Many small business owners rarely take the issue of safety seriously. Nevertheless, working with the right safety consultant is worth the investment. This decision won’t only boost your bottom line but also protect your employees.
Although you can implement and assess your safety program yourself, it’s possible to have some lapses. Such near-miss incidents can cause serious accidents if care isn’t taken. A safety consultant will take an objective look at your safety program and find creative ways to improve it.
Check out the roles of a workplace safety consultant.
1. Fix safety hazards
The first step to troubleshooting safety hazards involves risk assessment, which can either be specific or broad.Hiring a safety consultant is a more budget-friendly option than setting up a full-fledged in-house health and safety team.
One of the main roles of safety consultants is evaluating and eliminating safety hazards in your workplace. Conducting a hazard assessment will lower your chances of getting OSHA citations.
A competent safety professional will enlighten you on the right safety resources you should invest in. They will also ensure that your workspace layout promotes employees’ safety. Asides from that, they can help you keep track of dangerous chemicals and confirm that each one has the right label.
2. Minimize risks
The real reason small business owners avoid hiring safety consultants can be traced to the belief that it’s expensive. However, working with a reliable consultant is a cost-effective solution that will even help you drive more revenue.
Safety experts know how to maximize resources so that business owners can get the most out of their services. In case you have an in-house team, they will collaborate with them and offer insight for a safer environment.
At times, they may offer recommendations such as giving your workplace an overhaul or investing in new machinery to eliminate risks. In situations where certain hazards can’t be eliminated, they will take steps to reduce them.
3. Organize safety programs
Another role of safety consultants involves creating safety manuals for training. They understand the importance of investigating safety issues to equip employees with strategies for avoiding such incidents in the future. Your employees will get training on how to use safety tools and equipment.
Being proactive about safety shows that you prioritize your workers’ wellbeing, and this can go a long way to enhance their efficiency.
4. Design safety programs
Your safety consultant will analyze your current safety practices and techniques. This is the key to lowering the risk of making mistakes because they will use the latest safety management software.
Reputable consultants are always improving their skills and expanding their knowledge base through various programs. It’s not surprising that they are familiar with the latest trends and know where and how to apply them.
They will ensure that your organization complies with OSHA standards by distilling complex state and federal regulations. You can rest assured that they will establish plans for handling emergencies.
Cornerstone EHS consultants have several years of experience working in different industries and dealing with different hazards. Their services will help you develop a safety culture and reduce injury rates over time.