A health and safety inspector is in charge of inspecting workplaces in order to reduce the risk of injury. Some work as active inspectors, evaluating spaces and issuing reports, while others work as advisers, sharing their knowledge with businesses that want to be as healthy and safe as possible. Work in this field is growing, particularly in growing areas, necessitating the hiring of more inspectors to ensure that working conditions are safe.
A bachelor’s degree in occupational safety or a related field is usually required to become a health and safety inspector. He or she must also be willing to participate in continuing education and training to stay current with developments in the field, as most health and safety inspectors do. If someone wants to work as a health and safety adviser, they can get additional training in areas such as workplace ergonomics.
When someone works as an inspector, they are usually acting as a government agent. Most governments have strict laws in place to keep workplaces safe, and these laws are enforced by inspectors who visit businesses on a regular basis. When a health and safety inspector arrives, the workplace is inspected for compliance with things like the regional health code, and if there are any violations, warnings may be issued.
Health and safety advisers enter a workplace as consultants and make recommendations on how to make it safer, healthier, and more pleasant to work in. To reduce absenteeism and insurance claims for workplace-related injuries and health problems, some insurance companies actually require companies to be inspected for health and safety. Other companies hire consultants voluntarily because they want their employees to stay healthy.
To work in this field, one must be willing to travel and visit a diverse range of locations. Some business owners become quite hostile when they are informed about safety violations, so a health and safety inspector may be required to use diplomacy. It’s also helpful to know the relevant health and safety codes inside and out so that specific citations can be issued for each violation warning.