Description

Jobholders in this unit group use specialist technical skills and knowledge to protect people from health risks associated with the environment in which they live and work. They maintain and safeguard standards, including taking legal action to enforce relevant legislation with regard to public health policy.

Tasks

• Inspects businesses for compliance with legislation on health and safety, food hygiene and food standards and takes appropriate action in the event of non-compliance
• Follows up complaints of unsafe workplaces, investigating accidents
• Investigates outbreaks of food poisoning, infectious diseases or pests
• Monitors radiation activity, levels of noise, air, land and water pollution and takes appropriate action when safety levels are exceeded
• Ensures animal welfare for compliance with legislation, issues licences for premises such as pet shops, zoos and abattoirs
• Gives talks at public enquiries and meetings, ensures compliance through education, advice and enforcement
• Initiates legal proceedings and gives evidence in court.

Entry Requirements

Entrants normally require a degree accredited by the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) or the Royal Environmental Health Institute of Scotland (REHIS) in addition to a work-based training placement, followed by professional examinations.