Public & Environmental Health
Environmental Health is a component of the broader sector of public health that is dedicated to preserving protecting, and promoting good health and preventing illness and injury. Environmental Health Practice covers the assessment, correction, control and prevention of environmental factors that can be harmful to health as well as enhancement of those aspects of the environment that can improve human health.
Environmental Health Officers are involved in the administration and enforcement of public health legislation and in South Australia this incorporates the Food Act 2001, the national FSANZfood safety standards and the Public Health Act 2011. Regulations which come under the Public Health Act include the waste control, swimming pool and legionella regulations.
A significant component of the environmental health officers role incorporates routine inspections of food businesses, swimming pools and septic tank installations and associated plumbing work. Environmental Health Officers are also involved in the co-ordination of public immunisation including the school immunisation program as well as health promotion activities such including food hygiene training courses.
Recently with the requirements of the new Public Health Act, Environmental Health Officers have also become involved in the development of Public Health Plans for their respective areas.