From safeguarding food safety to building maintenance, public health inspectors are the unseen heroes of modern times. Unlike other public safety professions, such as police and firemen, a public health inspector works behind the scenes to protect the general public from injury and illness. While you may be familiar with this profession, the typical duties and responsibilities of a public health inspector are anything but typical.
The Forefront of Safety – Public Health Inspector Definition
Public health inspectors do just that. These highly trained professionals investigate, record and manage public establishments to monitor and enforce local and federal health regulations. While federal laws apply throughout the United States, state and local municipality health codes can vary. Public health inspectors undergo national, state and local health code training to ensure businesses strictly follow old and new regulations.
Frequent and thorough inspections act as the calvary against potentially lethal safety issues. However, this is only one thread in the tapestry of public health inspecting. In many ways, inspectors are also advocates. Even though health code enforcement is a major job function, these knowledgable professionals often engage with local businesses and citizens to promote better health practices, such as updating policies, enhance training programs and provide robust resources for business owners and civilians.
Protection Begins Here – Public Health Inspector Duties
A common misconception is public health inspectors only work in the food industry, but in reality, inspectors work in a myriad of industries. Because of this, duties vary based on industry and establishment type. For example, hospital and hotel inspections differ from restaurant and swimming pool inspections. Regardless of specialization, the fundamental duties of these professionals fit into three distinct categories: code compliance and enforcement, legal support in code violation trials, and public health promotion.
While each category is paramount for public safety, code compliance and enforcement carries the most importance. The average day in the life of a public health inspector is a combination of initial and follow-up inspections. During an initial inspection, the inspector thoroughly investigates the establishment based on applicable health codes. The visit concludes with an in-depth report documenting any violations. Based on the report, inspectors may temporarily close a business until the property owner rectifies the issue.
Documenting and recording inspection results is a major responsibility for all health inspectors. These official records may be used as legal testimony in code violation trials. However, like in the food industry, inspection results are often publicized and used as a tool to encourage business owners to meet and exceed health codes.
Safety in the Background – Becoming a Public Health Inspector
Employed by government agencies and private sector organizations, according to BLS, becoming a public health inspector varies based on whether you wish to work as a specialist or technician. Public health specialists perform field inspections of establishments to confirm code adherence.
Technicians, on the other hand, work in a support capacity for specialists by performing tests and identifying potential hazards. Health specialists must hold a bachelor’s degree in a related topic, such as occupational health. Technicians can enter this workforce by completing an associate’s degree in a related field, earning a certification or through on-the-job training.
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As you continue to understand what public health inspectors do, it’s clear this profession is more than unnecessary government bureaucracy. Without these invaluable public safety experts, our world would be a much more dangerous place. While it’s easy to forget about the men and women who tirelessly work to protect your community, remember after every satisfying meal, relaxing afternoon at the public swimming pool or medical treatment, there’s a public health inspector behind the curtain of effortless safety.