Industrial hygiene is the science of keeping workers safe and healthy at their jobs. It involves identifying, evaluating, and controlling things in the workplace that can hurt employees, like chemicals, germs, loud noise, or difficult physical tasks. The goal is to make sure that workers don't get sick or hurt while they're working, and to follow rules to keep them safe. Certified industrial hygienists (CIH) check for workplace hazards, measure how much of the hazard is present, and teach workers how to protect themselves.
Standards and expectations for providing healthy workplaces can vary around the globe. The acceptable indoor air quality or chemical exposure levels in your home country may not meet the minimum standards in another global office location. Additionally, various countries require local certification, such as certification from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in the U.S. That certification assesses and monitors industrial exposures to substances and environments that are potentially harmful to personal health and well-being.
Acting as an industrial hygiene consulting firm, we are able to provide comprehensive sampling support for your global Industrial Hygiene program. This includes exposures such as: asbestos, noise, mold, nano particles, radiation, and risks associated with respiratory protection programs.
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Managing Hygiene Exposure According to Complex Regulations
Our industrial clients care about the health of their employees. Regulations regarding health exposure can be very different in each country and in any case it evolves very quickly. Thanks to Inogen Alliance, we help industries evaluate potential chemical and physical exposures and risks in their multiple sites around the globe. For an automotive industrial group we ran hygiene exposure monitoring and assessments in 100 different sites, and we delivered the data management solution so the client could efficiently improve the hygiene exposure of the workers.
The Importance of Industrial Hygiene
Implementing an effective industrial hygiene program can prevent workplace incidents as well as increase employee morale, productivity, and compliance with regulatory requirements. At the heart of a successful industrial hygiene program lies an expert industrial hygiene consultant who can guide you through the process of assessing and controlling hazards, designing and implementing control measures, and providing training and education to your workforce.
5 Types of Industrial Hygiene Hazards
A comprehensive industrial hygiene program focuses on five types of industrial hygiene hazards.
- Chemical Hazards come from exposure to chemicals in the workplace through inhalation, physical contact or ingestion.
- Physical Hazards arise from physical agents such as noise, radiation and vibration. Exposure to high levels of noise can cause hearing damage, while exposure to ionizing radiation can lead to radiation sickness or cancer.
- Biological Hazards involve biological agents that expose workers to infectious diseases, bites from animals or insects, and exposure to allergens like fungi.
- Ergonomic Hazards include stressors such as repetitive motions, awkward postures, or lifting heavy objects. This can lead to musculoskeletal disorders such as back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, and tendonitis.
- Environmental Hazards encompasses air and water pollution, mold and asbestos, among others. They can come from workplace activities such as manufacturing or construction, or from external factors such as climate change or natural disasters.
Business Benefits of an Industrial Hygiene Program
Industrial hygiene programs aren’t just for your employees, however; it also positively affects your organization. Here are some of the most significant business benefits of having an effective program:
- Improved Worker Health and Safety: As mentioned above, an industrial hygiene program can help identify and control hazards in the workplace, reducing the risk of occupational injuries and illnesses. This can lead to fewer lost workdays, lower insurance costs, and improved employee morale and productivity.
- Compliance with Regulations: Industrial hygiene programs help companies meet regulatory requirements and prevent fines and legal liabilities. By implementing a program, businesses can demonstrate their commitment to safety and health in the workplace.
- Cost Savings: By controlling hazards and preventing accidents, businesses can reduce costs associated with workers' compensation claims, medical expenses, and lost productivity due to injury or illness.
- Improved Reputation: A strong commitment to worker health and safety can enhance a company's reputation and attract new customers and employees. A company with a reputation for providing a safe and healthy work environment is more likely to be viewed favorably by the public and stakeholders.
- Increased Productivity: By identifying and controlling hazards, a program can improve workplace conditions, reduce employee absenteeism, and increase productivity. Employees are more likely to be engaged and motivated in a safe and healthy work environment.
Industrial Hygiene Support. Handled.
Learn more about Industrial Hygiene Consulting through Inogen Alliance.
Industrial Hygiene Services include:
- Workplace exposure risk management: standards, communication, monitoring, facility/risk assessments (noise, hazardous materials, chemical, physical, biological agents, radiation, other)
- Asbestos
- Bloodborne pathogens
- Hearing conservation programs
- IAQ monitoring
- IH sampling / monitoring
- Ionizing and Non-ionizing radiation
- Mold
- Nano particles
- Respirator Protective Equipment programs
- Risk Management
- Occupation Health & Safety
Key Results:
- Healthier and safer workplaces
- Decreased employee exposure to risks that could impact health and well-being
- Cost-effective, local support to help meet local exposure limits
https://www.inogenalliance.com/service/industrial-hygiene-consulting