Occupational Safety Expert

About the job

The HSE occupational safety expert contributes to the development of the Site’s safety culture and HSE management systems to improve overall safety performance for a key platform and contractors within the Ablynx R&D site. He/she is responsible to meet annual occupational safety targets and assure successful HSE performance in all third-party audits (e.g. ISO, OSHA, Third-party compliance, Group HSE Standards Compliance and Regulatory Inspections/Audits) and take overall responsibility overseeing the projects within the assigned responsibilities. It requires extensive field work and close cooperation with facility management, maintenance, engineering, security, project sponsors and contractors working onsite.

Main interactions:

• Internal Contacts: HSE team; all employees team members of the lab committee; line directors; Regional Head HSE; Business Process Operations
• External Contacts: Bio Accelerator; governmental institutions; suppliers (e.g. equipment); cleaning companies; contractors

Key Responsibilities:

• Serve as the subject matter expert and leader for certain key HSE programs based on the candidate’s specific expertise and the business needs. Responsible for program development, implementation and improvement.  Key HSE programs include; ATEX, Fire Risk Management, Pressurized systems, Workplace Risk Assessment & Control, Asphyxiation prevention, Machine safety, Contractor Safety / Permit to Work System (LOTO, Work at height, hot work, lifting and hoisting of materials) and Warehouse.
• Lead the risk assessment and inspection program in the field of subject matter expert to reduce risks and hazards. Ensure processes are in place for communicating risks to the business units management and stakeholders (risk map). Ensure HSE exposure and risk assessments are performed for all relevant research, development and operations activities.  Provide HSE expertise and input for review of Job Safety Analysis and Risk Assessments. Report results to all affected personnel and implement compliance plans as applicable to reduce exposures to personnel. Follow up on all compliance plans to ensure completion and provide document control. Provide necessary trainings.
• Support the HSE team in several occupational health and safety fields by providing advice on HSE questions/concerns, Accident/Incident Investigation, Emergency Preparedness, Ensure Regulatory compliance and provide HSE trainings.
• Support the site emergency preparedness and response programs/teams to ensure a high quality emergency and crisis management system is in place for the site.
• Providing HSE expertise during concept and designing phases of projects to ensure that proper risk control methodologies are integrated into design. Provide expert assistance to Facilities Project Management, Facilities Shared Services and Engineering on facility projects and improvements.
• Ensures that the lab and office space is well arranged to support the needs of all users and manages in collaboration with facilities the refurbishment, renovations and office/labs moves
• Follows up on legal inspections of equipment in collaboration with the facility department

About You

Skills, Expertise and Contribution:

• Problem solving and creativity, pro-active working
• Strong administrative and organizational skills
• Strong communication and social skills, good presentation skills
• Take initiatives, able to handle multiple projects with various levels of complexity and duration
• People management experience is a plus
• Must be capable of providing technical HSE consultation and management influence for a diverse mix of technical and administrative functions

Minimum Qualifications:

• Expected educational qualifications: Bachelor degree
• Safety Advisor education at least level II; preferably with experience in biotechnology or pharmaceutical industry.
• Expected experience: at least 5 years experience developing and implementing HSE programs with increasing responsibility. 
• Experience in facilities management is a plus 
• Fluent in Dutch (native preferred) and English
• MS Office

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