OSHA inspectors are trained professionals who work for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Their job is to ensure that workers are in safe and healthy work environments and free from dangerous conditions and hazardous materials. OSHA inspectors continue to be in demand and have the potential to earn good wages. Learn more about OSHA inspectors here.
What OSHA Inspectors Do
OSHA inspectors have many duties throughout the course of their work week. They may work in the private or public sector, but their duties are similar for both. They gather data about different work procedures and work environments and analyze what is best needed to provide workers with the safest possible work environment. They inspect workplaces to ensure they’re in compliance with laws regarding health, safety, and the environment.
They also work with specialists conducting tests to help prevent hazardous environments and prevent accidents in the workplace and the general public. OSHA inspectors implement workplace procedures and educate employers and employees about workplace safety. They also provide training program and teach employees about correct usage of safety equipment. OSHA inspectors investigate accidents to determine the cause and make recommendations on how to prevent them from happening in the future.
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How Much They Make
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that median annual wages for OSHA specialists ranged from about $41,670 to more than $105,840 as of May 2017 with the average wage at $71,780. The five highest paying states for OSHA inspectors are:
- Rhode Island
- District of Columbia
- Alaska
- North Dakota
- California
The wages earned by OSHA inspectors can vary based on different factors such as years on the job, level of education, employer and geographical location. For instance, OSHA specialists in Rhode Island earned a mean annual wage of $92,600, and OSHA specialists in California earned $84,690 in 2017.
Career Outlook for OSHA Inspectors
It’s safe to say that as long as we have workplaces, we will continue to need the services of OSHA inspectors. A 2016 article by Forbes reports that job-related fatalities average about 12 per day in the United States according to OSHA. This is the main reason why OSHA was created as part of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970.
The BLS reports that OSHA specialists can expect job growth of eight percent during the decade of 2016-2026. As insurance and workmen’s compensation claims continue to rise and be a concern to employers, they will rely more on OSHA inspectors to help keep the workplace as safe and accident-free as possible. The states with the highest number of OSHA inspectors employed are:
- Texas
- California
- Ohio
- Pennsylvania
- New York
What Training is Required?
To work as an OSHA inspector, an individual is typically required to complete an occupational health and safety bachelor’s degree program. Another option is a bachelor’s degree in engineering or chemistry with a concentration in occupational health and safety. The curriculum should meet the requirements set by the Board of Certified Safety Professionals. These are usually four-year programs that include the following types of courses.
- Construction safety
- Fundamentals of OSHA
- Toxicology
- Industrial ergonomics
- Fire prevention and code enforcement
The OSHA inspector is a vital part of the workforce whether they’re there on a daily basis or making periodical visits to a worksite. Their most important role is to ensure that workers are safe and not subject to unsafe conditions, and their value cannot be underrated.
