Health and Safety Inspector - Tasks and specialisations
Kaimātai Hauora-Haumaru
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.
Health and safety inspectors check machinery and equipment in workplaces
Jo Fox talking to a fork-lift driver about correct operating techniques
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.
Updated
September 2009
