January 21, 2009 - Individuals looking toward a career in the healthcare field have many options including training as a nurse, a lab technician or a paramedic. Local Public Health Inspectors want to add their profession to this list. During this week’s “Environmental Public Health Week”, those working locally for the Health Unit want to highlight their professional as an exciting career choice, one that positively affects the health of families and the communities in which they live.
Public Health Inspectors provide services in essential areas such as:
Safe Water:
- Checking drinking water quality and testing beach water
- Inspecting pools and sewage disposal systems
Food Safety:
- Teaching safe food handling courses
- Inspecting restaurants, institutions and other food establishments
- Conducting food recall and complaint investigations
Injury Prevention:
- Inspecting playgrounds
- Investigating health hazard complaints (e.g. mould)
Disease Control:
- Investigating illness outbreaks (e.g. gastrointestinal illness in a nursing home)
- Inspecting facilities like group homes, licensed daycares, tattoo parlours and salons
Those who are interested in a career in Public Health Inspection must attend one of five Canadian post-secondary institutions that provide a program approved by the Board of Certification of the Canadian Institute of Public Health Inspectors (www.ciphi.ca/boc.htm). Once graduated, individuals must complete a 12 week practicum and then successfully pass a certification exam.
In this time of economic uncertainty, when many are looking for retraining opportunities, a career in health inspection could be a rewarding possibility.
-END-