Safety Inspection Lead at Padua Petroleum Nigeria Limited (PPNL)

PADUA PETROLEUM NIGERIA LIMITED (PPNL) is an indigenous company established to provide a unique range of services to the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry.

We venture into the this industry with the objective of building on existing limited in- country capacity. In view of the enormous opportunities which abound in the Oil and Gas industry in Nigeria and the new findings in other African countries, there is need for more indigenous players to fill the yawning gap by providing competitiveness and quality service delivery to the industry.

PPNL aims to be a model and a reference point in our areas of operation and to bring to bear the wealth of experience of our knowledgeable and dedicated staff garnered over the years. Our success is supported by an extensive knowledge of local business environment within the Oil and Gas sector of the Nigerian economy.Job Summary

The Safety Inspection Lead is responsible for planning, coordinating, supervising, and executing safety inspection activities across project sites, operational facilities, construction locations, fabrication yards, warehouses, and offshore installations.
The role ensures compliance with company HSE policies, regulatory requirements, client specifications, and industry best practices while promoting a proactive safety culture and supporting continuous improvement initiatives.

Key Responsibilities
Technical Responsibilities:

Lead and coordinate routine and specialized safety inspections across operational and project locations.
Develop and implement safety inspection plans, schedules, checklists, and monitoring programs.
Conduct workplace inspections to identify unsafe acts, unsafe conditions, hazards, and compliance gaps.
Verify compliance with applicable HSE regulations, company procedures, client requirements, and international standards.
Monitor implementation of corrective and preventive actions arising from inspections, audits, and incident investigations.
Review safety documentation, permits, procedures, risk assessments, and work methods for compliance.
Assess the effectiveness of safety controls and recommend improvements where necessary.
Participate in facility, equipment, and operational safety evaluations.
Prepare inspection reports, findings, observations, recommendations, and follow-up action registers.
Support HSE audits, management system reviews, and compliance assessments.

Leadership and Supervision:

Supervise Safety Inspectors, HSE Officers, and inspection support personnel.
Coordinate daily safety inspection activities and ensure efficient deployment of resources.
Conduct toolbox talks, safety briefings, and awareness sessions.
Provide technical guidance, coaching, and mentoring to junior HSE personnel.
Support competency development programs and promote knowledge transfer to local personnel.
Foster a positive safety culture and encourage workforce participation in safety initiatives.

Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) Responsibilities:

Ensure all inspection activities are conducted in accordance with company HSE policies and procedures.
Promote compliance with Permit-to-Work (PTW) systems and safe work practices.
Participate in Job Safety Analysis (JSA), Hazard Identification (HAZID), and risk assessment activities.
Monitor workplace compliance with safety requirements, environmental controls, and emergency preparedness procedures.
Lead safety observation programs and behavioral safety initiatives.
Participate in incident investigations and root cause analyses.
Ensure timely reporting of incidents, hazards, near misses, and non-conformances.
Recommend and monitor implementation of corrective and preventive actions.

Project Management Responsibilities:

Assist with planning, scheduling, and coordination of safety inspection activities.
Support project mobilization and demobilization activities from an HSE perspective.
Monitor safety performance indicators and provide regular progress updates to management.
Interface with clients, contractors, subcontractors, regulatory authorities, and project teams.
Support project compliance reviews and readiness assessments.
Prepare periodic HSE performance reports, inspection summaries, and project close-out reports.

Requirements
Qualifications:

Bachelor's Degree or Higher National Diploma (HND) in Engineering, Environmental Science, Occupational Health & Safety, Industrial Safety, or a related discipline.
Professional qualifications in Occupational Health, Safety, Environment, Inspection, or Risk Management.
Membership of a recognized HSE professional body is advantageous.

Experience:

Minimum of 10 years' experience in Health, Safety, and Environmental management within the oil and gas, construction, marine, manufacturing, or industrial sectors.
Minimum of 10 years' experience performing or supervising safety inspections and compliance monitoring activities.
Proven experience supporting major construction, maintenance, commissioning, fabrication, or operational projects.
Demonstrated experience in hazard identification, risk assessment, incident investigation, and safety auditing.
Experience working in both onshore and offshore operational environments is preferred.
Experience interfacing with regulatory agencies, clients, and contractors.
Knowledge of local and international HSE regulatory requirements.

Required Certifications:

NEBOSH International General Certificate (IGC) or equivalent.
ISO 45001 Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems Internal Auditor or Lead Auditor Certification.
OSHA Professional Certification or equivalent HSE certification.
HSE Level 3 Certification (or equivalent).
BOSIET/FOET with CA-EBS (for offshore assignments).
HUET Certification (for offshore assignments).
First Aid/CPR Certification.
Incident Investigation Training Certification.
Any client- or project-specific certifications as required.

Technical Skills:

Strong knowledge of occupational health, safety, and environmental management systems.
Experience conducting workplace inspections, safety audits, and compliance assessments.
Strong understanding of risk assessment methodologies and hazard management processes.
Knowledge of ISO 45001, ISO 14001, OSHA requirements, and relevant industry standards.
Familiarity with oil and gas, construction, fabrication, and industrial operational risks.
Ability to interpret regulations, standards, procedures, and technical documentation.
Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and HSE reporting software.
Experience with incident reporting and corrective action tracking systems.

Competencies:

Strong leadership and supervisory skills.
Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.
Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
Effective planning, coordination, and organizational skills.
Ability to influence safety culture and promote behavioral safety practices.
Strong attention to detail and commitment to compliance.
Ability to make sound decisions under pressure.
Fluent in reading, writing, and speaking English.
Strong commitment to safety, quality, and operational excellence.
Ability to work effectively within multicultural and multidisciplinary teams.

Preferred Additional Requirements:

Experience on major oil and gas, EPC, offshore, construction, or industrial projects.
Professional membership with organizations such as Institute of Safety Professionals of Nigeria, National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health, or Institution of Occupational Safety and Health.
Experience implementing ISO 45001 and ISO 14001 management systems.
Proven capability in mentoring and developing local HSE personnel.
Experience supporting contractor management and compliance assurance programs.
Familiarity with digital inspection systems, HSE management software, and reporting tools.