A certified industrial hygienist identifies and eliminates physical and environmental hazards in the workplace, including biological, chemical, physical, ergonomic, and psychosocial issues. They use various tests and assessments to make recommendations for improving the work environment.
A certified industrial hygienist, also known as an occupational hygiene specialist, is responsible for identifying and eliminating any physical and environmental hazards to employees in a workplace. His main responsibilities include looking for biological, chemical, physical, ergonomic and psychosocial problems within an organization. There are many ways to test and measure these issues. Your hygienist also makes suggestions on ways to correct these problems and improve the work environment.
To test the biological well-being of a workplace, there are several tests that a certified industrial hygienist performs. Dust sampling is a common tool used to determine if there are germs or diseases spread in the work environment. Conducting a guided tour and inspecting the general level of sanitation is another common practice.
Chemically, a certified industrial hygienist acts more like a scientist to track down workplace issues. Chemical problems are often invisible; therefore, he or she must undertake more than a walking tour to find problems. Radiation test equipment, air samples and chemical assessments are performed frequently to ensure all areas are at acceptable levels for human interaction. Chemical production plants, nuclear power plants and manufacturing industries often require this type of attention from a hygienist.
Physical and ergonomic issues are very similar responsibilities for a certified industrial hygienist. The hygienist must be well researched on government regulations and insurance recommendations regarding both. For example, in a warehouse environment, he or she must monitor how much physical lifting is being performed and that employees practice proper back support and lifting techniques. Ergonomically, the hygienist can perform employee assessments to see how they can best position themselves. For example, ensuring that office workers use proper chairs and keyboards can help prevent cases of carpal tunnel syndrome.
Interviewing subjects and determining the psychosocial layout of a work environment is another task of a certified industrial hygienist. It is important that he learn about the treatment of employees by management, relationships between colleagues and the treatment of different genders. Inappropriate psychosocial workplaces, where individuals do not feel psychologically safe, can impede productivity.
After determining the industrial hygiene of a workplace, the hygienist makes his recommendation. They can range from standing taller when lifting boxes to completely remodeling a factory to avoid chemical contamination. The hygienist often performs risk assessments to present to management, showing current and future risk versus the risk if issues are resolved.
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