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Health and Safety Inspector

Health and safety inspectors investigate incidents, accidents and complaints at workplaces. They also advise workers and employers on safe and healthy work practices and ensure compliance with legislation.

 

Tasks & duties

Health and safety inspectors may do some or all of the following:

  • advise employers and employees about safe and healthy work practices, and health and safety management systems
  • inspect machinery, equipment and workplaces
  • ensure suitable protective equipment, such as hearing protection, is provided and is being used correctly
  • ensure workplaces comply with health and safety legislation
  • investigate complaints, serious harm incidents and accidents
  • investigate occupational disease
  • write reports about the results of inspections and investigations
  • take legal action or give evidence in court when necessary
  • serve infringement notices

 

Specialisations

Health and safety inspectors may specialise in inspecting:

  • general workplaces, such as factories, offices, and shops
  • construction sites
  • forestry sites
  • hazardous goods
  • extractives, such as mining and petroleum

Depending on their location, general workplace health and safety inspectors may have more of a focus on farming, factory or office-related issues.

 

Skills & knowledge

Health and safety inspectors need to have:

  • knowledge of health and safety Acts and regulations, and how to interpret them
  • an understanding of safe work practices and safety equipment
  • knowledge of health and safety management systems
  • knowledge of hazardous substances used in workplaces and their adverse effects
  • the ability to conduct investigations and prepare cases for prosecution
  • the ability to conduct presentations
  • auditing skills
  • computer skills
  • problem-solving skills and the ability to make decisions
  • oral and written communication skills

 

Entry requirements

To become a health and safety inspector you need to have a tertiary qualification in an area relevant to occupational safety and health (such as occupational health/hygiene or health and safety management) or in a relevant science-related subject. A trade or technical background may also be useful.

A current driver's licence is essential.

 

Secondary education

A tertiary entrance qualification is required to enter further training. Useful subjects include maths, English and chemistry.

 

Training on the job

Many skills are gained on the job. Health and safety inspectors employed by the Department of Labour are required to pass examinations under the Health and Safety in Employment Act 1992.  Health and safety inspectors in specialised roles also complete relevant courses and qualifications.

 

Useful experience

Useful experience for health and safety inspectors includes:

  • health and safety management
  • experience with management of hazards, including hazardous substances
  • compliance, investigation or enforcement work
  • first aid work
  • occupational health experience, such as occupational nursing or occupational hygiene nursing
  • engineering work
  • technical or scientific work
  • trade experience

 

Related courses

Occupational Health and Safety

 

For more information, please refer to Career Services.

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