Chatham-Kent Public Health is highlighting the work of public health inspectors and the role they play in protecting community health and safety across Chatham-Kent.
Speaking during a recent Board of Health meeting, Medical Officer of Health Dr. Shanker Nesathurai said inspectors work behind the scenes daily to prevent illness and reduce health risks in the community.
“Most community members may never interact directly with a Public Health Inspector,” Nesathurai said. “However, their work is fundamental to the public health services mission of illness prevention and community safety.”
Public health inspectors are required to complete at least four years of university education and pass a certification examination before entering the profession.
Chatham-Kent Public Health currently has a team of nine inspectors responsible for overseeing about 1,500 public-facing establishments throughout the municipality. Those locations include restaurants, nail salons, barber shops, tattoo parlours, public swimming pools and splash pads.
Officials said inspections are carried out regularly based on risk levels to help ensure health and safety standards are being followed.
“Public Health Inspectors are provincial offences officers with the authority to issue fines or close establishments when necessary,” Nesathurai said. “However, their primary role is to educate and guide operators, working collaboratively to promote best practices and maintain safe environments for clients and staff.”
Inspection results and lists of authorized settings are available through Check It Chatham-Kent.
“Public health inspectors play a critical role in keeping our community safe,” Nesathurai said. “We also encourage residents to contact us if they have concerns about an establishment.”
More information is available through Chatham-Kent Public Health.
