They are furnished with an automobile or are reimbursed for travel expenses. At times, inspectors have unfavorable working conditions. For example, mine inspectors often are exposed to the same hazards as miners. Customs inspectors may be threatened by smugglers and other criminals. Food and alcohol, tobacco, and firearms inspectors frequently come in contact with strong, unpleasant odors.
Many inspectors work long and often irregular hours.
Their jobs often involve considerable field work, and some inspectors travel frequently. They are furnished with an automobile or are reimbursed for travel expenses. The largest single employer of consumer safety inspectors is the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, but the majority work for State governments. Most food inspectors and agricultural commodity graders in processing plants are employed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Agricultural quarantine inspectors work for the U.S. Department of Agriculture.