The Laboratory Safety Officer is responsible for leading and coordinating all occupational health and safety activities within Unilabs Netherlands. This role combines the statutory duties of the Health & Safety Coordinator and Prevention Officer, ensuring compliance with Dutch legislation, particularly the Working Conditions Act (Arbowet), and safety requirements specific to clinical laboratory operations. The position oversees the implementation of safety policies, risk assessments, and preventive measures aimed at maintaining a healthy, safe, and legally compliant work environment for all employees.

REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s degree in Safety Management, Occupational Health, Biomedical Sciences, Industrial Hygiene, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in a health and safety role, preferably within laboratory, healthcare, or diagnostic environments.
• Strong understanding of the Dutch regulatory framework for health and safety, particularly the Working Conditions Act, labour inspection procedures, and lab-specific safety standards.
• Proven experience conducting RI&Es and working with occupational health service providers.
• Proficiency in biological, chemical, and ergonomic risk assessments.
• Fluent in Dutch and English (written and spoken).
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills across all organizational levels.

PREFERRED SKILLS AND CERTIFICATIONS

• MVK or HVK certification (Intermediate or Advanced Safety Expert).
• NEBOSH, IOSH, or equivalent international occupational safety certification.
• Familiarity with ISO 15189, ISO 45001, and/or GMP requirements.
• Experience handling and transporting biological samples under ADR regulations.
• Demonstrated leadership in managing emergency response teams and scenarios.
• Familiarity with digital tools for RI&E documentation, incident reporting, or EHS dashboards.

ROLE OBJECTIVES

• Promote the physical and mental well-being of employees through effective workplace safety practices.
• Ensure full legal compliance with the Dutch Working Conditions Act and related regulations.
• Fulfill the responsibilities of Health & Safety Coordinator and Prevention Officer as required by Dutch law.
• Lead the RI&E process, conduct regular workplace inspections, and perform ergonomic assessments (including remote/home office setups).
• Support continuous safety improvement through training, incident analysis, and cross-functional collaboration.
• Act as liaison with the Dutch Labour Inspectorate, occupational health services, emergency response teams, and relevant authorities.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Promote health, safety, and well-being for all staff in both laboratory and office environments.
• Develop, implement, and enforce health and safety policies tailored to laboratory settings, addressing biological, chemical, and ergonomic risks.
• Coordinate and maintain the legally required Risk Inventory & Evaluation (RI&E), including drafting and monitoring the Action Plan.
• Organize periodic safety inspections; prepare reports and communicate findings to management with recommendations for improvement.
• Advise management and employees on occupational risk management and compliance strategies.
• Foster a healthy work environment through ergonomic assessments, including evaluations of remote workstations.

PREVENTION OFFICER DUTIES

• Implement preventive measures to minimize occupational risks through training, process improvements, and system controls.
• Design and deliver safety training programs (e.g., chemical handling, PPE use, biological safety).
• Serve as the first point of contact for employees with safety concerns, complaints, or suggestions.
• Support the implementation of a positive safety culture and ensure staff engagement and participation.
• Oversee coordination of the Emergency Response (BHV) program, including training, drills, and performance evaluations.
• Lead or support incident investigations and root cause analyses, ensuring follow-up on corrective and preventive actions.