The last thing you should be thinking about as you sit down at a restaurant is whether or not the salad or cutlery has been washed. This is part of the job of environmental health officers. They make sure that communities are protected from disease by inspecting all kinds of public places, from restaurants to retirement homes.
Environmental health officers, also known as environmental or public health inspectors, prevent disease by enforcing health legislation and educating people about health issues. They investigate complaints and inspect facilities to make sure the owners and employees are following health regulations. They are responsible for inspecting many different types of public facilities, including hotels, motels, restaurants, schools, swimming pools, and childcare centres.
Specific duties vary depending on the area that an officer is working in. For example, when investigating restaurants, officers examine the way food is stored, as well as how and where it is prepared. They are also concerned with how the food is served and whether or not the utensils and plates are properly sanitized before and after use. Samples of food, water, or other products may be collected for lab testing.
Officers make sure business owners are aware of health policies and laws regarding diseases passed through food, water, animals, or unsanitary conditions. They check outdoor and indoor air quality and are responsible for verifying a site is free of insect or rodent infestation. In addition, they investigate environmental health complaints
Some inspectors may be responsible for inspecting industrial plants. They test for air pollution and investigate toxic materials storage and disposal. If necessary they assess septic and water treatment systems, check solid-waste disposal sites, and look for signs of contamination in the soil. They may also investigate workplace safety, although this is usually the job of an occupational health and safety officer.
After visiting an establishment, officers are responsible for preparing reports. If the establishment is not complying with regulations they may issue notices of violation and list corrections that need to be made.
Sometimes, environmental health officers find themselves in difficult situations. For example, if a restaurant ignores the officer’s orders to improve its sanitation procedures, there may be a risk of a food-poisoning outbreak. Therefore, officers may have to confront owners and issue citations, forcing owners to appear in court.
The officers also provide educational and consultation services for environmental health and safety practices. This may involve speaking to groups of industrial managers, food vendors, property owners, or tenants. It may also include conducting classes and demonstrations on sanitary methods and procedures.
NOC Code: 2263