Role of a Public Health Inspector

Public health inspectors have many roles in which they provide services to the public. Above all, health inspectors help protect the health and welfare of the public by reducing the amount of food and water born illness. Public health inspectors help educate and prepare workers to prepare food and beverages in a healthy and safe manor.

Educations

• One of the primary roles of a health inspector is the prevention of disease and illness. Prevention of problems occurs by educating business owners and industry leaders of the proper methods for food safety and prevention. Before food handling businesses are opened it is the inspectors job to ensure that proper education on food safety and handling is administrated to the business owners and staff of the new company.

Inspection

• Public health inspectors follow up with businesses and perform routine inspections to ensure that foods are being stored at proper temperatures and being disposed of in a timely manor. Health inspectors also inspect the cleanliness of machinery and equipment to ensure that foods will not be contaminated. Inspectors ensure that all employees obtain licensing and training on food safety.

Report

• Inspectors submit reports based off of their findings in inspections. Reports determine the grading of the restaurant and often carry much weight with the local populace and reporting agencies. Reports reflect how closely the organization adheres to the standards set by the local government and disclose any shortcomings. Reports are also give the business a track record of their performance and help focus areas that need improvement. Inspectors will often use their reports to imply methods to improve safety and help solve heath related problems.

Legal action

• In many worse case scenarios, inspectors investigate legal actions that are taken against business to validate claims and present their findings to the court. Health inspectors also take legal action against violators when necessary and prepare the paper work required to file lawsuits against local businesses. Most non-consumer lawsuits against businesses for health violations begin with a failed inspection.

Roles

• A public health inspector can take many possible roles. Public health inspectors help defend the public's health by doing their best to find situations that may be harmful and uncovering business that are not following healthy standards for operation. Health inspectors also fill many positions for education and often go on to instruct classes that help educate employers and employees on proper health procedures. In addition to education, health inspectors host and attend workshops that help spread information on how to protect the health of the public.