Workplace safety has been one of the aspects that have become non-negotiable in the present times. Organizations operating in different lines of operation have adopted tight measures toward the upkeep of the workers’ well-being. In this setting of work safety, there comes a very important role player: the HSE Watcher, simply known as a Safety Watcher. These individuals do play vital roles, mostly unseen by most others, in ensuring accident prevention and that jobs are conducted with no hazard whatsoever. But who precisely is an HSE watcher, and what are the expectations for such a person within the workplace?
Who Is a Safety Watcher?
A safety watcher or HSE watcher is a trained personnel with responsibilities of monitoring hazardous activities within the working environment. His work entails supervision of high hazard activities like hot work, and confined space activities among other high-risk activities that require obedience to the workers’ safety principles.
The principal purpose of an HSE watcher is to be the “eyes and ears” at the site to try and prevent, if possible, the occurrence of an accident. Indeed, it is an attractively proactive means of ensuring the work can proceed safely, at very minimal risk to anyone’s life or property.
Duties of an HSE Watcher
The responsibilities of a safety watcher change with the environment and job title; however, there are a few core responsibilities all safety watchers have no matter the job.
- Monitoring Workplace Hazards: HSE watchers are in charge of making constant sweeps of the work environment to find any type of hazard. They need to be alert and watchful at all times to find anything that may become dangerous to workers.
- Emergency Response Readiness: In case of any accident or emergency, a HSE watcher needs to be prepared for immediate action. Many times they can be the first at the scene of an accident and should be prepared with first-aid equipment to care for possible injuries and to communicate with other emergency personnel.
- Maintaining Communication Channels: Safety watchers need to be in a position to communicate constantly with workers and supervisors about possible hazards and requirements concerning safety issues. This may include radios and other available communication tools to maintain contact.
- Enforcing Safety Protocols: This includes the use of safety policies and a prompt by the worker who is discovered to breach safety regulations. The watcher must intervene to correct the worker in following safety procedures.
Safety Watcher Jobs
Common Industries that Employ Safety Watchers – Industrial safety watchers work in almost every kind of industry that exists. Their relevance is indispensable in areas where heavy machinery, hazardous materials, or a confined space is involved. Some of the industries they work in include:
- Oil and Gas Industry: Safety watchers within the oil and gas industry are responsible for monitoring the workers who undergo the drilling, refining, and laying of pipelines. The observant presence of these individuals avoids disasters that may happen to the environment and injury to workers.
- Construction Industry: Construction sites are full of hazards-from falling debris to heavy machinery. Safety watchers in the field observe activities such as scaffolding work, welding, and equipment operation to prevent accidents.
- Manufacturing and Industrial Settings: In manufacturing plants, the safety watchers ensure that machinery is operated safely and workers observe all necessary safety procedures. It is their job to prevent machine malfunctions, chemical spills, and other work incidents.
Safety Watcher’s Salary
The salary that an HSE watcher receives will vary with location, industry as well as level of experience. Salaries are also better in hazardous industries, such as oil and gas or construction. Certification and experience will also increase the earning potential of a safety watcher.
Pay by Region: As compared to other safety watchers, safety watchers in highly developed regions or those involving exceptionally specialized industries get paid a relatively higher salary. The salary received by a safety watcher working in North America or Europe is also higher as compared to individuals employed in developing countries.
Training for HSE Watchers
The qualification and skills performance required for the job must be appropriately acquired through training a person to work as a safety watcher.
Key Skills and Qualifications Required
An HSE watcher requires very keen eyes for detail, excellent people skills to ensure proper communication, and calm, composed behavior during periods of stress. Basic health and safety knowledge is of further importance.
Certification of Safety Watchers
Most of the firms require OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) or NEBOSH (National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health) certification to join the job as an HSE watcher. They will give the necessary competence for the proper vigil of occupational safety.
On-the-Job Training and Development
Most of the safety watchers do extra on-the-job training. The reason for this is to familiarize oneself with specific workplace hazards, as well as with the safety procedures relevant to a certain industry or workplace.
Safety Watcher Jobs in Durban
Durban is among the busiest cities in South Africa with various job opportunities found in construction and maritime sectors which especially require HSE watchers.
Leading Companies Hiring in Durban:
Major employers in Durban are usually construction firms, shipping companies, and industrial manufacturers. These companies always need qualified HSE watchers to ensure their operations run smoothly and safely.
Conclusion
The Safety Watcher Job is very demanding and it is concerned with providing a work environment that is safe and secure for its workers. From observing hazards to enforcement of safety drills, these are the ‘front’ against workplace accidents. HSE watchers, with proper training and experience, can have good careers in the industries of their choice, playing an important role in saving many a worker from losing his life.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the role of an HSE watcher?
An HSE watcher observes the high-risk activities of a worksite to ensure that safety is followed and hazards are minimized.
Does prior experience need to be had by safety watchers?
Although prior experience is helpful, most safety watchers receive on-site training to learn the specific safety needs within their industry.
How much does a safety watcher make on average?
Salaries will be based on location and industry, but salaries can range from $35,000 to $70,000 annually depending on experience level and certifications.
What kind of training do HSE watchers undergo?
The typical safety watcher would require training like OSHA or NEBOSH, with additional training in emergency response and communication skills.
Are safety watchers in demand?
Yes, the demand for HSE watchers is foreseen to increase with the increasing emphasis of industries on workplace safety to keep the workplaces in line with the health and safety regulations.
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