What to Look For When Hiring a Safety Consultant

In today’s rapidly changing world, businesses are increasingly recognizing the importance of having third-party consultants on speed dial. This is primarily due to fundamental changes in how businesses are structuring operations. For example, the healthcare industry knows that support services, such as facilities management, environmental services, and food services, are a major hit to their bottom line and cannot be capitalized upon through profits. The manufacturing and biotech industries are interested in efficiency and minimizing practices that do not add to their overall goals and end product offerings.

Ensuring the well-being of employees, compliance with regulations, and minimizing environmental impact, though, are not only critical for sustainable operations but they are also required. To navigate this complex landscape, organizations often turn to environmental health and safety consultants. Simply put, consultants can be an effective way to combat competing goals and objectives while maintaining regulatory compliance and the overall safety and well-being of employees, patients, and visitors.

Before businesses hire a consultant, however, they should be asking themselves the following questions, outlined by Harvard Business Review in an article titled “How to Tell if Hiring a Consultant Will Be Worth the Investment”.

• What are we hiring the consultant to do, and why?
• What are the financial opportunities?
• What are the potential risks?
• What value drivers and metrics will define success?

Ultimately, the article points out, the organization must answer, “Will this investment be worth it?”

Once the organization decides that hiring a consultant is worth it, then it should be explored why it is essential to hire an experienced EHS consultant who has industry expertise, effective communication skills, and a partnership-oriented approach.

Industry Expertise

When seeking an EHS consultant, one of the key factors to consider is their industry experience. Each sector has unique hazards, regulations, and compliance requirements that demand specialized knowledge. Hiring a consultant who has worked in the industry they will serve brings invaluable insights and understanding of the specific challenges faced by the organization. This expertise enables them to develop tailored solutions that align with the organization’s goals and ensure compliance with industry-specific regulations.

Experience Matters

Experience is a vital aspect when selecting an EHS consultant. Seasoned consultants possess a deep understanding of EHS principles, best practices, and proven strategies for risk assessment and mitigation. They have encountered various scenarios, allowing them to anticipate potential challenges and provide proactive solutions. Additionally, experienced consultants bring a wealth of knowledge in managing crises, improving organizational culture, and implementing effective EHS management systems.

Effective Communication Skills

Another critical attribute of an EHS consultant is the ability to effectively communicate at all levels of an organization. From the C-suite to frontline employees, effective communication ensures understanding, engagement, and buy-in for EHS initiatives. An adept consultant can translate complex technical jargon into accessible language, making it easier for all stakeholders to comprehend and embrace EHS practices. Clear communication also fosters a culture of safety, empowering employees to contribute actively to hazard identification, reporting, and continuous improvement. An effective consultant is personable as well as technical and can speak to any level of employee with ease.

Partnership-Oriented Approach

When selecting an EHS consultant, organizations should seek professionals who prioritize collaboration and partnership. A consultant who understands the organization’s unique needs and goals can align their strategies and recommendations accordingly. By working together, the consultant can gain a comprehensive understanding of the company’s processes, culture, and values, allowing for the development of customized solutions that integrate seamlessly with the existing framework. This partnership-based approach fosters long-term success, as the consultant becomes an extended member of the organization’s team, driving sustainable EHS improvements. An effective consultant knows her limitations and is not afraid to refer services to another consultant if it benefits the client; after all, the most important goal of the consultant is to set up the client for success.

Other Considerations

Beyond industry expertise, experience, communication skills, and a partnership-oriented approach, there are additional factors to consider when hiring an EHS consultant. These may include their track record of success, certifications, and knowledge of local, state, and federal regulations. Furthermore, evaluating their ability to foster a culture of continuous improvement, provide ongoing support, and adapt to emerging trends and technologies is crucial for long-term EHS success.
While the organization will pay a higher hourly rate than hiring a regular employee to do the same work, the organization’s risk is lower overall and they can stay focused on their primary business operations and for many organizations, this is a growing trend.
Most consultants are available for fractional duties as well as project work. Consider retaining a consultant, like an attorney, if regulatory inspections are a regularly occurring event or there is no safety department or representative. Retainer agreements keep the consultant engaged and apprised of specific business practices and objectives while keeping them available when they are needed most.

Conclusion

Environmental health and safety is a critical, and required, aspect of responsible business operations. Hiring an experienced EHS consultant with industry expertise, effective communication skills, and a partnership-oriented approach is vital for organizations seeking to ensure the well-being of their employees, comply with regulations, and minimize environmental impact. By selecting the right consultant, businesses can leverage their knowledge and experience to develop tailored solutions, foster a culture of safety, and achieve sustainable EHS improvements ensuring the future success of the organization while staying tightly focused on the business they are in business to perform.

There is an adage, “Pay now or pay later; everyone pays”. It may seem cheaper to do without a consultant, however, injuries, violations, and complaints cost organizations much more in the long run.