Environmental Health and Safety Officer
Position summary
Introduction
Job description
The Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) Officer is responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining effective health, safety, and environmental systems to ensure full compliance with Kenyan statutory requirements and educational standards as prescribed by the Teachers Services Commission. The role ensures that all sites operate in a legally compliant, safe, and risk-controlled environment by proactively managing regulatory obligations (including DOSH requirements), driving safety awareness, coordinating training, and embedding a culture of safety excellence. The EHS Officer also acts as the primary liaison with regulatory authorities, ensures proper incident management, and supports continuous improvement of EHS performance across all locations.
Job Description
A. Regulatory Compliance & Certification
1 1. Ensure all statutory compliance documentation is valid, current, and available, including:
- Business permits
- Public Health Inspection Certificates
- Annual Workplace Registration (DOSH)
- Fire Compliance Certificates
- Food Hygiene Certificates
- Work Injury Benefits Act (WIBA) registration
2 2. Maintain and update the DOSH Information Management System (DOSHmis), ensuring full and accurate compliance records for all sites.
3 3. Ensure all plant and equipment examination certificates are current and compliant with statutory requirements.
4 4. Maintain proper filing systems for all compliance documentation to support internal and external audits.
B. Incident Management & Reporting
• Liaise with DOSH and sites on workplace injuries and incidents
• Ensure compliance with legal reporting requirements (WIBA, DOSH)
• Coordinate incident reporting, investigations, and corrective actions
• Conduct incident reporting training for school nurses
C. Safety Training & Capacity Building
- Coordinate mandatory safety training (DOSH, First Aid, Fire Safety)
- Train EHS Representatives on duties and checklist completion
- Deliver training on site-specific procedures and group policies
· Draft appointment letters for EHS appointees
· Maintain and update Safecyte system:
o Appointments
o Training records
o Checklists
o Compliance documentation
· Develop site-specific safety procedures
E. EHS Committees & Governance
· Establish EHS committees per site
· Conduct quarterly EHS committee meetings
· Track actions, minutes, and compliance follow-ups
F. Emergency Preparedness & Response
· Ensure emergency procedures are current and implemented
· Coordinate termly emergency drills
· Ensure fire equipment servicing and monthly inspections are completed
G. Workplace Safety Inspections & Equipment
· Ensure first aid boxes are properly maintained and checked
· Conduct routine safety inspections
· Ensure canteen compliance:
o Certifications
o Medical surveillance
H. Contractor & Third-Party Compliance
· Ensure all contractor EHS documentation is in place
· Monitor contractor adherence to safety standards
I. Audit & Assurance
· Ensure documentation is ready for internal and external audits
· Accompany auditors during inspections
· Track and close out audit findings
Minimum requirements
- Minimum Experience: 2–3 years of relevant EHS experience, including conducting risk assessments, incident reporting, and compliance audits.
- Education: A Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, Occupational Health and Safety (OHS), or a closely related STEM/Engineering field.
- Professional Certifications: Recognized safety certifications (such as NEBOSH, IOSH, or OSHA) or fire safety and first-aid training are highly advantageous.
- Local Compliance: Familiarity with the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA 2007) and National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) regulations
Specialized Skills for School
- Child Safeguarding: Understanding local and international child protection protocols.
- Food and Water Safety: Managing school cafeterias, drinking water testing, and sanitation.
- Fire Safety & Emergency Preparedness: Creating and executing evacuation plans and conducting routine fire drills.