Health & Safety Officer in Westhoughton

The Safety Officer will provide day‑to‑day operational health and safety support to ensure a safe working environment across an expanding automotive site within North West Greater Manchester. This is a hands‑on, site‑based role focused on inspections, risk assessments, training delivery and compliance monitoring. The role provides visible safety leadership and acts as the first line of assurance for the business, supporting production teams and operational management.

Routine Safety Checks

• Conduct daily and weekly workplace inspections across all sites.
• Monitor housekeeping standards, PPE usage and adherence to safe systems of work.
• Record inspection findings accurately and elevate issues in a timely manner.
• Support site teams with immediate corrective actions where required.

Risk Assessments

• Prepare, review and maintain task‑specific risk assessments and method statements.
• Support supervisors and managers in identifying hazards and implementing effective control measures.
• Ensure all documentation is maintained in line with company procedures and regulatory requirements.

Toolbox Talks & Training

• Deliver regular toolbox talks and safety briefings to production and site teams.
• Reinforce safe working practices and actively promote a positive safety culture across all locations.
• Support health and safety inductions for new starters.
• Work closely with Production Managers and Heads of Operations to embed safety training into the business.

Incident Reporting & Investigation

• Assist with the reporting of near misses, unsafe acts and incidents.
• Carry out initial investigations and gather statements, photographs and evidence for management review.
• Track corrective and preventative actions through to completion.

Compliance Support

• Ensure statutory checks (including fire safety, first aid provision and equipment inspections) are completed and recorded.
• Maintain accurate records to support audits and external inspections.
• Liaise with external contractors, inspectors and safety advisors where specialist input is required.

Qualifications & Experience

• NEBOSH General Certificate (or equivalent) essential.
• Proven experience in a health and safety role within manufacturing, automotive, engineering or construction environments.
• Strong working knowledge of UK health and safety legislation and its practical application on site.
• Confident communicator with experience delivering toolbox talks and safety briefings.
• Methodical and well‑organised with strong documentation and record‑keeping skills.

Key Competencies

• Hands‑on: Comfortable working on the shop floor and engaging directly with operational teams.
• Detail‑oriented: Accurate and thorough in inspections, reporting and assessments.
• Proactive: Identifies hazards and risks before they result in incidents.
• Communicative: Clear, confident delivery of safety messages at all levels.
• Collaborative: Works effectively with supervisors, managers and external advisors.