While Africa continues to grow at a remarkable pace, there has never been a more compelling need for safety professionals. With businesses expanding, buildings going up, and occupational safety becoming more and more important, careers in occupational health and safety (OHS) not only pay well but are also in high demand. For those wishing to join this highly rewarding profession, Africa boasts some of the most sought-after safety jobs with highly competitive pay packages.
Whether you are a veteran professional or a fresh-faced applicant, in this article, you will find out the High-Paying Safety Jobs in Africa and which industries these safety jobs are needed most. In addition, we’ll give links to the sites where you can send your application for these well-paying jobs!
High-Paying Safety Jobs in Africa
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Safety Manager
Safety managers are accountable for assuring that workplace environments are safe, lowering hazards, and adhering to local and international safety regulations. Safety managers are in great demand in construction, oil and gas, manufacturing, and mining industries, where there is an increased risk of injury.
Main Responsibilities:
Key Responsibilities:
- Developing and implementing safety policies and procedures.
- Conducting risk assessments and audits.
- Ensuring compliance with health and safety legislation.
- Training staff on safety practices and emergency procedures.
Average Salary: In Africa, between $60,000 to $100,000 per annum is paid to experienced safety managers, depending on the size of the company and region.
Where to Apply:
- Indeed Africa – A popular job portal for a variety of industries, including occupational health and safety.
- Glassdoor Africa – Offers listings for safety manager roles across Africa, with company reviews and salary information.
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HSE (Health, Safety, and Environmental) Officer
HSE officers are responsible for implementing the health, safety, and environmental activities of an organization. They are most in demand in industries such as oil and gas, construction, and energy. As the globe continues to focus more on sustainability and lowering environmental impacts, the role of an HSE officer has been enhanced.
Key Responsibilities:
- Monitoring health, safety, and environmental performance.
- Conducting regular inspections and risk assessments.
- Developing emergency response plans.
- Ensuring legal and environmental compliance.
Average Salary: HSE officers in Africa typically earn between $40,000 to $75,000 annually, depending on their level of experience and the industry they work in.
Where to Apply:
- Jobberman – A leading job platform in West Africa, especially in Nigeria, with listings for HSE officer roles.
- Careers24 – Popular in South Africa, offering a variety of job opportunities in health and safety.
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Environmental Health and Safety Consultant
As a consultant, you’ll offer specialized expertise to companies across various industries that need to improve their safety systems, ensure regulatory compliance, and implement sustainable practices. The demand for EHS consultants is increasing as companies recognize the need for outside expertise to help them navigate complex regulations and improve safety outcomes.
Key Responsibilities:
- Conducting safety audits and risk assessments.
- Advising companies on best practices for health, safety, and environmental compliance.
- Developing strategies to mitigate workplace hazards.
- Helping businesses implement sustainable and compliant safety systems.
Average Salary: Consultants can earn between $70,000 to $120,000 annually, depending on the scope of their projects and the complexity of the industries they serve.
Where to Apply:
- LinkedIn Jobs – Many international companies post consultant roles on LinkedIn, where you can find opportunities in Africa.
- Bayt – Popular in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, Bayt offers numerous consulting roles for experienced EHS professionals.
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Construction Safety Officer
In Africa, the construction industry is growing, and with this growth comes the need for safety officers to ensure that construction sites are up to safety standards. Safety officers in construction ensure that employees are protected from harm and that there is a safe working environment in construction.
Key Responsibilities:
- Monitoring daily safety activities on-site.
- Ensuring that all safety gear and equipment are in place.
- Conducting safety training and ensuring compliance with laws.
- Managing emergencies on construction sites.
Average Salary: Construction safety officers in Africa can expect to earn between $40,000 to $70,000 annually, with higher earnings possible in regions with a high demand for construction projects.
Where to Apply:
- Gumtree South Africa – Gumtree often features job postings for construction safety officers, especially in South Africa.
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Oil & Gas Safety Coordinator
Africa is home to significant oil and gas reserves, and with these resources come high-paying safety jobs. Safety coordinators in this industry oversee operations in drilling, extraction, and refining processes to ensure that health and safety standards are adhered to.
Key Responsibilities:
- Monitoring safety operations on drilling platforms and in refineries.
- Conducting safety training for personnel.
- Ensuring compliance with industry safety regulations.
- Investigating accidents and recommending preventive measures.
Average Salary: Safety coordinators in the oil and gas sector in Africa can earn anywhere between $80,000 to $150,000 annually, with opportunities for overtime and bonuses.
Where to Apply:
- Oil and Gas Jobs Africa – A dedicated site for job seekers in the oil and gas industry across Africa.
- BrighterMonday – Features a wide range of oil and gas jobs in Kenya and the East African region.
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Mining Safety Officer
Mining is one of the most hazardous industries in Africa, and it requires professionals to ensure the safety of workers in often challenging environments. Safety officers in the mining sector are responsible for identifying potential hazards, training workers on safe practices, and enforcing safety regulations.
Key Responsibilities:
- Conducting safety audits and hazard assessments.
- Implementing safety policies and procedures.
- Providing safety training and promoting a safety culture.
- Responding to and investigating workplace accidents.
Average Salary: Mining safety officers in Africa can earn between $60,000 to $100,000 per year, with the potential for higher salaries in regions with large-scale mining operations, such as South Africa, Ghana, and Zambia.
Where to Apply:
- Expatriates.com – Features mining-related job opportunities for professionals looking to work in Africa.
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Fire Safety Engineer
As fire hazards remain a top concern in various industries, fire safety engineers are becoming increasingly important. These professionals are responsible for designing, installing, and maintaining fire safety systems, such as alarms, sprinklers, and extinguishers.
Key Responsibilities:
- Conducting fire risk assessments.
- Designing fire safety systems and emergency response plans.
- Ensuring compliance with local and international fire safety regulations.
- Providing fire safety training to employees.
Average Salary: Fire safety engineers in Africa can expect to earn between $50,000 to $90,000 annually, with higher earnings in more industrialized regions.
Where to Apply:
- CareerJet – Features global job listings, including positions in fire safety engineering in Africa.
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Aviation Safety Officer
With the growth of the aviation industry in Africa, particularly in countries like Kenya, South Africa, and Nigeria, there’s a demand for safety officers who can ensure compliance with aviation safety regulations and help prevent accidents.
Key Responsibilities:
- Monitoring flight operations and airport procedures.
- Ensuring compliance with aviation safety protocols.
- Conducting safety audits and inspections.
- Developing and enforcing emergency response plans.
Average Salary: Aviation safety officers can earn between $60,000 to $120,000 annually, depending on their experience and the airline or airport they work for.
Where to Apply:
- Aviation Job Search – A specialized platform for aviation-related job opportunities in Africa.
- Skyscanner – While primarily a travel website, Skyscanner often features aviation-related careers and safety roles across Africa.
How to Get Started in Occupational Health and Safety in Africa
If you would like to carve out a career in the growing vocation of occupational health and safety in Africa, then simply follow these steps:
- Gain relevant certification: All such careers have dedicated courses and certificates, i.e., NEBOSH (National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health) or IOSH (Institution of Occupational Safety and Health).
- Gain experience: Most well-paying safety jobs require several years of safety management or relevant experience.
- Remain current: Safety practices and regulations are constantly evolving, and therefore, it is important to remain current with the most recent practices and technologies in the field.
Conclusion
The African occupational health and safety industry is offering gleaming and well-paid career opportunities for professional experts. Safety professionals are now in high demand in the construction, oil and gas, mining, and aviation industries. Once you have acquired the right qualifications and experience, you can bag one of these high-paying safety jobs in Africa and facilitate the development of safer working environments across the continent.
For more information on safety training, certification, and job opportunities, visit our website and stay linked to the latest occupational health and safety news.
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