Chatham-Kent health officials are highlighting the importance of public health inspectors and the role they play in protecting the health and safety of local residents.
During a recent Board of Health meeting, Medical Officer of Health Dr. Shanker Nesathurai emphasized how public health inspectors work behind the scenes every day to prevent illness and reduce health risks across the community.
“Most people never interact with a public health inspector, but the work they do is essential to the function of the public health service,” said Dr. Nesathurai.
While public health inspectors can issue orders for non-compliance, Dr. Nesathurai said the inspections aren’t just about the enforcement of health standards.
“The primary goal is guidance and education of the best practices to prevent illness, and, for the most part, the operators of the establishments share the goal of keeping clients and community members safe,” he said.
CK Public Health has a team of nine highly trained inspectors who oversee around 1,500 public establishments across Chatham-Kent, such as restaurants, nail salons, tattoo parlours, and public swimming pools, among others.
Inspections are conducted regularly based on risk levels to help ensure safe practices are followed. Most are not announced in advance.
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