WHS Officer, Workplace Health & Safety - Warehouse Branch in Riyadh

Afaq is announcing an opening for the position of Workplace Health and Safety Officer (WHS Officer) at its Warehouse Branch in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This role represents a pivotal opportunity for safety professionals to join a dynamic logistics and storage environment, where they will be entrusted with protecting the company's most valuable assets: its people.

Job Description and Key Responsibilities

The WHS Officer will be stationed at the warehouse site and will be the primary point of contact for promoting and implementing a safety culture at all levels. The core responsibilities of this position include:

• Developing and Implementing Safety Policies: Contributing to the establishment and updating of site-specific Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) policies and procedures to ensure full compliance with Saudi Arabian labor regulations (such as the Saudi Labor Law and regulations from the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties) and any applicable international standards.
• Conducting Regular Risk Assessments and Inspections: Performing scheduled and comprehensive inspection tours throughout the warehouse facility to identify potential hazards. This includes checking equipment (like forklifts), storage conditions, walkways, and the general work environment.
• Incident Management and Investigation: In the event of any incident or near-miss, the Safety Officer will be the key point of contact for conducting immediate and thorough investigations. This involves documenting the event, identifying root causes, and developing corrective action plans to prevent recurrence.
• Training and Awareness: Designing and delivering effective training programs for all warehouse staff, from operators to managers. This training aims to raise awareness of hazards, safe work practices, proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), and emergency procedures.
• Reviewing Equipment and Processes: Working closely with operations and maintenance teams to review the safety of new equipment and operational processes before implementation. Ensuring all activities are carried out according to the highest safe work practices.
• Reporting and Record Keeping: Maintaining accurate records of all safety activities, including inspection reports, training logs, incident reports, and safety committee meetings. Preparing periodic performance reports for senior management on safety metrics and KPIs.

Qualifications and Essential Requirements

To be a successful candidate for this role, you should meet the following criteria:

• Educational Qualification: A Bachelor's degree in Engineering (preferably Occupational Safety, Industrial Engineering) or Environmental Science, or an advanced diploma in Occupational Health and Safety (NEBOSH, IOSH, or equivalent).
• Work Experience: A minimum of 3 to 5 years of practical experience in the occupational health and safety field, with a strong preference for candidates with prior experience in warehouse, logistics, manufacturing, or construction environments. Experience within the Saudi Arabian market is a significant advantage.
• Regulatory Knowledge: In-depth knowledge of local Saudi Arabian health, safety, and environmental regulations.
• Personal Skills:
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills (both verbal and written) in English and Arabic.
  • Ability to train, persuade, and build trust with field operation teams.
  • Strong analytical skills for incident investigation and hazard identification.
  • Attention to detail and the ability to work independently with initiative.
  • Capability to handle emergency situations and make quick, firm decisions.

Work Environment and Benefits

The Safety Officer will work in an active warehouse environment, requiring a constant presence on the operations floor. The role may involve interaction with various teams and exposure to different storage areas. While specific benefit details were not outlined in the initial posting, roles in this field within established companies in Saudi Arabia typically include a competitive salary, health insurance, annual leave, and opportunities for professional development.

How to Apply for the Position

Applications for this position are processed through the Naukrigulf platform. Please search for the job listing titled "WHS Officer, Workplace Health and Safety jobs in Afaq - Warehouse Branch in Riyadh" or use the direct application link if available. Ensure you prepare a professional English CV that highlights your safety-specific experience, tangible achievements (e.g., reduction in incident rates), and relevant professional certifications. Include a brief cover letter stating your motivation for joining this vital sector in Riyadh.

This position is an excellent career step for any safety professional looking to make a tangible impact in a hands-on operational environment and apply their expertise on the ground in one of the region's fastest-growing markets.