The Ultimate Guide to Outsourced Health and Safety Services
Learn everything you need to know about outsourcing health and safety for your business! Learn everything
Top 5 Outsourced Health and Safety Providers in the UK
Compare 5 of the UK's Leading Health and Safety Specialists and Find the Best One for Your Business!
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Top 5 Outsourced Health and Safety Providers in the UK
Compare 5 of the UK's leading health and safety specialists and find the best one for your business!
Business health and safety might not be the most glamorous part of running your own business, but it’s integral to your success. Recruiting outsourced specialists is a great way to save time and money while ensuring your business remains compliant with stringent requirements.
Finding the right one for you is essential, and one wrong move in this highly sensitive area could spell disaster. But with so many providers out there, who do you pick?
Well, at Commercial Experts, we’re here to make that decision a little bit easier. We’ve compared 5 of the UK’s leading providers, given a few expert tips on what to look for when making your decision, and even made it super simple to get your journey started.
With all that in mind, let’s get going!
What Are Outsourced Health and Safety Services?
Outsourced health and safety services involve passing some or all of your legal responsibilities to qualified specialists. This can include:
- risk assessments
- compliance checks
- policies
- training
- audits
- site inspections
- fire consultancy
- food safety
If you don’t have an in-house health and safety specialist ensuring that your staff are safe and your business is compliant with stringent regulations, then outsourcing is ideal for you.
Why is Health and Safety Important in the Workplace?
The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 requires all employers to ensure the safety of their staff and anyone else affected by their work. It may seem like a pointless box-ticking exercise, but there are severe consequences if you don’t stay compliant.
Outsourcing provides expert guidance, helps mitigate risks, and keeps you prepared for any audits that may arise.
Are you looking for ongoing or one-off support?
Please select an option. This information allows us to tailor your quote.
What are the Benefits of Outsourcing Health and Safety?
Access to Specialist Expertise
With outsourcing, you’ll gain instant access to qualified health and safety consultants and professionals. Their vast experience can help identify hazards that others may miss and offer sound advice from the outset. Instead of hiring, training and maintaining a full-time, in-house employee, you can still benefit from this expertise, but at a fraction of the cost.
Legal Compliance Assurance
Health and safety laws are serious business that you do not want to end up on the wrong side of. Outsourced advisors stay on top of the constant legal changes, ensuring your business remains up-to-date. It ensures your workplace stays compliant with the Health and Safety at Work Act, helping you avoid costly fines, legal trouble, and potentially irreversible damage to your reputation.
Cost Savings
Hiring in-house health and safety staff can cost up to £47k a year in wages. Then you have to fork out for training, benefits, and recruitment. Outsourcing eliminates these overheads while still giving access to expert advice.
You can tailor your plan to only pay for what you need, making it a flexible and cost-effective option without compromising on the level of protection you receive.
Reduced Risk of Fines and Litigation
Non-compliance can result in fines, legal action, damage to reputation, shutdowns, and even imprisonment. Outsourced consultants identify risks before they can develop into serious problems, implement preventative measures, and handle documentation properly.
With their expertise, you reduce the likelihood of regulatory action and keep your business free from costly mistakes or dangerous oversights.
Improved Workplace Safety Culture
Outsourced professionals help build a positive safety culture via personalised training, regular communication, and staff engagement. When your staff feel that safety is a genuine priority, they’re more likely to follow procedures, report hazards, and help create a safer and more productive working environment.
Operational Efficiency
If your staff focus on health and safety tasks, it can steal time and focus from your core operations. Instead, by outsourcing, your team stays focused on their jobs while trained experts handle compliance, inspections, and paperwork. This streamlines processes, improves productivity, and prevents overstretching and employee burnout.
Scalability and Flexibility
As your business grows or changes, so do your safety needs. Outsourcing provides a scalable and flexible service that adapts to your workload, project type, or seasonal demands.
On-Demand Support and Resources
With 24/7 support, you can sleep easily knowing that a fast response to incidents is just a phone call away. You’ll also benefit from an entire library of resources that includes ready-made risk assessment templates and training modules. Whether it’s an audit or an emergency, there’s no panic, no stress, just support you can count on.
Objective External Perspective
An external consultant brings fresh eyes and an honest, unbiased perspective. They’re not influenced by internal politics or office habits, and they’ll flag risks others might overlook. That independent view could be the difference between passing and an extremely costly failure at your next inspection.
Enhanced Reputation and Audit Readiness
Demonstrating a commitment to health and safety fosters trust among staff, clients, and regulators. Outsourced consultants maintain up-to-date records, making audits smoother and reinforcing your professionalism. A strong safety track record can even improve your chances when bidding for contracts in safety-critical industries.
Prevention of Incidents and Insurance Claims
Workplace incidents can raise your insurance costs and disrupt daily operations. Outsourcing helps identify root causes, implement controls, and reduce claims. Fewer incidents mean smoother operations, lower insurance payments, and maintaining business continuity.
Specialist Tools and Documentation
Outsourced firms often provide access to professional toolkits—templates, checklists, policies, and portals—that save time and guarantee consistency throughout your business and multiple sites. These regulator-approved resources mean less admin for you and more confidence that your systems are audit-ready and legally sound.
Top 5 Providers: Our Verdict
So before we dive in, there’s just a quick thing we need to clear up. This isn’t going to be a ranking table of who is the best provider. Instead, it’s an overview of each one, the outsourced health and safety services that it provides, and what makes them so great.
This way, you can have a clear and objective view of what each provider has to offer, allowing you to find the best one for you.
| Provider | Accreditations Offered | Standout Features |
|---|---|---|
| Wirehouse | IOSH-accredited | Tailored service, WorkNest integration, Sector-specific support. |
| Citation | ISO, SSIP | All-in-one package, 24/7 Advice Line, no hidden costs. |
| Omny Group | CHAS, SMAS Support | Seamless team integration, support through business growth stages. |
| Safety Forward | N/A | Proactive solutions, long-term partnership. |
| Integrity HSE | ISO9001, 14001, 45001, 27001, 50001, 22301, B Corp | Global sector reach, expert-matched consultants, cultural transformation. |
Wirehouse
Offers unrivalled experience and services that are tailored to each individual client's needs.
- Types of Services Offered
- Health & Safety Documentation
- Health and Safety Audit
- Health & Safety Advice Service
- Emergency Support
- Fire Risk Assessments
- Food Safety Management
- Health and Safety Consultancy
- Health and Safety Whitepapers
Kicking things off today is Wirehouse Employer Services. Since forming in 2010, it has established itself as a leader in the employer services space, providing responsive health and safety solutions. It prides itself on offering unrivalled experience and services that are tailored to each individual client’s needs.
Why Choose Wirehouse?
- Unrivalled Experience: The company’s directors and senior team members are unrivalled in their experience, coming from a diverse range of backgrounds, including finance, law, commerce, media, advertising, and accountancy.
- Tailored, Responsive Service: All services are individually tailored to each client, adapting to meet your specific needs and challenges, ensuring maximum value and compliance.
- Comprehensive UK Coverage: Although based in Warrington, Wirehouse has consultants throughout the country. This nationwide support includes in-person, over-the-phone and 24/7 online assistance.
- Integration with WorkNest: In 2024, Wirehouse merged with WorkNest, a leading provider of health and safety software. This integration provides access to its advanced systems, which help expand compliance and risk services, and offers access to broader resources and expertise.
- IOSH Accredited Courses: Wirehouse specialises in delivering internationally recognised, IOSH-accredited health and safety training.
- These are delivered on-site, at agreed-upon venues, or Wirehouse’s own training centre. All courses are taught by approved IOSH trainers, ensuring accessibility and practical, real-world learning.
- Sector-Specific Expertise: With its wide range of industry-specific experience, you can benefit from specialist advice and services tailored to your specific sector. Some industries it works with include construction, education, care, hospitality and the public sector, among others.
Are you looking for ongoing or one-off support?
Please select an option. This information allows us to tailor your quote.
- Types of Services Offered
- Health & Safety Consultancy and Advice
- HR & Employment Law Support
- Online Health & Safety Management (Atlas platform)
- 24/7 Advice Line
- Regular Site Visits
- Risk Assessment Templates and Documentation Management
- Wellbeing Services
- E-Learning and Training
Since its formation in 1995, Citation has empowered 50,000 UK businesses to navigate the complex world of health and safety. Today, it has a team of over 160 across the country ready to provide its signature hands-on service. If you’re looking for a partner that loves nothing more than getting in the trenches with you, then Citation could be your perfect match.
Why Choose Citation?
- Proven Track Record & Scale: With nearly three decades in the industry and over 50,000 clients, its experience speaks for itself. Its consultants are all highly qualified, being members of IOSH or IIRSM.
- Comprehensive, All-in-One Support: Citation’s single, simple support package covers everything from documentation and compliance to regular site visits and certified e-learning.
- 24/7 Expert Advice: Don’t wait around: get expert advice when you need it the most! Its 24/7 support line offers you the peace of mind to focus on what really matters, running your business.
- Built-In Protection and No Hidden Costs: Citation’s advice guarantee is included as standard. This means you won’t be charged because there are no expensive add-ons or insurance traps, and you’ll receive protection from any health and safety fines or prosecutions as part of its service.
- Demonstrable Impact on Safety: Citation claims that its clients are statistically 47 times less likely to face an enforcement notice, 75% less likely to have a reportable accident, and seven times less likely to experience a major injury, compared to national averages.
- Tailored, Jargon-Free Service: You could receive the best advice in the world, but if you can’t understand the jargon, it’s useless. Citation’s advisors provide clear, actionable advice and bespoke training courses to help you understand what needs to be done to stay safe and compliant.
Omny Group
Scalable services that adapt to your needs, from initial guidance to fully outsourced solutions.
- Types of Services Offered
- Accident Investigation Services
- Human Resources Services
- Employment Law and Corporate Law Services
- Employee Benefits Programmes
- Fire Safety Consultancy
- Health & Safety Audits
- Health & Safety Consultancy and Support
- Risk Assessments
Omny Group delivers a holistic suite of services tailored to support you at every stage of your growth. Its approach is built on its core values of keeping things simple, making a positive difference, and acting with consideration. You’re more than just a number; you’re at the heart of every decision it makes.
Why Choose Omny Group?
- Simple Communication: Customer service is key to what Omny Group do, and this involves providing you with clear, jargon-free advice, making it easy for you to stay on the right side of all regulatory compliance.
- Positive Impact: It focuses on making a genuine difference for its clients and views its work as more than just a box-ticking exercise. You’re at the heart of everything it does, striving to make a positive change for your business and everyone you’re involved with.
- Tailored Service: Consultants will take the time to listen and understand your unique situation, providing personalised solutions that reflect and address your specific needs and challenges.
- Seamless Team Integration: Rather than just being a faceless voice on the end of a phone, Omny Group love getting in the mix with you. It works closely alongside your business to provide proactive support that makes it feel like you’ve got a specialist in-house.
- Commitment to Best Practice: Stay one step ahead of regulatory requirements by having industry best practices embedded into processes and policies, supporting efficient and compliant operations.
- Support Through Every Stage of Growth: As your business evolves, so do your health and safety needs. Omny Group offers flexible, scalable services that adapt to your needs. From initial guidance to fully outsourced solutions, it’s with you every step of the way.
Are you looking for ongoing or one-off support?
Please select an option. This information allows us to tailor your quote.
Safety Forward
Offers a range of health and safety training courses, including risk assessment, workplace hazards, and emergency procedures.
- Types of Services Offered
- Accident & Incident Investigation
- Health & Safety Audits
- Enforcement Support & Guidance
- Health and Safety Competent Person Package
- Risk Assessments
- Noise Assessment Services
- Workstation & DSE Assessments
- Interim Health & Safety Consultants
Following a successful 22-year tenure with the National Crime Agency, Marisa Firkins established Safety Forward. Since 2014, it has been offering a fresh and innovative approach to health and safety consultancy, focusing on tailored solutions rather than generic, one-size-fits-all packages.
Its aims? To build strong, collaborative relationships with clients, aiming to empower businesses to grow sustainably and foster a positive workplace culture.
Why Choose Safety Forward?
- Expertise Across Sectors: Safety Forward’s consultants bring years of experience from a wide range of industries—including construction, manufacturing, education, healthcare, retail, and more—to provide sector-specific, practical advice.
- Customised, Client-Focused Approach: The company tailors its services to each client’s unique needs, so all solutions are practical and relevant to your specific needs and never just a “box-ticking exercise.”
- Proactive and Preventative Solutions: Safety Forward emphasises proactive strategies to prevent accidents and incidents before they occur, helping you stay one step ahead of worst-case scenarios.
- Ongoing Support and Partnership: Rather than just offering one-off advice, Safety Forward provides continuous support and monitoring, acting as a long-term partner genuinely invested in your success.
- Commitment to Excellence: The team is dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of service, continually updating its knowledge and skills to deliver the best possible support.
- Comprehensive Health & Safety Training: Safety Forward offers a range of health and safety training courses, including risk assessment, workplace hazards, fire safety, manual handling, first aid, and emergency procedures.
- Types of Services Offered
- Health and Wellbeing Support
- Safety Culture Transformation
- ISO Certification Support
- B Corp Certification Guidance
- Safety Case Authoring and Review
- Human Factors and Ergonomics Analysis
- Incident and Root Cause Analysis
- e-Learning Modules for Safety and Compliance
And rounding off our top 5 today is Integrity HSE. Known for its collaborative approach and tailored solutions, Integrity HSE hand-picks highly qualified HSE and training professionals to deliver innovative and cost-effective solutions. Its core values of integrity, shared ownership, accountability, and creativity guide its work.
- Expert-Led, Tailored Solutions: Integrity HSE is recognised for matching clients with world-class HSE professionals, so every solution is customised to your specific needs and challenges and delivered by industry-leading experts.
- Collaborative, Results-Driven Approach: Its unique method of integrating specialists within your team creates an environment of collaboration, allowing your business to work seamlessly alongside its designated experts.
- Commitment to Culture and Leadership: Integrity HSE focuses on transforming organisational culture, addressing leadership, communication, and engagement so that safety becomes a core value of your operations, and not just a tedious box to tick.
- Comprehensive Compliance and Certification: Don’t just rely on the consultants; your team can benefit from the library of resources provided with your service. ISO certifications and B Corp accreditations are on offer to help you achieve the highest standards in quality, safety, and environmental responsibility.
- Global Reach and Sector Expertise: With experience across a wide range of industries and locations, you can benefit from Integrity HSE’s award-winning services no matter your industry or location.
How to Choose the Right Provider for Your Business
Check Qualifications and Accreditations
The first step to take is to verify your provider’s qualifications. Look for accreditations like:
IOSH (Institution of Occupational Safety and Health)
IIRSM (International Institute of Risk and Safety Management)
CHAS (Contractors Health and Safety Assessment Scheme)
These demonstrate that the provider has passed independent assessments, confirming its competence and commitment to quality.
Sector-Specific Experience
If you operate in a niche or high-risk industry, consider a provider with proven experience in your specific field. Health and safety risks vary across different sectors, and having someone familiar with your unique risks and needs is invaluable. This provides you with tailored and more relevant advice, better solutions, and a robust safety net in case things ever go wrong.
Legal Support Availability
Speaking of things going wrong, a good provider will always offer legal support. This could come in the form of compliance advice, assistance with responding to notices, or support during inspections. Ideally, they’ll have links with specialist solicitors who understand your industry and the risks involved.
Technology and Platforms Offered
Nobody deals with stacks of paper anymore; it’s all logged on smart systems. Find a provider that has an easy-to-use platform for tracking, audits, reporting, and document storage.
Having the right tools at your disposal helps to streamline admin, save time, and keep you audit-ready with everything stored in one secure, accessible place.
Responsiveness and Emergency Support
If something goes wrong, you need help fast. Look for providers who offer 24/7 emergency support, fast response times, and a clear plan for urgent situations. Knowing expert help is always just a call away can really help you out and give you peace of mind in high-pressure situations.
Always Check the Reviews
Always conduct your own research to ensure the sales pitch you receive has some substance to it. Check reviews on sites like Google or Trustpilot and look for consistent feedback, especially from businesses in your sector. A few negative reviews are normal, but repeated complaints or red flags should prompt you to think twice before signing anything.
How Can I Get Health and Safety Services for My Business?
Now that everything’s cleared up and you’re a health and safety expert, there’s only one thing left to answer: “How can I get health and safety services for my business?” Well, you’re in the right place because here at Commercial Experts, we make it super simple for businesses like yours to get started!
All you have to do is tap the button below and answer a few simple questions about your business. Then, based on your responses, you’ll receive a range of health and safety quotes tailored to meet your specific needs.
All quotes are 100% free and non-committal, so what are you waiting for?
FAQs
What types of businesses benefit most from outsourced health and safety services?
Any business without an in-house safety specialist can benefit, but outsourcing is especially useful for SMEs, high-risk industries, or growing companies needing expert support without the full-time cost of hiring and managing a dedicated team.
Can outsourced health and safety providers help during inspections or investigations?
Yes, most reputable providers offer legal support and guidance during inspections, audits, or after incidents. They’ll help you respond correctly, manage enforcement notices, and ensure your business remains on the right side of the law.
Will outsourcing health and safety save my business money?
Absolutely. Hiring, training, and keeping an in-house expert is expensive. Outsourcing lets you pay only for what you need—whether it’s a one-off audit or full management—making it a more affordable and scalable long-term option.
How do I know if a provider is trustworthy or any good?
Always check independent reviews (like on Trustpilot or Google), ask about accreditations (like IOSH or CHAS), and look for sector experience. Consistent, positive feedback and clear communication are good signs you’re dealing with a reliable provider.
How do I get started with outsourced health and safety?
It’s easy! Just hit the button on this page, answer a few quick questions about your business. Then we’ll match you with a range of free, no-obligation quotes tailored to your business. It’s fast, simple, and designed to get you compliant with zero fuss!
