What does a loss controll inspector do. what qualifications and such do you have to have to do this work?

The loss control inspectors that I have worked with basically inspect risks, properties, businesses, etc. to look for areas that could cause a loss. This is normally done for new business applications--if they pass inspection they are offered a quotation, if they don't pass they are declined. For example when they go to a restaurant the loss control inspector will go over the sanitation inspection reports issued by the city or county health inspectors to look for recurring problems. They will check the ansul system (the specialized fire suppression systems that all restaurants are required to have) and all the fire extinguishers to make sure they have been inspected within the last 6 months and are in compliance, they will check that the restaurant has the hood cleaned on a regular basis, that the ansul system has a nozzle over each fire source. They also check that each appliance (stove, deep fat fryer, etc.) is set at the correct distance from each other and from the walls. They check for slip and fall hazards, they check on the maintenance of the refrigeration systems, any visible fire hazards, employee training reports, etc. Each business is reviewed against underwriting safety guidelines and their specific potential for loss, for example a body shop has a completely different set of guidelines upon which the loss control inspector bases his/her inspection.





Normally the insurance agent will accompany the inspector on as many of these inspections as possible. Depending on the years of experience (and the agent's loss ratio) the companies will let them perform the inspections for types of businesses they are familiar with unless the agent calls in loss control (normally on new business). However if a business is already insured and experiencing minor losses and the insurance company wants to keep the business they will send in loss control. As a result of the inspection the insurance company will offer a list of improvements that need to be made some will be mandatory and some will be strongly suggested.





In terms of training and or qualifications risk control classes, experience working in claims would probably be some of the qualifications companies would look at.