Getting It Right: Choosing the Right Health and Safety Expertise for Your Business

Part 3: Hiring or Contracting? How to Choose the Right Health and Safety Person

Whether you’re expanding your internal team or bringing in external support, choosing the right person to lead or advise on health and safety is critical. Poor hiring decisions can cost your organisation time, money, and — most importantly — put people at risk.

This final part of our series focuses on how to assess suitability, match skillsets to your needs, and understand the difference between generalists and specialists — whether you’re hiring an employee or contracting a consultant.

Know what you’re looking for

Start by defining the scope of the role. Are you looking for:

• Operational support (e.g. risk assessments, audits, training delivery)?
• Strategic leadership (e.g. governance advice, culture change, Board reporting)?
• Specialist knowledge (e.g. asbestos, hazardous substances, health monitoring)?

Being clear on the outcomes you need will help determine the level of seniority and type of expertise required.

Understand the differences

• Generalist advisors (e.g. NZISM members) support most businesses with everyday safety systems and risk management. NZISM roles and functions of accreditation levels
• Specialists (e.g. occupational hygienists, ergonomists, nurses) are required when you’re dealing with technical risks, detailed assessments, or worker health.

Use the HASANZ Register to verify whether someone is a qualified, accredited, and current member of a recognised profession.

For permanent hires

If you’re recruiting a full-time Health and Safety Advisor or Manager:

• Always ask for proof of NZISM (NZISM register) or HASANZ (HASANZ register) registration
• Request a copy of their CPD log (Continuing Professional Development)
• Check they can operate at the level you require — tactical, operational, or strategic
• Ask for examples of results they’ve delivered in similar roles

For contractors or consultants

If you’re engaging an external provider:

• Clarify whether they are offering strategic advice, operational delivery, or technical assessment
• Look for HASANZ-listed individuals or firms that specialise in the risk areas you need help with
• Ensure there’s clarity around scope, timeframes, and deliverables

Final tip

It’s not just about credentials — although those matter. The right person will:

• Understand your business
• Listen well
• Tailor solutions
• Build capability, not dependency

Done right, engaging the right professional isn’t just compliance — it’s a strategic advantage.

Not sure where to start? Just ask — we’re here to help.