Health and safety employees really matter to their companies. They’re not just workers but key players actively involved in the game. They get familiar with every corner of their company, understanding its features and what challenges it’s going through. When it’s time to leave and start a new journey, some parts of their job can be carried with them while some can’t. But let’s be real, this job isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. Some people prefer being a freelance or independent consultant, offering their know-how to different organizations instead of just one boss. So, if you’re thinking about diving into the HSE (Health and Safety Environment) consulting world, it’s critical to understand where you’re swimming first.
HSE consulting is basically just about making sure a company is following all the safety rules. And guess what, there’s a rising demand for this job in different industries. Why? Because following the rules is getting more complex and tricky, as shown by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. To rock the HSE Consultant role, you’ve got to be familiar with details like safety laws, health standards, fire prevention, environmental protection, and how to handle waste. And don’t forget to think big picture as each client will have their own unique needs based on what they do and their size.
Making it Big as an HSE Consultant in the Health and Safety Sector
Get the Credentials in Order
Take it from me, getting your papers in order is the first step. At minimum, according to the Board of Certified Safety Professionals(BCSP), you’ll need a bachelor’s degree in safety, health, environmental science, or a related field and some relevant experience. After, snagging professional certifications like the Certified Safety Professional(CSP) or Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) can add to your appeal and hence, profitability.
Don’t Overlook Business Finances
On the money front, understanding finances and having a savvy business model can prevent riding the struggle bus down Brokeville Lane. Specifically, get a handle on invoice factoring and invoice discounting because they could be significant for improving cash flow while waiting for clients to cough up the moolah.
In a nutshell, invoice factoring means a business sells its invoices to a third-party company at a discount, while invoice discounting is borrowing money using invoices as collateral. The key differences between invoice factoring and invoice discounting, according to Investopedia, lie in control, customer interaction, cost and confidentiality. Understanding these factors will help you choose the right option for your business.
Marketing Your HSE Consultancy
Once you have decked the halls with the right credentials and tools, next is the lead-pipe cinch of setting up your business or as us seasoned folk, say, ‘spread the good word’. Enlist your services on various online directories, professional groups, and networking events. Leverage the power of social media and content marketing. A study in the Harvard Business Review demonstrated that businesses that use digital strategies have a higher likelihood of reaching their target audience and securing leads.
The Sure-Fire Way to Profitability
Here’s the gist of it all: To ensure long-term profitability, offering top-notch services and building an excellent reputation will get the masses singing your praises. According to the American Society of Safety Professionals’ finding, organizations with superior safety, health, and environmental management systems can create significant business value. Hence, your expertise can play a significant role in adding business value and ultimately increasing your profitability.
READ: Who Is A HSE Competent Person?
At the end of the day, don’t forget that sliding into the HSE consulting gig isn’t all about chance. You need to know about all the details and be wise about your business finances as well as know how to attract clients, and keep an eye on bagging more profits. Then you’re well on your way to becoming the top dog in HSE consulting. As the old 50s adage goes, ‘the harder you work for something, the greater you’ll feel when you achieve it’.
