Inspectors are employed by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration to evaluate and improve workplace conditions.If you're passionate about workplace safety, you can become an OSHA inspector.Depending on your interests as a health inspector, you can choose between one of three OSHA career tracks and earn certifications as needed.Make a list of job qualifications so you have an end goal in mind while gaining education and work experience, and choose the track that best fits your interests.
Step 1: There are 3 different career tracks for OSHA inspectors.
OSHA inspectors work on safety and occupational health, safety engineering, and industrial hygiene.The track you choose will help you decide what classes to take in college.Safety and occupational health inspectors look at employee comfort.Safety engineering inspectors review designs and procedures to make sure they meet health and safety laws.Industrial hygiene inspectors offer advice on environmental issues.
Step 2: A major in health and safety standards is required for a bachelor's degree.
The life sciences prepare individuals for an OSHA career.To stand out from other candidates, you may want to major in a life science or physical or mathematical science.If you want to become a safety engineering inspector, your best bet is a civil or mechanical engineering degree.To be certified as a safety engineering inspector, you must have an engineering degree.
Step 3: College courses are related to your career track.
Although OSHA jobs often involve on-the-job training, a working knowledge of federal health regulations can make you a more qualified candidate.If your college offers courses in risk communications, handling hazardous materials, or other health and safety courses, take a few classes relevant to your intended career track.If you want to become an industrial hygiene inspector, you should take a class on handling hazardous materials.
Step 4: If you have a master's or doctorate degree, you can get higher-paying jobs.
If you want to get advancement in the OSHA department, you need a master's degree or PhD.Depending on your career track, you can get a degree in engineering, safety and occupational health, environmental health or health physics.
Step 5: You can work on your degree while working as an occupational health technician.
Occupational health technicians and inspectors collect data to evaluate and improve workplace environments.A high school degree is required for most technician jobs.If you want to get relevant experience while finishing your bachelor's degree, apply for a technician job.Occupational health technician careers can be found at OSHA, hospitals, construction companies, and safety consulting firms.English, mathematics, chemistry, biology, and physics are some of the courses high school students should take if they want to become an occupational health technician.
Step 6: You can apply for a health and safety inspector job.
Private companies also hire health inspectors.Similar qualifications are required for non-OSHA health inspector jobs.While searching for OSHA jobs in your area, look for work with a hospital, school, construction company, or safety consulting firm.
Step 7: There are jobs that will improve your communication skills.
OSHA inspectors need strong communication skills to negotiate with employers.If you want to be an OSHA inspector, you need both written and oral communication.If you apply for a job that involves writing workplace evaluation reports or working long-term with a business to improve their safety standards, you might be able to get that job.You can take a technical writing course if you want to improve your writing skills.
Step 8: OSHA certification is related to your career track.
Being certified can help your application stand out.Ask about upcoming courses if you want to complete certifications.To get an OSHA certification, you must take a series of classes and pass an administered test at the end of your certification course.Health standards for the general industry are included in the OSHA certification tracks.A bachelor's degree is required for some OSHA certifications.
Step 9: There are open OSHA jobs in your area.
You can check for OSHA inspector openings on the Department of Labor careers site.You will need to create a Department of Labor profile to apply for a job.All job openings will be listed online because the OSHA is part of the Department of Labor.All government job vacancies can be found on the USAJOBS website.
Step 10: You can apply for OSHA inspector vacancies with your cover letter and resume.
You must include any OSHA certifications you have earned and answer all eligibility questions.You should read through your application at least twice.If you need help with your application, you can visit the USAJOBS help page.Tailor your cover letter and resume to the job requirements by reading the requirements carefully.
Step 11: You can talk about your work experiences during the job interview.
If your local OSHA thinks you'd be a good fit for the job, they may schedule an interview with you.If you want to be an occupational health inspector, you need to have at least 3-4 experiences that show you are qualified for the job.You could talk about companies you worked for, projects you managed, or workplace conditions you improved as an occupational health inspector.If a similar question comes up, practice common interview questions so that you can answer it with confidence.
Step 12: If you get the position, you need to complete on-the-job training.
If you haven't had the relevant experience in a specific area of health inspection, you should not be concerned.OSHA inspectors get on-the-job training in state and federal regulations.During your first few weeks as an OSHA inspector, a supervisor or colleague will instruct you on procedures and safety regulations related to your job.The length of training varies depending on the candidate's education and previous work experience, but usually ranges from several weeks to a month.
Step 13: You should travel and work on your feet as an OSHA inspector.
It's not an average office job to work with the OSHA.As an occupational safety inspector, you will evaluate offices, factories, hospitals, schools, and other workplaces on their compliance with state and federal regulations.Most of your work will be done in the field.OSHA inspectors work more than 40 hours a week and may be called to help with emergencies.
Step 14: If you want, you can take periodic OSHA courses.
You can take continuing education classes as you progress in your OSHA inspector job.You can get advancement in your career by taking OSHA classes.Taking supplemental OSHA courses is not usually required by your work supervisor.You can take a singular OSHA course if you don't have time or interest in another certification.