The Health & Safety at Work Act is a top priority for every company to develop and implement properly but you may not know the top things you need to consider before hiring a health and safety consultant. Workplace Health and Safety (WHS) systems identify and mitigate workplace hazards to keep employees, operators, and other personnel safe so you want to do it right.
In our article, Alphabet Soup: A guide to common acronyms in health and safety law, we outlined the documents and procedures needed to create an effective Work Health Safety system.
In addition to sometimes confusing acronyms and documents, many businesses do not have the understanding or ability to meet the legal requirements as-is.
Hiring a consultant can make the difference between an effective WHS and going out of business due to non-compliance and huge fines. Before you sign a contract with a consultant, there are some things you should know, so you can choose the right one to fit your needs.
Industry Credentials – Hiring a Health and Safety Consultant
Your business is on the line. Choosing a consultant with the right industry credentials is of the utmost importance. At a minimum, they should be registered with the Health and Safety Association of New Zealand (HASANZ). HASANZ is the umbrella organisation representing health and safety professionals in New Zealand.
In addition to being registered with HASANZ, there are a few other professional credentials to look for. These are:
- A Diploma in Occupational Health & Safety (DipOSH)
- ICAM (Incident Cause Analysis Method) Incident Investigator
- CMSE® (Certified Machinery Safety Expert (TÜV Nord))
Also, look for Health and Safety professionals who are members of the New Zealand Institute of Safety Management.
Professional Organizations & Memberships
Having the industry credentials isn’t the only thing indicating a reputable consultant. Credible and responsible organizations also belong to professional organizations in the health and safety industry.
Members of professional organizations with memberships prove that they’ve done more than just sit through a class and get a certificate.
These organizations also provide continuing education and keep the consultancy firm updated on changing laws and safety regulations.
Clients & References
Most reputable companies have reviews on their website, but having the ability to contact previous clients gives you a better idea of the service they provide.
If you aren’t able to contact previous clients directly, the company should have references to contact. Having this avenue to verify work quality makes a huge difference when choosing a consultancy firm for your own business.
Look for Experience when Hiring a Health and Safety Consultant
Your business operations are unique to you. However, the laws and regulations are mandatory for all businesses. Look for evidence such as website information, whitepapers, etc. that the consultant has handled similar companies to yours. Knowing that they understand your needs is critical to creating a custom safety plan for your workplace.
Hiring a Health and Safety Consultant – What Support Do they Offer?
Laws and regulations change often, and most times quickly. A consultant with the proper credentials should offer ongoing support. Besides advising on updates to regulations, they should for any questions or changes needed to your safety plan. Ensure you understand the type of support the consultant provides and if it is the right fit for your company.
HasTrak is uniquely positioned to meet all your workplace safety needs. When you choose us as your trusted Health and Safety consultant, you get:
- Safety Compliance Assistance
- Decrease overhead costs
- Service available either as required or by contract specified
- Continuing education for staff
- Pre-WorkSafe inspection service and suggestions on your site to fix possible issues
- Up-to-date on safety laws
- Available to update current safety guidelines and updates as needed or write a new safety manual unique to your business and industry
- Set up and validate OSHA-required documentation on the worksite for construction subs
- Service available at the same cheap price everywhere in the whole region.
- Available rebates for referrals.
Too many businesses risk going bankrupt over fines following simple workplace accidents; fines that can easily be avoided by knowing what you’re working with, and having your paperwork up to date. We’ll help you do exactly that!
Contact us today to receive a personalised quote!
