Find out all the details about a health and safety consultant tasks. How much does a health and safety consultant charge? What are the qualifications to become a health and safety consultant?
A health and safety consultant is a professional who advises businesses and organizations on how to ensure the health and safety of their employees, customers, and other stakeholders. They help identify and assess potential hazards, develop and implement health and safety policies and procedures, and provide training and support to employees to ensure that they understand and follow these policies and procedures. Health and safety consultants may also be called upon to investigate accidents and incidents, and to provide guidance on how to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. They may work with a variety of industries, including manufacturing, construction, healthcare, and transportation, among others.
Tasks of a Health and Safety Consultants:
The tasks of a health and safety consultant can vary depending on the specific needs of their clients and the industry in which they are working. Some common tasks that a health and safety consultant might be responsible for include:
- Conducting risk assessments: Health and safety consultants may be responsible for identifying and assessing potential hazards and risks in a workplace, and developing strategies to minimize or eliminate those risks.
- Developing and implementing health and safety policies and procedures: Health and safety consultants may work with their clients to create and implement policies and procedures that are designed to ensure the safety and well-being of employees, customers, and other stakeholders.
- Providing training and support: Health and safety consultants may be responsible for providing training and support to employees to ensure that they understand and follow established health and safety policies and procedures.
- Investigating accidents and incidents: If an accident or incident occurs in the workplace, a health and safety consultant may be called upon to investigate the cause and provide recommendations for preventing similar incidents from occurring in the future.
- Advising on compliance with health and safety regulations: Health and safety consultants may help their clients ensure compliance with local, state, and federal health and safety regulations.
- Providing ongoing support and guidance: Health and safety consultants may work with their clients on an ongoing basis, providing support and guidance as needed to ensure that their health and safety policies and procedures are effective and up-to-date.
How much does a health and safety consultant charge?
The cost of hiring a health and safety consultant can vary widely depending on the specific services being provided and the location and size of the business. Some factors that can affect the cost of hiring a health and safety consultant include the scope of the work, the level of expertise required, and the length of the engagement.
In general, health and safety consultants charge an hourly rate that can range from $50 to $250 or more per hour. In UK it can range from £40 to £200 or more per hour. Some consultants may also offer package rates for specific services, such as conducting a safety audit or developing a health and safety program.
It’s important to shop around and get quotes from multiple consultants to find the best fit for your business. It’s also a good idea to clearly define the scope of work and the expected outcomes before engaging a consultant, to help ensure that you get the most value for your investment.
What are the qualifications to become a health and safety consultant?
To become a health and safety consultant, it is generally necessary to have a strong background in health and safety principles and practices. This can typically be achieved through a combination of education and work experience.
Health and safety consultant education:
- A bachelor’s degree in a field related to health and safety, such as occupational health and safety, environmental health, or engineering, is often the minimum educational requirement for health and safety consultants.
- Some employers may prefer to hire candidates with a master’s degree in a related field, such as a Master of Public Health (MPH) or a Master of Science in Occupational Health and Safety (MSOH).
Health and safety consultant work experience:
- Many health and safety consulting firms prefer to hire candidates who have several years of experience working in the health and safety field.
- Some relevant work experience might include working as a safety manager in a manufacturing or construction company, or serving as an occupational health and safety specialist in a government agency.
Health and safety consultant certification:
- In the United Kingdom, there are several professional certifications that a health and safety consultant pursues, depending on their area of focus and their level of experience. Some of the most common certifications for health and safety consultants in the UK include: (US Certifications for consultants are also listed below)
- The International Institute of Risk and Safety Management (IIRSM): The IIRSM offers a range of certifications for health and safety professionals, including the Associate Safety Practitioner (ASP) and the Chartered Safety Practitioner (CSP).
- The Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH): IOSH offers several certifications for health and safety professionals, including the NEBOSH National General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety and the IOSH Managing Safely course.
- The British Safety Council (BSC): The BSC offers a range of certifications for health and safety professionals, including the International Diploma in Occupational Safety and Health, which is recognized internationally as a benchmark qualification for health and safety professionals.
- The Chartered Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (CIOH): The CIOH offers the Chartered Member (CMIOSH) certification, which is recognized as a leading qualification for health and safety professionals in the UK and internationally.
- For United States of America, many health and safety consultants choose to pursue certification through professional organizations such as the Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP) or the American Board of Industrial Hygiene (ABIH). Certification typically requires a combination of education, work experience, and passing an exam.
In addition to the above qualifications, health and safety consultants should have strong communication and problem-solving skills, as well as the ability to work independently and as part of a team. They should also be able to interpret and apply regulations and standards related to health and safety in various industries.
