Industrial Hygienist

Definition

An Industrial Hygienist is a professional qualified by education, training, and experience to anticipate, recognize, evaluate, and develop controls for occupational health hazards.

Purpose

Industrial hygienists work to protect worker health and safety by identifying and mitigating risks from chemical, physical, biological, and ergonomic hazards in the workplace.

Examples of Use

• Conducting air quality tests in factories to detect harmful pollutants.
• Developing safety protocols to reduce exposure to hazardous materials.
• Evaluating noise levels in industrial environments and recommending hearing protection.

Related Terms

• Occupational Health: The field of healthcare related to the physical and mental well-being of employees in the workplace.
• Safety Engineer: A professional who designs systems and procedures to prevent accidents and injuries in the workplace.
• Ergonomics: The study of people's efficiency in their working environment, often involving the design of equipment and processes.

Notes

Industrial hygienists play a crucial role in maintaining regulatory compliance and promoting a safe work environment, often collaborating with other safety professionals and regulatory agencies.