WHO IS AN ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH OFFICER

 

Environmental Health Officers (also known as Public Health Inspectors) are responsible for carrying out measures for protecting public health, including administering and enforcing legislation related to environmental health and providing support to minimize health and safety hazards. They are involved in a variety of activities, for example inspecting food facilities, investigating public health nuisances, and implementing disease control. Environmental health officers are focused on prevention, consultation, investigation, and education of the community regarding health risks and maintaining a safe environment Environmental health officers make sure that people's living and working surroundings are safe, healthy and hygienic..

EHOs bring to the position an understanding of microbiology, risk assessment, environmental science and technology, food science, as well as the skills and knowledge related to the tracking and control of communicable disease. They must also have strong investigative skills and a thorough understanding of the application of legislation related to public health and the environment. Working in partnership with Government Ministries (such as Health, Agriculture and Environment), local municipalities, businesses, community groups, other agencies and individual members of the community, the EHO plays a major role in protecting public health.

The work EHO Deal With

As an environmental health officer or practitioner (EHO or EHP), you could deal with a wide range of issues including:

• food safety
• environmental protection
• pollution control
• noise control
• health and safety at work
• waste management
• housing standards.

You might specialise in one of these areas, or you might deal with all environmental health issues in YOUR local area or company. YOUR work could involve:

• inspecting businesses for health and safety, food hygiene and food standards
• following up complaints and investigating outbreaks of food poisoning, infectious disease or pests
• collecting samples for laboratory TESTING
• enforcing environmental health laws
• investigating accidents at work
• advising community groups and giving educational talks
• giving evidence in cases that come to court
• keeping records and writing reports
• advising employers on all environmental health matters.

You would work closely with EHOs from other areas as well as with government agencies, specialists in a variety of fields, the public and a wide range of businesses.