Industrial Hygienist Job Description, Duties, and Responsibilities

This post provides detailed information on the industrial hygienist job description, including key duties, tasks, and responsibilities they commonly perform.

It also highlights the major requirements you may be expected to meet to be hired for the industrial hygienist role.

What Does an Industrial Hygienist Do?

Industrial hygienists monitor, assess, and control health hazards in a workplace.

The industrial hygienist job description entails evaluating work conditions and operations to identify how they can affect the health of employees.

In performing their duties, industrial hygienists assess possible chemical, biological or psychosocial risks which workers can be exposed to.

They evaluate the long term effect of exposure to health hazards in order to develop cost effective plans for addressing such situations.

Their role usually involves conducting surveys to obtain information regarding certain health risks in a workplace.

They use specialized equipment such as geiger counter, noise meters, and particle instruments to respectively measure levels of ionizing radiation, noise, and particulate matter in a work environment.

They review operational procedures to identify processes which are detrimental to health.

They also compile data and present report of findings to clients.

As part of their responsibilities, industrial hygienists design plans to eliminate or reduce risk of occupational hazard.

They may make certain operational changes and recommend strategies effective in minimizing exposure to health hazard.

They also maintain and calibrate various sampling and monitoring equipment to ensure they function properly.

The work description of Industrial hygienists usually involves providing technical guidance to undergraduates and university staff concerning occupational safety and health.

It also entails developing and administering health and safety training to acquaint workers with safe work practices.

Hygienists also educate workers on the danger of certain materials, emphasizing the importance of using protective gear for work operations.

In fulfilling their role, industrial hygienists devise systems for safe disposal of toxic wastes from an industrial plant.

Conducting surveys to identify and correct work hazards may also be part of their description.

They also ensure an organization complies with all federal, state, and local laws on health and safety.

To get into the industrial hygienist career requires a Bachelor’s degree in a science-related or engineering discipline, just as the qualities you will need to succeed on the job include analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills.

Industrial Hygienist Job Description Example/Template

The job of a hygienist in the workplace is crucial to ensuring employees’ health is safeguarded.

Below is an example of a job description listing major responsibilities, tasks, and duties that most industrial hygienists commonly carry out:

• Carry out industrial hygiene field measurements to verify levels of pollution at a workplace
• Conduct surveys and observe work conditions to identify processes which pose a risk to health of employees
• Analyze and interpret results of an assessment to develop plans for improved work conditions
• Update clients on the findings of an industrial assessment
• Organize training to educate workers on health/safety requirements necessary for a hazard-free environment
• Carry out investigations to evaluate adequacy of ventilation, lighting and other conditions required for employee safety
• Recommend measures to ensure maximum employee protection against ionizing radiation
• Prepare reports and maintain records of observations, contaminant analysis and recommended control
• Organize seminars for university staff to educate them on occupational safety and health
• Carry out research to identify corrective actions for indoor air pollution
• Counsel employees on proper ways to adjust work stations to meet ergonomic standards
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of federal and state legislations on occupational safety
• Attend educational programs and conferences to increase job knowledge and skill
• Liaise with industrial health engineers and other occupational professionals to design remedial measures for hazardous conditions
• Ensure organizational policies align with standards set by regulatory health/safety body.

Requirement – Skills, Abilities, and Knowledge – for Industrial Hygienist Job

If you are looking to apply for the job of a hygienist at a workplace and need to know what the requirements for employment may be, here are typical qualifications and attributes you may be expected to meet:

• Education and Training: To become an industrial hygienist, you require a Bachelor’s degree in a science discipline, such as occupational health science or public health. Some employers often require industrial hygienists to possess a Master’s degree in public health, environmental health, or industrial hygiene. Prior experience in a health and safety profession increases job competitiveness
• Analytical Skill: Industrial hygienists are able to collect and analyze samples to identify levels of pollution at a workplace
• Communication Skill: They are able to relay safe work practices and operational procedures to employees
• Problem-solving Skill: They are well versed in proffering cost effective solutions for safe and healthy work operation.

Conclusion

If you are an employer needing a description for the industrial hygienist role in your firm, you can simply adopt the sample job description provided in this post in creating a detailed work description that perfectly suits your business.

If you are hiring for the industrial hygienist position, the work description you create can enhance your ability to attract the best candidates for the job.

This post is also helpful to individuals aspiring to become an industrial hygienist, to gain more knowledge about the career and the likely tasks they may be assigned when hired for the job.