Health & Safety Advisor - Brentwood
This is an opportunity to take ownership of health and safety within a specialist automotive parts business, working closely with management to shape policies, develop effective systems and contribute directly to a safe and supportive working environment.
We are looking for someone who will not simply maintain compliance but actively identify improvements and help strengthen our safety culture.
H&S Advisor Overview:
The successful candidate will deliver a professional, proactive and comprehensive health and safety service, ensuring compliance with UK legislation and establishing effective policies, procedures and safe working practices. Working independently and alongside senior management and HR, you will identify workplace hazards, implement preventative measures, promote continuous improvement and develop a positive health and safety culture across our warehouse, distribution and office operations.
You will be confident communicating with employees at all levels, providing practical guidance and ensuring health and safety objectives support the wider operational needs of the business.
Key responsibilities of the HSE Advisor role:
- Health & Safety Management and Compliance
- Develop, implement and regularly review site-wide health and safety policies, procedures, objectives and improvement plans.
- Partner with senior and line managers to embed best practice through coaching, guidance and development of standard operating procedures (SOPs).
- Ensure compliance with relevant UK health and safety legislation and recognised industry standards.
- Lead regular health and safety meetings and provide updates on compliance, performance and improvements.
- Maintain accurate health and safety documentation, records and statutory registers.
Risk Assessments and Workplace Inspections
- Conduct and review risk assessments covering warehouse operations, manual handling, storage, equipment, vehicles, office activities and other workplace hazards.
- Coordinate workplace inspections and statutory examinations of relevant equipment, including lifting equipment, forklift trucks, fire extinguishers, ladders and warehouse racking.
- Monitor inspection findings, identify non-compliance and implement corrective action plans.
- Maintain COSHH assessments, safety data sheets and safe systems of work.
Accident and Incident Management
- Lead workplace accident, incident and near-miss investigations.
- Conduct root-cause analysis and recommend corrective and preventative measures.
- Maintain incident reporting systems, investigation records and associated action plans.
- Ensure relevant incidents are reported under RIDDOR where legally required.
Training and Employee Engagement
- Deliver health and safety inductions, toolbox talks and ongoing training to employees.
- Provide appropriate safety guidance to visitors, contractors and other relevant parties.
- Promote employee engagement, awareness and accountability for workplace safety.
- Support managers in identifying training requirements and maintaining training records.
Auditing, Reporting and Continuous Improvement
- Conduct regular health and safety audits, collaborating with HR, operational and technical teams.
- Monitor and report on key health and safety performance indicators (KPIs).
- Develop and review emergency procedures, including fire evacuation arrangements.
- Maintain relevant fire safety documentation and Fire Log Book records.
- Support development and maintenance of management systems aligned with ISO 45001 and ISO 14001, where applicable.
- Identify opportunities to improve workplace safety, operational efficiency and compliance.
Person Specification H&S Advisor
The ideal candidate will demonstrate:
- Previous experience in a health and safety role, ideally within warehouse, logistics, distribution, automotive or a similar operational environment.
- Strong working knowledge of UK health and safety legislation and regulatory requirements.
- Experience conducting risk assessments, workplace inspections, incident investigations and compliance audits.
- Knowledge of ISO 45001 and ISO 14001 management standards.
- Strong Microsoft Office skills, particularly Excel, Word and SharePoint.
- Excellent communication, influencing and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work independently and confidently advise senior management.
- A proactive, hands-on approach, excellent organisation and attention to detail.
- Ability to manage competing priorities within a busy operational environment.
Qualifications / Technical knowledge
- NEBOSH National General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety or equivalent.
- IOSH Managing Safely qualification.
- Internal Auditor training or relevant auditing experience.
- Experience with COSHH assessments and safety data sheets.
- Knowledge of statutory inspections, manual handling, fire safety and warehouse safety.
- Familiarity with ISO 45001 and ISO 14001 standards.
Michelle Ings, HRGO Recruitment 01708 220023 michelle.ings@hrgo.co.uk
