CareerWorks for Kids
You have probably seen on TV or heard about at least one unfortunate shipping accident that leaked hazardous materials into the ocean and onto the shore. You probably realized many fish and birds were hurt because of it. Were you worried about what could happen to the people in the community?
Many of you use computers or have seen your parents use them. When you worked at a computer for a long time, have you wondered why your eyes hurt or why your hands or back might be sore after typing?
The men and women who help protect workers are called INDUSTRIAL HYGIENISTS. They help keep the workers safe who clean up after a chemical or oil spill. They make sure the people living in the surrounding communities are safe and healthy. Industrial hygienists also do things like test better ways for people to work at computers.
These two things seem different, but they are both part of the industrial hygienist's job. Industrial hygienists help people protect themselves on the job and off.
The following topics are covered in the brochure:
- Industrial Hygiene Affects Your Life Now and in the Future
- Industrial Hygienists: Protecting Us at Home and Work
- Industrial Hygienists Never Have a Dull Day's Work
- Where the Jobs Are
- Paving the Way to a Career in Industrial Hygiene
- Games and Puzzles
What Is Industrial Hygiene?
Industrial hygiene is the science of keeping people safe at work and in their communities. Industrial hygienists (IHs) are professionals dedicated to the health and well-being of workers. Originally industrial hygienists worked primarily in factories and other industrial settings but as our society has changed, so has the definition of industrial hygiene. Today, IHs can be found in almost every type of work setting. Industrial hygienists also use the term OEHS or occupational and environmental health and safety to refer to the work that they do.
What Does an Industrial Hygienist Do?
IHs still work to prevent illness or injury from hazards in industrial settings. They may also be found working to prevent ergonomic injuries in the office; measuring noise levels at an airport; supervising the safe removal of lead, mold or asbestos; and in thousands of other settings. Industrial hygienists may sample air, soil or water to determine if there are harmful substances present. They may fit test a respirator to ensure that a worker is breathing cleaner air.
What Is the Benefit of OEHS?
Workplace safety and health programs make a difference in preventing occupational fatalities, injuries, and illnesses. Since the Occupational Safety and Health Act was passed in 1970, workplace injuries and illnesses declined significantly. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that in 2001 there were 5,900 workplace related fatalities and 5.2 million nonfatal injuries and illnesses reported. That is a rate of 5.7 injuries per 100 workers, less than half of the 1973 number of 11 injuries or illnesses for each 100 workers.
Industrial hygiene saves lives, improves quality of life, and increases productivity. Safe, healthy workers are more efficient. Injuries can mean many days or weeks out of work, or even permanent disability, causing serious economic hardship to a worker and his or her family.