Health
Industrial Hygiene Consultants
About Industrial Hygiene Services
Industrial hygiene services aim to maintain a clean and healthy environment for the workforce of an industrial company. By eliminating safety and health risks, an industrial facility is able to improve its productivity while guaranteeing the safety and well-being of its employees. Injuries and leave-of-absence that would otherwise compromise operations are prevented.
Studies show that industrial operations are the most likely environment to pose health risks associated with loud sounds produced from operating heavy equipment and machinery. These kinds of facilities are also at risk of having hazardous airborne constituents, such as asbestos and vapors, that can be inhaled by workers. Considerable levels of fine glass debris and dust are also frequently found in industrial areas.
Industrial hygiene and safety cover multiple facets including proper waste management and noise pollution. The field also embraces the perpetual practice of safety protocols including prompt maternal leave of absences, minute-safety manuals, earthquake drills, etc. At present, there are three primary organizations that design and enforce standards for industrial hygiene and safety. These are the American Industrial Hygiene Association, the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists, and the American Board of Industrial Hygiene.
Hiring an Industrial Hygienist
An industrial hygienist is trained and qualified to implement safety protocols, educate clients regarding proper health measures, and work with management staff and labor departments to address health problems. These professionals commonly work with industrial facilities including manufacturing plants, chemical plants, power plants, mining and oil fields, etc.
An industrial hygienist also guarantees that company executives are updated on local, national, and international standards, laws, and suggested compliance substitutes. To enhance workforce awareness and encourage employee participation, and industrial hygiene consultants may post dangerous materials information on forums and bulletin boards, install informational programs on company computer systems, and carry out productive discussions regarding preventive protocols.
To discover physical dangers to the workforce’s safety and wellness, industrial hygiene consultants also peruse the work area to identify any stress-generating environments. Studies show that stress leads to both physical and mental conditions. If serious levels of stress are present, the work area may be as hazardous to workers as one that contains airborne constituents. Sadly, eliminating or, at the very least, minimizing stress within an industrial environment is extremely difficult compared to simply cleaning the air and improving ventilation.
What to Look For in an Industrial Hygienist
Large industrial firms may choose to hire full-time industrial hygiene consultants. However, it is not uncommon at all for hygienists to work for consultation agencies, public health organizations, or insurance companies. If you are considering hiring an industrial hygiene consultant soon, it is vital to look for a professional who is well-suited for your business needs and goals.
Preferably, an industrial hygienist should have a bachelor’s degree in science or engineering as the minimum education requirement. Although, some larger and more established firms demand a master’s degree from their applicants. A dependable industrial hygienist should also have a solid background in the prevention and recognition of health hazards. Knowledge of administrative and engineering controls is also a must-have for these experts as they will have to thoroughly assess and regulate machine operations.
Thank you for reading this informative article on industrial hygiene.