HM Specialist Inspector of Health and Safety (Mechanical Engineering) (Band 3/SEO)

The Health and Safety Executive's (HSE) Science Engineering and Analysis Division (SEAD) provides professional engineering support to all of HSE's frontline regulatory divisions, meaning that the range of industry sectors, equipment and processes we come into contact with is huge, from fairground rides to lifting operations, manufacturing to product safety. HSEs Mechanical Engineering Specialists help essential industries work safely, from micro businesses to whole industry sectors.

We are looking for a high calibre Mechanical Engineer who can, in pressurising situations, think strategically, identify underlying issues, and engage effectively at different levels: with colleagues, plant operators; site technical staff and at the most senior levels within an organisation. You will be able to influence organisations to bring about improvements and be decisive and clear about what is needed. In many cases you will need to be able to publicly explain and defend your findings and opinions against robust and occasionally aggressive challenge, in Criminal Courts or at Coroners Inquest. You will need to be able to remain professional whilst dealing with potentially challenging circumstances at the scenes of incidents.

This is a frontline specialist engineering post. You will need to apply your experience and knowledge to identify immediate risks (often from first principles) and underlying issues at incident sites, make effective decisions on the adequacy of existing control measures and persuade and influence people at all levels to achieve compliance with the law.

Working Pattern

Due to the nature of the work involved this role is only suitable for full time working.

Key Responsibilities:

• Inspect a variety of workplaces with your regulatory colleagues, to make sure that engineering risks are being actively managed and reduced, driving improvements and gaining commitment to comply with the law.
• Undertake forensic analysis of mechanical engineering related incidents to identify the causes and where necessary.
• Lead the technical aspect of the investigation, calling in other scientific support and supporting enforcement action where necessary.
• Provide specialist opinion in formal written reports to guide regulatory decisions.
• Provide expert witness evidence at tribunals, inquests, and criminal court proceedings in support of prosecutions.
• Secure intelligence; share information and advice towards policy, research, and guidance to benefit other Government departments, the public, industry, professional bodies and trade associations.

Training Programme

Whilst working for the HSE and in order to fully understand the legal and enforcement requirements of this role, you will be expected to develop your expertise by completing role specific training.

Essential Skills and Criteria:

• A broad range of technical experience in mechanical engineering. This should include practical experience/ knowledge in areas such as general workshop machinery, risk assessment and hazard analysis of mechanical systems, plant maintenance systems and techniques, hydraulics and/ or pneumatic systems, process machinery, failure analysis and deterioration, weld processes/ non-destructive testing techniques.
• Experience applying mechanical engineering expertise to support sound technical decision-making, to a professional standard.
• Ability to use appropriate theoretical and practical methods and apply first principles to analyse problems, with an understanding of initial integrity, safe design and use, failure mechanisms, risk assessment, degradation of materials and life extension; experience of trouble shooting, fault finding, and of hydraulic and pneumatic systems.
• Review and assess available information and evidence, considering potential failure modes and possible causes, and identify appropriate lines of enquiry to support a thorough investigation.
• Assimilate complex technical information and convey this to a variety of audiences, both technical peers and lay persons.
• Communicate clearly and appropriately, taking into account individual needs and circumstances.
• Analyse, plan and prioritise work effectively, using appropriate analytical and planning skills.

Hybrid Working

At HSE, we are proud to be able to offer our people the opportunity to work in a hybrid way which combines working from home and the office. This is a voluntary, non-contractual arrangement, and your allocated office will be your contractual place of work.

There will be a requirement to travel to the office for various activities, e.g., collaborative working, supporting and training colleagues. If hybrid working is suitable for you and your role, you will be expected to attend the office, or other business-related site, for 60% of your working week. The arrangements will be determined primarily by business need, but personal circumstances and other relevant circumstances will also be taken into account.

Therefore, we would encourage candidates to consider if the commute from home to the office is a feasible distance to travel before making an application. Please note that if you are successful, hybrid working will be discussed prior to taking up the post.

Travel

HSE regulates sites across the whole of Great Britain. The Mechanical Engineering team is a national team which also supports Local Authorities and other regulators. You will be expected to spend periods working away from home anywhere in the country, which will include overnight stays.