Health and safety inspector
Health and safety inspectors work to protect people's health and safety by making sure risks in the workplace are properly controlled. They ensure employers comply with all aspects of health and safety laws and that workplaces are not the cause of ill health, injury or even death. They do this by inspecting business premises and investigating accidents, and through enforcement of the law.
Health and safety inspectors work mainly for Health and Safety Executive (HSE) . They work either for a general team or specialise in a particular area, such as construction, forestry or hazardous goods.
Work activities vary depending on the geographical location and specialism but generally include:
Although this area of work is open to all graduates and diplomates, the following subjects may increase your chances:
Subjects regarded as relevant will depend on the area of health and safety you want to work in. For example, nuclear inspectors will need a degree in a scientific or engineering subject, whereas inspectors in the food industry will need a qualification in food technology.
Those aiming for specialist inspector roles must have a relevant first degree followed by a postgraduate qualification and relevant work experience or chartered membership of a relevant professional institution, e.g. engineering. A minimum level of maths at GCSE is usually sought.
For entry with an HND only, at least two years' work experience in a relevant profession is required and a related professional qualification is beneficial. Entry is not possible without a degree or HND.
Entry requirements vary between local authorities, although all entrants must meet civil service nationality requirements.
Recruitment is through a competency-based application form, followed by assessment centre and ability testing. This is usually carried out centrally and through the services of an external management service.
Candidates need to show evidence of the following:
A driving licence is essential.
Physical fitness and agility can be important, as climbing heights and negotiating uneven surfaces and obstacles may be necessary on occasion. Applicants may have to pass a medical. In order to get a real sense of what the job entails, learn as much as possible about the work of Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and local authority health and safety departments. There is currently fierce competition for posts, with a large number of applicants for each post advertised.
For more information, see work experience and internships and search courses and research.
Health and Safety Executive (HSE) provides a clearly defined training route, comprising a two-year training period. Practical training is conducted on the job. New entrants attend short, in-house courses as well as studying for an NVQ/SVQ Level 4 in Occupational Health and Safety Regulation and, in most cases, a Postgraduate Diploma (PgDip) in Occupational Health.
Traineeships are advertised on the HSE website, usually in twice-yearly blocks. Trainee inspectors within the HSE are appointed to one of the area offices around the UK. Each office has a number of specialist industry groups and trainees normally gain experience in several of these over the two-year training period. Trainees initially accompany and observe experienced inspectors before carrying out supervised site visits themselves. With experience, trainees also become involved in a national interest group responsible for a particular industry throughout the UK. During this time, trainees also develop a wide range of contacts, including safety officers, senior company managers, trade union representatives and the staff of health and safety bodies.
Health and safety inspectors within local authorities usually undergo a similar period of training involving placements within various departments and shadowing experienced staff. As well as on-the-job training, they also attend short, external courses in specific areas such as noise control and product recognition. Some authorities encourage health and safety staff to work towards a postgraduate qualification such as an MSc in Health and Safety.
Irrespective of the setting, all inspectors attend courses in order to update their knowledge on new developments in health and safety. They are also expected to acquire and develop a good understanding of legal and technical matters.
New recruits within Health and Safety Executive (HSE) join as trainee inspectors of health and safety in the Field Operations Directorate (FOD). Subject to satisfactory completion of the two-year training programme, promotion is then possible to principal inspector or above.
As your career develops, it may be necessary to change location to take on increased responsibility, take a different post within the HSE or take a secondment to another part of the civil service. It is usual to consolidate experience with a range of industry groups, staying three to five years with each group.
The next step to principal inspector is dependent on vacancies further up the hierarchy; applicants compete for a limited number of posts. There is considerable variation in the age and length of service of those who are successful.
Promotion to senior management comes only after wide and substantial experience. Inspectors may transfer to other branches of the HSE to undertake policy work, for example. After considerable experience, a very small number move to posts in consultancy work, lecturing or as safety officers in industry.
Career development into other areas varies but usually involves moving into more managerial posts or moving sideways into similar roles within different sectors.
Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is the main employer of health and safety inspectors and falls within the remit of the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) . Inspectors work in offices across England (with headquarters in London and Merseyside), Wales and Scotland. The Field Operations Directorate (FOD), which deals with much of the training, is managed as seven geographical divisions throughout the UK.
The HSE is responsible for manufacturing premises, construction sites, railways, underground systems, mines, landfill sites, agriculture, hospitals, nursing homes, educational establishments, airports, utilities including gas, electricity and water suppliers, police and national government.
Health and safety teams within local authorities also employ inspectors and are responsible for shops, offices, hotels, catering establishments, leisure and entertainment businesses and places of worship. Whilst much of this type of work is undertaken by environmental health officers, there is a need for health and safety professionals, particularly at a managerial/strategic level.
Health and safety inspectors are now more common as organisations adopt risk assessment strategies, and some inspectors find opportunities in organisations such as hospitals and large food retailers with responsibility for large teams of staff.
Health and safety inspectors with extensive experience can work for specialist consultancies in areas such as construction health and safety, stress management and safe working at heights. These roles involve consulting with businesses regarding their legal duties and helping them maintain good health and safety standards by undertaking audits, conducting site inspections and providing training.
Health and safety professionals can also be found in the manufacturing, construction, logistics and utilities industries, though job titles and functions may vary.
Specialist recruitment agencies, such as Principal People , also handle vacancies. Search the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) consultancy finder for a list of relevant member agencies.
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