Health and safety inspector
Also known as: labour inspector, inspector of health and safety, wage inspector, employment officer, occupational health and safety inspector, health and safety advisor
About this occupation
Health and safety inspectors investigate the implementation and application of labour standards and policies in a workplace. They advise employers as well as employees on the improvement of policy and legislation implementation, ensure that the law is adhered to, and that matters of equality and labour rights are respected. They write reports and communicate with authorities.
Essential skills and knowledge
- health and safety in the workplace
- audit techniques
- write inspection reports
- advise on government policy compliance
- monitor organisation climate
- gather feedback from employees
- conduct workplace audits
- employment law
- protect employee rights
- present reports
- inspect government policy compliance
- maintain relationships with government agencies
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Occupational Health and Safety Technicians (O*NET 19-5012.00). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- Evaluate situations or make determinations when a worker has refused to work on the grounds that danger or potential harm exists.
- Supply, operate, or maintain personal protective equipment.
- Train workers in safety procedures related to green jobs, such as the use of fall protection devices or maintenance of proper ventilation during wind turbine construction.
- Test workplaces for environmental hazards, such as exposure to radiation, chemical or biological hazards, or excessive noise.
- Maintain all required environmental records and documentation.
- Provide consultation to organizations or agencies on the workplace application of safety principles, practices, or techniques.
- Typical education (US)
- Bachelor's Degree
- Preparation
- Job Zone 3 of 5
- Interests
- Conventional, Realistic, Investigative
Top skills: Active Listening, Reading Comprehension, Speaking, Critical Thinking, Writing, Monitoring
US median pay: US$61,560 a year (2025), 30,590 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Subjects this work relies on
How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).
- English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageVery important (4.1)
- Government and PoliticsO*NET: Law and GovernmentVery important (3.7)
- Mathematics or StatisticsO*NET: MathematicsVery important (3.7)
- Business Studies or EntrepreneurshipO*NET: Administration and ManagementVery important (3.6)
- Computer StudiesO*NET: Computers and ElectronicsImportant (3.3)
- MetalworkO*NET: MechanicalImportant (3.3)
- Design and TechnologyO*NET: Design + Engineering and TechnologyImportant (3.3)
- WoodworkO*NET: Building and ConstructionImportant (3.3)
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Preparation needed
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
- Most common education (US)
- Bachelor's Degree
- Education
- Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
- Experience
- Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Related occupations
Occupations O*NET links to this one by similar work, skills and knowledge.
- Health and Safety Engineers, Except Mining Safety Engineers and Inspectors
- Occupational Health and Safety Specialists
- Environmental Compliance Inspectors
- Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health
- Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health
- Environmental Engineers
- Construction and Building Inspectors
- Environmental Engineering Technologists and Technicians
- Government Property Inspectors and Investigators
- Paramedics
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.