This is the third class in the Occupational Safety Series. Positions in this class function in the greatest diversity of workplaces by leading or conducting investigations and/or voluntary inspections to determine safety compliance, enforcement or training needs. Positions typically function as team leaders in the areas of multiple-employer or heavy construction, complex or advanced industry, high hazard environments, new technologies or in areas where entry or procedural difficulties have been experienced. This class is distinguished from the Occupational Safety Inspector Senior class by the responsibilities for training and coordinating the work of lower level safety inspectors. This class is distinguished from the Occupational Safety Supervisor by the latter’s responsibilities for employee relations functions and central office or regional program management.

Complexity of the Work: Performs work of considerable difficulty in the areas of safety enforcement, compliance, and training by leading, coordinating, monitoring and reviewing the work of Occupational Safety Inspectors and Inspector Seniors in order to ensure safe work environments. Work is performed by conducting investigations/inspections for identification, development and implementation compliance, enforcement or training programs in identified areas of noncompliance with established safety standards. Positions may perform the work of lower level inspectors as necessary to include contacting employers; scheduling inspections; interviewing employers/employees; conducting walk-around inspections utilizing a wide variety of technical equipment to monitor the environment, machinery, protective clothing and apparatuses; assessing compliance, enforcement or training needs; developing and implementing safety training programs or seminars; formulating procedures for abatement of violations; scheduling abatement dates; and conducting closing conferences and follow-up interviews. As team leaders, positions train lower level classes on appropriate report completion or program development procedures and in investigation/inspection or consultative procedures via on-site supervision, and explanation and interpretation of federal and Voluntary Occupational Safety and Health policies, procedures and directives. Additional responsibilities include performing investigations/inspections of multiple accidents, fatalities or catastrophes; screening incoming communications for needs assessment and assignment to subordinates or transfer to appropriate department; developing and maintaining contact with training consultation and research services; promoting safety and/or health programs through employer/employee and general public contacts; compiling records and reports; and participating in litigation procedures and/or court appearances.

Supervision Given: Positions function in lead worker capacity by providing technical assistance, and training Occupational Safety Inspectors and Occupational Safety Inspector Seniors and office support personnel.

Supervision Received: Receives direction from an Occupational Safety Supervisor.

Scope: Work affects the success of a geographical program in safety enforcement, voluntary compliance, or training which affects agency wide activities and the occupational safety of employers/employees in a diverse range of public and private businesses.

Impact of Actions: Effective job performance facilitates the agency’s ability to ensure control and abatement of occupational safety hazards and compliance with federal and state regulations and standards. Ineffective or inappropriate measures 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.

Personal Contacts: Frequent internal and external contacts with state, federal, local agencies, employers/employees at work sites, independent consultants, attorneys, and the general public regarding occupational safety issues and activities.

Knowledge: Considerable knowledge of federal, state, and local codes, statutes, regulations and standards related to workplace safety; of a variety of industrial, manufacturing, and construction/trades occupations; of principles and practices of safety enforcement, voluntary compliance, and training; and of environmental protective equipment and apparatuses.

Skills: Considerable skill in operation of applicable environmental testing equipment and apparatuses. Working sk111 in utilization of multi-media equipment.

Abilities: Demonstrated ability to formulate, conduct, and/or supervise training plans, presentations, and group sessions. Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate, both orally and in writing; to gather data and compile technical statistical reports; and to interpret and apply technical procedures, standards and laws applicable to voluntary compliance, safety enforcement, and training.

QUALIFICATIONS GUIDE*

license or Certificate: None.

Education or Training: Graduation from an accredited college/university with course work in occupational safety and health, industrial engineering, industrial hygiene, education and/or vocational education, or a related field.

Level and Type of Experience: Progressively responsible experience conducting occupational safety inspections and interpreting 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 a statewide Classification Review/Specification Update study. This class replaces the Voluntary Safety and Health Lead Training Consultant and the Occupational Safety Compliance Lead Inspector classes.

Last updated: 8/16/95

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