Health and safety inspector : Training

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.