Before engaging a Safety Consultant, it is best to ensure that the qualifications and certifications match your WHS task requirements. Often businesses look to an external source to assist them with their health and safety needs to resolve issues in the workplace. Even businesses with internal staff use the Safety Consultants for these tasks. This external process offers a different ‘eye’ on the issue and often providing various reasonably practicable recommendations for any identified risk. They are also not restrained by any business/organisational issues and provide recommendations aligned with best practice. This is in part due to the wealth of experience these persons have attained before being accredited as a safety professional.
At times there will be persons who advertise themselves as a safety professional or even a safety expert with little or no credentials to back this up apart from calling themselves one. If a person has not continued with personal professional development confirmed by the peak WHS certifying body in Australia AIHS, they should not be claiming this title. Businesses should follow a process similar to engaging an electrician, accountant or any other trades person to perform work. Check their credentials; past experiences and work and even look for feedback from other businesses who have used this person in the past.
The role of a Safety consultant plays an important role in the workplace where they are there to assist a business and what you do not need is bad advice. These safety consultants are there to help employers ensure that their employees are working in an environment that is free from hazards and other potential risks. It is important for employers to hire a qualified person to provide this advice to ensure that the advice and direction provided ensures the workplace is safe and compliant with relevant safety regulations. When looking for a safety consultant, it is important to consider the qualifications and experience of the individual.
A qualified Safety Consultant should have,
- A degree or higher in safety management, or extensive experience in the safety field;
- Knowledgeable about relevant and current health and safety legislation, standards and related health and safety guidance material;
- Experienced in the specific health and safety audit being requested to be completed;
- dot point 1, 2 & 3 to be supported by relevant safety certifications issued through the Australian Institute of Health and Safety and Auditing certifications issues by Exemplar Global; and
- Strong communication skills as demonstrated by proficiency in the use of computers and related software to produce well-structured reports with achievable reasonably practicable recommendations.
This is essential for the safety consultant to be able to effectively articulate and communicate the safety information to employees and employers. The Safety Professional should also be able to provide sound advice on safety practices and procedures following a consultancy or safety audit. They should also be able to analyse safety reports and data to identify potential safety risks.
Other skills that employers should look for in a safety consultant include strong organisational skills, problem-solving skills, and the ability to think on their feet. The safety professional should be capable of working independently as well as working in a team environment.
Finally, employers should also look for a safety consultant who is certified in health and safety. Certification demonstrates that the individual has the necessary knowledge and skills to work as a safety consultant. Additionally, certified safety consultants may be able to provide additional services such as training programs and workplace assessments.
Other approvals or certifications my come from the WHS Regulator where they list businesses who have been seen as competent to perform the specific tasks. Some Regulators list approved companies to deliver these services for example DRA Safety is on the list of approved Hazardous Chemical Industry Chemical Consultants.
Before engaging a Safety Consultant
Before hiring a safety consultant, employers should ensure that the individual is qualified and experienced in the field of safety. It is important for employers to choose a person who is knowledgeable about safety regulations and standards, and who has strong communication skills.
Additionally, employers should ensure that the safety consultant is certified in health and safety and that they possess strong organisational and problem-solving skills. By carefully considering the qualifications and experience of a safety consultant, employers can ensure that they are hiring the right individual for the job.
If you are interested in our WHS Consultancy services, you can contact David, Andrew or Mark to discuss your Health and Safety Issues.
We have qualified and certified Safety Consultants that can assist you in your business and offer a range of WHS consulting services along with general and specific health and safety training courses.
Contact us today for an obligation free quote on any of our services.