Searching for a safety consultant? Start here.

Choosing the right safety consultant for your business can mean the difference between a successful program – and a potential disaster. The following tips can help get you started.

• Don’t be easily impressed. While a safety degree from a reputable institution can be a plus, unless you know which colleges offer good programs – and which don't – focus more on the consultant's "real-world" experience, rather than their college degree.
• Know your "ABCs". If you're looking at professional designations, make sure they're good ones – from reputable organizations – and that they’re appropriate for your particular situation. Why hire an environmental expert, for example, to develop injury prevention strategies?
• Examine their track record. Look at the consultant's work history. Have they handled situations similar to yours? How effectively? Ask for references from clients – and call them.
• Cover your bases, literally. Make sure the consultant has a minimum of $1 million professional liability coverage and a minimum of $1 million general liability coverage – and get the certificates of insurance (from the carrier) to prove it.
• Talk – and listen. Explain your situation in detail. Do they hear what you're saying and respond with logical solutions in plain English, or revert to jargon and legalese?
• Beware of "one-size-fits-all" approaches. While "template" approaches may be less expensive, if they're not right for your situation, they could wind up costing you in more ways than one.
• Do the "personality" test. If you can't see yourself spending hours working with this person – or having him on-site with your employees – look elsewhere.