Environmental Health Officers

Environmental Health Officers, often called Public Health Inspectors, are vital members of the community health system. They safeguard the well being of both the public and the environment by educating people about public health issues, monitoring facilities and development, and enforcing health legislation.

In British Columbia, and the rest of Canada, January 18 to 24, 2010 has been proclaimed by the Lieutenant Governor as “Environmental Public Health Week.”  This week celebrates and gives recognition to Environmental Public Health Professionals for their efforts in protecting the health of our communities. The core services provided by Environmental Public Health Professionals, such as food safety and hygience, water quality (drinking and recreational), air quality (indoor and outdoor), community sanitation and emergency management, are essential elements in building a healthy population.

And yes, they also inspect restaurants to ensure British Columbians continue to enjoy a well-deserved meal out! To view inspection reports from facilities in your area click here: http://www.healthspace.ca/nha.

The following are some of the lesser known facts about the team of Environmental Health Officers serving the Province of British Columbia:

• Did you know there are over 300 Environmental Health Officers working to help protect the health of British Columbians? Of these 300, 23 EHOs are working here with Northern Health! 

• Did you know that public swimming pools and hot tubs are approved and inspected by Environmental Health Officers to ensure the safety of bathers in BC?

• Did you know that BC Environmental Health Officers regularly inspect your small rural and large urban waterworks systems? 

• Did you know that Environmental Health Officers regularly conduct follow-up interviews with cases of reportable communicable diseases that are transmitted through food, water, as well as through insects and animals in their efforts to reduce the incidence of these illnesses? 

• Did you know that Environmental Health Officers play an important role in the review, approval, and routine inspection of foods sold publicly at special events, farmer's markets, and the rapidly expanding local food manufacturing industry? 

• Did you know that Environmental Health Officers inspect personal service establishments ranging from hair salons and barbershops to tattoo parlours and body modification establishments? 

• Did you know that Environmental Health Officers respond to sewerage system failure complaints and enforce legislation requiring corrective repairs? 

• Did you know that Environmental Health Officers assist in rural subdivision applications by evaluating the land’s suitability for onsite sewage disposal?   

• Did you know Environmental Health Officers respond after winter floods and windstorms to ensure community water systems and local food supplies remain safe?