The robust management of inherent health and safety risks are of vital importance to any company. The Covid-19 pandemic has created a greater emphasis on HSE. However, this is coupled with the pandemic’s effect on local and global economies. Companies that previously regarded themselves as low-risk now realise that the management of health and safety is a priority for them too. Larger companies now face the challenge of managing their high risk environments and activities. Whilst balancing severe fiscal constraints.

Further throw into the mix the toughening up of governmental and regulatory HSE laws and legislations. Making compliance an additional challenge for businesses. Especially the smaller ones that cannot afford to employ a dedicated resource to take care of their health and safety. 

All these factors are leading to an increase in outsourcing to HSE consultants. A well-utilized practice historically employed for time-bound project-based roles. But now also seen as a long-term economic option. 

Useful for all Companies:

For many SMEs, employing a qualified, experienced professional in the health and safety field on a full-time basis would usually prove financially unviable. There may also not be enough work to justify the headcount. This explains why most SMEs amalgamate roles and charge other departments. Such as HR or Operations, with their essential HSE function. Thereby stressing untrained, inexperienced, unskilled staff with little topic knowledge. And those who are not legally able to fulfil “competent person” requirements. This eventually leads to legal non-compliance, and the companies HSE risk remaining unmanaged and wide open to potential catastrophe.

For larger companies, usually with existing dedicated HSE staff or HSE departments. Outsourcing comes into its own on a project-specific basis. Perhaps they want an assessment of their existing HSE management systems and practices from an unbiased expert? A consultant would be well-experienced in reviewing the current documentation and/or on-site operations. They can show where gaps and risks lie and develop an action plan to put them right. Or perhaps there are specific time-bound projects or a set amount of time to be spent undertaking activities with higher risk than usual? A good HSE consultant can guide a company through these periods safely. 

A Viable Option:

• By helping reduce the financial implications associated with hiring an in-house expert whilst also reducing running costs. Outsourcing has presented itself as a viable financial option. 
• Outsourcing to a consultant from a competent HSE consultancy, as opposed to just a freelancer. Will give you access to a collective pool of expertise from a team of professionals. This means you won’t be limited to the knowledge of one consultant or a single in-house resource. 
• In order to maintain legal compliance, employers are charged with the responsibility of ensuring that all workers are equipped with the appropriate level of knowledge and skills needed to perform their duties safely and responsibly. A good consultant will include knowledge transfer and capability building within their scope. Ensuring value add and strengthening the company internally.
• As health and safety should be part of the everyday work activities of a company, rather than a separate function. The HSE consultant will adapt their programme to your business. Policy, procedures, risk assessments, liability assessments, strategic reviews, etc. Will all be created with an in-depth understanding of your company, clients, and the goods and services you offer at the forefront. A ‘one size fits all’ solution just won’t work.

When is the Right Time to Outsource Health and Safety?

To determine how much value outsourcing offers to it, every company must ask itself some important questions. These include:

• Do you employ someone who is competent and capable of helping you to meet your current legal requirements as regards health and safety?
• Does your company understand the risks inherent in its operations? Has it carried out suitable and sufficient risk assessments in relation to all significant sources of harm (hazards) arising from its activities?
• Have arrangements been put in place by your company to report and keep records of all accidents/incidents, injuries, dangerous occurrences, and diseases?
• Has your company carried out an assessment of the capabilities and training needs of all employees as regards health and safety, and provided this training where appropriate?
• Do you have a written policy statement (signed by the top management), as regards health and safety, that clearly highlights your company’s approach to ensure the safety of the employees and others who may be affected by your business? 
• Are you able to tender effectively and pass through supply chain balanced scorecard audits and registration processes by showing proof of your HSE management system documentation?

If, after answering the questions above, you are not confident about your company’s HSE standing, then you must start looking into outsourcing an external safety and health resource. For companies in the UAE, you won’t find a better HSE Consultancy than Corporate OHS. We provide health and safety management services, crisis management, HSE system review and audit, general HSE consultancy, and COVID-19 response and management. 

Corporate OHS also offers the option of a flexible contract and a monthly retainer, meaning your company gets immediate access to specialized HSE services without the burden of a permanent cost. For enquiries or to find out more about our services, please visit our website or send an email to enquiries@corporateohs.com.