Work Environment
Health & Safety Inspectors typically work in the following Career Sectors:
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.
The Work
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 programs, such as noise surveys, continuous atmosphere monitoring, ventilation surveys, or asbestos management plans.
- Coordinate "right-to-know" programs regarding hasardous chemicals or other substances.
- Conduct safety training or education programs 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 & 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 - Health & Safety Inspector
Most people entering this profession are graduates with an honours degree and/or a specialist masters degree.
Training & Development
FET PLC Courses: Business Administration & Management, Occupational Health & Safety courses at NFQ Levels 5-6 Search FET PLC Courses
Higher Education CAO Entry Occupational Safety and Health, Science, Engineering or technology courses at NFQ Level 6-8 Search CAO Courses
Postgrad options: Engineering - Road Safety Audit & Engineering, Environmental Health & Safety Management, Fire Safety Practice, Health & Safety in Construction, Occupational & Environmental Health & Safety at NFQ level 9
Continuous Professional Development
HSA Health & Safty 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.
Last Updated: November, 2023
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
* The lower figures typically reflect starting salaries. Higher salaries are awarded to those with greater experience and responsibility. Positions in Dublin sometimes command higher salaries.
View Salary information from Indeed.ie
Note: data not aways available
Labour Market Updates - Health & Safety Inspector
This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2025).
The numbers employed dipped in 2023, but with 3,200 additional persons employed in 2024 employment returned to 2021 levels. This occupation had the lowest share of females employed across the administrative occupations, although still above the national average.
Job opportunities are expected to continue, particularly given the size of the occupation and the higher than average share of older workers. 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
- Construction House, Canal Road, Dublin 6
- (01) 406 6000
- [email protected]
- Click Here
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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
