Health and safety consultants play a crucial role in ensuring well-being in the workplace.
They’re pivotal in ensuring businesses maintain compliance with health and safety regulations while minimising risks and improving overall workplace safety.
There are a few different routes to becoming a health and safety consultant. If you’re considering a career as a health and safety consultant, here are the pathways you can take.
Obtain relevant health and safety qualifications
Qualifications in health and safety are essential for aspiring health and safety consultants.
The National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health (NEBOSH) courses are a popular route to becoming a health and safety consultant. For example, the National General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety or the National Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety provide foundational knowledge and skills needed for the job.
The Level 3 NEBOSH General Certificate provides a strong foundation for a long-term career in health and safety.
The Level 6 NEBOSH National Diploma is regarded as a good route to many top-level positions in health and safety. It meets the academic requirements of Graduate Membership at the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH).
This enables you to progress towards being a chartered health and safety practitioner as a Chartered Member of IOSH (CMIOSH).
HCS offers a range of NEBOSH courses, including both the General Certificate and the National Diploma.
You can also study for a degree or apprenticeship recognised by the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health.
Gain experience and develop skills
Practical experience in the field is invaluable for budding health and safety consultants.
Many employers prefer candidates with hands-on experience, so working in a related role, such as a health and safety officer, can help you on your way to becoming a consultant.
As a health and safety consultant, you’ll need excellent communication, problem-solving, and analytical skills.
Learn through on-the-job experience, further training and by attending industry events, workshops and seminars.
Stay up to date with industry regulations
Health and safety regulations are constantly evolving. Compliance and regulation are at the core of the job.
It’s essential to keep up with the latest updates so you can provide accurate advice.
Moreover, regulations differ across industries, so it’s necessary to follow specific industry developments if you want to specialise – such as construction health and safety.
Network and build connections
Joining professional organisations, such as the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH), can help you network with other professionals in the field. IOSH is globally recognised, and there are various membership options available from student to chartered level.
Obtain further professional certification
Earning a high-level professional certification, such as the Chartered Member of IOSH (CMIOSH), can boost your credibility and increase your chances of top-level consulting opportunities. IOSH is the only organisation that provides Chartership to health and safety professionals in the UK.
The highest level of professional accreditation available is Chartered Fellowship, IOSH’s highest level of professional membership. Fellowship is only awarded to chartered members with five years of experience and an exceptional professional track record.
NEBOSH courses: a reliable route to consultancy
Becoming a health and safety consultant requires dedication, continuous learning, and a commitment to professional excellence.
Obtaining a NEBOSH qualification is a significant step towards achieving it.
The NEBOSH National Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety is a reliable route for progressing towards consultancy.
Before that, the General Certificate offers an excellent working foundation for health and safety and will help you gain the skills and professional experience required for senior roles and consultancy.
Kickstart your journey towards becoming a health and safety consultant by exploring HCS Safety’s NEBOSH courses.
