How to Become an Environmental Health Officer: Australian Careers in Work Health and Safety

Environmental Health Officers (EHOs) play a vital role in safeguarding public health by ensuring compliance with environmental health regulations. They are responsible for monitoring and controlling factors that can affect the health of communities, including air and water quality, food safety, and sanitation. Through inspections, education, and enforcement of health standards, EHOs contribute significantly to the prevention of disease and the promotion of a healthy environment.

• Inspection and Enforcement – Conduct regular inspections of food establishments, public facilities, and environmental sites to ensure compliance with health regulations.
• Environmental Health Consulting – Provide expert advice and education to businesses and the community on health and safety practices.
• Communicable Disease Investigations – Investigate outbreaks of communicable diseases and implement control measures to prevent further spread.
• Food Safety Training – Deliver training courses on food safety practices to food handlers and business owners.
• Community Planning – Collaborate with local authorities on community planning initiatives to promote health-supportive environments.
• Sewage Disposal Planning – Assess and plan sewage disposal systems to ensure they meet health and environmental standards.
• Housing Quality Inspections – Inspect housing conditions to ensure they meet health and safety standards.
• Infection Prevention and Control – Develop and implement strategies for infection prevention in community settings.
• Emergency Planning – Prepare and implement emergency response plans for public health crises.
• Noise and Air Quality Monitoring – Monitor environmental noise levels and air quality to ensure compliance with regulations.
• Water Protection and Testing – Conduct water quality testing and protect water sources from contamination.
• Environmental Sampling and Analysis – Collect and analyse environmental samples to assess health risks.
• Community Care Facility Licensing – License and inspect community care facilities to ensure they meet health standards.
• Quality Improvement Initiatives – Participate in quality improvement projects to enhance public health services.