Circle Safety Officer

About Bharti Airtel

Bharti Airtel Limited is a premier global telecommunications enterprise operating in 20 countries throughout Asia and Africa. Headquartered in New Delhi, India, it ranks among the top three mobile service providers globally by subscriber count. In India, Airtel offers 2G, 3G, and 4G wireless services, mobile commerce, fixed line services, high-speed DSL broadband, IPTV, DTH, and enterprise services including national and international long distance to carriers. Outside India, Airtel provides 2G, 3G, 4G wireless services and mobile commerce. As of June 2015, Airtel had over 331 million customers worldwide.

Role Purpose

The Circle Safety Officer (CSO) is responsible for managing workplace safety governance within the circle for Bharti Airtel's offices, technical locations, and contractor operations. The role includes ensuring implementation of safety policies, statutory compliance, maintaining ISO 45001 and 14001 standards readiness, incident management, proactive risk mitigation, and enhancing safety culture.

Scope and Stakeholders

• Reports to Circle Leadership and Central Safety Governance as per organizational hierarchy.
• Covers all Airtel offices, technical sites, warehouses, and operational/field activities within the circle including work by partners and contractors.
• Collaborates with Circle Security & Facility teams, Network, Operations/Technical teams, Circle Safety Committee, HR, Legal, Supplier Management, Central Safety team, external auditors, and statutory authorities.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the implementation of Airtel's safety governance and statutory compliance across the circle.
• Evaluate and oversee safety protocols; provide training and mentoring to security, facility, and business teams to uphold safe work environments.
• Plan and execute risk-based audits and inspections at critical technical and office sites; assist with customer and regulatory audits.
• Support ISO 45001/14001 audits and drive timely resolution of audit findings.
• Develop and maintain site-specific risk assessments and risk registers; monitor and escalate unaddressed safety issues; incorporate safety in facility design and commissioning.
• Monitor incidents, unsafe conditions, and near misses; ensure thorough investigation, root cause analysis (RCA), and coordination of medical support when needed.
• Ensure timely reporting, documentation, RCA, and corrective and preventive action (CAPA) for all incidents with follow-up on CAPA effectiveness and trending analysis.
• Conduct proactive audits and field visits to at least three sites monthly; escalate repeated violations.
• Lead circle Occupational Health & Safety programs including inductions, refresher sessions, toolbox talks, and awareness initiatives ensuring high participation.
• Oversee Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) adequacy and compliance; conduct hazard inspections and manage correction tracking; promptly investigate health or safety concerns.
• Manage circle-level OHS inputs for Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG) and Business Responsibility and Sustainability Reporting (BRSR) with documented traceability.
• Ensure fire safety compliance across facilities per statutory and policy requirements; maintain fire detection, alarm, suppression, and evacuation readiness.
• Liaise with emergency departments and authorities; organize fire drills and guide fire safety improvements including technology upgrades.
• Drive circle-wide safety communication and awareness; foster employee engagement in safety reporting.
• Create and maintain training materials including presentations, SOPs, email communications, and audiovisual briefs that align with Airtel's governance standards.
• Manage the Circle Safety Committee activities and ensure audit-ready documentation of trainings, incidents, investigations, and drills.

Qualifications and Experience

• Minimum qualification: Graduate degree in any discipline. Preference for post-graduate or diploma in Safety, Occupational Health, Environmental Engineering, or related fields.
• Desirable certifications: CQI-IRCA Lead Auditor for ISO 45001 and ISO 14001; NEBOSH certification adds advantage.
• Prior experience in OHS/EHS roles within telecom, infrastructure, manufacturing, or service industries is beneficial.

Skills

• Comprehensive knowledge of ISO 45001/14001 standards and statutory OHS/fire safety regulations.
• Strong skills in conducting incident investigations, root cause analysis, CAPA management, and ensuring closure.
• Capability to manage multiple stakeholders including facilities, operations, and partners to ensure compliance and resolution.
• Excellent documentation, communication skills, and experience in developing and delivering training programs.
• Proficiency in MS Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and familiarity with safety portals and reporting tools.