Safety consultants help companies create a safe work environment. They assist companies in complying with local laws and government regulations that are applicable to their industry. It is important to stay up-to-date with the latest laws and regulations in order to ensure compliance.
In this article, we will look at the job of a safety advisor and how to become a safety consultant in the U.S.
What is a Safety Consultant?
Safety consultants are independent consultants who provide advice to companies in a variety of areas but all related to workplace health and safety. They are mainly concerned with compliance issues with WHS laws and regulations. By providing expertise and training, they work with employees and the company to create a safe work environment.
Safety consultants are hired by companies to provide safety training and advise them on safety standards and regulations. Also they help companies comply with local laws and regulations. You will consult with many companies throughout your career as a safety advisor, rather than working for one company for a long period of time.
Safety consultant qualifications
A college degree is not required for a safety consultant in the U.S., but a master’s or bachelor’s degree will help you stand out in the job market.
Safety consultants are usually sought after by employers who have relevant experience in the industry, as well as training and background working in high-risk environments.
Employers prefer safety consultants who have the necessary knowledge to help them remain compliant. For example, completing the Certified Safety Manager course. Earning certifications will help you improve your credentials.
How to become a safety consultant
Follow these steps if you are interested in pursuing a career as a safety advisor.
1. Earn Your Degree and certifications
A college degree may not be required to become a consultant in safety, but it can improve your chances of landing a job and expand your career options. It can also increase your earning potential.
The certifications you hold show employers that you are familiar with safety rules and regulations, and can identify hazards. Some companies will require certifications even if you have a master’s or bachelor’s degree.
3. Work Experience
Experience gained through hands-on work will help you gain an edge in the job market. It also builds on your credentials. An internship is a great way to get work experience, and to explore different industries in order to discover the one that you love.
Your ideal experience will be related to the industry you want to work in. For example, if you would like to develop a career in the mining or manufacturer industry as a safety consultant, you should focus on accumulating experience with the relevant companies.
4. Get adequate insurance coverage
Safety consultants should strongly consider having professional liability insurance for health and safety to mitigate potential risks and ensure financial protection. Professional liability insurance offers crucial coverage against legal claims and financial liabilities arising from errors, omissions, or negligence in their advisory services. You can compare the prices and get affordable safety consultant coverage to protect against unforeseen risks.
In health and safety, where regulatory compliance and risk management are paramount, insurance is a vital safety net covering legal expenses and potential damages.
5. Completing On-the Job Training
You may require training after landing a job that is specific to your company or industry. Safety consultants usually complete their training in various facilities and work sites. You may be hired on a long-term or short-term contract, and you can move from one location or assignment to another depending on the needs of the company.
What industries need safety consultants?
Safety consultants are needed in certain industries, especially if you work with machinery, heavy equipment or hazardous chemicals. Consider where you would like to work when choosing a study field. Here are some industries that need safety consultants.
1. Construction and Building
Construction and building industry workers work with high risk environments on a daily basis. For example, they would walk on scaffolding, operate heavy equipment,or even work in dangerous conditions. Overall speaking, they work in high risk workplaces.
Safety consultants in construction and building fields help with pre-construction plans, such as establishing regulations, surveying the site and its employees, communicating safety responsibilities to contractors and supervisors, and monitoring the safety of the site throughout the project. They also monitor the workplace on regular basis and help improve on workplace health and safety to help lower the risks on site.
2. Healthcare
Even though hospitals seem to be sterile and safe, accidents can happen. For example, a doctor could get a needlestick or a nurse might hurt herself when lifting a patient. Employees can be infected by airborne pathogens. Through routine screenings, surveys and safety consultants can track and monitor compliance in the healthcare setting.
3. Warehousing and storage
Safety consultants train workers in storage and warehouse facilities about safety issues such as maintaining aisles free of clutter. One of the most common health hazards in the warehouse is the forklifts. According to WHS surveys, on average, 10% of the warehouses in the U.S. will have an accident related to Forklift at one point. Forklift operators and order pickers need to be trained on how to operate the machines safely. At the same time, all warehouse staff need to be aware of the forklifts and other machineries in the warehouse.
A safety consultant is there to educate and train all staff in the warehouse, and set up safety guidelines and protocols.
Sum up
Safety consultants apply their expertise in safety to construction projects, helping to maintain the safety of all construction workers. It can be useful to know the specifics of the job if you’re interested in becoming a consultant. As a service provider, a workplace safety consultant will help you to take a step-back, examine your safety program carefully, and make real decisions about how to improve.
