Inspectors of occupational safety have a very important function in the prevention of injuries and losses as a result of accidents. The responsibilities of these inspectors depend on where they work. Those who work for the Department of Labour, ensure that the requirements of the Law on Machinery and Occupational Safety are adhered to.
Inspectors of occupational safety in private companies formulate, administer and make the necessary adjustments to accident prevention programmes in order to effectively prevent accidents. They provide daily, weekly or monthly reports on the status of their organization’s accident prevention programmes to management. They also compile standards for the safety of appliances and check them regularly.
One of their most important tasks is to update accident, injury or illness records. They must also investigate and report all accidents and incidents. The conditions that contribute to accidents must be rectified, if possible, so that they do not recur.
Inspectors of occupational safety need to be present at all inspections by the Department of Labour. They also do their own inspections to ensure safety and make recommendations regarding accident prevention at plants and regarding the specifications for new buildings. They ensure that repairs and modifications to existing structures are carried out, where necessary, to meet safety requirements.
Satisfying Aspects
- improving safety standards so as to prevent the occurrence of work-related accidents, injuries and diseases that result from sub-standard products and methods
- working both in an office and outside
- working with people
Demanding aspects
- ensuring that inspections conform to prescribed rules and regulations
- having to visit the scenes of tragic accidents
- keeping up-to-date with new developments and technology in this field
Requirements
- good interpersonal relations
- scientific and technical knowledge, and interest
- very responsible and conscientious
School Subjects
National Senior Certificate meeting diploma requirements for a diploma course
Each institution will have its own minimum entry requirements.
Compulsory school subjects: None
Recommended school subjects: Mathematics and Physical Sciences
Training
Diploma: Safety and Security Management - TUT, VUT, UNISA, also Intec and Damelin.
Before being appointed as an inspector of occupational safety, a prescribed practical training course has to be completed.
Employer
- Department of Labour
- large companies
- large factories
- self-employment, as a private consultant particularly to smaller companies
Contact
NOSA Safety Academy
The National Occupational Safety Association (NOSA)
P O Box 1698
Centurion, 0046
Block A, Ground Floor, Centurion Office Building
Embankment Street
Centurion
Tel: (012) 683-0200 Fax: (012) 683-0229
www.nosa.co.za