A health inspector is a skilled worker who can handle a wide range of tasks and work in a variety of settings. Many jobs are available through government agencies (municipal, state, or federal) that involve evaluating workplace safety for both employees and consumers who may use or purchase any product produced a workplace. In the form of private consultancies, a second set of job opportunities is available. A number of businesses hire a health inspector consultant to ensure that they are in compliance with all applicable laws governing safe working conditions, or to seek advice on how to improve worker safety.
In most cases, the health inspector has obtained an undergraduate degree to prepare for his or her job. Biology and chemistry are two possible majors, but occupational health and safety is becoming increasingly popular. In order to become an inspector, a person must study and pass tests on municipal, state, and federal standards that apply to a specific work area. A person inspecting restaurants, for example, would need to be able to spot violations of health and safety regulations, and those primarily responsible for worker safety in a factory would need to be familiar with all guidelines for worker safety and the safe handling of hazardous materials. Because these guidelines are updated on a regular basis, the health inspector is likely to require ongoing training to keep up with the changes.
The consultant health inspector may work alone or for a consultancy firm, and he or she may specialize in certain areas. He or she will travel to companies that require consulting and thoroughly inspect an environment to ensure that it complies with safety standards. If it doesn’t, the consultant compiles a list of necessary changes. Many businesses are now taking this route because they would rather make changes before a government health inspector finds problems and takes action, such as requiring changes or imposing fines.
The government health inspector may be feared businesses, but from the perspective of employees and customers, inspectors make people feel safer. Many businesses must undergo routine health inspections, and depending on their status, they may be required to make immediate changes to make their workplaces safer or to comply with safe handling and disposal laws. Those who work for the government as health inspectors should expect that they will not always be welcomed with enthusiasm. People who do this work are better off if they can take rejection well and keep a positive attitude.
In most cases, it is not the inspector’s responsibility to “bust” businesses. Rather, they are there to assist businesses in complying with the law. The relationship between the health inspector and the company does not have to be adversarial unless a company repeatedly ignores citations to change aspects of its business. Instead, the inspector and the business can work together to ensure that the business follows all health and safety regulations.