HSE Manager

HSE Manager – Job Summary

The HSE Manager will lead and oversee all Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) activities across farm, construction, and operational sites in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The role is responsible for developing and implementing HSE strategies, ensuring compliance with the DRC Labor Code, OSHA, ISO 14001, and ISO 45001 standards, and promoting a strong safety culture throughout the organization.

Key Responsibilities

1. Risk Assessment & Hazard Identification

• Lead regular workplace inspections and risk assessments to identify hazards associated with machinery, equipment, tools, livestock operations, agrochemicals, construction activities, and operational processes.
• Proactively identify unsafe acts and unsafe conditions and implement preventive measures before incidents occur.
• Conduct and review Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (HIRA) and Job Safety Analysis (JSA) for critical activities.
• Recommend, implement, and monitor corrective and preventive actions to eliminate or minimize workplace risks.

2. Regulatory Compliance & Documentation

• Ensure compliance with applicable DRC Labor Code (Code du Travail), environmental regulations, OSHA guidelines, ISO 14001, and ISO 45001 requirements.
• Act as the primary point of contact for external auditors, government inspectors, and certification bodies.
• Develop and maintain HSE documentation, including policies, procedures, permits, inspection reports, training records, and compliance registers.
• Ensure all statutory licenses, certifications, and legal requirements are current and properly maintained.

3. Development & Implementation of Safety Procedures

• Develop, implement, and continuously improve HSE policies, procedures, and safe work instructions.
• Establish emergency response plans, evacuation procedures, and fire prevention systems.
• Develop safe handling procedures for hazardous materials and agrochemicals.
• Implement and monitor Permit-to-Work (PTW) systems for high-risk activities, including:
  • Hot work
  • Working at height
  • Confined space entry
  • Electrical isolation
  • Construction and maintenance activities
• Ensure Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS/SDS) are maintained, updated, and accessible to employees.

4. HSE Training & Safety Awareness

• Plan and conduct HSE induction programs, toolbox talks, safety campaigns, and refresher training sessions.
• Train employees and contractors on:
  • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
  • Emergency preparedness and response
  • Fire safety
  • Hazard communication
  • Agrochemical handling and spraying safety
  • Site-specific operational risks
• Ensure correct selection and use of specialized PPE, including respirators for chemical spraying activities.
• Promote a strong safety culture across all departments and operational areas.

5. Incident Investigation & Reporting

• Lead investigations into workplace accidents, incidents, near misses, unsafe acts, and occupational illnesses.
• Conduct root cause analysis and prepare detailed investigation reports with corrective and preventive action plans.
• Prepare and maintain HSE Management Information System (MIS) reports and safety performance statistics, including:
  • Lost Time Injury (LTI)
  • Medical Treatment Injury (MTI)
  • Total Recordable Injury Frequency Rate (TRIFR)
  • Severity Rate
  • Near Miss Reports
  • Accident and Incident Records
• Monitor the implementation and timely closure of corrective actions.

6. Environmental Management & Controls

• Oversee waste management and disposal activities in compliance with environmental regulations and company standards.
• Monitor the safe storage, labeling, transportation, and application of agrochemicals in accordance with environmental and occupational health requirements.
• Ensure environmental risks are identified, controlled, and continuously improved in line with ISO 14001 principles.

7. Biological & Occupational Health Risk Management

• Implement hygiene and sanitation protocols to mitigate biological hazards, organic dust exposure, mold risks, and zoonotic disease transmission among livestock and workers.
• Develop heat stress prevention programs for employees working under high-temperature conditions.
• Conduct ergonomic assessments and recommend controls for repetitive manual handling activities to reduce musculoskeletal injuries.
• Promote occupational health awareness and employee wellness initiatives.

8. Livestock & Wildlife Safety

• Establish safe handling procedures for livestock operations and animal movement activities.
• Assess and manage risks associated with wildlife, venomous insects, and snakes commonly found within the DRC region.
• Ensure emergency response procedures are available for animal-related injuries and environmental hazards.

9. Enforcement of HSE Standards

• Enforce compliance with all HSE policies, procedures, and site safety regulations.
• Ensure employees, contractors, and visitors use appropriate PPE at all times.
• Conduct routine site inspections and behavioral safety observations.
• Ensure work permits are issued and followed for high-risk and construction activities.
• Stop unsafe work practices or operations that pose immediate danger to personnel, property, or the environment.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's Degree or Diploma in Occupational Health & Safety, Environmental Science, Engineering, or a related discipline.
• NEBOSH, IOSH, OSHA, or ISO 45001 Lead Auditor certification is highly desirable.
• Minimum 5–8 years of HSE experience, including leadership or supervisory experience, preferably in agriculture, construction, manufacturing, or industrial operations.
• Strong knowledge of DRC HSE regulations and international HSE standards.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and incident management skills.