We quoted for a DSEAR job back in 2014 and the client decided to go with another consultancy based upon a cheaper price. The price was obviously a key part of the decision making process and they felt at the time they had made the right choice.
However, we were recently approached to ask if we would be prepared to quote again and we sent a consultant along to the business to find out what their new requirements were. After an in-depth frank discussion it was made clear that the consultants employed were apparently deemed not to be up to the job. It is important that as consultants we demonstrate a high level of competence and can help to direct the business towards DSEAR compliance.
From what we saw the two previous consultants hadn’t showered themselves in glory with work done so far; in fact one report seen was very limited in detail and would not stand up to scrutiny from the HSE. A DSEAR assessment typically requires a detailed analysis of business operations and should make it very clear to the business what risks exist, what hazardous area classification applies and what corrective actions are needed. The report seen did not achieve this.
So a word of caution if you are thinking of employing someone to undertake your DSEAR assessment – make sure you know they are suitably experienced and competent. Check out who they have worked for before and take references if necessary. Otherwise, like this business, you could end up paying much more than you first intended.
