Some inspectors do two or three types of inspecting. Regulatory inspectors make sure people obey the laws and regulations. They do this to protect the public safety. Some inspectors check that employers follow rules on wages and hours, equal opportunity, and fair employment practices. Others make sure that people, freight, and baggage enter the country legally.
Regulatory inspectors oversee air, railroad, and motor vehicle travel.
They also are concerned with fire protection, work place safety and health, and toxic waste. Regulatory inspectors cover many other areas. Compliance Officers and Inspectors is in the Protective Services Career Cluster. Worker Characteristics Good ability to understand the meaning of what other people say and to use words clearly when talking to them Ability to make decisions and solve problems Ability to gather details from spoken or written information Ability to see detail in objects, such as when looking at the items to be inspected Ability to work with numbers Desire to be a leader and influence others Physical Demands Frequently use arms and hands to reach for and handle objects during inspection Frequently use fingers to pick up objects Frequently talk and listen to others Frequently need to see nearby objects clearly, as when reading Occasionally need to see the difference between colors Occasionally need to see distant objects clearly Occasionally observe a large area, such as an assembly line, while focusing on a smaller area, such as one machine Occasionally climb, balance, stoop, kneel, and crouch while working Occasionally lift or move objects that weigh up to 20 pounds Occasionally judge the distance between objects Work Setting Most inspectors and compliance officers work both indoors and outdoors. They are exposed to weather when working outdoors.