OSHA Industrial Hygienist II

Job Code: 32002414
Salary Grade: NC18
Revision Date: 04/2020

Class Concept

Department of Labor employees apply the extensive Federal Code and supplemental State standards in inspecting the full range of occupational areas covered by the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 and its subsequent amendments. Work assignments are generally made in a geographic territory covering several counties except in metropolitan areas of sufficient volume to demand one or more officers full-time. Foremost responsibilities involve documentation and support of alleged violations of health-related standards and cooperative work with employers where possible in corrective measures. Employees evaluate employer effectiveness in implementing management control systems for protection of employee safety and health, training and safety committees as required by statute. The OSHA Industrial Hygiene Inspector II's (IH II) are often called upon to render advice and assistance in unconventional situations involving health hazards where the severity of the hazard must be weighed against operational priorities. Employees are subject to appear as State's witness in quasi-judicial and civil proceedings arising from enforcement appeals. Work is performed under the general supervision of a technical superior and is evaluated through periodic conferences, observation of work, and written reports. The primary purpose of an IH II is to conduct the more highly technical health inspections at all types of North Carolina work sites in the state (except those specifically exempted) with an emphasis on the more difficult establishments.

Coordinates with management and employee representatives in inspecting employment facilities and safety/health procedures in a wide variety of private industries more prominently including textiles, chemicals, construction, electrical, lumber, and furniture; also inspects State Government, local government, and municipal jurisdictions. This position identifies apparent and potential causes of occupational injuries, illness, fatalities, and catastrophes, and also determines if a violation of a standard contributed to those injuries, illnesses or fatalities. If a violation of a standard was a causative factor of an injury or illness the IH II recommends citations, which place legal liability for the accident on the employer where appropriate and necessary to secure corrective action. The position recommends preventive or corrective action and determines the adequacy of the employer's response to such recommendations. This position evaluates employee allegations of unsafe working conditions and enforces appropriate provisions of law to protect the employee's legal right to a safe and healthful work environment. Investigates all work-related deaths, injuries and illness through review of employer records and physician reports; conducts special investigations into any suspected imminent danger circumstances which may result in death or injury and makes arrangements for immediate alleviation if verified. Completes standard reports and interpretive narrative on all alleged violations of standards; counsels management and employers on the necessary corrective measures; makes recommendations for followup as required. Advises employers and employees of the relative codes and standards which apply in their particular case; discusses the development of tailored safety plans.

Decisions could have adverse effects on individuals, industries, and their workers. Recommendations for fines could cause same financial loss to employers. Imminent danger recommendations could cause significant financial losses. Decisions concerning the severity of hazards could result in injury or even death to exposed workers. Contacts are made with industrial officials and workers. Contacts are made with plant managers to explain the OSHA program and to report investigation results to them. Contacts are made with industry employees to question then concerning accidents or work experiences.

Additional duties for an IH II include, but are not limited to: serving as a District point of contact in the absence of the supervisor; assisting with case file review for the District; conducting assigned informal conferences; assisting with hiring interviews and conducting internal/external training.

Recruitment Requirements

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• The IH II must have demonstrated the ability to apply inspection and compliance procedures with consistency and to write detailed reports to document inspection results. They must have demonstrated excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to work with individuals at all levels of an organization.
• The IH II must have demonstrated the ability to evaluate and make recommendations on unusual problems, serve as a team leader on inspections involving more than one inspector and will assist the District Supervisor in serving as a mentor for new compliance officers.
• Considerable knowledge of the Interpretive application of Federal and State occupational safety and health standards and regulation promulgated under the Occupations Safety and Health Act of 1970.
• Working knowledge of engineering concepts, such as industrial ventilation, and standards to recommended engineering controls to achieve compliance with established exposure limits.
• Working knowledge of the operational procedures of the occupational areas inspected and introductory statistics. .
• Working knowledge of organic and inorganic chemistry, biochemistry, and industrial toxicology in order to determine the severity of a hazardous situation and the dangers of worker overexposure.
• Basic understanding of physiology, some understanding of hazard control methods and their effectiveness and considerable knowledge of industrial processes, potential occupational health hazards and industrial hygiene sampling techniques is required. .
• Thorough knowledge of sampling techniques and procedures in order to maintain a sufficient chain of evidence is required, with the ability to prove hazards in hearings or in court.
• Ability to gain the confidence of workers in industrial situation and the ability to explain hazards and convince management of the severity of hazards.
• Ability to apply inspection and enforcement procedures with confidence, consistency, courtesy, and tact, and to work with all levels of management.

Minimum Education and Experience

Master's degree in industrial hygiene with a bachelor's degree in chemistry, physics, mechanical engineering, or a closely related curriculum from an appropriately accredited institution and four years of experience conducting OSHA industrial hygiene inspections. Three of the four years qualifying experience must be served in a federal or state OSHA department in the capacity of a health compliance officer, which should include two years conducting independent inspections; OR

Bachelor's degree in industrial hygiene, chemistry, physics, mechanical engineering, or a closely related curriculum from an appropriately accredited institution and five years of experience in conducting OSHA industrial hygiene inspections. Three of the five years qualifying experience must be served in a federal or state OSHA department in the capacity of a health compliance officer, which should include two years conducting independent inspections; OR

An equivalent combination of training and experience.