What safety consultants help with
- Workplace and task risk assessments.
- Health and safety policies and procedures.
- Fire risk assessments.
- Training, inductions and toolbox talks.
- Accident investigation and reporting.
- Audits and ISO 45001 certification support.
The rules by region
- UK: the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, enforced by the HSE. Employers must assess risks, and those with five or more employees must write down their significant findings and have a written policy.
- US: the Occupational Safety and Health Act, enforced by OSHA, with some states running their own approved plans.
- EU: the Framework Directive 89/391/EEC sets minimum duties, applied through national law. EU-OSHA publishes guidance and free OiRA risk-assessment tools.
Credentials to look for
- NEBOSH qualifications and IOSH membership (common in the UK and internationally).
- In the US, certifications such as the Certified Safety Professional (CSP) from BCSP.
- Experience in your sector, such as construction, manufacturing, offices or hospitality.
For construction contracts and disputes, see our sister site BuildLaw.
What affects the cost
Number of sites and employees, the level of risk in your work, how much documentation exists, training needs and whether you want ongoing retained support or a one-off review.
Last updated: 16 October 2026
