Public Health Inspector
Public health inspectors are vital members of New Brunswick’s health system. Public health inspectors work to promote and protect environmental public health through education, inspection, monitoring, and enforcement in order to prevent injury, illness, disease, and premature death. They do this by evaluating and monitoring health hazards and developing strategies to control risks posed to the health of the public. They make sure provincial regulations regarding health hazards, food safety, safe recreational water, safe drinking water, on-site sewage disposal systems, indoor air quality, built environments, and smoke-free places are being followed. They also educate the public on topics of environmental health such as radon, asbestos, and lead.
A main component of this career is to routinely inspect food preparation operations of restaurants, hotels, schools, hospitals, and other public facilities – that’s why health inspectors must have strong interpersonal, communication, and observational skills in order to evaluate safety hazards and risks. Many health inspectors find their career through a passionate concern for the health and well-being of their community. They must also read, interpret, and apply government legislation.