Safety and Health Inspector Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In an era of increasing emphasis on workplace safety, the role of Safety and Health Inspectors has never been more critical.

As industries evolve, the demand for astute individuals who can maintain, enhance, and protect our workplace safety standards grows.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a Safety and Health Inspector?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker looking to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply curious about the ins and outs of safety and health inspection,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable Safety and Health Inspector job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Safety and Health Inspector Duties and Responsibilities

Safety and Health Inspectors are responsible for ensuring the safety and health of employees within a workplace.

They conduct regular inspections, evaluate potential hazards, and ensure compliance with local, state, and federal safety regulations.

The primary duties and responsibilities of a Safety and Health Inspector include:

• Conducting regular inspections of facilities, equipment, and safety systems
• Evaluating potential workplace hazards, such as improper ventilation or toxic materials
• Ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal safety regulations
• Recommending measures to help protect workers from potentially hazardous work methods, processes, or materials
• Investigating accidents and injuries, and prepare reports detailing causes and preventive measures
• Conducting safety training sessions for employees and management
• Developing and implementing safety policies and procedures in the workplace
• Collaborating with managers and employees to identify safety goals and implementing strategies to meet these goals
• Keeping records of safety-related incidents and propose corrective actions
• Staying up-to-date with the latest trends and innovations in occupational health and safety

 

Safety and Health Inspector Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a diligent Safety and Health Inspector to ensure that health and safety regulations are being adhered to within our organization.

The role involves identifying potential hazards, ensuring employees are properly trained, and maintaining compliance with local and federal health and safety laws.

The ideal candidate will be meticulous with a keen eye for detail and the ability to spot potential safety risks.

They should also have excellent communication skills to effectively convey safety protocols to our team.

 

Responsibilities

• Conduct regular safety inspections and audits to ensure compliance with safety regulations
• Identify potential hazards and propose corrective actions
• Develop, implement and review safety policies and procedures
• Train staff and management on safety protocols and accident prevention
• Coordinate emergency procedures, evacuations, and drills
• Prepare and present safety reports to management
• Stay updated on local and federal health and safety laws
• Investigate accidents, incidents and near-misses to identify their causes and find ways to prevent them in the future

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience as a Safety and Health Inspector
• Understanding of legal health and safety guidelines
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to present and explain health and safety topics
• Strong observational skills with a detail-oriented approach
• Ability to produce reports
• Certification in occupational health and safety (e.g. NEBOSH certificate) is required
• 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: Safety and Health Inspector
• Work Environment: This role requires working in a variety of settings, including offices, factories, and construction sites. Some travel may be required.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Safety Manager or Director of Safety.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $50,000 minimum to $75,000 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 a Safety and Health Inspector Do?

Safety and Health Inspectors play a crucial role in various industries, including construction, manufacturing, and public service.

Their work is vital to ensure that workplaces adhere to safety and health regulations and standards.

Their primary duty is to inspect workplaces for adherence to regulations on safety, health, and the environment.

They examine the work environment, machinery, and work practices for compliance with occupational safety and health regulations.

Safety and Health Inspectors also check the proper use of personal protective equipment, and the implementation of safety measures such as fire drills and first aid.

They review and approve safety plans and programs.

They may investigate incidents and accidents to identify their causes and find ways to prevent them in the future.

Inspectors often collect samples of materials used or operations performed in the workplace to be tested and analyzed for potential hazards.

Inspectors also conduct safety training and education programs, and provide advice on how to rectify any identified safety and health issues.

They work with managers and employees to develop safer and healthier ways of working, thus ensuring a safe and healthy work environment.

 

Safety and Health Inspector Qualifications and Skills

A competent Safety and Health Inspector should possess the following skills and qualifications, among others:

• Expertise in safety and health regulations to ensure the workplace is in accordance with federal, state, and local standards.
• Strong observational skills to identify potential safety and health hazards in the workplace.
• Problem-solving skills to design, recommend, and implement safety measures to mitigate risks.
• Excellent communication skills to convey safety protocols and potential risks to employers, employees, and government officials.
• Report writing skills to accurately document findings and present technical information in a clear and understandable manner.
• Ability to carry out inspections and audits, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.
• Interpersonal skills to build and maintain effective relationships with stakeholders, promoting a culture of safety in the workplace.
• Detail-oriented to ensure no safety and health risks are overlooked during inspections.
• A strong sense of integrity and professionalism, as inspectors often have to make unbiased decisions that could impact the company.

 

Safety and Health Inspector Experience Requirements

Entry-level safety and health inspector candidates typically have 1 to 2 years of experience, often obtained through internships, co-op programs, or part-time roles in occupational health and safety fields.

During this early stage, they might work under the supervision of experienced inspectors to gain practical knowledge of safety regulations and inspection procedures.

These professionals can also gain on-the-job experience in roles such as Safety Coordinator, Occupational Health Technician, or other safety-related roles.

Some could even start their career in positions related to the industry they wish to inspect, such as construction, manufacturing, or healthcare.

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience have usually honed their skills in recognizing health and safety hazards, interpreting safety laws, and enforcing compliance with regulations.

They may have begun their career as Assistant Safety Inspectors and gradually taken on more responsibilities.

Those with more than 5 years of experience often have a comprehensive understanding of safety and health inspection.

They may have some leadership experience in their background and may be ready to assume a managerial role, such as Safety Supervisor or even Safety Manager.

Advanced roles often require a thorough understanding of local, state, and federal safety regulations, as well as in-depth experience in conducting inspections, identifying hazards, and implementing safety procedures.

Demonstrated communication skills, both in writing inspection reports and in advising companies on compliance issues, are also essential.

 

Safety and Health Inspector Education and Training Requirements

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

They must have a thorough understanding of federal and state health and safety regulations.

This includes knowledge about how to conduct safety inspections and audits, how to identify potential hazards, and how to implement safety training programs.

Some positions may require Safety and Health Inspectors to hold a master’s degree in industrial hygiene, health physics, or a related discipline, particularly for more advanced or specialized roles.

Many employers prefer candidates with certifications, such as the Certified Safety Professional (CSP) or Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) designations, which demonstrate a high level of expertise and commitment to the field.

In addition to academic qualifications, Safety and Health Inspectors must have strong observational and analytical skills, along with the ability to communicate effectively with a variety of stakeholders.

Continued education and training are essential to keep up with changes in laws and technology, and to maintain certifications.

 

Safety and Health Inspector Salary Expectations

A Safety and Health Inspector typically earns an average salary of $71,790 (USD) per year.

The actual salary may fluctuate based on factors such as the inspector’s years of experience, specific industry, and the geographical location of the job.

 

Safety and Health Inspector Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Safety and Health Inspector need?

Safety and Health Inspectors should have strong observational skills, allowing them to notice even minor hazards in the workplace.

They should be analytical, capable of interpreting data and regulations and applying them to real-world situations.

They also need effective communication skills to relay safety information to workers, managers, and regulators.

Problem-solving skills are essential for devising practical solutions to safety issues.

 

Do Safety and Health Inspectors need a degree?

While some entry-level positions may only require a high school diploma, most Safety and Health Inspector roles require at least an associate or bachelor’s degree in occupational health, safety, or a related field.

Certification, such as Certified Safety Professional (CSP) or Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH), can also enhance job prospects.

 

What should you look for in a Safety and Health Inspector’s resume?

Look for a combination of relevant education, certification, and work experience in a safety-related field.

A good Safety and Health Inspector candidate should have familiarity with safety regulations and inspection procedures.

Experience in specific industries, such as construction or manufacturing, can be beneficial.

Additionally, any history of training others in safety procedures or writing safety protocols is a plus.

 

What qualities make a good Safety and Health Inspector?

A good Safety and Health Inspector is detail-oriented, ensuring no potential hazards are overlooked during inspections.

They should have integrity, as they must enforce regulations and standards without bias.

They must also be persistent, as it may take time and continuous effort to ensure safety issues are fully resolved.

Good interpersonal skills are essential, as they must be able to work effectively with various individuals and groups.

 

Is it difficult to hire Safety and Health Inspectors?

Hiring Safety and Health Inspectors can be challenging due to the specialized knowledge and experience required for the role.

Attracting the right candidates may require offering competitive salaries and benefits, as well as a positive work environment where safety and health are prioritized.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve unveiled the true essence of what it means to be a Safety and Health Inspector.

Surprise!

It’s not just about conducting safety checks.

It’s about forging safer workplaces, one inspection at a time.

Armed with our handy Safety and Health Inspector job description template and real-world examples, you’re primed for your next career move.

But why stop there?

Dig deeper with our job description generator. It’s your next step towards creating precise job listings or refining your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every safety regulation upheld is a step towards a healthier, safer environment.

Let’s build safer workplaces. Together.

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