Safety Officer: Role and Responsibilities

The responsibilities of a Safety Officer include a wide range of activities. To properly supervise working conditions, the Safety Officer must:

• Conduct regular inspections and assessments of the workplace to ensure safe and healthy conditions for employees.
• Provide the employer with advice and recommendations regarding employee safety, health, and accident prevention.
• Report any deficiencies in safety measures and propose corrective actions.
• Advise on the design, planning, construction, and maintenance of facilities.
• Check the safety of installations, equipment, and production processes before they are put into operation.
• Supervise fire safety and emergency drills to assess preparedness for incident response.
• Recommend additional safety equipment where required.
• Suggest safe methods for performing specific work activities.
• Ensure proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
• Investigate workplace accidents, analyze findings, and propose preventive measures.
• Participate in the preparation and implementation of employee training programs on Occupational Health & Safety.
• Ensure that employees follow health and safety rules, providing guidance and information to minimize occupational risks.

Safety Officer: Obligations and Ethical Conduct

The main obligations of the Safety Officer include:

• Ensuring that all employees comply with health and safety regulations.
• Informing and guiding both the employer and staff on occupational hazards and preventive actions.
• Ensuring that the company complies with national and international safety standards and that all installations and equipment operate according to safety specifications.

The Safety Officer must maintain business confidentiality and act with ethical independence toward both employer and employees. Any disagreement related to their responsibilities cannot be used as a reason for contract termination.

Can the Employer Act as a Safety Officer?

In companies classified under Categories B and C with fewer than 50 employees, the employer may assume the role of Safety Officer, provided they have the required training and certification.

However, even if eligible, it is often advisable to hire an external Safety Officer, ensuring objectivity, specialized knowledge, and allowing the employer to focus on business management.

Employee Obligations Toward the Safety Officer

Employees are required to comply with the instructions, recommendations, and safety measures proposed by the Safety Officer, to participate in training programs, and to immediately report any safety violations or incidents that may endanger health and safety in the workplace.

Penalties and Legal Liabilities

Negligence or non-compliance with safety regulations may result in penalties for the company, including fines, suspension of activities, or even criminal liability in cases of serious violations leading to accidents or health damage.

Specifically, any employer who willfully violates the law may face imprisonment or a monetary fine.

It is essential for every organization to comply with legal requirements and best practices in occupational safety to prevent such consequences.

Safety Officer: When Is One Required and Where Can They Work?

It is a legal obligation for a company to employ a Safety Officer once it hires even a single employee under an employment contract.

Safety Officers may work in various sectors, including:

• Construction companies and building projects
• Industrial and manufacturing plants
• Laboratories
• Hospitals
• Educational institutions
• Many other sectors where workplace safety is crucial

Each work environment presents specific safety and health challenges, making the role of the Safety Officer particularly important.

Required Qualifications of a Safety Officer

According to Law 3850/2010, a Safety Officer must have one of the following qualifications:

• Degree from a Polytechnic School or University in engineering or a related field (domestic or equivalent abroad) with a professional license from the Technical Chamber of Greece (TEE).
• University degree in a discipline related to installations or production processes (domestic or equivalent abroad).
• Technical Institute (TEI) degree or equivalent qualification, or a diploma from former technical schools (KATEE).
• Technical high school diploma or other recognized vocational technical education diploma (domestic or equivalent abroad), or a professional craftsman’s license.

Experience requirements:

• University graduates: at least 2 years of experience.
• Technical Institute graduates: at least 5 years of experience.
• Technical school graduates: at least 8 years of experience.