7 Benefits of Hiring a Health and Safety Consultant

Some of the most disastrous events can occur in a workplace if health and safety protocols are not being followed properly. Messing around with health and safety standards can not only bring a huge overload of expenses, but may also cost lives.

Not being concerned for employees’ and business’ safety will have financial, legal, social and various other ramifications.

All of these complex health-related issues can be solved by consulting with an expert.

It’s true that you can get someone from inside the company to look into safety protocols and documentation, but this could be even more consequential if the inside employee isn’t an expert consultant. One mistake can double the chaos.

If you’re still unsure over whether or not you should hire a health and safety consultant, here are seven benefits for your business in getting one onboard. 

1. Reduced overhead costs

Rather than hiring a full-time employee, a contract with a health and safety consultant will reduce costs as you won’t have to pay a monthly salary and benefits. You only spend when the services are needed.

Additionally, this expense can be written-off from taxes as a business expense, so this comes with no overhead costs.

Also, not abiding by proper health laws and neglecting employee safety can lead to more money lost in compensations for injuries and wounds. Moreover, customers are likely to engage more with a business that has proper standards in place which will lead to more revenue. 

2. Bring an expert voice to the table

In-house people are usually busy with day-to-day operations, especially if you’re a smaller business. As a result, it can be hard to find time to understand the OSHA regulations completely.

A consultant works with several companies regularly and has a thorough understanding of compliance rules. The expert can not only help you build the entire safety plan, but point out discrepancies in your existing health system.

Adding this expertise of professionals to your business will boost growth and improve productivity. 

3. A fresh perspective

The health and safety consultant will work as a third party and bring impartial views to the table. If there is a shortcoming that needs attention in the safety department, the expert consultant points that out and offers solutions based on their unique perspective.

This unbiased judgment is not affected by internal affairs and politics, so the work the consultant does is solely for improving your business.    

4. An updated knowledge base

Health and safety consultants are rooted in their industry. They constantly meet experts from all over, attend seminars, webinars and read up on industry news and developments. This puts them way ahead of a general manager from a business trying to achieve the same results

All the engagement with different resources and businesses keeps their knowledge base updated and filled to the brim. They know about the latest rules, regulations, developments and demands, so they will be able to help your business set up a health and safety plan according to updated information and handle issues with expertise. 

5. Expert training

The consultant you hire can also train your employees and workplace staff to comply with the health and safety rules. Trained employees mean fewer accidents, neglect and more efficiency.

Sometimes it could be difficult to fully grasp these health rules as they can be complex. Having an expert consultant to train employees will ensure that your staff understands the critical importance of abiding by all safety regulations to avoid mishaps.

6. Improved business reputation

There are several safety compliance awards presented to the companies best in living up to the standards. Presenting these extraordinary certifications and recognitions to the public leads to an improved reputation in the market.

If a customer knows they are dealing with a business that is concerned about the health and safety of all stakeholders, they are more likely to continue association with that business. This is especially true for certain categories of products like skincare.

As awareness is increasing, people are looking more into who they buy from. If they are buying a skincare product, they want to know that it is made in compliance with proper safety protocols.

Hiring a health and safety consultant puts you ahead in the market by showing that you care and are willing to invest in abiding by the rules. 

7. Staff retention

Your employees will be more willing to stay and work for a company they know invests in their well-being. A consultant will help put safety steps in place to protect employees as well as train them to prevent any risks and health issues.

Employee absences will reduce as they feel more safe and valued. This will also help retain employees which will further lower costs of hiring, recruiting and training employees.

Staff retention makes for significant in-house savings.

When is the right time to bring a consultant on board?

If your business needs fire risk assessment, health and safety audit or help with ISO 45001 and OHSAS 18001, you can hire the services of a health and safety consultant.

There’s no specific appropriate time to bring in a consultant for this purpose, unlike a tax audit. When you see the safety rules aren’t held in place or that even after all efforts, the safety of employees is not ensured, you should hire a consultant.