health and safety executive paul spurrier partnership manager health and safety executive yorkshire...

Health and Safety Executive

Paul SpurrierPartnership Manager

Health and Safety Executive

Yorkshire and North

East Division

Using Consultants

Where do consultants fit in the health and safety system?

- HSE Strategy – Be part of the solution

- Competence

- Legal duties

Using Consultants

Why would you chose a consultant?

- Expertise

- sensible health and safety precautions

- HSE web site (www.hse.gov.uk)

- Reassurance

- Easy life!

Using Consultants

When choosing a consultant what should you look for?

- ask what you get as part of the contract

- ask about their knowledge

- what will you get

- test their knowledge and competence

- what are their qualifications

Using Consultants

Cont …

- previous clients

- do they have a quality system

- if employed will they sub-contract work

- will you deal with one person

Using Consultants

Having decided that you do want to use a consultant – what do you want them to do?

- general health and safety

- environmental consultant

- management systems

- topic specific – noise, extraction, ventilation, occupational health, etc

BE CLEAR ABOUT WHAT YOU WANT

Using Consultants

Ensure you have a clear contract that outlines:

- the scope of work to be done

- the cost for work to be done (VFM)

- consultants responsibilities (and yours)

- deadlines for delivery of work (and sanctions for not)

- expected outcomes

- exit clause for both parties

Using consultants

- You can deal with most health and safety matters by using free information available, eg on the HSE web site

- If using a consultant make sure you have a clear agreement outlining who will do what, for how much and how to get out

- You maintain the responsibility for ensuring health and safety in your business

Using Consultants

Any Questions?