Guide
How to Choose a bizSAFE Consultant in Singapore
What a Level 3 quote should include, what to ask before you pay, and the signs a consultant will leave you stuck at the audit.
6 min readMost companies look for a bizSAFE consultant when a tender or main contractor asks for Level 3 and the deadline is close. Every consultant looks the same at that point. Here is how to tell them apart.
Key takeaways
- The consultant prepares you. An MOM-approved WSH auditor does the audit. Check which parts your quote covers.
- Ask who will do the work. The person who sells is often not the person who delivers.
- Risk assessments written without a site visit fail audits.
- Get the audit fee, the number of risk assessments and the site visits in writing.
- Compare the scope, not the price. Cheap and expensive quotes often describe different jobs.
What a bizSAFE consultant does
Two parties are involved. Do not mix them up.
| Consultant | MOM-approved WSH auditor |
|---|---|
| Prepares your Risk Management plan, risk assessments and safe work procedures with you | Audits the plan against the Level 3 requirements |
| Briefs your RM Leader and supervisors | Issues the audit report to WSH Council |
| Runs a mock audit before the real one | Cannot be the person who prepared your documents |
| Your choice | Must be on the MOM-approved list |
A good consultant does three things. Builds the plan around how your company works. Teaches your people to run it. Gets you through the audit.
What a quote must include
Quotes for the same job differ by thousands of dollars because they leave different things out. Check each quote against this list first.
- Safe work procedures. How many, and for which tasks.
- Mock audit. Included or not.
- Rectification. If the auditor raises findings, is fixing them included.
- Timeline. Start date, audit date, and what they need from you.
- Payment terms. In advance, deposit and balance, or on completion.
Questions to ask before you pay
Ask by WhatsApp or email so the answers are in writing.
| Ask | Good answer |
|---|---|
| 1. Who will do my project? | A named person you can message directly. |
| 2. Have you done my trade before? | Yes, with examples of the hazards in your kind of work. |
| 3. Will you visit my site? | Yes. |
| 4. Is the audit fee included? | Yes or no, with the amount. |
| 5. What if the auditor raises findings? | They help you close them, and they say whether it costs extra. |
| 6. How long will it take? | A realistic number of weeks, and what depends on you. |
| 7. What do you need from us? | A short list: RM Leader certificate, staff list, work activities, existing procedures. |
| 8. What happens at renewal? | They explain the renewal audit and the rate. |
Red flags
- "Guaranteed pass." The auditor is independent. Nobody can guarantee the result.
- Documents before a site visit. The plan was written for another company.
- No named consultant. You find out who is doing the work when it is late.
- Generic risk assessments. Ask for a sample. If it could belong to any company, the auditor will see that too.
- Pressure to sign today. A one-day discount is a sales tactic.
- Vague on the audit. If they cannot say who books the auditor and how the report reaches WSH Council, they have not done many.
What it costs
In Singapore, bizSAFE Level 3 consultancy is typically $1,500 to $3,000. The RM audit is another $500 to $1,500. Some quotes are consultancy only. Some are all-in. Always ask which.
Our bizSAFE Level 3 package is from $1,888 all-in. It includes the official RM audit, the site visit, your risk assessments and safe work procedures, RM Leader briefing and a mock audit. You work with one experienced consultant from the first call to the audit report. Full breakdown in our bizSAFE Level 3 cost guide.
Frequently asked questions
Can the consultant also do the audit?
No. The audit is done by an MOM-approved WSH auditor who is independent of whoever prepared your documents.
Do I need Level 1 and 2 first?
Yes. Level 1 is the top management course. Level 2 is the Risk Management course for your RM Leader. Both are paid directly to the training providers. We guide you on who to send.
How long does Level 3 take with a consultant?
Typically 3 to 6 weeks from kick-off to audit. It depends on how fast your side supplies information and on auditor availability.
What documents do I get?
Risk Management plan, risk assessments for your work activities, safe work procedures, RM Leader appointment and briefing records, and the audit report. All in your company name.
Is a cheaper consultant worse?
Not always. Price reflects what is included and whether the work is done on site. A lower quote with a site visit, a named consultant and the audit included can be better value.
Should I pick a consultant who also does ISO 45001?
Yes if you may go to bizSAFE Star or ISO 45001 later. The same risk assessments and procedures become the base of the bigger system. See our bizSAFE Star guide.
What should I prepare before the first meeting?
Your RM Leader certificate, a list of work activities, staff and contractor headcount, any existing procedures, and your deadline.
Talk it through with Nachi
Tell us your industry and headcount, and get a quote and a realistic timeline, free, same day.
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