Duties

In particular, industrial hygienists are highly trained experts at recognizing health hazards pertaining to the workplace, such as paint or glue vapours, pesticides, wood dust and solvent, asbestos, lead, etc. There are certain tasks that fall upon an industrial hygienist, which includes those listed below:

• Efficiently utilise specialized equipment such as ventilation testing equipment and scientific instruments to measure various health hazards, such as airborne contaminants or noise
• Support government officials and health committees by participating in the development of new strategies, to reduce the safety risks of workers and their families
• Conduct site monitoring and put forward corrective action steps in compliance with state and federal health rules and regulations
• Make sure that personal protective equipment is available, inventoried and in working condition for specific employee roles
• Monitor risk assessment reports and other scientific research to provide data on possible hazards in the workplace

Day in the life

The tasks that an industrial hygienist undertakes will vary by type of industry, workplace, and hazards that employees are exposed to. One of the major responsibilities an industrial hygienist has is to thoroughly examine the workplace for environmental or physical factors that could affect employee health, safety, and output.

As an industrial hygienist, you might take into account factors such as lighting, equipment, materials and ventilation to anticipate possible hazards that may arise. You will also have the opportunity to develop and conduct employee safety and training programs. Such programs can cover a wide range of topics, such as how to use safety equipment effectively and how to respond in an emergency setting.

In order to ensure that building safety is maintained, they may have to collaborate with other experts such as engineers and physicians to control hazardous conditions or equipment.

Work schedule and typical hours

The majority of occupational health and safety specialists, including certified industrial hygienists, work full-time. Hours may include evenings, weekends, and nights, especially during times of crisis.

As an industrial hygiene professional, one might have to travel frequently to sites and work in a wide range of environments, both indoors and out. As such, you are expected to work on the road, in the field, and in the office. This job carries some risks, so hygienists are required to use protective clothing, gear, and equipment to keep themselves safe.

Growth of the job

Employment of occupational health and safety specialists is projected to grow 4 percent from 2014 to 2024. Despite slower-than-average employment growth, openings for individuals with advanced degrees are projected to be positive. Candidates who possess certification will likely enjoy more job opportunities. In the future, technological advances will result in the use of newly developed machinery, and specialists will be needed to create such equipment, and establish procedures to ensure certain safety protocols.

Typical employers

As per the latest statistics, 18% of industrial hygienists work for the state and local government. They often perform field work and travel as government inspectors tasked with ensuring workplace safety standards are maintained by businesses and individuals, including the safe use of hazardous materials.

Other employers include government agencies such as the military forces or CDC, universities and colleges, public utility companies, occupational health and safety consulting firms, civic buildings and scientific research institutes. In addition, factories and mines have one of the highest risks to health and safety, requiring a large number of industrial hygienist tasked with employee safety and protection.