This is the first class in the Occupational Safety Series. Positions in this class perform work site inspections to determine compliance with federal and state occupational safety standards, laws and regulations; or serve as consultants to businesses and industries on safety practices and training needs. Positions perform inspections in a variety of work places with relatively small and stable operating environments such as low volume construction projects with minimal subcontractors; light manufacturing, department store and dry cleaning establishments; printing shops; and, supply distribution houses. This class is distinguished from the Occupational Safety Inspector Senior class by the latter’s responsibility for inspecting businesses or industries which are involved in complex manufacturing, or have multiple employers or highly industrialized, complex work sites.

Complexity of Work: Performs work of routine difficulty involving the control of safe work conditions and practices as regulated by occupational safety standards. Positions prepare for inspecting work places/sites by reviewing organization type, equipment utilized and typical work place hazards. Conducts opening conferences with management and employee representatives to explain purpose and scope of inspections; performs inspections by walking through sites, and using test equipment to monitor the measurement of light, air flow, gas and electricity; and observes machine and equipment operations, work practices, protective devices used, status of equipment and where safety hazards may exist. Interviews staff; identifies and evaluates hazards or code violations; and conducts closing conferences. Studies employer records of accidents, injuries, equipment maintenance and safety activities. Assists in establishing plant safety committees and programs by providing employer/employee training through the use of certified industry and construction courses, safety talks and demonstrations. Updates existing training programs and assists employees in securing outside assistance from sources such as trade associations, colleges and government agencies.

Advises employers and employees of rights and obligations under the Occupational Safety and Health Act and prepares comprehensive reports on findings. Assist attorneys in contested cases and provides court testimony. Investigates accidents, fatalities and catastrophes to reconstruct and determine direct and indirect causes, and develops recommendations to prevent recurrences.

Supervision Given: Supervision is typically not a factor.

Supervision Received: Receives general supervision from an Occupational Safety Lead Inspector or Supervisor.

Scope: Work affects the compliance, control and abatement of safety hazards within work sites that affect the occupational safety of employers, employees, and residents within communities of the Commonwealth.

Impact of Actions: Decisions and actions impact the agency’s ability to enforce and promote safe working environments. Ineffective or inappropriate measures or recommendations could result in long-term significant costs to employers and the Commonwealth in terms of time, money, services, production, and employer/employee, community, client or public safety and/or goodwill. Effective job performance facilitates safety awareness, safe working environments, and control and abatement of occupational safety hazards.

Personal Contacts: Frequent internal and external contacts with employers, employees, labor union representatives, attorneys, government officials and the general public to provide and obtain information concerning occupational safety issues, inspections, programs, and activities.

Knowledge: Some knowledge of the principles and practices of occupational safety enforcement, compliance and/or training. Some knowledge of construction trades, road repair and manufacturing processes; of applicable safety statutes, regulations and codes; and of protective and testing equipment.

Skills: Working skill in the use of test equipment for measuring compliance with the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA).

Abilities: Demonstrated ability to make inspections and identify and analyze unsafe work practices or conditions; to make remedial recommendations and provide assistance in training; to communicate effectively both orally and in writing; to interpret laws, policies and standards regulating occupational safety activities; and to provide technical advice.

QUALIFICAITON GUIDE*

Licenses or Certifications: None.

Education or Training: Graduation from an accredited college or university with course work in occupational safety, industrial engineering, or a related field.

Level and Type of Experience: Experience related to occupational safety principles, practices and/or training.

An equivalent combination of training and experience indicating possession of the preceding knowledge and abilities may substitute for this education and experience.

This is a new c1ass established in February 1989 as a result of the statewide Classification Review/Specification Update Program. This class replaces the Occupational Safety Compliance Inspector A and Voluntary Safety and Health Training Consultant A classes.

Last updated: 08/16/95

Class title change only; formerly titled Occupational Safety Inspector.