What does an Industrial Hygienist do?

An industrial hygienist ensures that workplaces, particularly industrial and manufacturing plants, are safe and healthy. She monitors the site’s environment, unlike an equipment and machinery inspector. This includes assessing the quality of the air and water, as well as measuring noise levels to ensure that they do not exceed permissible decibel levels. Radiation levels must also be measured for compliance in some locations.

An industrial hygienist, also known as an industrial hygiene chemist, works to keep workers healthy preventing health hazards. She investigates all aspects of the environment, noting both current and potential health risks. She presents her findings to the operations manager or other person in charge of the company’s physical conditions after compiling a list of concerns and suggested remedies.

Noise pollution from heavy machinery and equipment is most likely to cause health problems in industrial operations. These plants are also prone to hazardous material levels in the air being dangerously high. Chemicals, vapors, and metal shavings are common examples. These environments are also known for having high levels of fine glass particles and dust.

Industrial hygienists collaborate with management and labor organizations to find solutions to health problems. They keep company leaders informed about local, regional, and national standards and regulations and suggest ways to comply. An industrial hygienist may post hazardous materials communications to raise employee awareness. She might install educational software on company computers in order to educate employees and spark productive discussions about preventative measures.

An industrial hygienist examines the workplace for stress-producing environments in addition to looking into physical threats to employee well-being. Because stress has been linked to both mental and physical illnesses in some studies, these environments can be just as hazardous to employees’ health as airborne contaminants. Unfortunately, removing stressors from the environment is far more difficult than simply cleaning the air.

Industrial hygienists may work full-time for large corporations, but they are more likely to work for consulting firms, public health organizations, or insurance companies. Some of these professionals spend the majority of their time conducting hazardous material tests in laboratories. They also conduct regular checks on the dependability of medical devices like defibrillators, respirators, and pacemakers.

For this position, a bachelor’s degree in science or engineering is preferred, though some employers may require a master’s degree. Special programs for this profession are also available at some colleges and universities. Medical professionals, such as doctors and nurses, are also frequently transitioning to this field. People with backgrounds in toxicology, statistics, chemistry, and engineering are excellent candidates for industrial hygiene jobs.