If you’re running a business, especially in construction, manufacturing, logistics, or any higher-risk environment, you’ve likely faced the growing pressure of health and safety compliance. But with laws constantly evolving and the HSE keeping a close eye, staying on top of your obligations can feel like a full-time job on top of everything else you’re managing.
That’s where health and safety consultants come in. But what exactly do they do – and are they worth the investment?
What does a health and safety consultant do?
It’s natural to wonder exactly what a health and safety consultant does, and whether they’re worth the investment, especially if budgets are tight or you’re already stretched thin.
Put simply, health and safety consultants help businesses create safer, legally compliant workplaces. Their role is to support you in identifying risks, putting the right measures in place, and ensuring you’re meeting your legal obligations under UK health and safety law.
At THSP, for example, our consultants don’t just tick boxes – they work with you to understand your business and apply practical, proportionate solutions that work in the real world.
Here’s what that can include:
- Risk assessments and site inspections – Identifying hazards, evaluating risks, and helping you take action to control them.
- Creating or reviewing policies – From general Health and Safety Policies to Fire Risk Assessments, RAMS, COSHH and more.
- Training and competence – Ensuring your workforce has the right training for the job, and that you can evidence it.
- Accident investigations – Supporting you in the aftermath of an incident to understand what went wrong and prevent future issues.
- CDM compliance – Helping duty holders understand their responsibilities under the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations.
- Ongoing support and advice – Whether you need a one-off site audit or fully retained support, consultants can act as your competent person under Regulation 7 of the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations.
Why would a business need one?
You might not need a full-time in-house health and safety manager – but you still have legal duties. And if you’re managing a busy site or team, finding time to keep up with risk assessments, training records, and legislation updates can be tough.
A consultant helps you stay ahead of the curve – not just reacting to issues, but actively preventing them.
Our clients often tell us they sleep better at night knowing a qualified consultant is helping them stay compliant and confident.
Some key reasons to consider bringing one in:
- You’re not sure if your current health and safety documents are up to scratch
- You’re taking on bigger or more complex projects
- You’ve had a recent incident or near-miss and need support
- You want to meet requirements for accreditations like CHAS, SafeContractor, or SSIP
- You’re growing, and need to ensure your processes scale with you
Can’t I just download templates or do it myself?
We get it – it’s tempting to try doing things yourself to save money and time. But the reality is, generic templates can leave gaps that put your business and your people at risk.
HSE enforcement action often follows when businesses rely on outdated or generic documents that don’t reflect what’s actually happening on site.
A good consultant will ensure your documentation isn’t just compliant, but credible. That means it holds up under scrutiny – and more importantly, it keeps people safe.
What should I look for in a consultant?
Not all consultants are created equal. Look for:
- Relevant experience in your industry
- Membership of a recognised body like IOSH or IIRSM
- A practical, jargon-free approach – you need advice you can act on
- Clear, transparent pricing
- Flexible support levels – from policy audits and one-off site visits to fully retained services
At THSP, our consultants are based around the UK and bring decades of experience across sectors. Whether you need monthly visits, help on a specific project, or just a second opinion, we fit around you. We know every business is different, and that’s why our consultants don’t just tick boxes. They work alongside you, listening to your concerns and tailoring solutions that make sense for your team and your site.
So, should I hire one?
If you’ve already got solid systems in place, keep up with legislation, and feel confident your documentation would stand up to scrutiny – you’re on the right track.
That said, many businesses still choose to work with a consultant – for added peace of mind, expert insight, or simply to save time and focus on running the business. You can get decades of experience paired with boots‑on‑the‑ground support for less than 10% of the cost of hiring in-house.
If you’re unsure, under pressure, or just want the reassurance that everything’s in order, a consultant can take that weight off your shoulders.
Because good health and safety isn’t about red tape – it’s about protecting your people, strengthening your business, and helping you get the job done safely.
Want to find out more about how we support businesses like yours?
Talk to our team today about flexible, practical Health and Safety consultancy from THSP.