Why is the position of a Safety Officer important?

Who is a Safety Officer?

     A Safety Officer (S.O.) is a person responsible for inspecting and promoting safety and health in the workplace. They plan, supervise, and ensure that all employees in the organization work safely and are free from work-related diseases. This position is required by law, and employers must appoint a Safety Officer in various workplaces such as factories, power plants, waterworks, hotels, hospitals, mining, coal industries, shopping malls, entertainment venues, sports facilities, and other businesses as specified by the Ministry of Labor.

What are the duties of a Safety Officer?

     The main duty of a Safety Officer is to provide advice to prevent workplace accidents, health issues, and work-related diseases. This is done through the implementation of Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) guidelines. A Safety Officer must have skills in assessing risks and hazards and improving safety measures in the workplace. Additionally, they are responsible for leading efforts to change the organizational culture, ensuring that all employees share a unified awareness and commitment to safety.

     Currently, Safety Officers play a significant role in ensuring smooth operations for employers, preventing workplace accidents that could lead to injuries, fatalities, or property damage. They also help businesses operate harmoniously within the community. These efforts promote compliance with the law, ensuring that employers or businesses fully adhere to legal requirements, while also ensuring the safety of all employees and visitors to the workplace.

  Safety Officers are classified into two categories as follows :

1. Safety Officers by Position

• Safety Officer (Supervisor Level)
• Safety Officer (Management Level)

• Safety Officer (Technical Level)
• Safety Officer (Advanced Technical Level)
• Safety Officer (Professional Level)"

Safety Officers at each level have different job responsibilities and duties. However, the main duties and scope of work for Safety Officers at all levels are as follows.

• Provide safety training to employees within the company.
  
• Inspect and assess the workplace or worksite, evaluating safety and risks in various areas.
  
• Present comprehensive safety plans and projects to the employer, including potential impacts.
  
• Analyze safety risks in the workplace, conducting thorough risk assessments.
  
• Analyze work processes and establish safety standards to prevent hazards, presenting them to the employer.
  
• Inspect and assess the workplace, including the environment and working conditions.
  
• Develop safety measures in the organization to ensure compliance with legal standards and improve safety to meet industry standards.
  
• Collect and compile statistics or data for the employer to evaluate and plan safety systems accurately and securely, aiming to reduce loss rates.
  
• In the event of accidents or hazards in the workplace, promptly assess the situation and present recommendations to the employer to resolve issues, reduce risks, and prevent future problems.
  

Why is a Safety Officer important?"

     A Safety Officer (S.O.) is a legally required position under the Ministry of Labor's regulation on the appointment of safety officers in workplaces, as stated in the "Ministerial Regulation on the Appointment of Safety Officers in the Workplace B.E. 2565.

       Workplaces falling under the legal requirements must appoint Safety Officers at various levels. Employers who fail to appoint Safety Officers are in violation of the Occupational Safety Act and may face penalties, including imprisonment for up to six months, a fine of up to two hundred thousand baht, or both.

      Safety is not only the responsibility of the Safety Officer but requires the collective effort of the entire organization to ensure continuous safety. All employees should also receive safety training to improve the efficiency of work processes while contributing to maintaining a safe work environment.