Health & Safety / Fire Officer

Blackrock Health Galway Clinic, part of Blackrock Health Group is the leading provider of private healthcare in the West of Ireland. The Galway Clinic is an acute care hospital with 146 inpatient beds, 6 operating theatres, 2 day surgery theatres, 8 bed ICU, an Emergency Department, many outpatient services, and a wide range of modern technically complex medical diagnostic and treatment facilities, providing high quality patient care. To deliver these services to patients there are approx. 840 staff employed and 150 Consultants practicing across 60 specialties.Objectives of the role. The primary objective of the role is to provide Health and Safety and Fire Safety services required to meet the safety needs of staff to prevent and /or reduce the risk of accidents, and to meet all of the regulatory compliance requirements associated with Health and Safety and Fire Safety on behalf of the hospital.Key Responsibilities.Health and SafetyTo manage all of the Health and Safety and Fire Safety requirements.To develop and maintain Safety Statements with specific risk assessments for each department. The Safety Statements to be fully compliant with HSA requirements, and to stand up to external audit scrutiny.The Safety Statements to be reviewed with each Head of Department at a frequency not greater than 2 years, and more frequently if required.Maintain the Safety Statements according as the needs of the hospital changes.Develop a strong Safety Culture in the Galway Clinic.Carry out accident and near miss investigations, compile reports on these investigations, develop and make recommendations to prevent reoccurrences, and implement the recommendations in so far as is possible.Work in collaboration with other roles that impact closely on Health and Safety such as Medical Physics, Occupational Health Nurse, Engineering Manager and Engineering staff, Quality Manager and Quality staff, and with HR (particularly with keeping accurate track of training records), and with Infection Prevention and Control personnel.Review and develop policies and procedures to maintain and improve Health and Safety as required.Consult with Galway Clinic employees regarding Health, Safety and Welfare at Work, and provide information to them with regard to Health and Safety, including the results of risk assessments.Consult and engage with safety representatives in a productive manner.Prepare reports on aspects of Health and Safety performance as required.Fire SafetyThe role of Fire Safety Officer is primarily to manage Fire Safety in the hospital, and to act as a focus for all Fire Safety matters in the hospital.To develop, maintain and manage the Fire Safety Management system in the hospital.To develop the Fire Safety policy and protocols, and put systems in place so that all staff will be familiar with the Fire Safety Policy.Obtain expert advice on aspects of Fire Safety Management from an appropriate and qualified expert which is necessary for developing / improving Fire Safety Management arrangements / policy in the hospital.To be responsible for the day-to-day implementation of the Fire Safety Policy.Develop and learn ‘best in class’ understanding of how to interpret and apply Fire Safety legislation and guidance particular for acute hospitals.Become familiar with ‘best in class’ Fire Safety standards and guidance documents applicable for application in acute care hospitals.Develop plans to implement best practice Fire Safety protocols and policies and explain to senior managers how to be compliant with such Fire Safety standards for acute care hospitals.Review all Fire Safety training on a cycle of not greater than every two years, and make adjustments if necessary to keep the Fire Training appropriate and compliant with both statutory and practical requirements.Raise awareness of all Fire Safety features and their purpose with all staff in the hospital. Requirements & SkillsMinimum of a Higher Diploma or BSc in Occupational Health and Safety.5 years’ experience in a direct Occupational Health and Safety role. Membership of IOSH would be a distinct advantage,People Management: Good people management skills, with capability of being able to understand concerns of staff and management with ease.Communication skills: Ability to communicate technical aspects of work requirements in an effective and understandable manner.Resource Management: Ability to operate within a budget.Team work: Ability to work as part of a team in an effective and cooperative manner while keeping a focus on the primary roleFull job description available on request. Leanora.ohalloran@blackrockhealth.com Closing date for receipt of applications – Friday 19th July 2024 at 5.00pm Blackrock Health at the Galway Clinic is an equal opportunities employer.