|
Industrial Hygienists evaluate health
hazards in the work environment and make recommendations in an effort to
keep employees safe from any potential health hazard. They use their
specialized training to anticipate, evaluate, and control any health
hazard that may exist in industry, government organizations, the
community, or the environment. They often review reports and conduct
research to determine if diseases or illnesses are work-related. They then
consult with other health professional and management in an effort to
neutralize or remove potentially hazardous materials from the occupational
environment.
Some other duties performed by
industrial hygienists include preparing and calibrating equipment used in
collecting samples, collecting samples of potentially toxic materials,
evaluating samples in a laboratory setting, reviewing accident reports,
preparing reports of observations about industrial health problems, and
using cost-benefit analysis to justify changes in procedure or the
purchasing of protective equipment. Industrial hygienists are also
responsible for conducting educational and training seminars that inform
employees about occupational health and the prevention of workplace
accidents. These professionals often work as part of a team and therefore
must be articulate and have good communication skills. They must also be
able to follow strict safety and procedural guidelines as well as remain
calm in stressful situations.
Work Environment:
Industrial Hygienists may work alone or
with industrial engineers, physicians, industrial managers, government
officials, or other members of an industrial team. They are usually
employed by government agencies, insurance agencies, environmental
agencies, consulting firms, labor unions, or industry.
High School Preparation:
Students interested in industrial
hygiene should take high school courses in algebra, geometry,
trigonometry, calculus, biology, chemistry, physics, English, health,
computer skills, and health occupations/medical professions education.
College Requirements:
Individuals interested in becoming an
industrial hygienist must have a high school diploma or equivalent.
Students must complete a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in occupational
safety and health, environmental health engineering, physical science, or
natural science. Most employers, however, prefer candidates with masters
degrees in Occupational Safety and Health, Environmental Health
Engineering, or Environmental Health Sciences. The American Board of
Industrial Hygiene offers varying degrees of certification for individuals
that have completed the required education.
Students interested in industrial
hygiene should contact schools for information on admission and course of
study.
For educational institutions in
Mississippi
offering this course of study click here.
Career Outlook:
Employment opportunities for industrial
hygienists should be good over the next decade as the public demand for a
safe and healthy work environment increases. This demand, however, will be
balanced by a desire keep government small and federal regulations at a
minimum. As a result, growth in this sector will occur at about the same
rate as all other occupations through the year 2012. Since federal, state,
and local governments employ nearly half of all industrial hygienists, job
security is usually fairly high for these health professionals.
|
|
Salary:
Average Annual Salary
$53,600
Salary Range
$37,700-$67,900
Professional Organizations:
American Board of Industrial Hygiene
6015 West St. Joseph, Suite 102
Lansing, MI
48917-3980
Phone: (517) 321-2638
Fax: (517) 321-4624
www.abih.org
American Industrial Hygiene Association
2700 Prosperity Ave., Suite 250
Fairfax, VA 22031
Phone: (703) 849-8888
Fax: (703) 207-3561
www.aiha.org
National Environmental Health
Association
720 South
Colorado Blvd.
South Tower, Suite 970
Denver, CO
80246-1925
Phone: (303) 756-9090
Fax: (303) 691-9490
www.neha.org |
