Industrial Hygienist
An Industrial Hygienist focuses on ensuring workplace health and safety by identifying and mitigating potential hazards. They inspect various environments, including factories, hospitals, and construction sites, using their expertise in areas such as chemistry and engineering to assess safety conditions. Key responsibilities include testing air quality, monitoring the use of protective equipment, and enforcing safety regulations. This role often involves significant interaction with a diverse range of individuals, including workers, employers, and medical professionals, necessitating strong communication skills.
To pursue a career as an Industrial Hygienist, individuals typically require a bachelor's degree in occupational health, safety, or related fields, with many choosing to specialize further through graduate education. The profession is projected to grow rapidly, with a strong job outlook and competitive median earnings. The work environment can be challenging, as hygienists may encounter harmful substances similar to those faced by the employees they seek to protect. Overall, a career in industrial hygiene is suited for those passionate about science and dedicated to promoting safe working conditions.
Industrial Hygienist
Snapshot
Career Cluster(s): Manufacturing, Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics, Transportation, Distribution & Logistics
Interests: Science, engineering, environment, protecting others
Earnings (Yearly Median): $77,580 per year $37.30 per hour (2023)
Employment & Outlook: 13 percent (Much faster than average)
Entry-Level EducationBachelor’s degree in occupational health and safety or a related field
Related Work Experience None
On-the-job-Training Short-term on-the-job training
Overview
Sphere of Work. Industrial hygienists, also sometimes called occupational health and safety technicians, work to ensure employee health and safety on the job. They inspect workplaces for hazards and enforce federal, state, and local regulations governing workplace safety and cleanliness. Hygienists use their particular areas of expertise, such as chemistry or engineering, to determine the safety of a workplace’s ventilation system and wiring and to test for radiation, lead, and other dangers. Based on the data gathered, hygienists make recommendations regarding safety protocols and corrective measures to business owners and employees.
Work Environment. When not working out of an office or laboratory, industrial hygienists may work in a variety of settings, including factories and assembly plants, power plants, hospitals, offices, and mines. They typically work forty-hour weeks and may frequently travel, which can add to their time commitment. The work is often stressful, as inspections may create adversarial situations when workers and businesses are reluctant to change their practices. Over the course of an inspection, hygienists may be exposed to the same hazards, such as harmful chemicals, as the workers they are trying to protect.
Occupation Interest. Individuals interested in the profession of industrial hygienist typically have a strong interest in science. They are committed to protecting workers and the environment, and they must be capable of quickly identifying and solving problems. Prospective industrial hygienists should be attentive to detail, demonstrate mechanical aptitude, and communicate effectively. A calm demeanor is helpful, particularly when conveying negative inspection feedback. Due to the stress and physical risks of the profession, industrial hygienists are usually well compensated.
A Day in the Life—Duties and Responsibilities. Industrial hygienists inspect various workplaces, including factories and offices, and evaluate their safety based on government regulations and relevant occupational safety laws. They test the air quality and make note of any exposed insulation and wiring. Hygienists also test for radiation, chemicals, and lead to determine whether they have reached hazardous levels. In workplaces that require the use of safety equipment, industrial hygienists monitor employee use of equipment such as masks, protective clothing, respirators, earplugs, gloves, and goggles, including how well this equipment fits and blocks exposure to dangerous substances.
Additional responsibilities vary based on the industry. For example, industrial hygienists working in medical centers may conduct frequent seminars on blood-borne pathogen risks. Those working in factories may spend more time interviewing individual employees about their daily responsibilities in order to understand the risks to which employees are exposed. In addition, some industrial hygienists may spend the majority of their time working in laboratories, testing samples collected during inspections.
If an employee is hurt or sick, industrial hygienists may review reports from physicians in order to assess whether the injury or illness is job-related. They are also responsible for ensuring that all licenses and permits are current. Finally, they review a workplace’s existing safety protocols and practices, including any reports on environmental contaminants, waste management storage and disposal policies, and related paperwork. When needed, they offer modifications to those documents and recommend corrective measures beyond existing protocols.
Work Environment
Immediate Physical Environment. Industrial hygienists inspect workplaces that may include factories, energy plants, hospitals, offices, construction sites, and mines. When on-site conducting inspections and other routine work, they may be exposed to toxic chemicals, blood and other bodily fluids, radiation, or other hazards.
Human Environment. Industrial hygienists work and interact with a wide range of people, including other hygienists, employees and owners of the workplace being inspected, doctors and other medical personnel, union officials, and equipment technicians. They must therefore be capable of clearly explaining scientific concepts to individuals from different professional backgrounds.
Technological Environment. Industrial hygienists use many types of detection equipment, including air samplers, flowmeters, Geiger counters, carbon monoxide sensors, and particle sensors. They must also use scientific, database, and basic office software.
Education, Training, and Advancement
High School/Secondary. High school students interested in a career as an industrial hygienist should study natural sciences, including chemistry, geology, earth science, health, and environmental science. Mathematics courses will prepare individuals for the technical aspects of the job. Industrial arts classes, particularly drafting, may also be helpful for aspiring industrial hygienists.
Postsecondary. Industrial hygienists usually obtain a bachelor’s degree in chemistry, engineering, physics, or a biological or physical science, although many study environmental health or toxicology as well. Those interested in senior-level hygienist positions should pursue a graduate degree as well. Postsecondary students may find internships in the field especially valuable.
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics estimated that about 17,200 job openings for occupational health and safety specialists and technicians will become available each year from 2023 to 2033.
Related Occupations
− Construction and Building Inspector
Bibliography
Niland, Jill, and Lucy A. Elam. Fundamentals of Industrial Hygiene. 7th ed. National Safety Council, 2021.
"Occupational Health and Safety Specialists and Technicians." US Bureau of Labor Statistics, 17 Apr. 2024, www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/occupational-health-and-safety-specialists-and-technicians.htm. Accessed 22 Aug. 2024.