An occupational hygienist is responsible for a wide range of tasks, including assessing risks and health hazards. These hazards can be of any nature, and include chemical, biological, emotional, and equipment hazards. These professionals are often found in industrial and plant environments, although they may work in any employment setting.
In most cases, an occupational hygienist must be carefully trained in recognizing, testing, and abolishing workplace hazards. This can include chemical hazards being used in a plant or laboratory setting, faulty equipment, and biological hazards like bacterial or viruses. He or she must know the amount of any particular hazard which is required in order affect human health as well as the correct way of remedying any hazardous situations.
Sometimes an occupational hygienist will specialize in one particular type of hazard, such as biological issues and epidemics. Others may become proficient in recognizing and diffusing all sorts of potential health risks. They often work for government agencies which are set up to mandate proper health codes for employees and they ensure that work environments meet strict standards. They may also ensure that a workplace is not negatively affecting the surrounding environment or other individuals which work within close proximity.
Not only physical hazards are analyzed by an occupational hygienist. Emotional situations may also need to be taken care of in order to ensure the mental health of all employees working within a company. Undue stress, bullying, and emotional abuse are all issues which may take place in workplaces which must be remedied.
Ergonomics and employee comfort and posture are also analyzed. Excessive noise, dirty or unsanitary office environments, and improperly designed chairs, keyboards, and other equipment may all be required to meet certain codes and ordinances for employee safety and well being. It is the job of the occupational hygienist to find and point out these errors.
If hazards are found within a particular facility, an occupational hygienist will work closely with managers or other officials to find creative and cost-effective ways of solving problems. It often helps to write or draw out a map to creating and maintaining a healthy work environment. Chemical or biological contaminants may need to be cleaned right away and employees may not be allowed on the premises until this is done if the hazards are considered life threatening. Other problems may be allotted a specific timeline for improvement.