Health Inspector Certification
Certification as a health inspector is an effort commonly undertaken by individuals already employed in the inspection industry. Although not a legal requirement to procure a job, this additional education holds allure for employers and inspectors alike.
Other People Are Reading
-
Identification
-
A health inspector, also called an occupational health and safety technician, conducts inspections and collects data concerning health-related issues in the workplace, or any public gathering spot. This includes testing of air, water, machinery and the processes employed by workers.
Board Certification
-
The Board of Certified Safety Professionals provides certification programs for safety and health professionals designed to “demonstrate competence to employers and others, increase employee confidence in occupational health and safety programs, help improve company profitability through reduced incidents and losses, and enhance the company image,” according to the organization's website.
-
Certification Requirements
-
Some employers may insist that a health inspector have at least an associate’s degree or certification, although others may require only a combination of on-the-job-experience combined with training. Certification or licensure are not mandated by any state.
Programs
-
Although certification is not legally required, employers may encourage the effort. The Council on Certification of Health, Environmental and Safety Technologists offers certification as an Occupational Health and Safety Technologist, a Construction Health and Safety Technician, and Safety Trained Supervisor, while the Indoor Air Quality Association offers a Certified Indoor Environmentalist program.
Outlook
-
Twenty-two percent of health inspectors are employed by government agencies, with overall job opportunities expected to increase by 14 percent between 2008 and 2018, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. "More technicians will be needed to cope with technological advances in safety equipment and threats,” according to the bureau's website.
-
References
- Photo Credit building inspector,woman image by Greg Pickens from Fotolia.com
