What does a safety inspector do?

The daily tasks carried out by a safety inspector are of vital importance to any work place. The duties of a safety inspector ensure the continued health and safety of employees and employers in the work place. Some of the daily duties a safety inspector will perform are: conducting workplace audits, advising on the implementation of certain health and safety measures, identifying any workplace hazards, double checking the quality and functionality of health and safety equipment and enforcing WHS legislation.

Tasks:

  • Advise on potential workplace hazards
  • Help develop workplace health and safety systems
  • Assist in employee training
  • Ensure equipment compliance
  • Ensure workplace practices meet requirements

What skills do I need to be a safety inspector?

Being a safety inspector carries with it a large amount of responsibility, making the job as important as it is rewarding. Safety inspectors are responsible for the health and safety of others; having an impeccable attention to detail is very important. Safety inspectors need to be able to find even the most hidden of potential threats in a work place. Safety instructors must always be proactive and up to date on legislative changes as they are rolled out. 

Skills/attributes
  • Superb attention to detail
  • Thorough knowledge of industry related legislation
  • Ability to listen and speak articulately
  • Meticulous approach to work
  • Ability to implement skills across industries
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Specialisations

There are a number of industry specialisations that you can choose to follow on your career path. You can elect your particular specialisation based on your own schedule, interests and desired career outcomes. 

Environmental Health Officer

Environmental health officers monitor and implement health and safety measures in both natural and man-made environments, ensuring the health of the public and environmental systems are preserved.

Auditors

Auditors check the current health and safety practices of a workplace and ensure they meet the needs of legislative requirements. Auditors also identify workplace hazards and advise on strategies to ensure there is no ongoing risk. Auditors work in various working environments, though may choose to focus on a particular industry.

Warehouse Safety Inspector

Warehouse safety inspectors focus on maintaining safety operations in warehouses. They have a thorough knowledge of general working conditions inside a warehouse, understand the hazards posed by equipment and heavy stock, and have the ability to identify potential working hazards specific to each work environment.

Study pathways for safety inspectors

There are a number of potential study pathways available to you. Deciding on your particular specialisation will help dictate which courses will provide you with the most relevant information and qualifications.

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Getting Started

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Skill Building

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Professional Development

Learn industry relevant skills and build your knowledge of workplace best practice

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Industry Recognition

Obtaining your first aid certificate is strongly advised, and even mandatory in some cases. In order to work as a safety inspector, you will need to register with your state authority. Joining a professional association may help you find more employment opportunities.

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Getting a job after graduation

Put your training to good use and get the best professional head start in your work health and safety career. Emphasise your personal strengths and achievements in your resume and target your cover letter to the job description listed.

Job Prospects and Salaries

There is expected to be moderate growth in employment opportunities over the next five years.

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