Industrial Hygienist

As an Industrial Hygienist, you will spearhead the identification, evaluation, and control of health hazards in the workplace. Working closely with employers, employees, and other stakeholders, you will conduct surveys and inspections, analyze data, recommend solutions, and implement control measures to protect employees from occupational exposure to health risks.

What You'll Do as an Industrial Hygienist

Your responsibilities may include:

• Conducting worksite assessments to identify potential health hazards, such as chemical, physical, biological, and ergonomic stressors
• Evaluating exposure to hazardous substances and assessing health risks
• Recommending and implementing engineering controls, such as ventilation systems and personal protective equipment
• Developing and implementing safety policies and procedures
• Conducting training programs for employees on health and safety hazards
• Monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of workplace health and safety programs
• Maintaining records and reporting on health and safety matters

What You'll Need to Succeed as an Industrial Hygienist

To thrive as an Industrial Hygienist, you will typically need:

• A bachelor's degree in industrial hygiene, environmental science, or a related field
• Strong understanding of workplace health hazards and safety regulations
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Analytical and problem-solving skills
• Proficiency in using computer software for data analysis

Credentials and Certifications

Many Industrial Hygienists choose to obtain professional credentials and certifications to enhance their knowledge and credibility. The following are some of the most recognized credentials:

• Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) from the American Board of Industrial Hygiene
• Certified Safety Professional (CSP) from the Board of Certified Safety Professionals
• Occupational Hygiene Certificate from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)

Advancement Opportunities

With experience and further education, Industrial Hygienists can advance to management positions, such as:

• Manager of Environmental Health and Safety
• Director of Safety and Compliance
• Corporate Risk Manager

Transferable Skills

The skills you develop as an Industrial Hygienist can be transferred to a variety of other roles, including:

• Environmental Consultant
• Epidemiologist
• Risk Assessor
• Occupational Health Nurse

Day-to-Day Duties

Your day-to-day duties may include:

• Inspecting workplaces for potential health hazards
• Conducting air monitoring to assess exposure to hazardous substances
• Analyzing data and recommending solutions to reduce health risks
• Providing training and education on workplace health and safety
• Working with management and employees to implement safety programs

Challenges

Some of the challenges you may face as an Industrial Hygienist include:

• Working in potentially hazardous environments
• Dealing with complex health and safety issues
• Balancing the need to protect employee health with the need to maintain productivity

Projects

As an Industrial Hygienist, you may work on projects such as:

• Developing and implementing a ventilation system to reduce exposure to hazardous fumes
• Conducting a noise survey to assess employee exposure to noise levels
• Providing training on the safe handling of hazardous chemicals
• Investigating an outbreak of work-related illness

Personal Growth

As an Industrial Hygienist, you will have the opportunity to:

• Make a positive impact on the health and safety of workers
• Gain a deep understanding of workplace health hazards and safety regulations
• Develop strong analytical and problem-solving skills

Personality Traits and Interests

Successful Industrial Hygienists often possess the following personality traits and interests:

• Strong attention to detail
• Analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Passion for protecting the health and safety of others
• Interest in science and technology

Self-Guided Projects

To better prepare yourself for a career as an Industrial Hygienist, you can undertake self-guided projects such as:

• Conducting a safety inspection of your workplace or home
• Researching a specific health hazard and its potential effects on workers
• Developing a training program on a workplace health and safety topic

Online Courses

Online courses can be a helpful tool for learning about the principles and practices of Industrial Hygiene. These courses can provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to identify, evaluate, and control workplace health hazards. Some of the topics covered in online Industrial Hygiene courses include:

• Fundamentals of Industrial Hygiene
• Occupational Health Hazards
• Environmental Monitoring and Sampling
• Hazard Analysis and Control
• Occupational Health and Safety Regulations

Online courses can be a great way to learn about the field and to supplement your classroom education. However, it's important to note that online courses alone are not sufficient to qualify you as an Industrial Hygienist. You will need to have a bachelor's degree in industrial hygiene, environmental science, or a related field and pass a certification exam to become a fully licensed Industrial Hygienist.