Occupational hygienist : Job description

Occupational hygienists are responsible for identifying, assessing and controlling health hazards in the workplace. They understand how chemical, physical and biological agents may affect the health of the workforce, and in turn the health of the business.

Workplace hazards can be:

• chemical - dusts, vapours;
• physical - heat, light, noise, radiation;
• ergonomic - posture, motion;
• biological - bacteria, viruses;
• psychosocial - stress, violence, bullying.

Occupational hygienists specialise in controlling health risks in practical and cost-effective ways by assessing and resolving practical problems in a wide range of settings, including factories, hospitals, offices and building sites. They concentrate on the short- and long-term effects on health arising from both acute and chronic exposure to hazards, and enable organisations to respond effectively to legislative requirements. The practice of occupational hygiene has contributed significantly to the promotion of health in the workplace.

Typical work activities

Work activities vary between specialist areas and employers, but may include:

• undertaking workplace surveys, and evaluating situations in the workplace;
• assessing risks to health arising from many different factors, such as chemicals, noise, and poor lighting or ventilation;
• accurately measuring and sampling levels of exposure, often through precise use of specialist equipment;
• accurately recording facts or details of procedures in the workplace;
• eliminating or significantly reducing risk by facilitating organisational change and by selecting and designing relevant facilities;
• finding cost-effective solutions to risks to health in workplaces of all types, large and small;
• recommending remedies or control methods;
• compiling data, writing reports, and presenting report findings to clients;
• liaising with a wide range of people, including employers and employees, in the process of evaluating workplaces;
• considering all options of control (such as ventilation, containment, and personal protective equipment);
• deciding on or devising the most appropriate solution for specific situations;
• providing clear and accurate information on complex health and safety issues;
• training organisation staff on health and safety issues, such as asbestos and Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH)  awareness;
• gaining the confidence and cooperation of the workforce;
• persuading company management to develop effective hazard controls when required;
• writing guidance information on health and safety;
• working as part of a team to meet health and safety objectives;
• keeping up to date with scientific and legal developments;
• providing expert witness services;
• liaising with outside bodies, such as Health and Safety Executive (HSE)  and the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) .