A day in the life of a safety consultant
My work is mainly people-oriented, dynamic, and surprisingly diverse.
By Ellen Smet
When people ask me what I do as a safety consultant, I notice they often think of thick binders, lots of rules and checklists, and comments like “watch out, here comes the safety person again.”
And to be fair, those things are indeed part of the job. But my work is mainly people-oriented, dynamic, and surprisingly diverse. No two days are the same, and that’s exactly what I love about it.
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My job mainly consists of site visits where I advise clients. Some clients already have a dynamic risk management system, while at others, the implementation needs to start from scratch.
Take, for example, a mechanical workshop where lathes, milling machines, pneumatic tools, and welding equipment are used daily. Such environments present various risks: from physical injuries due to moving parts to exposure to welding fumes and noise. During my visits, I conduct audits of the facilities together with the internal prevention advisor.
We look at different aspects such as machine safety, safety instruction cards, demarcation, fire extinguishing equipment, proper storage of hazardous materials, and personal and collective protective equipment. Although our main focus is safety, we also wear other hats during audits – such as environmental expert, fire safety advisor, ergonomist, or HR representative.
I believe that safety only works when people understand it and believe in it.
During these visits, I don’t just speak with the prevention advisor or manager, but also with the people on the work floor. They often know exactly where things go wrong in practice and where improvements can be made.
I ask a lot of questions, observe, and most importantly, I try to listen. My role is not to ‘inspect’ but to advise and support. Together, we look for solutions that comply with the law and are realistic in daily operations.
Besides the practical side, the job also involves a good deal of administrative work. This often starts with a general audit of the company, which, combined with the findings, results in a Global Prevention Plan (GPP).
It may also include monthly reports, detailed risk analyses, an Explosion Safety Document (EVD), safety instruction cards, procedures, or even a brief note with practical recommendations.
My challenge is to make complex legal texts understandable for everyone – from management to warehouse workers. I believe that safety only works when people understand it and believe in it.
Safety is everyone’s responsibility.
What’s important in safety is that it always relies on teamwork. Safety is everyone’s responsibility and can only work when everyone is aligned. Each person has their own specialization and valuable contribution to prevention.
Is this a 9 to 5 job? Absolutely not. There are always moments when a client calls about an incident or a breach of a Life Saving Rule.
In moments like those, we rush to the client to assist with drawing up the incident report and provide appropriate measures like a toolbox talk or a training session to raise staff awareness.
And then there are the unexpected moments during the day: a client calling with an urgent question, a toolbox meeting where you suddenly find yourself speaking to a group of twenty people, or a colleague asking for a second opinion. These are the moments that make this profession lively and challenging.
As a safety consultant, I have a job where I can make a difference every day. Not by imposing rules, but by working together with companies to create a safer workplace.
And I do that with great joy – every single day.
Conclusion
Our experienced consultants have a proven track record in various sectors, from SME’s to large companies. We understand that no two businesses are the same and therefore offer tailor-made solutions to suit your organisation’s specific needs. By working with us, you ensure that you comply with legal obligations, but above all that your employees can work in a safe and healthy environment.
Contact us Ctoday to find out how we can support you in building an effective and sustainable prevention policy.
Because with Prevom you’re always one step ahead of risks and hazards.
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