It can be challenging to ensure that your company is Health & Safety compliant. Because of the stress it brings, you might be considering shifting the burden. That’s why Health & Safety consultancy is a worthwhile consideration.
Achieve Health & Safety compliance whilst you focus on your business; all that’s possible with Health & Safety consultancy services.
But there are things you must take into account, which are discussed in our guide.
What do Health & Safety consultants do?
Before discussing what to look for in a Health & Safety consultant, let’s explore what a Health & Safety consultant provides for your business.
They offer expert guidance to ensure Health & Safety compliance, a third-party perspective, which is invaluable as this mitigates internal bias, and a range of responsibilities, such as:
- Risk assessment & management: Health & Safety consultants identify possible hazards, mitigating them escalating to workplace accidents.
- Incident investigation: Should incidents occur, Health & Safety consultants assess them and implement measures to avoid repeat issues.
- Policy & procedure development: Under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, businesses with more than five employers must have a written Health & Safety policy. Download our Health & Safety policy template for free.
- Audits & inspections: They carry out audits and site inspections, ensuring your Health & Safety policy is adhered to.
- Health & Safety training: As Health & Safety regulations change, refreshing your employees’ knowledge with training sessions is key to ensure compliance.
Five things to consider before choosing a Health & Safety consultant
There are many organisations offering Health & Safety consultancy services. When you have specific needs, and with so many Health & Safety consultant companies available, it can be an overwhelming decision to make.
To inform your choice, factor in the following:
1. Accreditations
When partnering with a Health & Safety consultant, you want to be confident that they’re qualified to protect your business.
In the United Kingdom, there are two main bodies that the British Safety Council views as qualifications that signal trust. They are:
- IOSH (The Institution of Occupational Safety and Health)
- NEBOSH (National Examination in Occupational Safety and Health)
Regarding Health & Safety compliance, IOSH and NEBOSH are recognised as reputable bodies across globe.
2. Reputation
Does the Health & Safety consultant you’re looking to rely on have positive reviews? The risks associated with are grave. If your chosen consultant is substandard and you fail an inspection, you could face:
- Injured or ill staff, resulting in downtime
- Damaged reputation
- Low morale and high staff turnover
- Heavy fines issued by the Health and Safety Executive
- Possible imprisonment
It’s advisable that you check the background of those providing Health & Safety consultancy services. Testimonials are indicative of the level of service you’ll receive, and ultimately, the compliance and protection your company needs.
3. Industry experience
Depending on the industry your business operates in, you may have certain requirements to achieve Health & Safety compliance.
It’s also worth noting that some industries will have specific Health & Safety regulations, for example:
Construction
- Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM 2015)
- Work at Height Regulations 2005
- Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012
- Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER)
- Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH)
- Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 and Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005
We have a construction risk assessment template that you can download for free.
Food
- Food Hygiene (England) Regulations 2006 (and equivalent regulations for Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland)
- General Food Law Regulation (EC) No 178/2002
- Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) principles
Healthcare
- Health and Safety (Sharp Instruments in Healthcare) Regulations 2013
- Ionising Radiations Regulations 2017
- Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992
With that said, it’s recommended that you find a Health & Safety consultant with demonstrative evidence of their experience in your field.
4. Services
Whether you need a specific service or several, a one-off visit or ongoing support, be sure your Health & Safety consultant can deliver.
You may wish to know how you’ll receive said services, will it be onsite or remote? Some Health & Safety consultant companies could offer both, tailoring their approach to suit your needs.
5. Cost
Cost may deter businesses from seeking the assistance of a Heath & Safety consultant, and whilst there may be an initial expense, it represents a long-term investment.
The reason being is, with Health & Safety compliance, the likelihood of your business being subject to fines is reduced.
Furthermore, SMEs often don’t have a budget that can justify a fulltime position. Therefore, Health & Safety consultants for small businesses are a sensible partnership.
FAQs: What to look for in a Health & Safety consultant?
Am I legally required to hire a Health & Safety consultant?
Employers are legally required to appoint a “competent person”. This person may be internal or external. Many SMEs rely on Health & Safety consultancy services as it’s a cost-effective approach.
Who is responsible for Health & Safety in the workplace?
Employers are legally responsible for the Health & Safety of their employees. However, employers must take reasonable steps to take care of their own and colleagues’ safety.
What qualifications should I look for in a Health & Safety consultant?
Ensure Health & Safety consultants have evidence of formal qualifications like IOSH and NEBOSH certifications. If you’re in a specific industry, make sure they have experience working in that field.
Do I need a written Health & Safety policy?
As per the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, you’re legally obliged to have a written Health & Safety policy.
How does a Health & Safety consultant help with ongoing compliance?
Health & Safety consultants conduct regular audits and offer Health & Safety training, ensuring your workplace and workforce is always compliant and prepared. They’re also committed to staying informed of any national and local changes to the law.
Final say: What to look for in a Health & Safety consultant?
You want to be sure that you’re getting the right Health & Safety consultant for your business’s needs. If you don’t, your staff could be vulnerable to injury, ill health, or possibly death.
Any of those outcomes are detrimental to you and your business. You’d be subject to hefty fines and a tarnished reputation. Both of which make retention and recruitment problematic.
In order to find a good match, it’s important to ensure your Health & Safety consultant has the relevant accreditations, a positive reputation, industry-specific insights, and provides the services you need at a cost you can afford.
You can trust Peninsula with Health & Safety consultancy
Peninsula has over 40 years’ experience of providing expertise for businesses of all sizes to ensure Health & Safety compliance.
Whatever your needs, our services are extensive and include air quality surveys, DSEAR assessments, legionella risk assessment, and much more.
Our SafeCheck team can also conduct comprehensive audits to reduce workplace accidents, ensuring employees’ safety and safeguarding your business.
In addition to an array of services, you’ll have access to 24/7 Health & Safety advice, unlimited support with your documentation, and award-winning Health & Safety software.
To learn more about how we can support you, call us on 0800 028 2420 or request a call back.
