Work Environment
This occupation is typically found in the following Career Sector(s):
Videos & Interviews
Videos on the Web
- Health & Safety Inspector- from: Youtube Search
Most commonly reported Work Activities
- Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
- Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
- Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
- Documenting/Recording Information Entering, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
- Analysing Data or Information Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
- Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
- Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
- Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Working Life
Health and safety inspectors visit places of work to make sure that people follow health and safety rules. Their job is to protect employees and the public against hasards that might occur, and to improve health and safety standards.
Inspectors work in a variety of areas, including manufacturing, construction, agriculture, healthcare and the service sector.
Inspectors regularly visit places of work to see that people are maintaining standards of health and safety. They also check that people are using machinery and chemicals safely and according to specification.
In the event of an accident, the health and safety inspector collects information about what has happened. They may then start legal proceedings, and appear as a professional witness, presenting their findings as evidence.
During a visit, inspectors might decide that an organisation could improve the health and safety of employees.The inspector may have to be very persuasive in order to convince managers or owners that they need to make this change.
In extreme circumstances, inspectors may need to use their legal powers to issue enforcement notices.
Health and safety inspectors are responsible for writing reports on their findings.
Inspectors need to understand health and safety legislation and industrial processes, so they read technical literature in order to keep up-to-date with any changes. Each inspector is responsible for planning their own workload and deciding which premises they should visit.
Most commonly reported Work Tasks
- Recommend measures to help protect workers from potentially hasardous work methods, processes, or materials.
- Order suspension of activities that pose threats to workers' health or safety.
- Investigate accidents to identify causes or to determine how such accidents might be prevented in the future.
- Inspect or evaluate workplace environments, equipment, or practices to ensure compliance with safety standards and government regulations.
- Collaborate with engineers or physicians to institute control or remedial measures for hasardous or potentially hasardous conditions or equipment.
- Develop or maintain hygiene programmes, such as noise surveys, continuous atmosphere monitoring, ventilation surveys, or asbestos management plans.
- Coordinate "right-to-know" programmes regarding hasardous chemicals or other substances.
- Conduct safety training or education programmes and demonstrate the use of safety equipment.
- Collect samples of dust, gases, vapors, or other potentially toxic materials for analysis.
- Investigate the adequacy of ventilation, exhaust equipment, lighting, or other conditions that could affect employee health, comfort, or performance.
Further Information
- Health and safety inspector- from: GradIreland
Qualities - Health & Safety Inspector
To be a health and safety inspector, you must be committed to protecting the public's health and safety. This is a very important responsibility, so you'll need energy, enthusiasm and attention to detail at all times.
Good communication skills, both spoken and written are very important. You'll be visiting people's premises, so you must have tact and good negotiating skills. You must be able to explain safety procedures and regulations clearly.
You may find yourself in stressful situations when people are distressed or angry, so you'll need a calm, professional manner to defuse potential confrontations. Also, you must be able to apply the law firmly. Written communication skills are important in producing reports.
Interests - Health & Safety Inspector
This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:
Realist
Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.
Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.
Administrative
Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.
They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.
Investigative
The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.
Entry / Progression - Health & Safety Inspector
Most people entering this profession are graduates with an honours degree and/or a specialist masters degree.
Sample Education and Training Pathways
A number of courses are available throughout the country that focus on learning and skills that may be useful for this career. The examples and links below may guide you in your research.
Further Education (FET)
Further Education & Training (FET) Courses are delivered by local ETBs, ranging in duration from several weeks up to 20 months. Courses are designed to meet the labour market needs and often include a large element of work experience.
Example search terms include: business administration, management, occupational health and safety.
Search for FET Courses
PLC Courses (FET)
PLC courses are full-time courses, one or two years duration, with awards at Level 5 and 6 on the NFQ. They are offered nationally in Schools and Colleges of Further Education.
Example search terms include: business administration, management, occupational health and safety.
Search for PLC Courses
Higher Education CAO (Undergraduate)
Higher Education courses at Levels 6 to 8 on the NFQ, delivered in Universities and Technological Universities & Institutes. Courses run from 2 – 5 years and places are allocated on a points-based system, processed by the Central Application Office.
Example search terms include: occupational safety and health, science, engineering, technology.
Search for CAO Courses
Higher Education (Postgraduate)
Postgraduate courses are courses at Levels 9 and 10 on the NFQ and usually last 1 – 2 years full time, or longer if a PhD or part time. Entrants typically require an undergraduate award (Level 8).
Example search terms include: engineering, road safety audit, engineering, environmental health and safety management, fire safety practice, health and safety in construction, occupational and environmental health and safety.
Search for Postgraduate Courses
Professional Development
Professional development (CPD) courses are specialised training, formal education, or advanced professional learning that improves skills, professional knowledge, competency, and overall effectiveness in the professional world.
HSA Health & Safety Authority Further training is by practical experience on-the-job, and throughout your career you will have to take short in-service courses as this career demands that you keep up-to-date with industry regulations.
Check the Useful Contacts tab on this page to see if there are any professional bodies listed who may provide training related to this career.
Pay & Salary - Health & Safety Inspector
Salary Range (thousands per year)* €35k - €90k
Salaries vary by employer (Public/ Private), location, duties, role, and experience.
Data Source(s):
Sigmar / Azon / Lincoln / HSE
Last Updated: April, 2023
Labour Market Updates - Health & Safety Inspector
Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Administrative assistants and officers (national and local government); officers of non-governmental organisations (e.g. administrators (charitable organisation); organisers (trade union); trade union officials.
This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).
The changes in classification as a result of the introduction of the new Labour Force Survey in 2017 are partly responsible for the strong employment growth rate for this occupation, although employment also grew strongly between 2019 and 2020, and continued to grow in 2022. Those employed are primarily female (69%), working full-time (90%), and over half (55%) held third-level qualifications. With a higher than average share of persons employed aged 55 years and older (31% compared to 19% for all occupations), replacement demand is likely to result in opportunities opening up for these roles even if employment growth slows.
There was a significant number of vacancies advertised online for clerical officer roles across the civil service and Government administration roles. However, recent job hires for 2022 far exceeded employment growth indicating that job churn is a feature of this occupation. While job openings are set to continue, upskilling and reskilling may also be required for those already employed in these occupations in order to reach targets set out in the Civil Service Renewal Plan 2024 in areas such as in digital skills.
Useful Contacts - Health & Safety Inspector
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Construction Industry Federation
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Health and Safety Executive
- 1G Redgrave Court, Merton Road, Bootle, Merseyside, L20 7HS, UK
- +44 (0)845 345 0055
- [email protected]
- Click Here
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Health and Safety Authority
- The Metropolitan Building, James Joyce St. Dublin 1
- 1890 289 389
- [email protected]
- Click Here
