Wilby Risk Management welcomes the Consultants Register
Aug 19, 2010
The HSE has announced it is to set up a registration scheme of consultants accredited to give safety advice to employers. The register has been discussed for several years but with the focus placed on the health & safety issues by the new coalition government, the HSE is to take the lead role in setting up and overseeing the registration scheme.
Currently anyone can set themselves up as a health & safety consultant without any adequate qualifications. Although there are recognised organisations, such as the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health, membership of such an organisation is optional.
Mark Dalton, Wilby Risk Management comments, "When appointed by a new client, we frequently see the work of the previous consultants and have found many examples of poor quality work. Whilst there are many excellent consultants in the industry, we come across cases of inadequate and sometimes misleading advice. We see the register as a good move towards whittling out incompetence from the industry".
The HSE had previously provided guidance to employers on selecting a consultant, "Getting specialist help with health and safety (INDG240)" but this new register will help employers be guided towards competent consultants who can add value to a business.
The registration scheme is expected to be in place by January 2011.
