An industrial hygienist is someone who works in a factory, a manufacturing plant, or a construction site to identify and correct problems that could jeopardize worker health and safety. Experts ensure that workplaces are always compliant with regional and national safety laws. Industrial hygienists must have at least a bachelor’s degree and specialized knowledge of potential health hazards, as the job requires a keen eye for detail and specialized knowledge of potential health hazards. In addition, before working independently, most countries require prospective hygienists to complete several years of on-the-job training and pass certification exams.
A bachelor’s degree in engineering, chemistry, or occupational health from an accredited university is required to work as an industrial hygienist. A four-year science or engineering program gives students a broad understanding of the physical and chemical processes that occur in industrial settings. A student has the opportunity to learn about various potential health hazards that may be encountered in the workplace, such as air pollutants and radioactive material.
Although some private industries will hire entry-level industrial hygienists with bachelor’s degrees, most prospective workers prefer to pursue master’s degrees to improve their understanding and job prospects. Individuals nearing the end of their undergraduate program can start looking into schools that offer industrial hygiene degrees. A student can learn about tuition costs and admissions requirements for various programs looking at school websites and speaking with a guidance counselor. Choosing a school that offers a diverse curriculum as well as job placement assistance can be extremely beneficial in the pursuit of a career as an industrial hygienist.
Graduate school programs last two years on average and include both classroom and practical training. Students interested in pursuing a career as an industrial hygienist can complete extensive coursework in subjects such as environmental hazards and personal safety. An internship at a local factory, mine, or manufacturing plant is often required in the final year of an industrial hygiene program. As an intern, a student works alongside experienced hygienists and learns how to deal with workplace health issues. One of the most significant advantages of interning is that an employer may decide to hire a dedicated intern after he or she graduates.
An individual with a master’s degree is generally qualified to work as an industrial hygienist in government or the private sector. New hygienists are typically assigned to assistant or apprentice positions for at least a year to gain practical experience and familiarize themselves with the position’s various administrative responsibilities. New hires are taught how to fill out and submit paperwork, follow health and safety regulations, and conduct thorough facility inspections.
Before they can start working unsupervised, many employers require new hygienists to pass certification exams. Nationally recognized professional organizations, such as the American Board of Industrial Hygiene in the United States, offer certification. Certification can open up many doors for advancement and ensure that a person is fully prepared to take on the responsibilities of a self-employed career.