When it comes to workplace safety, many employers focus on visible hazards: heavy machinery, slips and falls or electrical risks. But there’s another layer of risk that isn’t always easy to spot: the hidden health hazards addressed through industrial hygiene (IH).
What Is Industrial Hygiene?
Industrial hygiene is the science of anticipating, recognizing, evaluating and controlling environmental factors in the workplace that may cause sickness, impaired health or significant discomfort among workers. These factors can be chemical, physical, biological or ergonomic in nature.
The goal is to proactively manage health risks and ensure compliance with OSHA regulations and other safety standards.
Common Workplace Hazards
Industrial hygiene covers a wide range of workplace health risks, including:
- Chemical hazards: Vapors, fumes, dusts, gases and mists
- Physical hazards: Noise, heat, cold, radiation and vibration
- Biological hazards: Mold, bacteria, viruses and other pathogens
- Ergonomic hazards: repetitive motion, improper lifting techniques and poor workstation design
Even in workplaces that appear safe, these hazards can lead to long-term health problems if not properly identified and controlled.
Key Elements of an Effective Industrial Hygiene Program
A strong industrial hygiene program should include:
- Hazard identification: Conduct assessments to locate potential exposure risks
- Air monitoring and sampling: Measure airborne contaminants and compare levels to established exposure limits
- Ventilation and engineering controls: Install or improve systems to remove or reduce hazards at the source
- PPE (Personal Protective Equipment): Ensure employees have the right gear and know how to use it
- Training and awareness: Help employees recognize risks and follow safe practices
- Regulatory compliance: Stay up to date with OSHA standards, permissible exposure limits (PELs) and industry best practices
Why Industrial Hygiene Matters
Poorly managed workplace exposures can result in serious health conditions such as hearing loss, respiratory disease, chemical burns, infections and musculoskeletal injuries. In addition to protecting workers, a proactive IH approach helps companies:
- Stay compliant with OSHA and avoid fines
- Reduce absenteeism and workers comp claims
- Improve productivity through safer working conditions
- Build a strong safety culture that attracts and retains top talent
Need Help with Industrial Hygiene?
OECS provides expert support for industrial hygiene assessments, air monitoring, employee training, written safety programs and OSHA compliance. Whether you’re looking to start an IH program or strengthen what you already have, we’re here to help.
Contact us today to speak with one of our safety consultants.
