Description
Inspect workplaces to evaluate compliance with occupational safety and health laws and standards. Identify and document hazards from chemical, physical, biological, and ergonomic agents; collect evidence and samples; and require abatement. Investigate incidents and complaints, issue citations or orders when warranted, and provide compliance guidance across public and private sectors.
- • Conduct programmed and complaint-driven inspections to ensure compliance with safety and health regulations.
- • Order suspension of activities that present imminent danger to workers.
- • Identify hazardous methods, processes, or materials and require corrective measures.
- • Investigate workplace accidents, incidents, and near misses to determine causes and prevention.
- • Evaluate ventilation, exhaust systems, lighting, noise, and other conditions affecting health and performance.
- • Perform industrial hygiene surveys, including air and noise monitoring and ventilation assessments.
- • Collect samples of dust, gases, vapors, fumes, or other potentially toxic materials for laboratory analysis, maintaining chain of custody.
- • Inspect hazardous waste operations and industrial sites for regulatory compliance.
- • Verify the presence and adequacy of fire prevention equipment, safety equipment, and first-aid supplies.
- • Review emergency response plans and procedures for adequacy and compliance.
- • Assess hazard communication/right-to-know programs, SDS availability, and labeling.
- • Review OSHA logs, training records, permits, and medical monitoring records to verify compliance.
- • Collaborate with engineers, physicians, and industrial hygienists to evaluate and control hazards.
- • Conduct opening and closing conferences to explain scope, findings, and abatement requirements.
- • Issue citations, notices of violation, and recommend penalties when warranted.
- • Verify abatement and conduct follow-up inspections.
- • Provide compliance assistance and brief safety education to employers and employees.
- • Analyze inspection and incident data to identify trends and target high-risk workplaces.
- • Prepare clear, detailed inspection reports, case files, and testimony as needed.
- • Coordinate with accredited laboratories for analysis and interpretation of collected samples.
- • Evaluate PPE use, machine guarding, lockout/tagout, fall protection, and other safety controls.
- • Respond to health-related complaints and conduct inspections under applicable public health and safety legislation.
- • Review facility hazardous material inventories and waste tracking to ensure proper handling and disposal.
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O*NET occupational data (work activities, skills, knowledge).
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This site includes information from O*NET by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license. Career Clutch has modified some of this information for student readability. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
Last reviewed: Jan 2026
