Safety representative vs safety inspector

The differences between safety representatives and safety inspectors can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 4-6 years to become both a safety representative and a safety inspector. Additionally, a safety representative has an average salary of $50,717, which is higher than the $48,765 average annual salary of a safety inspector.

The top three skills for a safety representative include OSHA, safety procedures and corrective action. The most important skills for a safety inspector are OSHA, safety procedures, and safety inspections.

Safety representative vs safety inspector overview

	Safety Representative	Safety Inspector
Yearly salary	$50,717	$48,765
Hourly rate	$24.38	$23.44
Growth rate	6%	6%
Number of jobs	15,531	30,193
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 51%	Bachelor's Degree, 47%
Average age	45	45
Years of experience	6	6

What does a safety representative do?

A safety representative is responsible for reiterating safety protocols and regulations in the workplace to prevent potential hazards and operational delays. Safety representatives facilitate training and programs for the employees and inform them of any communications related to their safety and wellbeing. They also submit incident reports to the safety manager and provide recommendations to minimize risks and practice emergency drills. A safety representative must have excellent communication and organizational skills to create a safe environment for operations.

What does a safety inspector do?

A safety inspector is in charge of performing inspections to ensure that workplaces comply with the company or government's safety standards and regulations. Their responsibilities include inspecting tools and equipment, reviewing documents and specifications, assessing the workforce performances and conditions, observing facilities, and ensuring that employees have protective gear and safety measure knowledge. Moreover, a safety inspector utilizes the findings of their observation to recommend methods that will help workplaces maintain a safe and healthy environment for everyone. They may also investigate workplace incidents to keep them from happening again.

Safety representative vs safety inspector salary

Safety representatives and safety inspectors have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Safety Representative	Safety Inspector
Average salary	$50,717	$48,765
Salary range	Between $32,000 And $78,000	Between $34,000 And $69,000
Highest paying City	New York, NY	Sacramento, CA
Highest paying state	New York	Alaska
Best paying company	ConocoPhillips	Volkert
Best paying industry	Energy	Energy

Differences between safety representative and safety inspector education

There are a few differences between a safety representative and a safety inspector in terms of educational background:

	Safety Representative	Safety Inspector
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 51%	Bachelor's Degree, 47%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	San Diego State University	-

Safety representative vs safety inspector demographics

Here are the differences between safety representatives' and safety inspectors' demographics:

	Safety Representative	Safety Inspector
Average age	45	45
Gender ratio	Male, 77.5% Female, 22.5%	Male, 82.1% Female, 17.9%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 10.0% Unknown, 6.1% Hispanic or Latino, 14.2% Asian, 5.6% White, 62.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.2%	Black or African American, 10.1% Unknown, 6.2% Hispanic or Latino, 14.3% Asian, 5.7% White, 62.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.2%
LGBT Percentage	7%	7%

Differences between safety representative and safety inspector duties and responsibilities

Safety representative example responsibilities.

Complete HAZMAT training and manage squadrons HAZMAT program.
Manage the development/execution of the EHS communication and program strategy for this diversify global technology and industrial leader.
Maintain the CPR kit program.
Administer first-aid and CPR when need.
Skil in hazard communication, LOTO, machine guarding, and contractor safety.
Insure permits and LOTO procedures are as followed for commissioning, pumps, motors, turbines.

Safety inspector example responsibilities.

Assist with ergonomics assessments, assist in managing HAZMAT and chemical storage programs, and evaluate fire prevention plans.
Complete workshop and laboratory equipment safety for all university buildings for compliance with OSHA and other appropriate regulations.
Investigate and document incidents using accurate and industry relate terminology to protect against lawsuits and to provide OSHA with additional information.
Upgrade and assist with the maintenance of the facility MSDS system, in particular the raw material MSDS's.
Detail record keeping of JSAs, tool, ladder and PPE inspections.
Participate in new equipment planning and installation team activities to include PSM processes documentation and validation i.e.

Safety representative vs safety inspector skills

Common safety representative skills

OSHA, 13%
Safety Procedures, 6%
Corrective Action, 5%
Safety Program, 5%
Safety Training, 4%
Safety Audits, 4%

Common safety inspector skills

OSHA, 13%
Safety Procedures, 7%
Safety Inspections, 6%
Fire Protection, 5%
Safety Standards, 5%
Contractor Safety, 4%

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Safety Representative
Safety Representative vs Safety Inspector

Updated January 8, 2025

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