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?