The Pros and Cons of Hiring a Health and Safety Consultant

Thinking of using a health and safety consultant? This article explains the key benefits and drawbacks to help you make the right choice.

Introduction

Health and safety is both a legal requirement and a vital part of running a responsible business. Whether you work in construction, energy, infrastructure, or facilities management, keeping people safe is not just good practice but essential for compliance and reputation. One of the most common questions businesses ask is whether to manage health and safety in house or bring in external expertise.

This article looks at the main advantages and disadvantages of hiring a health and safety consultant to help you decide what is right for your organisation.

Advantages of Hiring a Consultant

Expert knowledge

Consultants bring a wide range of experience from different industries and project types. They understand what works in the real world and can apply best practice tailored to your sector and risk profile.

Value for money

Hiring a consultant is often more cost effective than employing a full time member of staff, especially for small businesses or project based work. You only pay for the support you need, when you need it.

Independent viewpoint

Consultants provide an impartial perspective and are not influenced by internal politics or routines. This makes them ideal for carrying out audits, cultural reviews, or incident investigations.

Up to date advice

The best consultants stay informed about legislation, industry trends, and enforcement priorities. They can help you stay compliant and avoid falling behind with legal duties.

Scalable project support

On larger or more complex projects, consultants can step in to provide guidance on CDM responsibilities, mobilisation, or site safety planning. This allows your internal team to focus on delivery without losing control of compliance.

Disadvantages of Hiring a Consultant

Not always present

Unless retained or brought in for a specific period, consultants may not be on site every day. This can limit their ability to respond in real time unless good reporting and communication systems are in place.

Learning curve

A consultant may take time to fully understand your business, especially the culture and informal practices that influence safety. Early engagement helps to reduce this.

Seen as external

Consultants may be viewed as outsiders by some employees, especially if they are introduced following an incident or enforcement issue. Clear messaging and leadership support helps to prevent this.

When is it the right choice

A consultant is most useful when:

• You are preparing for accreditation such as CHAS or SafeContractor

• A project requires support under the Construction Design and Management Regulations

• You need to carry out an impartial investigation into an incident

• Your business is growing and in need of systems or structure

• You are bidding for work that requires formal safety competence

Conclusion

Hiring a health and safety consultant offers clear benefits for many businesses, particularly those without dedicated safety staff. When used correctly, a consultant becomes a trusted advisor who brings clarity, structure, and confidence to your operations.

Need professional support tailored to your business? Contact Pragmatic Safety today to arrange a free initial discussion.