Occupational Safety and Health Inspector Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the realm of occupational safety, the emphasis on Health and Safety Inspectors has never been more paramount.

As our industrial landscape evolves, so does the need for vigilant experts who can enforce, enhance, and protect our occupational safety and health regulations.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s really expected from an Occupational Safety and Health Inspector?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the ideal candidate,
• Or simply interested in the dynamics of occupational safety and health inspections,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable Occupational Safety and Health Inspector job description template, crafted for easy posting on job boards or career websites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Occupational Safety and Health Inspector Duties and Responsibilities

Occupational Safety and Health Inspectors play a critical role in ensuring that workplaces are safe and free from hazards that can cause injuries or illnesses.

They accomplish this by conducting regular inspections and audits, as well as enforcing compliance with health and safety regulations.

They have the following duties and responsibilities:

• Perform regular and thorough inspections of workplaces, equipment, and practices to ensure compliance with safety standards
• Identify potential hazards and propose corrective actions
• Review and evaluate workplace safety policies, procedures and programs
• Enforce compliance with laws and regulations pertaining to health and safety
• Investigate accidents, incidents, and complaints related to workplace health and safety
• Prepare reports detailing inspections and investigations conducted, as well as findings and recommendations
• Provide advice and guidance to employers and employees on how to prevent health and safety hazards
• Conduct training sessions on safety practices and health regulations
• Keep abreast of latest developments in health and safety best practices and legislation

 

Occupational Safety and Health Inspector Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated Occupational Safety and Health Inspector to ensure compliance with health and safety laws.

In this role, you will be responsible for conducting routine inspections, identifying potential hazards, and implementing safety measures.

The ideal candidate will be well-versed in regulatory standards and have a keen eye for detail.

Your ultimate goal will be to ensure a safe working environment for all employees.

 

Responsibilities

• Inspect workplaces and work procedures to ensure safety compliance.
• Identify potential hazards in the workplace and recommend remedial action.
• Implement safety policies and protocols.
• Provide guidance on health and safety matters to management and employees.
• Investigate accidents and incidents to identify the root cause and prevent reoccurrence.
• Conduct training and presentations to raise safety awareness.
• Ensure that personal protective equipment (PPE) is being used in workplaces according to regulations.
• Prepare reports on health and safety issues.
• Maintain knowledge of latest trends and developments in occupational health and safety.

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Safety Inspector or similar role.
• Knowledge of potentially hazardous materials and practices.
• Proficiency in data analysis and risk assessment.
• Exceptional observation and analytical abilities.
• Outstanding communication skills with the ability to present and explain health and safety topics.
• Certification in occupational health and safety (e.g., Certified Safety Professional (CSP)).
• Degree in safety management or relevant field is preferred.

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Occupational Safety and Health Inspector
• Work Environment: Fieldwork is a significant part of the job. Travel to various workplaces within the designated area is common.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Occupational Safety and Health Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $55,000 minimum to $85,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does an Occupational Safety and Health Inspector Do?

Occupational Safety and Health Inspectors play an essential role in ensuring workplaces are safe and healthy for employees across various industries.

They are responsible for inspecting and evaluating workplaces, equipment, and practices for compliance with corporate and governmental regulations related to health and safety.

Their job is to identify and analyze potential hazards that could cause harm to workers, such as exposure to toxic substances, harmful noise levels, or unsafe handling of dangerous equipment.

They also review safety procedures and emergency protocols, ensuring they are up-to-date and effectively communicated to all employees.

Occupational Safety and Health Inspectors work closely with company management to implement safety programs and policies.

They provide training and consultation to increase awareness and knowledge about potential hazards and safe practices.

When accidents do occur, they investigate the incident, determine the causes, and recommend corrective actions.

In many instances, they are responsible for ensuring that businesses comply with all relevant health and safety laws to prevent hefty fines and legal repercussions.

Their ultimate goal is to minimize or eliminate workplace accidents and illnesses, ensuring a safe and healthy work environment.

 

Occupational Safety and Health Inspector Qualifications and Skills

An Occupational Safety and Health Inspector should have the qualifications and skills necessary to effectively perform their job role, such as:

• Strong understanding of health and safety laws, regulations, and standards to effectively identify and report potential violations.
• Excellent observation skills to effectively inspect workplace environments, equipment, and practices for compliance with occupational safety and health regulations.
• Clear and effective communication skills for discussing findings with employers, writing reports and providing feedback on areas where compliance needs to be improved.
• Problem-solving skills to identify potential hazards and risks in a workplace and suggest viable solutions to mitigate these issues.
• Detail-oriented to ensure that all aspects of a working environment are up to par with safety standards and to avoid overlooking potential hazards.
• Physical stamina and ability to work in different environments as the job may require visiting various work sites and performing physical inspections.
• Interpersonal skills to manage discussions with employers who may be resistant to criticism or change about their workplace safety policies and practices.
• Knowledge of data analysis and risk assessment to evaluate safety data and identify patterns of unsafe conditions or work practices.

 

Occupational Safety and Health Inspector Experience Requirements

Entry-level candidates for Occupational Safety and Health Inspector may have 1 to 2 years of experience, often through an internship or part-time role in occupational safety or health fields.

These professionals can also gain on-the-job experience in roles such as Safety Coordinator, Health and Safety Officer, or other roles related to risk management and safety compliance.

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience often develop their practical skills and knowledge in entry-level Occupational Safety and Health Inspector roles.

This experience often includes knowledge of safety inspections, risk assessments, and regulatory compliance.

Those with more than 5 years of experience are typically familiar with more complex safety and health protocols and regulations.

They may have leadership experience in their background and may be ready for a managerial or supervisory role in occupational safety and health.

Some roles may require advanced relevant experience, especially those in industries with specific health and safety challenges, such as construction, manufacturing, or chemical handling.

These roles may necessitate inspectors to have specialized training and experience in these fields.

 

Occupational Safety and Health Inspector Education and Training Requirements

Occupational Safety and Health Inspectors typically need a bachelor’s degree in occupational health, safety, or a related scientific field such as biology or engineering.

These degree programs will cover areas like occupational safety standards, industrial hygiene, and safety management.

In addition to a bachelor’s degree, some positions may require a master’s degree in occupational health or safety, industrial hygiene, or a related area.

Certification is highly recommended and sometimes required for Occupational Safety and Health Inspectors.

The Board of Certified Safety Professionals and the American Board of Industrial Hygiene offer several types of certification suitable for this profession.

Work experience in a health and safety role or in the specific industry they are overseeing can be beneficial.

On-the-job training is typically provided to help them understand specific protocols and regulations related to their work.

Finally, since their job involves identifying and addressing potential risks, they need to be detail-oriented and have strong problem-solving skills.

They should also have excellent communication skills as their role involves writing reports and liaising with different levels of management.

 

Occupational Safety and Health Inspector Salary Expectations

The average salary for an Occupational Safety and Health Inspector is approximately $70,480 (USD) per year.

This amount, however, can vary depending on factors such as experience, the sector in which they work, their geographical location, and the complexity of the tasks they are assigned.

 

Occupational Safety and Health Inspector Job Description FAQs

What are the qualifications needed for an Occupational Safety and Health Inspector?

Occupational Safety and Health Inspectors typically have a bachelor’s degree in occupational health, safety, or a related scientific field such as biology, chemistry, or engineering.

Other necessary qualifications include knowledge of safety procedures and regulations, familiarity with inspection techniques, and the ability to communicate effectively.

Some positions may require certification from organizations like the Board of Certified Safety Professionals.

 

What are the daily duties of an Occupational Safety and Health Inspector?

Occupational Safety and Health Inspectors conduct workplace inspections to ensure employers comply with laws and regulations designed to protect workers.

They review safety procedures, inspect workplace environments, equipment, and practices for compliance with occupational safety and health regulations, identify hazards, and recommend corrective actions.

Additionally, they prepare reports on their findings and provide training and education on safety standards and regulations.

 

What skills are required for an Occupational Safety and Health Inspector?

An Occupational Safety and Health Inspector needs excellent attention to detail to identify hazards and ensure compliance with safety regulations.

They should have good problem-solving skills to assess situations and determine appropriate safety measures.

Strong communication skills are essential for explaining safety protocols and regulations to workers and management.

They also need strong analytical skills to evaluate safety data and create comprehensive reports.

 

What should you look for in an Occupational Safety and Health Inspector resume?

Look for a degree in a relevant field, such as occupational health and safety or engineering, and any certifications related to workplace safety.

Relevant work experience is important, specifically experience conducting safety inspections and training.

Proficiency in safety standards and regulations and skills like problem-solving, communication, and data analysis should also be highlighted in a resume.

 

What qualities make a good Occupational Safety and Health Inspector?

A good Occupational Safety and Health Inspector is diligent, detail-oriented, and committed to ensuring workplace safety.

They should demonstrate a thorough understanding of safety regulations and standards and the ability to apply them in various situations.

Strong interpersonal skills to effectively interact with employees at all levels and excellent problem-solving skills to determine the best safety solutions are other important qualities.

 

Conclusion

So, there you have it.

Today, we’ve unlocked the reality of what it means to be an Occupational Safety and Health Inspector.

And guess what?

It’s not just about enforcing regulations.

It’s about crafting a safer and healthier work environment, one inspection at a time.

With our comprehensive Occupational Safety and Health Inspector job description template and real-life examples, you’re well-equipped to take the next step.

But why stop there?

Delve deeper with our job description generator. It’s your next move towards creating pinpoint-accurate listings or optimizing your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every inspection and regulation is a part of a safer work environment.

Let’s create that future. Together.

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