Consult CPK Knowledge Centre
Knowing when to get expert health and safety support
Running a business means making decisions about people, premises and everyday risks. If you are unsure whether your current arrangements are enough, a health and safety consultant can help you understand what needs attention.
This guide explains when external advice may be useful, what to look for and how to choose support that fits your business.
You do not automatically need to employ an external health and safety consultant. Employers in Northern Ireland must have competent assistance to help meet their duties. Depending on the risks and available expertise, this may come from the employer, an employee or external support. A consultant is useful when you need knowledge or assistance that is not available within your business.
Do you legally need a health and safety consultant?
The requirement is for competent assistance, rather than an automatic obligation to buy consultancy services. HSENI explains that competence involves relevant knowledge, skills and experience, together with the ability to apply them.
A straightforward, low-risk business may be able to manage matters internally. Where a competent employee is available, the regulations give preference to appointing them over an external person. More complex work may require specialist help alongside your own team.
Bringing in an adviser does not transfer the employer’s responsibilities. Your business still needs to implement precautions, provide appropriate training and supervision, and check that arrangements work in practice. Read HSENI’s guidance on employers’ duties.
When is outside support useful?
Your business is changing
New premises, equipment, services or working methods can introduce risks your existing arrangements do not cover. A review can help identify what needs updating.
You are unsure about your documents
Policies and assessments should reflect the work people actually do. If your files are generic, outdated or difficult to apply, ask for a practical review.
A customer needs safety information
Tenders and contractor approvals may request assessments, method statements or evidence of competent support. Check the precise requirements before commissioning work.
You need specialist input
A new construction project, an incident or concerns about workplace controls may call for expertise beyond your team’s current experience.
What can a health and safety consultant help with?
The right service depends on your risks and the support you already have. Consult CPK offers:
- Competent Person support for ongoing advice and assistance.
- Workplace risk assessments to examine hazards and necessary precautions.
- Site visits and safety action reports to identify and prioritise improvements.
- Risk assessments and method statements (RAMS) for particular tasks or projects.
- CDM support for construction clients and principal contractors.
- Fire risk assessments and associated fire safety advice.
Ask what you will receive: for example, a written assessment, an action plan or revised documentation. Agree who will carry out each action and what follow-up is included.
How to choose the right support
- Check relevant experience. Ask about work with similar activities and premises, as well as qualifications and professional memberships.
- Agree the scope. Confirm which locations, activities, documents and visits are included.
- Discuss implementation. Find out whether the adviser will help your team put recommendations into practice.
- Understand the fees. Check site visit charges, additional work, support hours and any ongoing commitment.
- Ask about follow-up. Establish how you can raise questions after receiving a report.
A one-off assignment may suit a defined task. Ongoing support may be more useful where your team needs regular advice, reviews or help across several activities. The decision should follow your needs, rather than a package name alone.
Frequently asked questions
Can we use a consultant if we have an internal safety lead?
Yes. External input can address a particular technical issue or support an internal review. Agree responsibilities so the adviser and your team work together effectively.
How much will support cost?
Fees depend on the work involved, locations, risks and level of assistance. Request a written quotation explaining deliverables, exclusions and any additional charges.
What should we prepare for a first discussion?
Have a description of your activities, employee numbers and premises ready. Existing assessments, policies and details of recent changes can help explain your priorities.
Can Consult CPK help businesses outside Bangor?
Yes. Consult CPK is based in Bangor, County Down, and supports organisations across Northern Ireland. Contact the team to discuss your location and requirements.
Not sure where to start?
Tell Consult CPK about your business and the concerns you want to address. We can discuss suitable support and provide a quotation for the agreed scope.
028 9145 3797
hello@consult-cpk.co.uk
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