Safety consulting allows businesses to have their health and safety practices objectively evaluated, bringing them up to necessary standards (be they from the Occupational Safety and Health Association or other regulators). If you are thinking about becoming a safety consultant, or you are hiring one for your business, what are the expectations of the position?

Evaluate Programs

When brought in to consult for a business, one of a safety consultant's first duties is to evaluate existing safety-related policies and training programs. Before making any suggestions, a consultant will need to understand current practices and the reasons behind them.

Identify Problems in Workstations, Offices and Other Spaces

Beyond reading policy, a safety consultant will need to observe how safety practices are carried out within the means of business--or how they aren't. Walking through the physical space, and testing any machinery, also will be useful to the safety consultant.

Investigate Incidents or Accidents

Safety consultants may also be brought into a business in response to accidents that may have occurred on site. They investigate the circumstances leading to the accident, as well as the incident response and post-incident follow-up.

Write Safety Manuals and Policies

Safety consultants also write safety manuals, response plans and related policies for a business. For this responsibility, a safety consultant will need a clear, directive writing style, as well as an understanding of risk management.

Provide Trainings

Many businesses have mandated safety trainings or certification programs they must offer to employees. A safety consultant presents such trainings, ensuring that they address all required topics.

Stay Knowledgeable

Safety consultants stay abreast of new safety regulations, as well as watch related court decisions. Not doing so would make them ineffective in offering appropriate advice and recommendations. Networking with safety agencies, attending seminars and keeping an active membership in industry organizations are crucial for knowing where regulations and policies are heading.