Industrial Hygiene Principles
Industrial hygienists (IHs) recommend and manage workplace health risks using four key principles: anticipation, recognition, evaluation, and control.
The Right Thing to Do
These four principles below are the foundation of industrial hygiene occupational health and safety programs. By applying them, IHs can prevent injuries and illnesses before they occur, rather than reacting after harm is done.
Beyond protecting worker health, applying these principles also supports compliance with OSHA regulations and other safety standards. When organizations follow these principles, they not only meet legal obligations but also build a culture of safety that benefits both workers and employers.
1. Anticipation:
Anticipation involves proactively identifying potential hazards before they appear in the workplace.
IHs rely on their knowledge of tasks, materials, and environments to foresee risks and prevent harm before it happens.
- Example: Before adding a new welding process, a hygienist anticipates exposure to metal fumes and UV light, so they recommend installing ventilation and providing protective gear in advance.
2. Recognition:
Recognition means spotting specific hazards that are already present in the workplace.
This can be done through walk-through inspections, interviews with workers, and reviewing injury or exposure records.
- Example: In a hospital setting, a hygienist notices that used sharps are being left on trays instead of placed in proper containers, increasing the risk of needlestick injuries and infection.
3. Evaluation:
Evaluation involves measuring the severity and likelihood of exposure to hazards.
IHs use tools like air sampling, noise meters, and risk assessments to decide if a hazard is dangerous enough to require action.
- Example: In a factory, a hygienist monitors noise levels and finds they exceed safe limits. As a result, workers are required to wear hearing protection and noise control solutions are considered.
4. Control:
Control is about taking steps to reduce or eliminate hazards using the
Hierarchy of Controls (HOC): elimination, substitution, engineering controls, warnings, administrative/work practice controls, and personal protective equipment (PPE).
- Example: At a construction site with high silica dust levels, the hygienist recommends wet cutting methods, training programs, and use of respirators to protect workers.
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1-2. What is the main purpose of the anticipation step in industrial hygiene?
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