A Health and Safety Assistant keeps an organisation's safety arrangements working day to day. Reporting to a Health and Safety Manager or Facilities lead, the role handles the inspections, records, checks and follow-up that stop small issues becoming serious incidents.
The Health and Safety Assistant Job Description Template gives employers a practical framework for defining the responsibilities, experience, qualifications and personal qualities needed for an effective entry-level or early-career health and safety appointment.
What the role covers
The template positions the Health and Safety Assistant as a hands-on support role, helping the organisation put its health and safety policies and procedures into practice and stay compliant with relevant legislation.
- Inspections and checks: carrying out routine workplace inspections, recording hazards and following up to make sure corrective actions are completed.
- Risk assessments: helping prepare, review and keep risk assessments, COSHH assessments and DSE assessments up to date.
- Incident reporting: logging accidents, incidents and near misses, gathering information for investigations and tracking actions through to close-out.
- Emergency arrangements: helping coordinate fire drills, fire warden and first aider cover, and checks on emergency equipment.
- Contractor control: supporting contractor inductions, permits to work and the collection of RAMS and competency documents.
- Records and reporting: maintaining accurate inspection, training and compliance records, and preparing data for management reports.
- Training support: organising health and safety training, inductions and toolbox talks, and keeping training records current.
Knowledge, experience and qualifications
The template sets realistic requirements for a support-level role. An IOSH Managing Safely certificate or a NEBOSH National General Certificate, held or in progress, is typically valued, along with a working knowledge of UK health and safety legislation.
Previous experience in a health and safety, compliance or facilities support role is useful, ideally within the built environment or Facilities Management sector. Good IT skills and experience of keeping accurate records are also important.
About you
The About You section focuses on organisation, attention to detail and confident communication. Strong candidates are methodical, follow things through, can raise concerns tactfully with colleagues and contractors, and want to develop a career in health and safety.
Designed to be adapted to individual organisations and workplaces, this template gives you a strong starting point for a clear and professional Health and Safety Assistant job description. For a senior appointment, see our Health and Safety Manager job description template.
Who this resource is for
Health and Safety Managers, Facilities Managers, Heads of Facilities, HR professionals, Talent Acquisition teams and organisations recruiting a Health and Safety Assistant or Health and Safety Administrator.
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