Inspectors in these firms generally are trained to operate this equipment. Working conditions vary by industry and establishment size. As a result, some inspectors examine similar products for an entire shift, while others examine a variety of items. Most inspectors in manufacturing remain at one work station, but some in transportation or construction travel from place to place to do inspections. Inspectors in some industries may be on their feet all day and may have to lift heavy objects, whereas in other industries they sit during most of their shift and do little strenuous work.
Some inspectors work evenings, nights, or weekends.
In these cases, shift assignments generally are made on the basis of seniority. Overtime may be required to meet production goals. Employment Inspectors, testers, and graders held about 634,000 jobs in 1996. About 3 out of 4 worked in manufacturing establishments that produced such products as industrial machinery and equipment, motor vehicles and equipment, primary and fabricated metals industries, electronic components and accessories, textiles, apparel, and aircraft and parts. Inspectors, testers, and graders also were found in temporary help services, communications and utilities, wholesale trade, engineering and management services, and government agencies.