Industrial Hygienists: Dedicated to Protecting People in The Workplace And The Community
Industrial hygienists are scientists and engineers committed to protecting the health and safety of people in the workplace and the community. Industrial hygiene is considered a "science," but it is also an art that involves judgement, creativity and human interaction.
The goal of the industrial hygienist is to keep workers, their families, and the community healthy and safe. They play a vital part in ensuring that federal, state, and local laws and regulations are followed in the work environment.
Typical roles of the industrial hygienist include:
- Investigating and examining the workplace for hazards and potential dangers
- Making recommendations on improving the safety of workers and the surrounding community
- Conducting scientific research to provide data on possible harmful conditions in the workplace
- Developing techniques to anticipate and control potentially dangerous situations in the workplace and the community
- Training and educating the community about job-related risks
- Advising government officials and participating in the development of regulations to ensure the health and safety of workers and their families
- Ensuring that workers are properly following health and safety procedures
The following topics are covered in the brochure:
- Industrial Hygienists Work With The Issues That Concern Us All
- Applying "Good Science" to Make the Workplace and Community Safe and Healthy
- AIHA: The Essential Source
- A Diverse and Growing Membership
- AIHA Laboratory Accreditation Program: Committed to Quality
- The American Industrial Hygiene Conference & Exposition
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.