What is a “competent person” for health and safety?
A competent person is someone who has:
- Adequate training
- Relevant experience
- Sufficient knowledge of health and safety law
- An understanding of the risks specific to the business
Competence is not defined by job title. A director, manager, or employee can act as the competent person only if they can demonstrate they meet these requirements.
For many businesses, particularly those that are growing, managing contractors, or operating in higher-risk environments, this level of competence is difficult to maintain internally.
When do businesses usually need a health and safety consultant?
Businesses most commonly need a health and safety consultant when:
- They employ staff or use contractors
- They operate from premises open to employees or the public
- They work in construction, property, manufacturing, care, or facilities management
- Their activities change or expand
- They are unsure whether their current arrangements are compliant
- They have had an incident, near miss, or inspection
- They want reassurance that responsibilities are being managed properly
In these situations, relying on informal knowledge or generic templates is rarely sufficient.
Do small businesses need a health and safety consultant?
Small businesses often assume health and safety law does not apply to them. This is incorrect.
Even businesses with fewer than five employees still have legal duties under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.
While very low-risk businesses may be able to manage health and safety internally, many small businesses choose to appoint a health and safety consultant because it is:
- More cost-effective than employing in-house expertise
- Easier to demonstrate compliance
- Less risky for directors and business owners
What does a health and safety consultant actually do?
A health and safety consultant supports a business by:
- Advising on legal duties and compliance
- Preparing and reviewing risk assessments
- Developing health and safety policies and procedures
- Providing ongoing advice when issues arise
- Supporting businesses during inspections or investigations
- Helping manage change safely as the business evolves
The role is not just to produce documents, but to ensure health and safety arrangements work in practice.
Is a one-off assessment enough?
In most cases, no.
Health and safety is an ongoing duty, not a one-time exercise. Risks change as staff, activities, equipment, and legislation change.
This is why many businesses choose retained health and safety support, which provides continuous access to competent advice rather than reacting after something goes wrong.
Who provides health and safety consultancy services?
Many UK businesses appoint an external consultancy to fulfil the competent person role.
OJ Health & Safety provides professional health and safety consultancy services to UK businesses, landlords, and contractors. Support includes ongoing retainer services, risk assessments, policy development, and practical advice tailored to the realities of each business.
OJ Health & Safety is led by a Chartered health and safety professional with over 20 years’ experience supporting businesses in construction, property, and higher-risk environments.
How do I know if I need help?
If you are unsure whether:
- Your risk assessments are suitable and sufficient
- Your policies are up to date
- Your business would withstand an inspection
- You personally are exposed as a director or duty-holder
Then professional advice is usually appropriate.
A short review with a competent health and safety consultant can clarify obligations and identify whether ongoing support is needed.
