What Is a Health and Safety Consultant? A Complete Guide for UK Businesses

A comprehensive guide to building a career as a safety and health consultant in the UK and internationally, including qualifications, responsibilities, salary expectations and career progression

Published by Arinite Health & Safety Consultants | February 2026 | 14 min read

Safety and health consulting is one of the most rewarding careers for those who want to make a genuine difference in the workplace. Every day, safety and health consultants help organisations protect their employees from injury and illness, navigate complex regulatory requirements, and build cultures where safety is a core value rather than an afterthought.

The demand for qualified safety and health consultants continues to grow. In the UK alone, HSE statistics show that 1.7 million workers suffered from work-related ill health in 2023/24, while 138 workers lost their lives in workplace accidents. Organisations increasingly recognise that they need expert guidance to manage these risks effectively, creating strong career opportunities for those with the right skills and qualifications.

Whether you are considering a career in safety and health consulting, looking to transition from an in-house role, or simply want to understand what consultants do and how they add value, this guide provides a comprehensive overview of the profession.

What Is a Safety and Health Consultant?

A safety and health consultant is a professional who provides expert advice and practical support to organisations on managing workplace health and safety. Unlike in-house safety officers or managers who work exclusively for one employer, consultants typically work with multiple clients across different industries, bringing a breadth of experience and perspective that can be invaluable.

Consultants help organisations comply with legal requirements, identify and control workplace hazards, develop safety management systems, investigate incidents, deliver training, and create safer working environments. They may work independently as sole practitioners, or as part of a consultancy firm ranging from small specialist practices to large multinational organisations.

The work can take many forms. Some consultants focus on specific industries such as construction, manufacturing, oil and gas, or healthcare. Others specialise in particular areas such as fire safety, process safety, ergonomics, or occupational hygiene. Many provide generalist services covering the full range of health and safety disciplines.

What Does a Safety and Health Consultant Do?

The day-to-day work of a safety and health consultant is varied and engaging. No two days are the same, and consultants often work across multiple clients and projects simultaneously. Here are the key activities that consultants typically undertake:

Risk Assessment

Conducting risk assessments is fundamental to the consultant's role. This involves visiting workplaces, observing activities, talking to employees, and systematically identifying hazards and evaluating risks. Consultants conduct general workplace risk assessments as well as specialist assessments for specific hazards such as fire, hazardous substances (COSHH), manual handling, display screen equipment (DSE), noise, vibration, and work at height. They recommend control measures and help organisations implement practical solutions.

Policy and Procedure Development

Consultants help organisations develop health and safety policies, procedures, and safe systems of work. This includes the overarching health and safety policy required under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, as well as specific procedures for particular activities or hazards. Good consultants ensure that documentation is practical and proportionate, not just generic templates that sit unused in folders.

Audits and Compliance Reviews

Consultants conduct audits to assess whether organisations are meeting their legal obligations and following their own policies. This might include checking compliance with specific regulations, evaluating the effectiveness of safety management systems, or preparing for external certification such as ISO 45001. Audits identify gaps and areas for improvement, enabling organisations to address issues proactively.

Training and Education

Many consultants deliver health and safety training programmes. This ranges from general awareness training for all employees to specialist courses on topics such as manual handling, fire safety, working at height, or IOSH Managing Safely for managers and supervisors. Effective training helps employees understand the risks they face and empowers them to work safely.

Incident Investigation

When accidents, incidents, or near misses occur, consultants can lead or support investigations to determine what happened, identify root causes, and recommend actions to prevent recurrence. They bring objectivity and expertise to the investigation process. For serious incidents, consultants may assist with RIDDOR reporting and liaison with regulators such as the HSE.

Management System Implementation

Consultants help organisations design, implement, and maintain health and safety management systems. This often includes implementing ISO 45001, the international standard for occupational health and safety management systems, and guiding organisations through the certification process. A robust management system provides a structured approach that ensures nothing falls through the cracks.

Advisory and Support Services

Many organisations retain consultants to provide ongoing support, acting as their competent person for health and safety matters as required by the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999. This includes answering day-to-day questions, keeping the organisation informed of regulatory changes, attending safety committee meetings, and providing support during HSE visits or inspections.

How to Become a Safety and Health Consultant

Becoming a successful safety and health consultant requires a combination of education, qualifications, experience, and professional development. Here is the typical pathway:

Educational Foundation

Many safety and health consultants have a degree in occupational health and safety, environmental science, engineering, or a related field. However, a degree is not always essential. Many successful consultants have entered the profession from other backgrounds, bringing valuable industry experience that enhances their understanding of workplace hazards and practical solutions.

Professional Qualifications

Professional qualifications are essential for establishing credibility as a consultant. In the UK and internationally, NEBOSH qualifications are the most widely recognised:

NEBOSH National General Certificate: This is the foundation qualification for those entering the profession. It provides a broad understanding of health and safety principles and is suitable for those with safety responsibilities or those starting a career in health and safety.

NEBOSH National Diploma: This is the professional-level qualification, equivalent to a foundation degree (Level 6). It is typically expected for those working as consultants or in senior health and safety roles. The Diploma demonstrates in-depth knowledge and the ability to apply it in complex situations.

Specialist NEBOSH qualifications: These cover specific areas such as fire safety, construction, environmental management, and oil and gas. They are valuable for consultants specialising in particular industries or hazard types.

Professional Membership

The Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) is the leading professional body for health and safety practitioners. Membership demonstrates professional standing and commitment to continuing development. IOSH membership grades include Tech IOSH (Technician) for those starting their career, Grad IOSH (Graduate) for those with appropriate qualifications, CMIOSH (Chartered Member) indicating high competence through qualifications and experience, and CFIOSH (Chartered Fellow), the highest grade recognising exceptional contribution to the profession.

For consultancy work, Chartered status (CMIOSH) is typically expected and provides assurance to clients of your competence. Chartered Members are bound by IOSH's code of conduct and must undertake continuing professional development.

Practical Experience

Qualifications alone are not sufficient. Practical experience is essential for developing the judgement and skills needed to be an effective consultant. Most consultants have spent several years working in in-house safety roles before moving into consulting. This experience provides understanding of how organisations actually operate, the challenges they face in implementing safety measures, and what practical solutions work in the real world.

Registration on OSHCR

The Occupational Safety and Health Consultants Register (OSHCR) was established following a Government recommendation to provide assurance to businesses engaging safety consultants. Registration demonstrates that the consultant meets professional standards of competence. Many organisations require their consultants to be registered on OSHCR, and it provides a useful way for businesses to find reputable consultants.

Essential Skills for Safety and Health Consultants

Beyond technical knowledge, successful safety and health consultants need a range of skills:

• Communication skills: the ability to explain complex requirements clearly to different audiences, from frontline workers to board directors, and to write reports that are clear and actionable
• Influencing skills: the ability to persuade people to adopt safe behaviours and convince management to invest in safety improvements, often without direct authority
• Analytical skills: the ability to gather information, analyse data, identify patterns, and draw sound conclusions from evidence
• Problem-solving skills: the ability to develop practical solutions that address safety concerns while remaining workable within operational constraints
• Interpersonal skills: the ability to build relationships with people at all levels, earn trust, and work effectively with diverse stakeholders
• Commercial awareness: understanding how businesses operate, appreciating the pressures managers face, and demonstrating the value that safety brings
• Organisational skills: the ability to manage multiple clients and projects simultaneously, meet deadlines, and deliver quality work efficiently
• Continuous learning: commitment to staying current with changes in legislation, best practices, and industry developments

Salary Expectations for Safety and Health Consultants

Salaries for safety and health consultants in the UK vary depending on experience, qualifications, specialism, and whether the consultant works for a consultancy firm or independently. Based on current market data:

Junior or Graduate Consultants: Those entering consultancy with the NEBOSH Certificate and limited experience can expect salaries in the range of £28,000 to £38,000.

Consultants: Qualified consultants with the NEBOSH Diploma and several years of experience typically earn £40,000 to £55,000.

Senior Consultants: Experienced Chartered consultants (CMIOSH) with specialist expertise can earn £55,000 to £75,000.

Principal or Director-level Consultants: Those leading teams or practices, or with exceptional expertise, can earn £75,000 to £100,000 or more.

Independent consultants working for themselves can potentially earn more, but must also cover their own business costs, insurance, marketing, and administration. Day rates for experienced independent consultants typically range from £400 to £800 or more depending on specialism and client base. Consultants working internationally or in high-hazard industries such as oil and gas often command premium rates.

Industries and Sectors

Safety and health consultants work across virtually every industry. Some of the key sectors include:

• Construction: one of the highest-risk industries, with complex regulatory requirements including CDM 2015
• Manufacturing: diverse hazards including machinery, chemicals, noise, and manual handling
• Oil, gas, and energy: high-hazard environments with stringent safety requirements and often international operations
• Healthcare: unique challenges including biological hazards, violence, and complex patient safety considerations
• Retail and hospitality: large workforces, high staff turnover, and customer safety considerations
• Transport and logistics: vehicle safety, manual handling, and warehouse operations
• Professional services and offices: DSE, mental health, and workplace wellbeing
• Education: duty of care for students as well as staff, with diverse activities and age groups
• Public sector: local authorities, central government, and emergency services

International Opportunities

Safety and health consulting is a global profession, and UK qualifications are widely recognised internationally. NEBOSH qualifications and IOSH membership provide credibility in markets around the world, making it relatively straightforward for UK consultants to work internationally.

International work requires understanding of different regulatory frameworks, enforcement approaches, and cultural attitudes to safety. Consultants working internationally need to navigate local requirements while maintaining consistent standards. International standards such as ISO 45001 provide a common framework that can be applied across borders.

Opportunities for international work are particularly strong in sectors such as oil and gas, construction, and manufacturing, where multinational companies seek consultants who can support operations across multiple countries. The Middle East, Asia, and Africa offer significant opportunities for experienced consultants.

Career Progression

A career in safety and health consulting offers clear progression opportunities. Many consultants start in junior roles, developing their expertise while working under the supervision of more experienced colleagues. As they gain experience and qualifications, they take on more complex projects and greater client responsibility.

Senior consultants often specialise in particular industries or disciplines, becoming recognised experts in their field. Some progress to management roles, leading teams of consultants and developing business strategy. Others choose to establish their own consultancy practices, building businesses around their expertise and client relationships.

The skills developed in consulting are also transferable to senior in-house roles, and some consultants move back into corporate positions as safety directors or heads of health and safety, bringing their breadth of experience to a single organisation.

Working with Arinite

At Arinite, we employ experienced safety and health consultants who bring the expertise our clients need. Our team of Chartered (CMIOSH) consultants has over 500 years of combined experience across virtually every industry, from small businesses to multinational corporations, from offices to construction sites, from the UK to over 50 countries worldwide.

For organisations seeking safety consultancy support, we provide the full range of services including outsourced health and safety management, risk assessments, compliance audits, ISO 45001 implementation, training, incident investigation, and policy development. Our approach is practical, proportionate, and focused on what actually makes a difference. We call it "Keeping It Simple."

With experience supporting over 1,500 UK businesses and operations in more than 50 countries, we understand the challenges organisations face in managing health and safety effectively. Whether you need ongoing support, a specific project, or simply want to understand your options, we are here to help.