Occupational Hygienist

Occupational Hygienists are environmental scientists who focus on identifying and solving occupational health hazards in the workplace. They may collect air samples to test for contaminants, conduct noise level measurements, and assess the risk of chemical exposure for workers. Occupational Hygienists may also develop and implement workplace safety programs and provide training to employees on how to protect their health and safety.

Education and Training

To become an Occupational Hygienist, you will typically need a bachelor's degree in a field such as environmental science, public health, or chemistry. You will also need to complete a program in occupational hygiene, which may be offered as a master's degree or a graduate certificate. The Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) accredits many occupational hygiene programs.

Occupational Hygienists: What They Do

Occupational Hygienists work in a variety of settings, including factories, offices, and construction sites. They may work for private companies, government agencies, or non-profit organizations. Their duties may include:

• Identifying and evaluating occupational health hazards
• Developing and implementing workplace safety programs
• Providing training to employees on how to protect their health and safety
• Conducting research on occupational health hazards
• Testifying as an expert witness in legal cases involving occupational health hazards

Occupational Hygiene: Career Outlook

The job outlook for Occupational Hygienists is expected to be good in the coming years. The increasing awareness of workplace health hazards and the growing number of regulations governing workplace safety are driving the demand for qualified professionals. Occupational Hygienists may find work in a variety of industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, and construction.

Occupational Hygiene: Skills and Knowledge

To be successful as an Occupational Hygienist, you will need to have a strong understanding of the following:

• Industrial hygiene principles
• Toxicology
• Epidemiology
• Risk assessment
• Occupational health and safety regulations

Occupational Hygiene: Day-to-Day

A typical day for an Occupational Hygienist may involve:

• Conducting a workplace hazard assessment
• Collecting air samples to test for contaminants
• Measuring noise levels
• Assessing the risk of chemical exposure for workers
• Developing and implementing workplace safety programs
• Providing training to employees on how to protect their health and safety

Challenges of Occupational Hygiene

Occupational Hygienists often work in hazardous environments. They may be exposed to dangerous chemicals, noise, and other hazards. They may also have to work long hours and travel frequently. Occupational Hygienists may also face challenges in communicating complex technical information to workers and management. They may also face resistance from employers who are reluctant to spend money on health and safety measures.

Growth and Advancement

Occupational Hygienists may advance to management positions, such as Safety Manager or Director of Environmental Health and Safety. They may also specialize in a particular area of occupational hygiene, such as indoor air quality or ergonomics. Occupational Hygienists often have the opportunity to work independently and to make a significant contribution to the health and safety of workers.

Personality Traits and Interests

Occupational Hygienists should be detail-oriented, analytical, and have strong problem-solving skills. They should also be able to work independently and as part of a team. Occupational Hygienists should have a strong interest in environmental health and safety.

Online Courses for Occupational Hygiene

Online courses can be a helpful way to learn about occupational hygiene and to prepare for a career in this field. Many online courses cover the fundamentals of occupational hygiene, including industrial hygiene principles, toxicology, epidemiology, and risk assessment. Online courses can also provide students with the opportunity to develop practical skills, such as how to conduct a workplace hazard assessment and how to collect air samples. Online courses can be a valuable resource for students who are interested in pursuing a career as an Occupational Hygienist.