This is the second class in the Occupational Safety Series. Positions in this class perform 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 including relatively small and stable operating environments; construction sites using heavy construction or earth moving equipment; highly technical chemical, mechanical and electronic processing plants; and complex work places which have multiple employers or are highly industrialized and possess the potential for high hazard inc1 cents. This class is distinguished from the Occupational Safety Inspector class by its responsibility for conducting selected and complex inspections/investigations which involve imminent danger, fatalities or catastrophes and for providing guidance to lower level inspectors in areas of expertise. These positions are further distinguished from the Occupational Safety Lead Inspector class by the latter’s responsibility for training, functioning in a lead capacity, and directing the work of others.

Complexity of Work: Performs work of moderate difficulty involving the control of safe work conditions and practices as regulated by occupational safety standards. Conducts selected and complex luspections/1nvest1gations. Positions prepare for inspecting work places/sites by reviewing organization types, 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 locations of potential safety hazards. Interviews staff; identifies and evaluates hazards or code violations; and conducts closing conferences. Studies employer records covering accidents, injuries, equipment maintenance and safety activities. In voluntary compliance, 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 employers 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. Assists 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; however, positions may provide technical guidance to lower level inspectors in areas of expertise.

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

Scone: Actions affect the compliance, control and abatement of safety hazards within work sites which 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, promote, and ensure safe working conditions and practices. 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 and safe working conditions.

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, program, inspections, ant activities.

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

Skills: Working skill in the operation and maintenance of environmental protective testing equipment.

Abilities: Demonstrated ability to perform complex inspections; to 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; and to interpret laws, policies and standards regulating occupational safety activities.

QUALIFICATION GUIDE*

Licenses or Certification: 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 involving inspections of occupational practices and environments and application of occupational safety regulations.

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

Class title change only; formerly titled Occupational Safety Senior Inspector.

Last updated: 8/16/9S