Inspectors in Public and Environmental Health and Occupational Health and Safety
(NOC 2263)
in All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information TechnologyInspectors in this group evaluate and monitor health and safety hazards and develop strategies to control risks in the workplace. They inspect restaurants, industrial sites, municipal water systems, public facilities, institutions, and other workplaces to ensure compliance with government regulations regarding sanitation, pollution control, the handling and storage of hazardous substances and workplace safety. They work throughout the private and public sectors.
Job Outlook
Average
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Compared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology
Those with several years of related experience working in industry, and possessing the formal credentials, are sought after by employers and safety organizations. On the other hand, positions requiring limited experience tend to see more competition, particularly from new entrants (who may need to be mobile to find work). While workplace safety responsibilities often reside with human resource staff, demand for this occupation in particular should continue to grow, as government, employers and organizations place greater emphasis on workplace safety policies.
Hourly Pay
$24.00
Minimum$38.46
Median$44.21
MaximumAnnual Pay
$19,337
Minimum$62,585
Median$113,122
MaximumCompared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology
Hourly Pay
$18.00
Minimum$34.90
Median$54.10
MaximumAnnual Pay
$13,568
Minimum$60,422
Median$107,009
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
Inspectors in this group evaluate and monitor health and safety hazards and develop strategies to control risks in the workplace. They inspect restaurants, industrial sites, municipal water systems, public facilities, institutions, and other workplaces to ensure compliance with government regulations regarding sanitation, pollution control, the handling and storage of hazardous substances and workplace safety. They work throughout the private and public sectors.
Job duties
Inspectors:
- Inspect the sanitary conditions of restaurants, hotels, schools, hospitals and other public facilities or institutions.
- Identify sources of pollution by surveying and monitoring the natural environment.
- Collect samples of water for analysis.
- Measure physical, biological and chemical workplace hazards.
- Complete safety and environmental audits.
- Investigate health and safety related complaints, spills of hazardous chemicals, outbreaks of diseases or poisonings and workplace accidents.
- Inspect workplaces to make sure that equipment, materials, and production processes do not present a safety or health hazard to employees or to the public.
- Develop, implement, and evaluate health and safety programs and strategies.
- Start enforcement procedures to fine or to close a space violating municipal, provincial, or federal regulations.
- Provide consultation and deliver training programs to employers, employees, and the public on issues of public health, environmental protection or workplace safety.
Sample job titles
- environmental health officer
- hazardous waste inspector - environmental health
- hotel and restaurant inspector - public health
- industrial safety officer - occupational health and safety
- labour standards officer - occupational health and safety
- occupational health and safety advisor
- occupational health inspector
- prevention officer - occupational health and safety
- public health inspector
- safety and sanitary inspector - public and environmental health
- waste water treatment plant inspector
Skills
- The ability to work effectively with the public under various circumstances is crucial. Good observational and analytical skills are necessary. You must be accurate and able to pay close attention to detail. Honesty and integrity are important. Excellent communication skills are also important.
Job requirements
- A bachelor's degree or college diploma in a discipline like food science, environmental studies, chemistry or health and safety is usually required.
- In some organizations, several years of related work experience and the completion of in-house training courses may substitute for formal education.
- Occupational health and safety officers may require certification with the Association for Canadian Registered Safety Professionals.
Other considerations
None
By the numbers
Quick look
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Compared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Where will I likely work?
Halifax
$62,594 median annual incomeCape Breton
$69,796 median annual incomeNorth Shore
$54,461 median annual incomeAnnapolis Valley
$47,866 median annual incomeSouthern
$51,866 median annual incomeCompared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Public administration
Professional, scientific and technical services
Construction
Health care and social assistance
Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction
What is the age of Employment?
45-54
35-44
55-64
25-34
65+
15-24
Compared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology
25-34
45-54
35-44
55-64
15-24
Top levels of education
College Diploma
$56,500 median annual incomeBachelor
$67,204 median annual incomeHigh school
$46,813 median annual incomeTrade Certification
$56,880 median annual incomeDiploma Below Bachelor
$67,455 median annual incomeCompared to: All Engineering, Math, Science, and Information Technology
College Diploma
$59,986 median annual incomeBachelor
$63,965 median annual incomeHigh school
$45,835 median annual incomeMaster
$65,105 median annual incomeTrade Certification
$57,773 median annual incomeEducation & training
Biochemistry
College or University ProgramThese programs focus on the scientific study of the chemistry of living systems, their fundamental chemical substances and reactions, and their chemical pathways and information transfer systems, with particular reference to carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids. They include courses in bio-organic chemistry, protein chemistry, bioanalytical chemistry, bioseparations, regulatory biochemistry, enzymology, hormonal chemistry, calorimetry, and research methods and equipment operation.
Institutions providing this program
Chemistry
College or University ProgramThese programs focus on the scientific study of the composition and behaviour of matter, including its micro- and macro-structure, the processes of chemical change, and the theoretical description and laboratory simulation of these phenomena.
Institutions providing this program
Wolfville, NS
Sydney, NS
Environmental Studies
College or University ProgramThese programs focus on environment-related issues using scientific, social scientific, and/or humanistic approaches. They include courses in the basic principles of ecology and environmental science and related subjects such as policy, politics, law, economics, social aspects, planning, pollution control, natural resources, and the interactions of human beings and nature.
Institutions providing this program
Wolfville, NS
Sydney, NS
Food Science
College or University ProgramThese programs apply biological, chemical, and physical principles to the study of converting raw agricultural products into processed forms suitable for direct human consumption, and the storage of such products. They include courses in applicable aspects of the agricultural sciences, human physiology and nutrition, food chemistry, agricultural products processing, food additives, food preparation and packaging, food storage and shipment, and related aspects of human health and safety including toxicology and pathology.
Institutions providing this program
Truro, NS
Marine Sciences
College or University ProgramThese programs focus on the study of biology, chemistry, geology and physics applied to marine, estuarine and coastal environments. They include courses in marine biogeochemistry, atmosphere and ocean dynamics, coastal ecology, coastal ocean processes, microbial ecology, marine ecosystem modeling, and polar microbiology.
Institutions providing this program
Various, NS
Occupational Safety and Health Technology/Technician
College or Trades ProgramThese programs prepare students to apply basic engineering principles and technical skills in support of engineers and other professionals engaged in maintaining job-related health and safety standards. They include courses in safety engineering principles, inspection and monitoring procedures, testing and sampling procedures, laboratory techniques, applications to specific work environments, and report preparation.
Institutions providing this program
Various, NS
Security and Loss Prevention Services
College or Trades ProgramThese programs prepare students to perform routine inspection, patrol and crime prevention services for security companies. They include courses in the provision of personal protection as well as property security.
Institutions providing this program
Various, NS
Employment requirements & contacts
No regulating bodies were found under this occupation profile
Contacts
Additional resources
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