What the OSHCR means for health & safety consultants

Monday 31 January 2011 was a landmark date for health and safety consultants in the UK.

Because that's when the all-new Occupational Safety and Health Consultants Register (OSHCR) was launched.

Set up in response to Lord Young’s review of the health and safety laws in the UK – Common Sense: Common Safety, it was established by various professional bodies representing health and safety consultants in the UK.

The intention was to set a benchmark for standards across the profession. And, importantly, the OSHCR asks that all members wanting to join meet various minimum entry criteria. Including having health and safety professional indemnity insurance.

What's the point of the OSHCR?

Broadly, to provide organisations seeking commercial health and safety advice with an assurance that its members have fulfilled various standards within their professional body.

This gives those same organisations the confidence to know that they’ll be able to access well-qualified and experienced consultants capable of offering good quality advice.

Until the register was established, knowing how and where to get this kind of reliable expertise in such a vital area could prove something of a struggle - particularly for small businesses.

Are there any requirements to be on the OSHCR?

Health and safety consultants wanting to join the register need to achieve at least one of the following:

• Chartered status with IOSH (Institution of Occupational Safety and Health); CIEH (Chartered Institute of Environmental Health); or REHIS (Royal Environmental Health Institute of Scotland) with health and safety qualifications.
• Fellow status with IIRSM (International Institute of Risk and Safety Management) with degree-level qualifications.
• Member or Fellow status with BOHS (British Occupational Hygiene Society) Faculty of Occupational Hygiene.
• Registered Member or Fellow status with IEHF (Institute of Ergonomics and Human Factors).

In addition, consultants also have to declare they'll:

• Demonstrate adequate continuing professional development.
• Abide by their professional body’s code of conduct.
• Provide sensible and proportionate advice.
• Have PI insurance or equivalent to cover the nature of their duties.

Protection for all

For consultants not on the register, the last four points are particularly relevant and worth bearing in mind.

It might seem like common sense, but being able to demonstrate you take your business seriously is important. And it shows you’re a credible professional. That credibility is the reassurance and protection your clients look for when they come to you for advice.

By the same token, a professional indemnity insurance policy will provide you with the reassurance and protection you need to give that advice with confidence.

If an allegation of negligence is made against you by a client – justified or not – it will help fight your corner, meet your legal costs, cover any compensation due. And, ultimately, keep you doing what you do best: running your business.

You can read more about the register and its requirements by visiting: http://www.hse.gov.uk/oshcr/business-qa.htm

Or, if you want to know more about professional indemnity insurance for health and safety consultants, click here or ring the team on 0345 222 5391.

Image used under license from Shutterstock.