Introduction
One of the most important areas of environmental protection is
Health and Safety.
Technical officers develop a keen sense of what is needed to make
sure that the workplace is safe. This applies to both workers and
any members of the public who might visit areas with potential
risks and hazards. Technical officers help to reduce and prevent
workplace accidents by advising employers on health and welfare
conditions in their factories, offices and other work sites. To see
the problem before the accident happens and it is too late!
This means that technical officers will spend a good deal of their
time visiting local work premises, advising on conditions,
investigating accidents and any complaints they might have had from
employees or the public about health and safety issues.
Together with colleagues in the environmental services
department their aim is to promote a safe and healthy environment
for workers, visitors and the surrounding community.
Work Environment
The work is confined to the area covered by the local authority
within which officers will travel to inspect offices, shops,
warehouses, public houses, cafes, restaurants, sports clubs and
stadia, theatres, motor vehicle tyre and exhaust centres and so on.
Often they will not know what to expect, except that there could
well be dirt, noise, varying weather conditions, aggressive
employers and danger. It may involve working in isolated situations
and walking and climbing carrying test equipment. But it will never
be boring - and there is smart protective clothing provided as well
as the full backing of the authority. Technical officers
normally work about 36 hours per week with occasional anti social
hours, but there is no shift working.
Daily Activities
As health and safety inspections are required on a daily basis,
technical officers may well carry their equipment with them all the
time. They will need electrical test instruments, sound level
meters, thermometers, microwave leakage testers, cameras and video
cameras etc. In helping to improve the quality of life in the
workplace, the technical officer gets a great deal of job
satisfaction. Although there may be a wide range of problems to
deal with - which cannot always be solved with one visit - business
and industry managers welcome the support and guidance they
receive. The work might involve any of the following:
- monitoring asbestos removal contractors;
- prosecution of employers for breaking the law;
- working with other bodies on special projects, for example
investigations into back pain and other repetitive strain injuries
( RSI ) risks;
- reducing the risks of slips and falls;
- testing electrical electricals;
- working with employers to set up an inspection programme and
risk rating system with defined time-scales on a weekly/daily
basis;
- writing reports and making recommendations.
Technical officers are expected to be able to use their
initiative, have technical knowledge, work alone or as a member of
a team in carrying out the overall local authority policy on
environmental health. This means that they will liaise with
colleagues in their own department and other public service
employees at all levels, the fire brigade, the police, NHS, The
Health And Safety Executive; local MPs and councillors; managers
and company directors. But it is not a heavy handed inspectorial
role that they play. They are seen as part of the solution not part
of the problem.
Skills & Interests
To do this job well you would need to have:
- ability to deal with detail;
- practical ability;
- a caring nature;
- project management skills;
- head for figures;
- confidence and a 'thick skin';
- ability to get on with people from different backgrounds and
professional levels;
- written and verbal communication skills;
- tact and impartiality;
- methodical approach to fact finding.
Dealing with people is a vital part of this job and being
patient, calm, logical, persuasive and sensitive to those who often
have suffered loss or injury is essential. Health and safety issues
need handling with firm but fair judgement and the technical
officer must learn how to cope with aggression without being
aggressive. They must be seen to make a difference to the health
and safety of the workplace. Having previous scientific and
technical experience is helpful.
Entry Requirements
Practical experience and qualification, for example in electrical
work, is usually required. City and Guilds NEBOSH Diploma in
Occupational Safety and Health (part2). On the job training
is expected towards further vocational qualifications and
professional development through a professional organisation, like
Institute of Occupational Safety & Health for example.
Future Prospects & Opportunities
This is a growing area of work with wide ranging opportunities for
promotion to senior, principal and chief officer posts in
environmental health. However, movement to other authorities to
gain a broader experience is often required first.
Further Information & Services
Chartered Institute of Environmental Health www.ehcareers.org
Institute of Occupational Safety and Health www.iosh.co.uk
National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health www.nebosh.org.uk
You may find further information about this area of work through
Careers Wales (www.careerswales.com/) or
in your local library, careers office or school careers
library.
Careers Wales have produced a Spotlight article on careers
in STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths): https://www.careerswales.com/en/spotlight-on-stem/