A Public Health Inspector conducts inspections of businesses, public places, and even private homes when asked to. They look for exposures that have the potential to cause harm to the public. These exposures can include things like mould, bacteria in places where food is handled, and anywhere that chemicals are used.
Duties of a Public Health Inspector:
- Inspect workplaces to ensure that no danger exists for the employees.
- Inspect businesses that provide food to the public to make sure that all health and safety codes are being met.
- Conduct inspections of water and air quality in public places.
- Inspect private residences when requested by owner.
Work Requirements:
Public Health Inspectors must have good attention to detail in order to observe the many potential hazards that exist within public environments. They also need to have good oral and written communication skill in order to let the public know about the potential hazards around them.
Types of Work Environments:
- Public Health Units
- Private contracts
Personality Requirements:
- Be a good listener
- Attention to detail
- Patient
- Good communication skills
- Good stress management skills
Education: 4 Years Post-Secondary Education
4 year university degree from an accredited Public Health Inspector Program.
After taking the program, all potential inspectors must become certified by meeting the exam requirements of the Canadian Institute of Public Health Inspectors.
Courses taken during high school which will assist you in a career as a Public Health Inspector:
- Sciences
- Math
- English
Job placement – after 4 years of post-secondary education your chances of finding a job are considered - Good
With an abundance of professions in Canada that require working with potentially hazardous material, there will always be a need for public health inspectors.
Wages:
The average salary for Public Health Inspectors in Ontario is over $60,000
Links:
Canadian Institute of Public Health Inspectors
Ryerson University - School of Occupational and Public Health
http://www.ryerson.ca/sophe/programs/publichealth.html
