Don’t Just Work, Do It Safely: Industrial Hygiene at Its Best

The workplace can be a source of hazards that pose risks to worker health and safety. From chemical exposures and physical hazards to ergonomic stressors and biological agents, a wide range of factors can contribute to workplace-related illnesses and injuries. That’s where industrial hygiene comes in.

Industrial hygiene is the science and art of anticipating, recognizing, evaluating, and controlling workplace hazards. It involves a systematic approach to identifying potential risks, implementing control measures, and promoting a healthy and safe work environment.

The Role of Industrial Hygiene

Industrial hygiene is a multidisciplinary field that draws upon knowledge from various scientific disciplines, including chemistry, biology, physics, and engineering.

Industrial hygienists are responsible for:

• Anticipating hazards: Identifying potential hazards before they cause harm.
• Recognizing hazards: Detecting and characterizing hazards in the workplace.
• Evaluating hazards: Assessing the level of risk associated with identified hazards.
• Controlling hazards: Implementing measures to eliminate or minimize exposure to hazards.

Recognizing and Controlling Hazards

Industrial hygiene begins with a thorough worksite analysis. This involves identifying potential hazards, evaluating the level of risk, and implementing control measures to mitigate those risks.

Types of Controls:

• Engineering controls: Modify the workplace to eliminate or reduce hazards, such as:
  • Enclosing hazardous processes
  • Installing ventilation systems
  • Replacing toxic chemicals with safer alternatives
• Work practice controls: Change work procedures and practices to minimize risk, including:
  • Providing adequate supervision and training
  • Regularly inspecting and maintaining equipment
  • Implementing good housekeeping practices
  • Enforcing safe work procedures
• Administrative controls: Manage exposure through administrative policies and procedures, such as:
  • Scheduling hazardous work during periods of low employee presence
  • Providing personal protective equipment (PPE)
  • Implementing a hearing conservation program

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): The Last Line of Defense

PPE is considered the last line of defense in the hierarchy of controls. It should be used when other control measures are not feasible or fully effective. Employers are responsible for providing appropriate PPE to their employees and ensuring that it is properly fitted, maintained, and used correctly.

Common Workplace Hazards

• Air contaminants: Gases, vapors, dust, fumes, mists, and fibers that can be inhaled and cause respiratory problems or other health issues.
• Chemical hazards: Toxic, corrosive, or irritating chemicals that can be inhaled, ingested, or absorbed through the skin.
• Biological hazards: Bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other biological agents that can cause infections or diseases.
• Physical hazards: Noise, vibration, radiation, extreme temperatures, and pressure that can cause physical harm.
• Ergonomic hazards: Workplace conditions that can cause musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), such as awkward postures, repetitive motions, and forceful exertions.

Physical and Ergonomic Hazards

Physical Hazards:

• Radiation: Exposure to ionizing or non-ionizing radiation can cause various health problems. Control measures include:
  • Limiting exposure time
  • Increasing distance from the source
  • Using shielding
• Noise: Excessive noise can lead to hearing loss and other health issues. Control measures include:
  • Using quieter equipment
  • Engineering noise controls
  • Providing hearing protection
• Vibration: Prolonged exposure can cause hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) and whole-body vibration (WBV). Control measures include:
  • Using anti-vibration tools and equipment
  • Reducing exposure time
  • Providing vibration-damping gloves
• Extreme temperatures: Working in extreme heat or cold can lead to heat stress or hypothermia. Control measures include:
  • Providing appropriate clothing
  • Ensuring adequate hydration
  • Allowing rest breaks in a temperature-controlled environment

Ergonomic Hazards and Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs)

Ergonomic hazards can lead to MSDs, which affect muscles, tendons, nerves, and other soft tissues. Common MSDs include carpal tunnel syndrome, back pain, and tendonitis. Control measures include:

• Designing ergonomic workstations and tools
• Implementing proper lifting techniques
• Providing adjustable chairs and work surfaces
• Encouraging regular breaks and stretching

Rights and Responsibilities

Employer Responsibilities:

• Provide a safe and healthy workplace free from recognized hazards.
• Comply with all applicable OSHA standards.
• Report workplace fatalities and serious injuries to OSHA.
• Provide training to employees on workplace hazards and safe work practices.
• Display the OSHA Job Safety and Health – It’s the Law poster.
• Post-OSHA citations at or near the location of the violation.

Employee Rights:

• Work in a safe and healthy environment.
• Receive information and training on workplace hazards.
• Request an OSHA inspection.
• Be protected from retaliation for exercising safety and health rights.
• Access medical and exposure records.
• Participate in an OSHA inspection.

Expand Your Industrial Hygiene Knowledge

Expand your knowledge with our Industrial Hygiene: Best Practices Training Course. For a deeper dive into specific hazards, control strategies, and industry best practices, consider enrolling in our specialized Industrial Hygiene Certification Program.

References

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) – Workplace Safety and Health Topics

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) – Workers’ Rights

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) – Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA)