How do You Become a Health Inspector?

Occupational health and safety inspectors promote safety among workers, property, and the general public. Some health inspectors are designated to prevent harm to the environment. Examples of specific positions in the field: environmental protection officers; ergonomists (maximize worker comfort and safety); health physicists (monitor radiation levels); industrial hygienists (detect health hazards).

Health inspectors complete various kinds of tasks to ensure workers are safe, such as designing work spaces, inspecting machinery, testing air quality, measuring pollution output levels, or providing safety training. Some specialists are hired to increase worker productivity by reducing absenteeism and equipment downtime. They can also be tasked with helping companies save money by lowering insurance premiums and workers' compensation payments, and preventing government fines.

A little more than 2/3 of occupational health and safety inspectors work for government agencies at all levels -- Federal, State, and local. If you work for the government, then your responsibilities include conducting safety inspections and imposing fines. Health inspectors collaborate with health and safety technicians in order to execute their ideas for promoting workplace safety and public welfare.

Occupational health and safety specialists work in a variety of settings such as offices, factories, and mines. Be prepared to handle the same conditions that industrial employees do. If you work for the Department of Health, you will be responsible for overseeing safety and health at facilities such as restaurants, nursing homes, housing complexes, daycare centers, hotels and swimming pools.

Fieldwork and travel will most likely be required. Be prepared to work around 40 hours a week.