Develop and implement HSE policies, procedures, and safe work practices.

• Conduct routine workplace safety inspections across apiaries, honey factory, laboratory, warehouse, and offices.

• Identify hazards and implement corrective and preventive actions.

• Ensure compliance with UAE Occupational Health & Safety regulations.

• Promote a proactive safety culture throughout the project.

2. Emergency Response Management

• Develop and maintain emergency response plans for all Al Faya facilities.

• Coordinate emergency preparedness drills including fire, medical emergencies, chemical spills, and bee sting incidents.

• Ensure emergency response equipment is available, inspected, and operational.

• Coordinate with Civil Defence and emergency authorities.

• Lead emergency response activities until external emergency services arrive.

3. Apiary Safety

• Ensure safe working practices during hive inspections, honey harvesting, and colony transportation.

• Monitor proper use of beekeeping PPE.

• Develop procedures for handling aggressive colonies and bee sting incidents.

• Ensure safe transportation of hives during seasonal migration.

• Assess environmental risks before field operations.

4. Honey Factory & Laboratory Safety

• Monitor safe operation of honey extraction, filtration, filling, packaging, and storage equipment.

• Ensure chemical handling procedures comply with safety standards.

• Verify implementation of Lock-Out/Tag-Out (LOTO) procedures during maintenance.

• Monitor laboratory safety procedures and hazardous material handling.

• Ensure food safety practices align with operational safety requirements.

5. Fire Prevention & Asset Protection

• Conduct fire risk assessments.

• Ensure fire extinguishers, alarms, emergency exits, and evacuation routes are maintained.

• Coordinate annual inspections and certification of fire protection systems.

• Ensure proper storage of flammable and hazardous materials.

6. Training & Awareness

• Deliver HSE induction training for new employees and contractors.

• Conduct toolbox talks and safety awareness campaigns.

• Train employees in first aid, fire response, and emergency evacuation procedures.

• Promote continuous improvement in safety awareness.

7. Incident Investigation

• Investigate accidents, near misses, occupational injuries, and property damage.

• Perform root cause analysis.

• Recommend corrective and preventive actions.

• Maintain incident records and statistics.

• Report significant incidents to management and regulatory authorities when required.

8. Compliance & Audits

• Ensure compliance with EKTIFA HSE policies.

• Support internal and external audits.

• Maintain HSE documentation and records.

• Monitor compliance with ISO 45001, HACCP, GMP, and food safety requirements where applicable.

• Track corrective actions until closure.

9. Environmental Management

• Promote environmentally sustainable work practices.

• Monitor waste segregation and disposal.

• Ensure proper handling of hazardous waste.

• Support water, energy, and environmental conservation initiatives.

10. Reporting & Continuous Improvement

• Prepare monthly HSE performance reports.

• Monitor safety KPIs.

• Recommend improvements to reduce workplace risks.

• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives across the project.

Desired Candidate Profile

Role Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Occupational Health & Safety, Environmental Science, Engineering, Fire Safety, or a related field.

• Minimum 3–5 years of experience in HSE, preferably in agriculture, food manufacturing, industrial operations, or processing facilities.

• Experience developing emergency response programs.

• Knowledge of UAE HSE legislation and emergency management.

• Strong communication, leadership, and incident investigation skills.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and HSE reporting systems.

Other Professional Certifications

• NEBOSH International General Certificate (Preferred)

• IOSH Managing Safely (Preferred)

• First Aid & CPR Certification

• Fire Warden / Fire Marshal Certification

• Incident Investigation Training

• ISO 45001 Internal Auditor (Preferred)

• HACCP Awareness (Preferred)