Westfalia Fruit invites interested and suitably qualified candidates to apply for the Health and Safety Officer vacancy based in Tzaneen, Limpopo. This opportunity is ideal for experienced health and safety professionals seeking to build a long-term career within a globally recognized agricultural and fresh produce company.

Westfalia Fruit is internationally known for supplying fresh fruit and value-added products to markets across the world. Through a vertically integrated supply chain, the company grows, sources, ripens, packs, processes, and distributes high-quality produce throughout the year. With one of the largest avocado-growing footprints globally, the company continues to maintain high operational and environmental standards across multiple regions including Europe, North America, Latin America, Southern Africa, and the United Kingdom.

The Health and Safety Officer position plays an important role in ensuring compliance with occupational health, safety, and environmental legislation across operational facilities. The successful candidate will report directly to the Head of Health and Safety and will support several departments and operational environments.

Position Details

Position: Health and Safety Officer
Location: Tzaneen, Limpopo, South Africa
Industry: Agriculture / Food Processing / FMCG
Job Type: Permanent

Purpose of the Role

The Health and Safety Officer will support and guide various operational facilities in maintaining safe working environments while ensuring full compliance with occupational health and safety legislation. The role involves implementing safety management systems, conducting inspections and audits, investigating incidents, and promoting a strong culture of safety throughout the organization.

The successful candidate will also assist with training initiatives, contractor compliance, environmental management, legal reporting, and stakeholder engagement. Strong knowledge of occupational health legislation and risk management practices is essential for this position.

Key Responsibilities

The Health and Safety Officer will be responsible for a wide range of duties related to workplace safety, compliance, and operational risk management. Key responsibilities include:

• Implementing, monitoring, and continuously improving Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems in line with the Occupational Health and Safety Act, ISO standards, HACCP requirements, and other relevant legislation.
• Conducting regular site inspections, audits, risk assessments, hazard identification exercises, and job observations across operational facilities.
• Investigating workplace incidents, near misses, accidents, and unsafe conditions while ensuring corrective and preventative measures are implemented effectively.
• Delivering safety inductions, toolbox talks, awareness campaigns, and ongoing health and safety training for employees, contractors, and new staff members.
• Managing contractor compliance processes and ensuring legal safety registers remain accurate and updated.
• Encouraging a proactive safety culture and promoting employee participation in hazard and near-miss reporting.
• Liaising with auditors, regulators, internal stakeholders, and external service providers during inspections and compliance assessments.
• Maintaining accurate safety records, reports, statistics, and digital reporting systems including SharePoint and related platforms.
• Supporting environmental management initiatives and ensuring environmental compliance standards are maintained across facilities.
• Assisting management teams with safety planning, emergency preparedness, and continuous improvement strategies.

Minimum Requirements

Candidates interested in the Health and Safety Officer vacancy must meet the following minimum requirements:

• National Diploma, BTech, or postgraduate qualification in Health and Safety, Environmental Health, Engineering, or a related field.
• SAMTRAC or NEBOSH certification is essential.
• Registration as a SAIOSH member is required.
• SACPCMP registration will serve as an added advantage.
• Minimum of five years’ relevant experience in occupational health and safety.
• Previous experience within agriculture, food processing, manufacturing, or FMCG environments will be advantageous.
• Knowledge of chemical handling, ammonia systems, machine guarding, and major hazard installations.
• Environmental management experience.
• Legal liability training.
• Ability to legally act as a Health and Safety appointee in terms of the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
• Valid driver’s license and willingness to travel between sites when required.

Required Skills and Competencies

The ideal candidate should demonstrate excellent technical knowledge and strong interpersonal abilities. Important competencies for this role include:

• Strong communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to conduct training sessions and facilitate safety discussions effectively.
• Sound knowledge of incident investigation processes and root cause analysis.
• Understanding of HIRA, HACCP, contractor management, and safety compliance systems.
• Good computer literacy including Microsoft Office, SharePoint, and electronic health and safety reporting systems.
• Excellent organizational and administrative abilities.
• High attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate documentation.
• Problem-solving and conflict resolution skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple responsibilities effectively.
• Strong leadership qualities and the ability to influence positive workplace behavior.
• Ability to work within culturally diverse operational environments.

Working Environment

The role involves working across multiple operational sites and facilities. Exposure to agricultural and food processing environments requires strict adherence to safety procedures and operational standards. The successful candidate will interact with employees, contractors, supervisors, management teams, auditors, and external stakeholders regularly.

Travel between operational sites may be required depending on business needs. Flexibility, professionalism, and the ability to adapt to different working environments are essential for success in this position.

Why Consider This Opportunity?

The Health and Safety Officer vacancy offers an excellent opportunity for experienced safety professionals seeking career growth within a respected multinational agricultural company. The role provides exposure to large-scale operational environments while contributing to employee safety, environmental sustainability, and legal compliance.

Candidates with strong technical knowledge and a passion for workplace safety will benefit from working in a professional environment focused on operational excellence and continuous improvement. The company also offers a total guaranteed remuneration package that includes provident fund contributions, insured benefits, medical aid, and the possibility of an annual bonus structure.

Important Information

Closing Date: 20 May 2026

Applicants who do not receive feedback by 08 June 2026 should consider their applications unsuccessful.

Application Process

• Interested and qualified applicants should submit a detailed CV together with supporting documents to the recruitment email address provided by the company.
• Applications must clearly indicate the position being applied for and should include all relevant qualifications, certifications, and experience related to occupational health and safety management.
• Candidates are encouraged to ensure that all information submitted is accurate, updated, and complete before sending the application.
• Applications must be emailed to: [email protected]
• Email Subject Line
• Use a clear subject line such as: Application for Health and Safety Officer – Tzaneen

Tips for Applicants

Candidates applying for the Health and Safety Officer position should ensure that the CV highlights the following:

• Occupational health and safety qualifications and certifications.
• Experience with audits, inspections, and risk assessments.
• Knowledge of OHS legislation and compliance management.
• Experience within agriculture, manufacturing, or FMCG industries.
• Training and facilitation experience.
• Incident investigation and reporting abilities.
• Environmental management exposure.
• Contractor management experience.
• Computer literacy and digital reporting systems experience.

A professional CV with detailed work history and clearly listed achievements may improve the chances of being shortlisted.

Conclusion

The Health and Safety Officer vacancy at Westfalia Fruit presents a valuable career opportunity for qualified safety professionals looking to work within a leading international agricultural business. The role focuses on maintaining safe operational standards, ensuring legal compliance, promoting employee wellbeing, and supporting continuous improvement across multiple facilities.

Experienced candidates with strong knowledge of occupational health and safety systems, environmental management, and operational compliance are encouraged to apply before the closing date.