Job Description
EHS Assistant - Environment, Health & Safety Assistant
Pay Rate: £21.61 per hour
Location: Sandwich, Kent – onsite
Working Pattern: Full Time, 37 hours per week
Contract Length: 12 months
Position Overview
The Environment, Health & Safety (EHS) Assistant will play a critical role in ensuring compliance with all relevant EHS regulations and internal standards across our Research & Development (R&D) sites. The successful candidate will provide support to the UK Health and Safety programmes, initiatives and systems in place.
Main responsibilities include but are not limited to:
* Safe Systems of Work (SSOW): Ensure SSOW is adhered to at R&D sites, including reviewing risk assessments & method statements (RAMS), issuing appropriate permit documents, and communicating with relevant personnel. Carry out performance checks to ensure contractor work aligns with RAMS, stopping work if unsafe practices are observed.
* Statutory Inspections: Manage and coordinate site schedules for inspections and follow‑up actions.
* Audit & Inspection Programmes: Support audit preparation and ensure timely follow‑up of corrective actions. Conduct regular workplace inspections.
* Declaration of Conformity: Assist in managing and documenting Declaration of Conformity records, ensuring equipment meets applicable standards and regulations.
* Risk Assessment: Support the completion and review of risk assessments. Work with stakeholders to implement safety measures and maintain compliance.
* Change Control: Participate in change control processes by assessing EHS risks associated with new processes, equipment, or materials introduced to R&D sites. Collaborate cross‑functionally to develop and implement risk mitigation measures.
* Incident Investigations: Conduct initial EHS reviews and investigations of good saves, near misses, and incidents, ensuring thorough root cause analysis and documentation. Assist in developing and tracking corrective and preventive action plans.
* Communications: Support responses to the UK R&D EHS group email account. Compile promotional communications for inclusion in the EHS communications programme.
* Documentation: Support the creation and review of procedures.
* Continuous Improvement: Contribute to data analysis and performance reporting to identify trends. Promote continuous improvement, best practice, and EHS excellence.
Key Skills & Competencies
* Knowledge of UK EHS regulations and best practices.
* Understanding of Risk Assessment, Incident Investigation, Auditing, and Safe Systems of Work.
* Strong organisational and documentation skills.
* Good interpersonal and team‑working abilities.
* Excellent attention to detail.
* Effective written and verbal communication skills.
* Competent with Microsoft Office, Teams, Outlook, and document/report writing.
Qualifications & Experience
* NEBOSH National General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety (or equivalent).
* Practical experience within a health and safety role, including involvement in EHS improvement initiatives.
* Pharmaceutical industry experience is advantageous.