How to Become an Environmental Health Officer, Roles & Tasks

In this article, we are looking into how to become an environmental health officer but, before we do that, let’s take a brief look at the subject “Environmental Health” and also let you know who an Environmental Health Officer is.

What is Environmental Health?

Environmental health is on how humans interact with their surroundings. People can get severe illnesses including dementia, cancer, heart disease, and asthma when they are exposed to pollutants like lead in their drinking water and contaminated air.

It is the science and practice of reducing human harm and disease and advancing wellbeing are included in this field.

In addition to limiting exposure to dangerous physical, chemical, and biological agents in the air, water, soil, food safety, and other areas that may endanger human health, these public health specialists seek to discover and assess environmental sources and hazardous agents.

Other organisations that safeguard public health also receive guidance from the environmental health officer.

Environmental Health Officer

Environmental health officers are in charge of implementing public health protection measures, such as implementing and upholding provincial environmental health laws and helping in reducing health and safety risks.

Through the daily management and upkeep of the Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) program at a worksite, they seek to identify, reduce, and control risks to people, property, the environment, and the organisation. Environmental health officers are supposed to organise the emergency response plan, offer guidance during the incident, and carry out follow-up research in the event of an emergency.

How to Become an Environmental Health Officer

Let’s explore the duties, working hours, expectations, and necessary qualifications

What does an environmental health officer do?

Other names for an environmental health officer are public health inspector, environmental health practitioner (EHP), and environmental health officer (EHO). Working as an environmental health officer is a very specialised job that calls for expertise in a variety of fields, including food safety, health and safety, and the environment.

Environmental health officials visit various locations to make sure they are clean, safe, and healthy. They perform a number of tasks, such as looking into environmental health concerns, keeping an eye on adherence to pertinent laws, and offering guidance and instruction. Writing reports and other administrative tasks are also part of the job.

Protecting people from environmental, health, and safety hazards that could result in harm or illness is the primary goal of an environmental health officer. The majority of jobs include food, which entails protecting patrons from hazards related to food safety, such as food illness, and inadequate hygiene.

Keeping people safe and healthy is the main goal of becoming an environmental health officer. Officers in charge of environmental health can collaborate with other environmental health officers, trading standards officials, government employees, and agency personnel.

Other external stakeholders, such as business owners, employees, clients, homeowners, landowners, landlords, members of the public, other local authorities (LAs), the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), court officials, and law enforcement, may also need to be contacted.

Environmental health inspectors typically work for relatively big companies, such as councils, in the public sector. But they also work for other groups, like the military and the NHS.

Environmental health officer responsibilities

Responsibilities

An environmental health officer’s duty are determined by their areas of expertise and workplace. (This list is not all-inclusive.) Some of their responsibilities could be:

Checking for adherence to environmental, health, and safety, and food safety and hygiene regulations.
Using the Food Hygiene Rating Scheme to assign ratings to companies.
Tracking down and looking into reports of infectious diseases, foodborne illnesses, pest infestations, and other problems, like pollution and subpar housing.
Gathering samples for laboratory analysis, such as food or dangerous materials.
Putting environmental health laws and regulations into effect.
Examining incidents of danger and accidents at work.
Giving community organisations, employers, and business owners environmental health advice and direction.
Delivering informative lectures about environmental health.
Writing reports and maintaining documentation.
Presenting evidence in court-related cases.

According to pertinent laws, environmental health officers are authorised to perform some of the duties listed above. The law does not require an appointment and allows them to enter any location within the authority area at any acceptable moment. They can get a warrant, employ appropriate force, and have a police officer accompany them if they are denied access.

Working hours

The typical workweek for an environmental health officer is 35–40 hours, Monday through Friday. Nonetheless, it can be required to work during inconvenient times, such weekends and evenings, but this will typically be scheduled.

As an environmental health officer, there is room for flexibility, particularly for those who work with local authorities (LAs). They may work from home, split a job, or work part-time, depending on their function.

As part of their job, environmental health officers will have to visit a variety of establishments in different places, which will require them to travel frequently. They are rarely required to travel abroad or stay overnight.

What to expect

Being an environmental health officer has a lot of benefits. It is satisfying to know that environmental health inspectors are contributing to public safety and health by ensuring that companies are adhering to food hygiene, health and safety, and environmental regulations.

By averting potentially fatal conditions like food poisoning, allergic responses, pollution, and health and safety hazards, environmental health can occasionally also save lives. Because their jobs are constantly changing and involve visiting a variety of establishments, places, and enterprises, environmental health officers are unlikely to become disinterested in their work.

They can be investigating a workplace accident one day and conducting a food hygiene rating inspection the next. Environmental health inspectors can travel around their region in this profession, and there might be chances to venture farther afield and discover some new places.

Despite the fact that the position is fulfilling and has numerous benefits, environmental health officers may encounter difficulties, such as:

Hostile Scenarios: In the course of their work, environmental health inspectors may occasionally encounter hostile situations. Environmental health officers and business owners/individuals sometimes clash when inspecting, looking into, and enforcing the law. Additionally, if they are not receiving the answers they desire, those who have been hurt or made unwell may feel agitated and upset.
Difficult working conditions: Environmental health inspectors occasionally have to work in unclean, unsanitary, hazardous, and contaminated areas—sometimes in all kinds of weather. Being an environmental health inspector would not be the best job choice for someone who is squeamish or uncomfortable working in difficult environments.
Protective clothing: Officers in charge of environmental health must wear nice clothes. Depending on the location they are going, they might also need to wear protective gear.
Every career choice has advantages and disadvantages, so potential environmental health officers should be aware of what to anticipate before determining if the position is right for them. Without a doubt, environmental health work can occasionally be challenging and unpleasant.

The position necessitates working in uncomfortable settings, involves a lot of travel, and may include hostile circumstances. But there are also a lot of benefits, and a career in environmental health can be exciting and fulfilling.

People should weigh the benefits and drawbacks of becoming an environmental health officer. They should also make sure they possess the character traits needed to perform the duties and obligations of the position.

Environmental health officers are employed where?

The majority of environmental health officers are employed by local authorities (LAs), such as district, county, city, and borough councils. But they might also be useful for:

Government agencies, e.g. the Environment Agency (EA), the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and the Food Standards Agency (FSA).
Private companies, e.g. consultancies.
Food businesses and retail, e.g. supermarkets and large retailers.
The National Health Service (NHS).
The armed forces, e.g. the Royal Air Force, the Navy and the Army.
Travel and holiday companies, e.g. cruise ship operators and resorts.

The majority of environmental health inspectors work remotely from their homes or offices, and they may visit a range of locations, such as:

Domestic dwellings, e.g. houses and flats.
Warehouses.
Offices.
Shops.
Churches.
Leisure facilities, e.g. gyms.
Restaurants.
Supermarkets.
Hotels.
Bed and breakfasts.
Cafes.
Bars.
Care homes.
Catering vans.
Educational settings, e.g. playgroups, nurseries, schools, colleges and universities.

Regarding health and safety, the environmental health departments of local authorities will be in charge of the aforementioned, while the HSE will be responsible for some locations. The Environment Agency and LAs have different responsibilities in several areas, such environmental challenges.

Qualifications and training

An undergraduate degree in environmental health, accredited by the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) (England, Wales, and Northern Ireland), is typically required to work as an environmental health officer.

The granting organisation in Scotland is the Royal Environmental Health Institute of Scotland (REHIS). Two or three relevant A levels (or equivalent) are typically required to get admitted to a degree program. Before applying, people should confirm the university’s admission requirements as this will vary.

The primary path to becoming an environmental health officer is to enrol in a suitable undergraduate degree program. But people can also enrol in postgraduate courses, such master’s (MSc) programs. To get admitted on this type of course normally requires a relevant degree (2:1 or 2:2 depending on the university). Students can register full-time or part-time in undergraduate and graduate degree programs.

Additionally, there is a chance to apply for a degree apprenticeship in environmental health. Since degree apprenticeships are very competitive, individuals should have four or five GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels (or equivalent). Additional details about apprenticeships can be found on the CIEH’s website.

The Environmental Health Registration Board (EHRB) will grant a certificate of registration to a person upon successful completion of their degree, which includes professional tests, work-based training, and a portfolio. Additionally, they will be listed as a certified environmental health practitioner (EHP) on the EHRB registry.

On-the-job training and work experience

As previously said, one will need a degree to work as an environmental health officer. Nevertheless, there are additional choices that can aid in becoming an environmental health officer, such as:

Training programs: While pursuing a part-time environmental health degree, one may begin working as an environmental health technician.
Gaining real-world experience might help someone become an environmental health technician or officer and better understand the duties of the position. Working with local authorities (LAs) and gaining practical experience by observing an experienced environmental health officer could be opportunities.\

Training courses

Experience and becoming qualified are not the end of learning. Environmental health officers can improve their employability, stay up to date on their knowledge and skills, and enter the field by taking pertinent training courses and earning extra certifications.

Training courses are offered by the majority of colleges and authorised private training organisations. The following are some instances of pertinent courses that environmental health inspectors can find helpful:

Food safety and hygiene training level 3.
HACCP training level 3.
Allergen and anaphylaxis awareness training.
Health and safety training level 3.
Environmental training, including waste management.
Customer service skills.
COVID-19 awareness training.

Professional associations and bodies, like the CIEH, can offer guidance on credible training programs. Additionally, they provide activities that can benefit environmental health officers and provide them with resources to advance their careers. Certain degrees of CIEH membership, i.e. members and chartered EHPs need continuing professional development (CPD).

Employers’ needs and the CPD requirements for membership will determine the kind of training needed. To find the courses needed for environmental health officers and other training required for particular areas, it is worthwhile to look at a number of job adverts in addition to professional body websites.

Jobs are available on EHN Jobs, NHS Jobs, LG Jobs, and other employment boards including Indeed and Armed Forces Careers.

Environmental health officers will have more opportunities if they have more appropriate training and competency. Additionally, as refresher training keeps knowledge and skills current and is mandated by law, it will be necessary.

Driving

The majority of environmental health officers should possess a clean driving license since they will need to drive as part of their job.

Certain environmental health officers might only concentrate on one region. Others might be generalists who oversee various facets of environmental health. Environmental health officers frequently work in several areas, such as food safety and health and safety.

Each position in environmental health will call for a unique set of abilities, qualifications, and experience. Nonetheless, the majority of environmental health officers will need to be able to follow up on complaints, do inspections and investigations, and interpret and execute pertinent laws.

What a corporation is looking for in an environmental health officer and the kind of job an individual wishes to do will determine any other areas of knowledge needed.

Environmental health officers make ensuring that people and companies follow the law, whether it has to do with the environment, food safety and cleanliness, or health and safety. In order for individuals to live and work in a safe and healthy environment, it is their responsibility to safeguard them from dangers associated to environmental health.

To properly perform their duties, environmental health officers must therefore possess the requisite competence (knowledge, skills, and experience). They should also be aware of their limitations and refrain from performing tasks if they lack the necessary training.

5 Roles of an Environmental Health Officer

One area of health promotion that is expanding is environmental health. Many individuals are still unaware of how vital and vibrant this area of public health is. An environmental health officer is in charge of the majority of environmental health initiatives and organisations.

In order to reduce health risks and prevent health and safety hazards, such as the danger of infectious diseases, the environmental health officer may perform the following five functions.

1. Safety Inspections

Regular inspections of different environments to ensure their safety take up a significant amount of an environmental health officer’s work. For a variety of environmental issues, such as insect infestation, noise complaints, hazardous contamination, air pollution, and complaint investigation, they frequently spend time examining companies of all sizes, including small and major enterprises.

Here, “environment” refers to any area where people and animals could live. Bridges, parks and other outdoor areas, buildings of all kinds, and expansive complexes like amusement parks and school campuses are all included in this. Certain environmental health officers have contracts with particular private sector businesses and only work on their properties.

The government employs other health officers. Others work for a number of websites as freelancers. In order to enhance hygienic standards, these inspections may cover food safety to prevent food poisoning, occupational health issues, insect management, and pollution control, among other things. In order to write reports and interact with local authorities in order to promote health and safety, public health inspectors frequently need to have strong communication skills.

2. Identification of Hazards

Environmental health officers are in charge of making sure that all possible safety hazards are removed during their safety inspections. All biological, chemical, and radioactive items that might contravene national and industry-specific restrictions fall under this category. After sending samples of suspect materials for expert examination, officers decide how to proceed and whether they pose a threat.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) of the US Department of Labour offers a list of some of the most prevalent environmental risks in the locations that the majority of people visit on a daily basis and work in.

Wearing protective gear and giving the local authorities crucial advise regarding health risks are common aspects of their professional job. The goal of the environmental health officer is to reduce the danger of environmental pollution, including food poisoning, air pollution, and problems that could cause public health emergencies.

3. Removal of Hazards

The environmental health officer is in charge of making sure that any residues of questionable materials that are determined to be harmful to the public are eliminated from the property. This entails finding and working with the appropriate hazardous waste collection providers because environmental dangers cannot be thrown out with the regular trash.

In order to ascertain if a one-time removal is adequate or whether a more comprehensive remedy is required to advance health and safety, the environmental health officer must next locate the hazardous material’s original source.

These risks could include infectious diseases, pest control, and food safety. The health officer successfully notifies local authorities that he or she is completely certain that the premises are safe for human habitation by approving the final inspection.

4. Training

These health professionals hold recurring training sessions to assist all residents in staying safe and healthy after sites pass inspection. They create and carry out training programs, protocols for handling emerging health and safety risks, such as infectious diseases and food safety, and methods for preventing disease and harm.

Health officers are in charge of making sure that these trainings are conducted frequently enough to guarantee that all residents are knowledgeable about the policies and procedures. Frequently, trainings take place in tandem with updated inspections. For a broad range of habitats and health themes, OSHA provides sample environmental health and safety plans.

5. Emergency Management

Not every accident or emergency can be avoided, even with the most rigorous inspections and training. The task of supervising responses to such incidents falls to environmental health officers.

These can be anything from small mishaps with one or a small group of individuals to major catastrophes. Health officers need to be ready for all types of emergencies, including those brought on by nature and human error.

What are some important qualities of an Environmental Health Officer?

What are some of the characteristics that most environmental health officers require to succeed in this crucial role? Effective environmental health officers strive to preserve public health through their job. This public health professional’s analytical abilities enable them to base their judgements on a review of scientific facts, considering all available approaches and answers.

It appears that effective communication is crucial in many professions, and environmental health officer employment is no exception. In their reports or oral presentations, these employees must clearly describe and explain their findings.

To function effectively in a team, interpersonal skills are required. To accomplish their objectives, team members—who could be scientists, engineers, or technicians—must collaborate well with one another or with other organisations.

In order to discover the best answer to environmental issues that impact not only the environment but also human health, problem solving is always necessary in this function. Working alone for extended periods of time is common, and self-discipline keeps these employees motivated and focused on completing their tasks.

What is the professional organization for Environmental Health Workers?

With the goal of creating a healthy environment for everyone, the National Environmental Health Association (NEHA) supports more than 6,000 members who are employed in the environmental protection industry. The organisation that certifies professionals to become Registered Environmental Health Specialists or Registered Sanitarians is NEHA.

For environmental health professionals to obtain this certificate, they must both acquire enough job experience relevant to their speciality and master a body of knowledge that is validated through testing.

The Journal of Environmental Health, an annual conference, and training and continuing education are all offered by NEHA. “To build, sustain, and empower an effective environmental health workforce” is the stated goal of NEHA.

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Providence Amaechi

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A passion-driven environmentalist by heart. Lead content writer at EnvironmentGo.
I strive to educate the public about the environment and its problems.
It has always been about nature, we ought to protect not destroy.