Occupational Safety & Health in Technical Projects

Safety Officer on Technical Projects

By Presidential Decree 17/1996, the assignment of duties of a Safety Officer (SO) is required for technical companies/consortia that employ at least one salaried worker. The Safety Officer provides the site manager with written or verbal instructions and advice regarding safety matters and the prevention of workplace accidents. The written instructions are recorded in the special logbook, and the site manager acknowledges receipt by signing. The Safety Officer contributes to the safe execution of the technical project, as:

Advises on the planning of work, the selection of personal protective equipment, the establishment of safe workstations, and generally on accident prevention.
Checks the safety of construction machinery and work methods.
Supervises the working conditions and the implementation of safety measures and accident prevention through regular inspections of workstations, and prepares a report for the employer on any omissions.
Investigates the causes of accidents.
Prepares an emergency plan and supervises the conduct of fire safety and alarm drills.
Informs employees about the occupational risks of their work in collaboration with the Occupational Physician.
Participates in the development and implementation of training programs.