Why Contracting Could Be Your Best Career Move in HSE

The WHS Market Is Hot

The demand for WHS professionals in Australia is extraordinary. Job opportunities in health and safety remain 52% above pre-pandemic levels, with a 12.5% increase in contracting opportunities at the start of 2024. Up to 4,200 job openings are projected over the next five years.

This isn't a bubble, it's a structural shift. In 2024, 188 Australian workers were fatally injured at work, and 146,700 serious compensation claims were lodged. Every organisation knows they need strong safety capability. That's where you come in.

Let's Talk Money

One of the biggest misconceptions about contracting is that you sacrifice financial security. In reality, the opposite is often true.

65% of professionals currently in permanent roles would consider switching to contracting, with the main reasons being better rates of pay and greater opportunities to develop skills.

Whilst permanent WHS Advisors typically earn between $100,000 and $140 000, experienced contractors often command daily rates that translate to significantly higher annual incomes when working consistently. Mining and construction sectors offer particularly attractive contractor rates, with experienced professionals commanding premium day rates that reflect both their expertise and the critical nature of their work.

Flexibility That Actually Works

Here's something that might surprise you: 47% of Australian professionals would skip a pay rise if it meant receiving the flexible work patterns they desire. Contracting gives you that flexibility – and a pay rise.

As a contractor, you control your work-life balance. Choose your projects. Need to take three months off to travel? Want to work intensely for six months then take time for family? Fancy a stint in the mines with FIFO arrangements? Contracting allows you to structure your year around your life, not the other way around.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics reports that 47% of those who work from home have agreements for flexible hours, compared with just 22% of those who don't work remotely. As a contractor, you're often in the driver's seat for negotiating these arrangements.

You'll Learn Faster

Realistically, if you stay in one organisation for years, your growth slows. You become expert in one system, one culture, one way of doing things.

In temporary roles, you're constantly exposed to new challenges. Different industries, like healthcare, logistics and manufacturing. Different safety management systems. Different cultures, from safety-mature organisations to those needing serious transformation. Major incident investigations, system implementations, psychosocial risk assessments, regulatory compliance audits.

This accelerated learning doesn't just make you a better HSE professional, it makes you more employable, more confident, and more capable of commanding premium rates.

Rethinking Job Security

"But what about job security?" It's the question every contractor (and contract recruiter) hears. Permanent employment isn't as secure as it once was. That ‘secure’ permanent role can disappear with a restructure announcement.

As a contractor, your security comes from your skills, your reputation, and the market demand for what you do. In the current market, experienced HSE contractors are fielding multiple offers. The demand significantly exceeds supply, and that doesn’t look to be changing any time soon.

Plus, many contractors find that organisations approach them for permanent roles after seeing their work. You've essentially completed an extended trial and proven your value, and you get to decide whether permanent employment appeals, and dictate the terms.

The Psychosocial Risk Opportunity

With mental health claims increasing by 14.7% and now accounting for 12% of all serious claims, organisations desperately need expertise in managing psychosocial hazards.

As a contractor, you can position yourself as a psychosocial risk specialist, moving between organisations to conduct assessments, develop frameworks, and implement controls. This emerging field is perfect for contracting because many organisations need this expertise for a defined project, not necessarily a permanent headcount.

Contracting Isn't a One-Way Door

Many WHS professionals contract for a period of time, then return to permanent employment. Perhaps they find an organisation they love and convert to permanent. Perhaps they achieve their financial goals and want more stability for a particular life stage.

The experience you gain contracting makes you a more attractive permanent candidate, not less. You've demonstrated adaptability, built diverse experience, and proven you can deliver results in various environments.

What You Need to Succeed

Contracting isn't for everyone. Here's what helps:

• Strong technical capability with relevant qualifications and relevant industry experience
• Commercial acumen to manage contracts, finances, and position yourself professionally if you decide to pursue contract work under an ABN – or let us do the work for you with our on-hire arrangements
• Adaptability to integrate quickly into new teams and build relationships rapidly
• Self-motivation to drive your own performance

How We make it easier

• Strong Client Network – Our experience and relationships mean we can position you professionally to employers that trust our expertise
• Financial management – You can use your ABN or take on contract roles as an employee of The Safe Step, wherein your contracts, tax, super and insurance are organised
• Access to EAP – When you come onboard as a Safe Step contracting employee, you and your family have access to counselling and support through our Employee Assistance Program

Getting Started

If you're seriously considering contracting:

• Build your financial buffer.
• Have 3-6 months of living expenses saved before making the leap.
• Sort your structure.
• Decide on whether you’d like to set up an ABN or work as an on-hire contractor through The Safe Step.
• Get insured.
• Professional indemnity and public liability insurance are essential for ABN holders, but not needed if you choose to work under us.
• Partner with specialist recruiters.
• Work with recruiters like The Safe Step who understand the HSE contractor market.
• Set realistic rates.
• Research market rates for your experience level. The best place to start is by speaking to one of our experienced consultants – they'll make sure you don’t undervalue yourself.
• Keep learning.
• Invest in professional development, particularly in emerging areas like psychosocial risk.

The Bottom Line

Contracting in WHS offers something increasingly rare: genuine control over your career trajectory, income, and lifestyle.

The market is strong, the demand is real, and organisations desperately need experienced WHS professionals who can step in and deliver results. Whether you're looking for better pay, more flexibility, accelerated learning, or simply a change from permanent employment, contracting offers a viable, often lucrative alternative.

Is it right for everyone? No. Does it require confidence, capability, and commercial nous? Absolutely. But for WHS professionals who want autonomy, variety, and the financial rewards that come with specialised expertise, contracting represents a strategic and exciting career move.

The question isn't whether contracting is a good option. The question is whether you're ready to take control of your career and give it a go.

Keilee Armstrong is a Recruitment Consultant at The Safe Step, specialising in HSE contracting and permanent placements across safety advisors, compliance, risk management, incident investigation, and psychosocial risk functions.

Considering contracting or want to explore current opportunities?

Get in touch with The Safe Step to discuss your next role and how we can support your transition to contract work.