Climate change is one of the biggest challenges facing our world today. It affects many parts of our lives. A recent report shows global temperatures are expected to continue rising. In the next five years, this will bring more risks and problems for communities around the world. Most of these problems come from human activities like using too much energy, cutting down trees, and pollution from cars and factories. As a result, an environmental health officer now strives to protect nature and public health.
Today, people are trying to recycle more, reduce waste, and reuse products. They want to do small actions that could help slow down the damage to our planet. Taking care of the Earth is everyone’s job. However, there are also professionals who help protect our Earth more directly. That profession is more commonly known as an environmental health officer. They protect the health of people and the environment. They usually do their work by advising, enforcing, and educating people or workers about health and safety rules.
The daily job of an environmental health worker depends on their location and area of expertise. They may focus on different fields based on what they know, what they like, and what their job needs. Still, most of them share the same goal: to keep people safe and healthy by making sure businesses follow the right authorities. They develop special skills to help keep the planet clean and safe for every living thing.
What are the duties of an environmental health officer?
An environmental health officer’s duties comprise assisting during big problems like natural disasters or health outbreaks. Not only do they examine the habitat, but they also respond quickly to protect people and the environment. They find the cause of danger, check the risks, and work with teams to control the situation. This work is very important when many lives are at risk.
Furthermore, they do not work alone. Officers talk and plan with police, fire teams, doctors, and local leaders. Together, they make a plan to stop the danger quickly. Each group has a job to do during an emergency. Good teamwork helps keep people safe and calm. Clear plans also help things return to normal faster. Being ready is a key part of their job.
After a disaster, an environmental health officer will keep checking the affected area. They look at the air, water, and ground to find any problems left behind. They also help clean up and teach the public what to do next. This helps stop future danger and keeps communities strong. Their fast actions can save lives and protect the environment. Their involvement is essential for mitigating risks, preventing the spread of disease, and ensuring safe living conditions amidst chaos.
Air pollution does affect the climate crisis.
Air pollution and climate change are closely connected. An environmental health officer becomes more important as the world faces hotter weather, rising sea levels, and stronger storms. The main causes of air pollution include factories, vehicles, and burning coal or gas for energy. These activities release harmful gases such as sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and carbon monoxide into the air.
The majority of the world's population suffers the most from air pollution and climate change. According to the UNEP, 99% of the world’s population breathes air that is not clean. This can cause asthma, heart problems, and even early death. That is why an environmental health officer who specialises in air pollution plays a key role. Here are things that they usually do:
- Checking the quality of air in various locations
- Studying pollution data
- Making sure people and businesses follow air quality rules
- Investigating complaints about air or odors
- Helping to reduce pollution from factories, cars, and outdoor burning
How does the EHO monitor water quality?
An environmental health officer monitors water quality simply by testing, analysing, and sampling. They supervise to provide clean water, which is very essential for daily life. Unfortunately, many things contaminate our water resources. One of the biggest causes is industrial growth. While industries help grow a country’s economy, they can also hurt nature if the growth is too fast or not well planned.
Unplanned industrial growth can lead to severe water pollution. Factories may not follow the rules for waste. They may not build proper places to throw waste. As a result, harmful particles go into rivers, lakes, and even the sea.
Environmental health officer regular water inspections
To protect the water ecosystems, environmental health officers check and test water often. Some of these officers work specifically as water quality officers. They make sure the water is clean and safe for people to use. They also check water that goes back into nature after use, like wastewater from factories or homes. There are numerous duties that they need to perform to maintain clean water. Their tasks include:
- Check and record the temperature
- Test pH level
- Measure oxygen level
- Check water clarity
- Collect samples for lab tests
- Look for trash or anything strange
- Watch the water flow
- Look for unwanted plants or algae
- Notice any bad odours
With high chances of people consuming unclear water these days, a strong real-time action is needed. Water that is polluted will continue to affect the web of life as well as the planet’s future. As the climate crisis grows, environmental health workers become even more significant in water inspection to maintain the well conditions of the surrounding area.
Waste management
Waste is also a major problem in every country around the world. It affects all kinds of communities, from cities to small towns. Poor waste collection and illegal dumping make the problem worse. These issues harm people, animals, and all elements in this world. To address this, an environmental health officer uses up-to-date tactics to help communities stay clean and safe.
The United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) states that the largest part of global waste comes from food and green waste. This shows that people throw away too much food and plant waste. It creates more trash and harms the surroundings when not handled properly. Managing this waste properly is vital to reduce terrain contamination.
An environmental health officer also checks how companies deal with dangerous waste materials. They use a list called the Hazardous Waste Management checklist during visits. They look at how waste is stored, labelled, moved, and thrown away. If they find problems, they suggest changes. This stops pollution and keeps people safe. With this checklist, the EHO spots mistakes and makes sure companies follow the rules.
Conclusion
An environmental health officer helps us to keep the planet that we live on safe. They make sure that businesses and individuals follow health and safety rules. Not only that, they check food safety, housing, workplaces, pollution, and pests. They also give clear advice to help others stay safe and healthy in their daily life and work.
These workers may have different job titles depending on where they work. They could be called health inspectors, safety officers, or environmental officers. However, they all share the same goal of keeping people and nature safe. Environmental health officers guide the public and help them solve problems early to protect everyone.
If you want to learn how to keep your workplace safe and follow health rules, College of Contract Management offers an easy and useful course. Learning these rules can protect you, your coworkers, and the environment. Don’t wait for something to go wrong. Take action now by joining our course and helping create safer conditions for all.
