Since the days of the Industrial Revolution, when most factories were death-traps for the workers, legislation has steadily improved health and safety at work. But constant monitoring and continual improvement are the key tasks for EHPs in this field.
Even today, about 500 people every year are killed at work, and several hundred thousand more are injured. Applying our normal principle that prevention is better than cure, EHPs are mainly concerned with offering advice in safeguarding employees and the public.
EHPs must check out a range of places where people are employed. One day you could be visiting a theatre, a pub or a fitness club. The next you could be paying a call on a tattooist or a body piercing boutique. Sometimes you might be called to investigate a fatal and stomach-churning accident. At others you'll be looking for potential areas of health risk — from manual lifting techniques to the design of computer workstations… from machinery condition to the state of kitchens and toilets.
No two jobs are the same, and you’re dealing with all kinds of people — managing directors, customers, workers, trade union officers, solicitors, surveyors, police officers and even coroners.