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SynergistNOW
Currently featured in the November 2026 Synergist
Taking Action on the Action Level
Where It Came From, What It Means, and What Steps We Can Take Today
Many OSHA substance-specific standards define the action level as 50 percent of the permissible exposure limit (PEL). When exposures reach this level, the standards require additional monitoring and controls. But have you ever wondered why the action level is set at half the PEL? Is it actually protective?
Insidious Impacts
Recognizing and Managing the Hidden Risks of Workplace Impact Noise
Evidence indicates that impulse and impact noise may present a greater risk of noise-induced hearing loss than continuous noise exposures of equivalent energy. Given the potential consequences of these exposures, the prudent occupational hygienist should be aware of the challenges associated with recognizing, assessing, and managing impulse and impact noise.
Seeing What Matters
How to Bring OEHS Knowledge Into Organizational Decision-Making
The central concern of this article is how OEHS knowledge influences an organization’s actions. Why does one issue shape a decision while another, supported by equally good science, does not? And how can OEHS professionals’ knowledge improve organizational decision-making?
Features from the October 2026 Synergist
Managing the Health Risks of Musicians
A New Frontier for Industrial Hygienists
A collaboration at Johns Hopkins University has led to the launch of Total Musician Health (TMH), a sector-specific extension of the NIOSH Total Worker Health initiative. TMH embeds hearing risk and other health outcomes within a broader system of biological, psychological, behavioral, and environmental influences.
A Necessary Control
Establishing a Formal PPE Management Program
The failure to recognize PPE as a necessary control and implement an effective PPE management program can result in serious workplace injuries or illnesses. This article discusses the major elements of such a program, real-world gaps that may need to be addressed, and an emerging risk—supply chain disruption.
Start Your Modeling Journey
Advice, and a Plea, From the 2026 Donald E. Cummings Memorial Award Recipient
Since the 1970s, Mike Jayjock has helped develop key resources on exposure and risk assessment, authored more than 40 peer-reviewed articles, served on numerous government panels, worked extensively with AIHA volunteer groups, and been a vocal proponent of modeling in OEHS practice. This article continues his advocacy on behalf of modeling.