The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) employs inspectors to review and improve workplace conditions. So this is done per federal health and safety regulations. Becoming an OSHA inspector might be rewarding if you’re passionate about workplace safety. So you can choose from one of three OSHA career tracks. First, gain certifications as needed, depending on your interests as a health reviewer.
Acquiring the Required Education to Become an OSHA Inspector
Choosing from one of three Career Paths
Potential inspectors can choose from three employment paths. So safety and occupational health, safety engineering, and industrial hygiene are the areas in which OSHA inspectors specialize. The path you choose will assist you in deciding which college classes to take and which OSHA certifications to obtain later.
- Safety and Occupational Health Inspectors work on employee comfort matters, such as lighting and ventilation.
- Inspectors of Safety Engineering examine designs and methods that assist workplaces in complying with health and safety regulations.
- Industrial Hygiene Inspectors address environmental issues such as noise, hazardous chemicals, and biohazards.
Obtain a Bachelor’s Degree Relevant to Health and Safety Standards
You can prepare yourself to become an OSHA inspector by studying life sciences, such as biology or occupational health, and physical or mathematics disciplines, such as chemistry or engineering. So to set yourself apart from other candidates, consider majoring in a biological science subject and minoring in a physical or quantitative discipline.
- A civil or mechanical engineering degree will give you the best chance to launch your career as a safety engineering inspector.
- To be certified, safety engineering inspectors must have a bachelor’s degree.
Take courses that are relevant to your chosen career as an OSHA Inspector
Although on-the-job training is standard in OSHA professions, having a working knowledge of federal health standards might help you stand out as a desirable candidate. If your college offers health and safety courses, take classes related to your chosen career path. These may include courses on risk communications and handling hazardous materials.
- If you wish to work as an industrial hygiene inspector, you need to take hazardous materials handling course.
Get a Master’s or Doctorate Degree to Qualify for more Lucrative Jobs
To excel in your career as an OSHA inspector, you will most likely require a master’s or a Ph.D. degree. The most appropriate degree options would be engineering, safety, occupational health, environmental health, industrial hygiene, health physics, biosecurity, disaster preparedness, or safety management.
Gaining Work Experience to Become an OSHA Inspector
Seek Employment as an Occupational Health Technician while Studying
Inspectors and occupational health technicians collaborate to collect data for analyzing and improving workplace settings. Most technical occupations demand a high school diploma as a minimum qualification. Apply for a technical position to obtain relevant experience while completing your bachelor’s degree.
- Look for job technician vacancies at your local OSHA and surrounding hospitals, construction companies, and safety consulting agencies.
- As a high school student seeking technician jobs, you should opt for English, mathematics, chemistry, biology, and physics.
Apply for Inspector Jobs Outside of OSHA
OSHA is not the only employer of health and safety instructors. Private companies also require such inspectors. Jobs in these companies will demand similar qualifications to those offered by OSHA. They both require a science-related degree and a hands-on knowledge of federal safety regulations. If you are initially unable to secure a job as an OSHA inspector, you may find work with other employers. The experience gained here will help in getting to work as an OSHA inspector in the future.
Seek Jobs that Require Communication Skills
OSHA inspectors must have excellent communication skills to negotiate with companies and create inspection reports. To improve your chances of becoming an OSHA inspector, look for a profession that needs written and oral communication.
Obtain OSHA Certifications
Although certification is not required for most OSHA positions, it will certainly help your application stand out. However, you must complete a series of classes and pass a given test at the end of your certification course to get an OSHA certification.
Finding an OSHA Inspector Job
Search Online for Vacant OSHA Positions in your Area
Check the Department of Labor’s website for OSHA inspector positions regularly. Before applying for these jobs, you must create a Department of Labor profile with your personal information.
Acing an OSHA Inspector Job Interview
You should have at least 3 to 4 safety work experiences to talk about during your interview. So this will allow your interviewer to view you as someone who takes a keen interest in occupational health and safety. It would be best to discuss instances where you have improved working conditions in previous jobs.
Things to do after becoming an OSHA Inspector
Complete on-the-job Training
Even if you still need relevant health inspector experience, it is okay. As an OSHA inspector, you will likely receive training in federal and state safety regulations, inspection procedures, and hazard recognition. The training time will vary depending on your education and prior job experience. However, it can typically last for a month.
Be Prepared for Frequent Travel as an OSHA Inspector
It is different from a typical 9-5 desk job. You will be required to frequently visit other offices, factories, hospitals, etc., for inspections. Most of your working hours will be spent out in the field. You will be working more than 40 hours a week. You may also be on duty during odd hours to address emergencies. If you prefer sitting behind a desk, you are not the right fit for such a job.
Keep Building on your Safety Skills
It is essential to keep enhancing your occupational safety skillset, even when you become an OSHA inspector. Taking OSHA 30 online training will help improve those skills. You should take these courses even if your office does not require you. These measures will enhance your credentials and go a long way in advancing your career as an OSHA inspector.
