Health & Safety Officer

Job Description

The Health & Safety Officer ensures a safe, compliant, and supportive learning environment by overseeing daily school safety operations, regulatory compliance, student wellbeing, emergency preparedness, and continuous improvement in line with ADEK and UAE regulations.

• Supervise student arrival, dismissal, transportation, and bus operations to ensure safety.
• Conduct daily safety inspections of classrooms, corridors, playgrounds, toilets, clinics, and common areas.
• Monitor breaktime, lunchtime, and canteen operations for safety, hygiene, and student wellbeing.
• Maintain a visible safety presence during school hours, events, and extracurricular activities.
• Support safe supervision planning for school events and activities based on risk assessments.
• Work collaboratively with the team to ensure smooth and safe school operations.

• Develop, implement, and review Health & Safety policies, procedures, and risk assessments.
• Ensure compliance with ADEK, UAE H&S regulations, and safeguarding requirements.
• Maintain risk registers, inspection records, corrective action plans, and incident logs.
• Submit required safety and compliance reports through the ADEK Portal.
• Liaise with regulatory authorities (ADEK, Civil Defense, ADAFSA, DOT, ITC, ADMCC) for inspections and approvals.

• Ensure safe arrival, pickup, and dismissal procedures, including clearly marked drop-off and pickup points.
• Conduct risk assessments and implement safety plans for Students of Determination in coordination with the inclusion team.
• Collaborate with nurses, teachers, and academic staff on individualized safety plans for students when required.

• Develop and implement emergency response plans (fire, lockdown, medical, and transport incidents).
• Coordinate and document emergency drills and training.
• Act as a key responder during emergencies in coordination with relevant authorities.
• Investigate, record, and report accidents, incidents, and near-misses.
• Review CCTV footage related to safety and safeguarding concerns in line with data protection policies and implement preventive actions.

• Deliver Health & Safety inductions and refresher training for staff, contractors, and parents.
• Promote a positive safety culture through awareness campaigns, signage, and communication.
• Support operational coverage during the absence of Operations or Facilities leadership when required.
• Contribute to strategic planning, safety improvement initiatives, and budget recommendations.
• Advise school leadership on risk reduction and Health & Safety best practices.
• Ensure outsourced staff and contractors follow school safety procedures.

• A Bachelor's Degree in a relevant discipline such as Occupational Health and Safety, Biology, Chemistry or Engineering
• Over 5 years of professional experience in health and safety management, preferably in schools.
• Recognized HSE certification (e.g., NEBOSH IGC or IOSH) preferred.
• Strong knowledge of ADEK, UAE health and safety regulations, and school safeguarding requirements.

• Risk assessment, inspection, and incident investigation skills.
• Strong communication, organization, and report-writing abilities.
• Ability to remain calm and decisive during emergencies.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and digital record-keeping systems.

• Comprehensive health and life insurance
• Work visa
• Professional development and career growth opportunities
• Collaborative culture: opportunities to work with other departments and participate in interdisciplinary projects
• International network: connection with educators and educational institutions worldwide, fostering exchange and professional growth
• Tuition discounts: benefits in the form of scholarships for staff, supporting their children s education