How to Select a Professional OHS Consultant

Posted on 2011-02-01 (UTC) by under Employment.

All businesses, but especially those who have chosen self insurance as their risk management system, need to have a thorough understanding of OHS and a sophisticated system by which they implement OHS practices form start to finish. Because self insurance requires such strict adherence to OHS guidelines and commitments, a professional OHS consultant is an invaluable source of information and advice, and can provide official advice, reviews and suggestions in terms of the existing OHS policy and how a business can best meet its requirements. Because the world of OHS is a structured and complex one, it is often unreasonable to assume that businesses would have the knowledge and updated information required to stay constantly abreast of developments and regulations that affect their situations. This is why it is so important to enlist the services of a professional OHS consultant — and to choose a good one.

Education

When selecting an OHS consultant to work for your organisation, you should definitely take into account their formal education. Often consultants are industry-specific, and if the candidate you are looking for has worked in the industry before or has specific training in the regulations of that industry, there is a good chance he or she will prove to be a wealth of knowledge and advice. Someone that has undergone extensive training will be well-versed in the legal requirements, and while experience is also something you should look for, it is mandatory that they have some formal qualifications.

Professional Association

Most OHS consultants have professional ties or associations with national organisations. Their membership to groups or associations suggests a level of professionalism and coherence to a code. Also, check for ties with industry-specific organisations–the more connected they are, the more you will be able to find out about them.

How to Engage The Services of A Professional OHS Consultant

When you've decided on a consultant you are pleased with, your organisation has a duty of disclosure to let that consultant know everything they need to know about the requirements of the organisation. This is so that they can make an informed estimation of the cost, time, individual needs and customised programs they may need to provide. Make sure you go through any specific requirements that are unique to your organisation, and that you are both comfortable that you understand each other. While it seems simple, it is important to choose someone who not only knows their stuff, but who is able to explain things to you in a way you can understand. All too often heavily regulated areas like OHS have convoluted and lengthy documents and laws that you need to wade through. Having a safety management consultant that is able to explain to you in layman's terms what is required will prove invaluable.



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