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CINDY BARNES

@cindybarnes

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Human Resources graduate and experienced HSSEQ professional driving safety, compliance and people development.

South Africa

Message

What I'm looking for

I am seeking a safety-focused role where I can lead HSSEQ programs, coach teams, manage contractor compliance, and drive continuous improvement in a collaborative, professional environment.

I am a Bachelor of Commerce graduate in Human Resources Management with Honours and a strong background in HSSEQ and client-facing safety roles. I have progressed from Safety Officer roles to Senior HSSEQ Officer, leading audits, incident investigations, permit management and contractor oversight.

I consistently deliver compliance with ISO and IRCA standards, organize training and medicals, and compile clear safety statistics and reports that support operational continuity. I have facilitated risk assessments, method statements, and coordinated shutdowns and high-risk activities safely.

I bring strong communication, negotiation and conflict-resolution skills, fluency in English, Afrikaans and isiZulu, and proven ability to coach teams and improve contractor performance. I prioritize integrity, attention to detail and practical problem solving to reduce incidents and improve workplace safety.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Senior HSSEQ Officer

Current

Averda SA (Pty) Ltd

Oct 2015 - Present (10 years 3 months)

Lead HSSEQ operations including audits, SHE procedure implementation, risk assessments and method statements, permit coordination for high-risk tasks, training organization, incident investigations, and monthly safety reporting.

Auditing Risk Assessment Permitting Report Writing

Client Safety Officer

Mgh Equipment Services

Nov 2009 - Sep 2015 (5 years 10 months)

Managed contractor safety by approving RAMS, conducting monthly audits and follow-ups, delivering training, leading site walks and housekeeping drives, and driving incident investigations and corrective actions.

Contractor Management RAMS Auditing Training Delivery Safety Coaching

Safety Officer

Alstom

Nov 2007 - Apr 2008 (5 months)

Implemented company and client SHE systems at Zambia Sugar site, led site inspections and internal audits, coached supervision on safe work practices, and managed permit issuance and safety documentation.

Permits Inspections Internal Audit Coaching Risk Assessment Safety Reporting

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

Nosa

Certificate, Working at Height

2020 - 2020

Completed Working at Height Protection Plan training to support safe work practices at height.

Mancosa

Bachelor of Commerce, Human Resources Management

2017 - 2020

Activities and societies: Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite; knowledge of HRIS and talent management systems; teamwork and learning-oriented.

Completed a Bachelor of Commerce in Human Resources Management focusing on HR functions and talent management.

Nosa

Certificate, Occupational Health & Safety

2019 - 2019

Completed ISO45001:2015 training focused on occupational health and safety management systems.

Nosa

Certificate, Legal Liability

2017 - 2017

Completed Legal Liability training addressing employer and employee legal responsibilities in the workplace.

IRCA

Certificate, Risk Assessment

2015 - 2015

Completed Hazards Identification and Risk Assessment training focused on identifying workplace hazards and assessing associated risks.

SRA Solution

Certificate, Incident Investigation

2007 - 2007

Completed incident investigation training to support workplace incident analysis and reporting.

SRA Solution

Certificate, Safety Management

2006 - 2006

Undertook training in Shemtrack to support safety management and tracking of safety activities.

Umbilo Secondary School

Matric, General/Matric subjects

2001 - 2005

Activities and societies: Excellent verbal and written communication; interpersonal, negotiation and conflict resolution; organizational and time management skills.

Completed secondary education with subjects including Afrikaans, English, Biology, Mathematics, Geography and Physical Sciences.