What certifications are needed for an OSHA Inspector?

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 26 Sep 2015 18:23:39 -0400

As I come close to an ending military career. I would like to know what certifications are needed for an OSHA Inspector. I want to get ahead of the game. Also, what reference material is needed as well.

Response by SFC Walt Littleton made Sep 26 at 2015 7:07 PM

SFC Walt Littleton — Sat, 26 Sep 2015 19:07:57 -0400

I've had dealings in this area since I retired 20 some years ago. Most colleges and some local community colleges provide training and certificates. The classes should be listed under Occupational Safety Training. I regret there wasn't available training in this area when I left the service. Try GOOGLE search for training in this area. My civilian career placed in this arena having to deal with many aspects of safety. Also search your local area for the nearest office in your state and try to network with them to help get through the USAJOBS review process and be selected for an interview. Other areas you should look into are as follows:
HAZMAT CERTIFICATION
MINE SAFETY OPERATIONS
USDA FOOD SAFETY OPERATIONS
RAILROAD OPERATIONS
OSHA- This agency has many facets to their mission. Go to their website and see what areas they are responsible for and then search for specific training in those areas.

hope this helps! Let me know if I can help in any way? Good Luck

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 26 at 2015 10:08 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 26 Sep 2015 22:08:04 -0400

Start looking into environmental sciences or environmental health programs.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 13 at 2016 11:36 AM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 13 Feb 2016 11:36:39 -0500

Janell,

Here's some resources: http://m.osha.com/courses/30-hour-construction.html

Also, I recommend that you start engaging with recruiters for companies that you're interested in. Ask about their corp culture & make sure you align with their mission.

OSHA 30 Hour Construction Course, Online Training - OSHA.com

OSHA recommends Outreach Training Programs as an orientation to occupational safety and health for workers covered by OSHA 29 CFR 1926. Construction workers must receive additional training, when required by OSHA standards, on specific hazards of the job. Upon successful completion of the course, participants will receive an OSHA 30-Hour Construction Outreach DOL course completion card within 6-8 weeks.

Response by Capt Tom Brown made Feb 13 at 2016 2:15 PM

Capt Tom Brown — Sat, 13 Feb 2016 14:15:50 -0500

Safety is a good field to get into. The various duties, record keeping, training, program development, meeting OSHA requirements, etc become to numerous and burdensome to be handled by the owner or an employee as an 'additional duty". Hopefully you might have been involved in safety as a SM and can count that as credible OJT experience. The attached link is for one of the professional certifications you can get. OHSTs make very good money as independent contractors or employees. Had I known more about the certification I would have gotten one earlier on. A good route is to take a formal course at a technical school or 2 yr college. They will teach you everything required to know and administer the BCSP certification test at the end of the course. There are a lot of good suggestions in this thread concerning other courses to check into, including the various 'OSHA Courses' - all very helpful. Best wishes.