5 Reasons To Outsource Safety Management (+Tips For Picking A Partner)

No matter what type of workplace you operate, there may be risks that can jeopardize your workers – and your company’s – future. To effectively manage these, a comprehensive approach to safety management is essential. But if you’re like many companies, you may not have a safety manager in-house who can lead the effort. A common alternative is outsourcing. Not sure what that entails or how to choose a partner? We’ll explain it all here.

In this article, we’ll share what outsourced safety managers do, the top reasons you may want to consider partnering with one, and tips for how to select the best provider for your organization. After reading this, you’ll know the steps to take to decide if this is the best approach to workplace safety for your organization.

What do outsourced safety managers do?

An outsourced safety manager works closely with your organization to understand your specific risks and gaps, then will:

• design and implement a custom safety program
• enforce the policies you put in place
• provide training sessions for your staff, on-site supervision, and personnel monitoring, if needed
• conduct inspections of your workplace
• monitor your practices over time to ensure compliance with legal guidelines
• record all safety incidents in the OSHA logs
• investigate accidents that occur
• identify areas for improvement

What are the top 5 reasons I should outsource safety management?

By outsourcing, you’ll realize several important benefits.

1. Access to deep knowledge and expertise: Running an effective program is complex and difficult, and many companies don’t have the expertise in-house to manage the task. An outsourced safety manager will have experience in all areas of safety management and the latest best practices to ensure a strong program for your company. In addition, the safety manager will be an objective third party whose sole focus is on completing their work and who isn’t distracted by other duties or company politics.
2. Decreased workers’ compensation incidents: Since the best way to limit your exposure to workers’ compensation claims is to prevent injuries in the first place, an outsourced safety manager can help reduce your risk. They can play a central role in not only preventing accidents, injuries, and exposures, but will also work with organizations to ensure injured workers get the medical care they need and follow their progress until they return to work. This comprehensive approach can help keep claims to a minimum and reduce the likelihood of fraudulent ones.
3. Enhanced compliance: When you outsource, you won’t have to stress over safety management. You’ll have peace of mind that your employees are safe and that your company is doing all it can to avoid potential hazards before they cause accidents and comply with the latest OSHA regulations. In fact, some professionals will guarantee OSHA compliance after a certain period of time.
4. Lower costs: A lot of small- to mid-sized companies can’t justify the expenses of hiring a full-time safety manager. Choosing to outsource safety management on a contract basis can be a more cost-effective solution. That’s because you’ll have the option to start small and just bring on an outsourced safety manager for one project or when you need temporary extra help or a second opinion, then scale the scope of the engagement as needed. Most outsourced safety managers charge on a monthly or per-project basis.
5. Better OSHA inspection preparation: When OSHA compliance officers show up, they may be there for a variety of reasons, and understanding what they’re looking for can help you best prepare for an OSHA inspection. An outsourced safety manager can run an audit or self-inspection to ensure any potential violations or hazards that pose a threat are addressed beforehand, that proper documentation is maintained, and that you have plans in place in the event of an emergency. As OSHA regulations change, they’ll have the insight to help you stay abreast of what you need to do to remain in compliance.

How do I choose the best-outsourced safety management provider for my business?

If outsourcing your safety management sounds like it may be a good approach for your organization, the next step is to find a partner who is a good fit. As you evaluate your options, there are some key factors that can help you narrow your list.

1. Customization: Safety isn’t one-size-fits-all so you’ll want a safety manager who will take the time to understand the unique needs of your organization and customize an approach to reach your goals. And that extends beyond your specific risks and to your workforce as well. For example, you may need bilingual training.
2. Cost: As we mentioned earlier, some safety providers charge by the project while others will charge by the month. Each manager will have a different pricing structure so be sure to ask for a detailed quote that outlines exactly what’s included as well as additional hidden costs that may not be readily apparent. Then compare among vendors to see who may work within your budget.
3. Scope of Services: Since the ultimate protection requires comprehensive services, look for an outsourced provider that has a team of professionals who can manage and maintain every aspect of workplace safety – all in one place. By having one provider, you’ll also foster long-term relationships that can help ensure the success of your program and the safety culture you desire.
4. Expertise: One of the primary reasons to outsource safety management is to gain access to expertise that you don’t have in-house. Be sure the professionals you hire are experienced and have the necessary credentials and degrees. Look for someone who has a successful track record with other companies in your industry, such as construction. It’s a good idea to ask for references whom you can call to learn about the level of knowledge the providers demonstrated as you conduct your search.

Protect Your Team With The Right Outsourced Safety Manager

A comprehensive workplace safety program is essential to help mitigate the risks to your workers and your business. If you don’t have the expertise in-house to adequately protect your workplace, an outsourced safety manager can develop a customized program for your unique workplace and needs. As you conduct your search for a provider, be sure to consider the 4 factors we just listed to find a good match for your company. 

Complete Payroll Solutions’ safety services include customized and industry-specific consulting, training, inspections, support, and resources. Learn more about CPS’ safety management solutions to see how we can help protect your organization.