Consultants register up and running

A new online directory has been launched to help businesses find a health and safety consultant that they can trust to give sensible, expert advice.

More than 1,600 consultants in the UK have signed up to the online Occupational Safety and Health Consultants Register (OSHCR) which has been created to increase employers' confidence that they are receiving good quality, proportionate health and safety advice should they need external help.

Before consultants can join the register they must prove they can meet strict eligibility criteria. Each must belong to a professional body, have a degree-level qualification, at least two years' experience and have demonstrated a commitment to continuing their professional development.

Many employers do not need external consultants to help them comply with their legal obligations. The register is aimed at those businesses that want extra support from a trusted source - and will make it easy to find a local consultant with relevant industry and topic expertise.

The register is now freely accessible and searchable at: www.oshcr.org