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.
Table of Contents
What is Environmental Health?
Environmental health is about 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, 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.
By making sure that environmental influences do not adversely affect human well-being, an Environmental Health Officer (EHO) plays a critical role in protecting public health. EHOs look into public health concerns, enforce health and safety laws, and instruct communities on disease prevention best practices. They are in charge of things like waste management, housing regulations, occupational health, environmental control, and food safety.
Certain educational requirements, certifications, and participation in professional associations are necessary to become an EHO. Although the processes to becoming an Environmental Health Officer differ from nation to nation, this guide offers a comprehensive, international view of the process, covering study alternatives, certifications, expenses, and professional organisations to join.
How to Become an Environmental Health Officer (EHO)
Let’s explore the duties, working hours, expectations, and necessary qualifications
Step 1: Educational Requirements
1.1 Undergraduate Degree
A valid bachelor’s degree in one of the following subjects is typically required to work as an EHO:
- Environmental Health
- Public Health
- Environmental Science
- Occupational Health and Safety
- Food Science and Technology
- Biology or Chemistry (with additional environmental health training)
A degree approved by the national environmental health organisation is required in several nations. For example:
- United States: A degree accredited by the National Environmental Health Science & Protection Accreditation Council (EHAC) is preferred.
- United Kingdom: A degree in Environmental Health accredited by the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) is required.
- Canada: A degree in Environmental Public Health accredited by the Canadian Institute of Public Health Inspectors (CIPHI).
- Australia: A degree accredited by Environmental Health Australia (EHA).
1.2 Graduate-level coursework (optional but advantageous)
Particularly for specialised positions, certain nations or employers favour applicants with a master’s degree. Among the pertinent choices are:
- Master’s in Environmental Health
- Master’s in Occupational Health and Safety
- Master’s in Public Health
Some universities offer postgraduate diplomas in Environmental Health or conversion courses for those with degrees in unrelated fields.
1.3 Key Subjects to Study
No matter where they work, an EHO should be knowledgeable about:
- Epidemiology and Disease Prevention
- Food Safety and Hygiene
- Environmental Legislation and Compliance
- Waste Management
- Pollution Control
- Workplace Health & Safety
- Water and Air Quality Control
- Public Health Education
Step 2: Licensure and Certifications
2.1 National Certifications
You could require particular licenses or certificates to work as an Environmental Health Officer, depending on where you want to work:
United Kingdom:
- Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship for Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs)
- Completing a professional practice portfolio and passing the CIEH ProfessionalDiscussion exams are prerequisites for registration with the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH).
- For food safety officers, a higher certificate in food control is necessary.
United States:
The National Environmental Health Association (NEHA) grants the Certified Environmental Health Specialist (CEHS) or Registered Environmental Health Specialist (REHS) certifications; however, certain jurisdictions demand further licensing.
Canada:
Most jurisdictions require a Certified Public Health Inspector (CPHI(C)), which is granted by the Canadian Institute of Public Health Inspectors (CIPHI) and a degree from an authorised program in environmental health.
Australia & New Zealand:
Environmental Health Australia (EHA) certification, New Zealand Public Health Association (PHA) certification, and registration with local government bodies in certain states.
State requirements determine the cost.
Nigeria and Other African Countries:
Joining national health regulating organisations, including Nigeria’s Environmental Health Officers Registration Council (EHORECON)
EHOs in South Africa are governed by the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA).
2.2 Costs of Certification
The cost of certification varies by nation and company. The approximate costs are listed below:
- NEHA REHS/RS Exam (USA): $390–$725
- CIEH Membership & Portfolio Review (UK): £200–£500
- CIPHI Certification (Canada): $500–$1,000
- EHA Membership & Certification (Australia): AUD 300–800
There are grants available for students, and some firms pay for certification fees.
Step 3: Acquire Real-World Experience
Before becoming a fully trained EHO, most countries require practical job experience. Typically, this is accomplished by:
3.1 Internships & Placements
Work placements with local governments, food safety organisations, environmental protection organisations, or public health organisations are a common feature of approved degree programs.
3.2 Programs for Professional Training
In the UK, you have to pass a competency assessment and finish a Professional Development Portfolio (PDP). Before taking the CPHI(C) exam in Canada, you must complete a 12-week field practicum.
3.3 Entry-Level Positions
Before assuming full-time positions, some EHOs begin their careers as Environmental Health Technicians. It helps to have prior experience in fields like waste management, occupational health, and food safety.
Gaining real-world experience might help someone become an environmental health technician or officer and better understand the position’s duties. Working with local authorities (LAs) and gaining practical experience by observing an experienced environmental health officer could be opportunities.
Step 4: Join Professional Bodies
Networking, career promotion, and keeping up with industry standards are all facilitated by joining a professional organisation. Important organisations consist of:
- Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) – UK
- National Environmental Health Association (NEHA) – USA
- Canadian Institute of Public Health Inspectors (CIPHI) – Canada
- Environmental Health Australia (EHA) – Australia
- Australian Institute of Environmental Health (AIEH) – Australia
- Environmental Health Officers Association (EHOA) – Various countries
- International Federation of Environmental Health (IFEH) – Global
Although they vary, membership fees usually fall between $100 and $500 annually.
Step 5: Acquire New Skills
5.1 Communication and Public Engagement
EHOs collaborate with the public, corporations, and governmental organisations. Strong problem-solving, report-writing, and communication abilities are crucial.
5.2 Analytical and Digital Proficiencies
It is beneficial to understand Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
Proficiency in data analysis aids in monitoring pollutants and evaluating health risks.
5.3 Continuous Learning
A lot of EHOs work towards obtaining other certifications like:
- Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) Certification for food safety
- ISO 14001 Environmental Management Systems Certification
- Occupational Health & Safety (OSHA, NEBOSH, IOSH)
- Water & Air Quality Testing
- Hazardous Waste Management
- Emergency Response & Disease Control
The cost of these certifications varies by country and program, ranging from $100 to $3,000.
Cost of Becoming an Environmental Health Officer
Location, educational path, and certification fees all affect the overall cost. This is an approximate breakdown:
Total Expense: $10,000 to over $60,000.
Employer sponsorships, government grants, and scholarships can all assist with cutting expenses.
Job Outlook & Salary
- USA: $50,000 – $90,000/year
- UK: £30,000 – £50,000/year
- Canada: CAD 55,000 – 90,000/year
- Australia: AUD 60,000 – 100,000/year
- Africa & Asia: Varies widely, $5,000 – $30,000/year
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 duties 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.
Although 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.
- 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 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 to, 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 as environmental challenges.
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 sure 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 with environmental health.
To properly perform their duties, environmental health officers must 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 several websites as freelancers. 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. To write reports and interact with local authorities 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 advice 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.
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 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 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.
Conclusion
A fulfilling career choice, environmental health officer positions can be found in international organisations, the commercial sector, and the government. The procedure entails earning a degree that is pertinent, accumulating real-world experience, earning certificates, and advancing professionally.
The basic steps—education, certification, and practical experience—remain the same whether you intend to work in North America, Europe, Africa, or Australia. This career offers stability, job satisfaction, and the opportunity to truly make an effect if you have a strong desire to safeguard the environment and public health.
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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.