What Does a Health and Safety Inspector Do?
A health and safety inspector is responsible for evaluating workplaces to ensure they meet local, state, and federal safety regulations. These professionals perform site visits to inspect equipment, facilities, and operational processes, identifying potential hazards that could result in accidents or occupational illness. They conduct detailed audits, observe employee practices, interview staff, and review written safety procedures to confirm regulatory compliance. Depending on their employer, they may inspect construction sites, manufacturing plants, laboratories, offices, or healthcare facilities.
Health and safety inspectors play a critical role in enforcing occupational safety standards and reducing risk. They issue reports detailing violations and corrective actions, provide guidance on how to improve working conditions, and may have the authority to issue citations or halt operations in cases of serious noncompliance. The role requires a deep understanding of OSHA and other relevant regulations, as well as strong observational skills, technical knowledge, and the ability to maintain professionalism during contentious inspections. By ensuring safety standards are upheld, these inspectors help prevent injury, illness, and legal consequences.
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Health and Safety Inspector Core Responsibilities
- Conduct routine and unannounced inspections of workplaces to assess health and safety compliance
- Identify physical, chemical, biological, and ergonomic hazards through visual inspection and equipment testing
- Evaluate the use and maintenance of safety equipment such as PPE, ventilation systems, and fire protection gear
- Review company safety policies, training records, and accident logs for completeness and regulatory adherence
- Interview employees and supervisors to gather information on practices and compliance awareness
- Issue detailed reports summarizing findings and corrective action requirements
- Follow up on prior citations or complaints to ensure proper remediation
- Stay current with OSHA standards, NFPA codes, and other applicable regulations
- Assist employers with understanding and implementing compliance measures
- Test air, water, or material samples as needed for environmental health risks
Required Skills and Qualifications
Hard skills
- In-depth knowledge of OSHA, EPA, and other regulatory frameworks
- Familiarity with safety audit tools, inspection forms, and compliance software
- Ability to conduct risk assessments and hazard identification
- Proficiency in technical report writing and citation documentation
- Competence with measurement tools, sampling equipment, and environmental monitors
Soft skills
- Analytical thinking and investigative mindset
- Clear, professional communication (both written and verbal)
- Conflict resolution and tact in contentious situations
- Independence and decisiveness in the field
- Strong attention to detail and follow-through
Education
- Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in occupational safety, industrial hygiene, environmental science, or a related field required
Certifications
- Certified Safety Professional (CSP) or Occupational Health and Safety Technologist (OHST) preferred
- OSHA 30-Hour Certification required
- Additional recommended certifications include CIH (Certified Industrial Hygienist) and CHST (Construction Health and Safety Technician)
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience working in construction, manufacturing, or chemical environments
- Familiarity with safety protocols in high-risk industries (e.g., energy, mining, or aerospace)
- Bilingual skills, especially in Spanish, are valuable for diverse worksites
- Experience conducting safety training or internal audits
- Working knowledge of digital inspection tools or mobile compliance apps
National Average Salary
Health and safety inspector salaries vary by experience, industry, organization size, and geography. Click below to explore salaries by local market.
The average national salary for a Position is:
$123,456
Sample Job Description Templates for Health and Safety Inspectors
Construction Health and Safety Inspector
Position Overview
We are seeking a Construction Health and Safety Inspector to ensure compliance with safety regulations on active construction sites. This role involves frequent fieldwork to assess site conditions, worker behaviors, and equipment usage. The ideal candidate will be highly observant, knowledgeable of OSHA construction standards, and comfortable working in fast-paced, high-risk environments.
Responsibilities
- Conduct on-site inspections of residential, commercial, and industrial construction projects
- Evaluate the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), scaffolding, ladders, and fall protection systems
- Identify hazards related to excavation, confined spaces, electrical work, and heavy equipment
- Review site-specific safety plans and training logs for completeness and accuracy
- Investigate accidents or near-misses and assist with root cause analysis
- Issue citations or non-compliance notices when safety violations are found
- Provide corrective action recommendations and follow-up inspections
- Document findings in detailed safety reports and communicate results to contractors and site managers
Requirements
Hard skills
- Extensive knowledge of OSHA 1926 Construction Safety Standards
- Familiarity with fall protection systems, rigging, and site access protocols
- Ability to read construction drawings and site plans
- Proficient in inspection documentation and safety audit software
Soft skills
- Assertive communication with tradespeople and supervisors
- Strong attention to detail during site walkthroughs
- Comfort navigating active and hazardous job sites
- Ability to make independent compliance decisions
Education
- Associate’s degree in occupational safety, construction management, or related field required
Certifications
- OSHA 30-Hour Construction Certification required
- CHST (Construction Health and Safety Technician) certification preferred
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience inspecting large-scale commercial construction projects
- Knowledge of local building codes and fire safety regulations
- Bilingual communication skills are a plus
Manufacturing Safety Inspector
Position Overview
We are hiring a Manufacturing Safety Inspector to evaluate occupational health practices in production environments. This role includes plant floor inspections, hazard detection, and auditing of safety protocols related to machinery, ergonomics, and chemical handling. Ideal candidates are detail-oriented, knowledgeable about industrial safety procedures, and able to influence change in high-output settings.
Responsibilities
- Inspect manufacturing equipment, workspaces, and safety signage for regulatory compliance
- Evaluate machine guarding, lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures, and emergency response readiness
- Monitor for noise exposure, repetitive motion risks, and air quality hazards
- Audit incident logs, safety training records, and OSHA documentation
- Collaborate with supervisors to develop corrective actions and preventive measures
- Prepare and present reports outlining inspection findings and suggested improvements
- Enforce use of PPE and maintain consistent safety presence on the floor
Requirements
Hard skills
- Working knowledge of OSHA 1910 General Industry Standards
- Familiarity with LOTO, confined space entry, and ergonomics evaluation
- Ability to conduct environmental monitoring (e.g., noise, ventilation, lighting)
- Skilled in report writing and regulatory tracking systems
Soft skills
- Persuasive communication with operations and plant personnel
- Problem-solving and hazard mitigation planning
- Situational awareness in fast-moving manufacturing settings
- Strong documentation and organizational habits
Education
- Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in industrial safety or a related technical discipline
Certifications
- OSHA 30-Hour General Industry Certification required
- CSP or OHST certification preferred
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in automotive, electronics, or food production environments
- Familiarity with ISO 45001 or similar safety management systems
- Background in safety training or workforce development
Environmental Health and Safety Inspector
Position Overview
We are looking for an Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) Inspector to ensure compliance with workplace safety and environmental regulations across multiple facilities. This role involves identifying hazards, verifying environmental protocols, and enforcing adherence to EPA and OSHA guidelines. The ideal candidate is skilled in both safety auditing and environmental health monitoring.
Responsibilities
- Perform inspections to assess occupational safety and environmental health risks
- Evaluate waste disposal, chemical storage, and emissions compliance
- Monitor workplace exposure to hazardous substances
- Ensure proper use and maintenance of environmental controls (e.g., ventilation systems)
- Collaborate with EHS teams to implement corrective action plans
- Prepare inspection reports, including citations and remediation timelines
- Stay current with EPA, OSHA, and local environmental health codes
Requirements
Hard skills
- Knowledge of OSHA, EPA, and state environmental safety standards
- Familiarity with hazardous materials handling and waste management protocols
- Proficiency with environmental testing tools and documentation systems
- Ability to audit multiple facility types with varying risk profiles
Soft skills
- Strong analytical and critical thinking abilities
- Effective communicator with technical and non-technical stakeholders
- Time management for multi-site inspections
- Ability to enforce compliance diplomatically
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in environmental health, safety engineering, or related field
Certifications
- OSHA 30-Hour Certification required
- Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) or Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM) preferred
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience working with ISO 14001 or integrated EHS systems
- Background in manufacturing, labs, or healthcare environments
- Fluency in environmental reporting and audit procedures
Chemical Safety Inspector
Position Overview
We are hiring a Chemical Safety Inspector to evaluate workplaces where hazardous chemicals are manufactured, stored, or used. This position involves inspecting safety data sheets (SDS), verifying labeling and handling procedures, and ensuring compliance with OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard and other regulatory frameworks. Strong knowledge of industrial chemistry and safety practices is essential.
Responsibilities
- Inspect facilities for safe handling, storage, and disposal of chemicals
- Verify that all containers are properly labeled and compatible with contents
- Review chemical inventory logs, SDS records, and employee training documentation
- Observe employee practices related to chemical mixing, PPE use, and emergency procedures
- Test for air quality or potential exposure to toxic substances when needed
- Issue reports and non-compliance notices as appropriate
- Stay informed of new regulations related to hazardous materials
Requirements
Hard skills
- In-depth understanding of OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard (HCS)
- Familiarity with Globally Harmonized System (GHS) labeling
- Experience with chemical safety audits, MSDS management, and emergency planning
- Ability to operate air sampling and exposure monitoring devices
Soft skills
- Sharp attention to detail when reviewing technical data
- Ability to communicate complex chemical safety concepts to staff
- Professionalism during site visits in regulated environments
- Risk-focused mindset with a bias for prevention
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, industrial hygiene, or related field
Certifications
- OSHA 30-Hour Certification required
- CIH or CHMM strongly preferred
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in chemical manufacturing or laboratory environments
- Knowledge of REACH, TSCA, or other global chemical regulations
- Background in conducting chemical spill response drills or training
Occupational Health Inspector
Position Overview
We are seeking an Occupational Health Inspector to evaluate workplace practices and environments that affect employee health and wellness. This role involves conducting ergonomic assessments, monitoring exposure levels, and reviewing occupational injury prevention programs. The ideal candidate will have experience across industries and a deep understanding of health-focused regulatory standards.
Responsibilities
- Inspect workstations and task workflows for ergonomic risks
- Review cases of work-related illness or injury for patterns or preventability
- Evaluate ventilation, lighting, noise, and other health-related conditions
- Audit wellness programs and safety training compliance
- Provide guidance on reducing musculoskeletal strain and repetitive motion injuries
- Prepare reports detailing health risks and mitigation recommendations
- Coordinate with HR and medical professionals on return-to-work protocols
Requirements
Hard skills
- Understanding of occupational health standards and ergonomic risk factors
- Familiarity with exposure limit monitoring and analysis
- Skilled in health hazard assessments and employee wellness documentation
Soft skills
- Empathy when dealing with injured or at-risk workers
- Clear communication with employees and leadership
- Analytical skills for trend recognition and reporting
- Calm, observant demeanor in active work environments
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in occupational health, public health, or safety sciences
Certifications
- OSHA 30-Hour Certification required
- COHN (Certified Occupational Health Nurse) or CSP preferred
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in high-risk fields such as healthcare or manufacturing
- Participation in wellness or disability prevention initiatives
- Familiarity with injury reporting systems like OSHA 300 logs