Occupational hygiene

Occupational hygiene (also known as industrial hygiene) is the discipline of anticipating, recognizing, evaluating, and controlling health hazards in the working environment with the objective of protecting worker health and well-being and safeguarding the community at large.

Overview

The term occupational hygiene (or industrial hygiene) is historically linked with occupational health and safety. Occupational hygiene is often defined as the discipline of anticipating, recognizing, evaluating and controlling health hazards in the working environment with the aim of protecting worker health and well-being and safeguarding the community at large. The term "occupational hygiene" is synonymous with industrial hygiene. The methodology of occupational hygiene is based on a systematic approach which includes hazard identification, risk assessment, risk control, and re-assessment to ensure controls are working as intended.

History

The concept of occupational hygiene has been used since the industrial revolution, where it was recognized that workers exposed to certain hazards in the workplace could develop health problems. This led to the development of the field of occupational hygiene, which focuses on identifying and controlling these hazards to prevent worker illness and injury.

Principles

The fundamental principles of occupational hygiene include anticipation, recognition, evaluation, and control of hazards. Anticipation involves predicting the possible health hazards which could be present in the work environment. Recognition involves identifying which of these health hazards are actually present. Evaluation involves measuring the extent of these hazards, and assessing the related risks. Control involves devising and implementing efficient and effective strategies to reduce risks and protect workers.

Occupational hazards

Occupational hazards can be divided into two categories: physical and chemical. Physical hazards include noise, temperature extremes, ionizing radiation, and non-ionizing radiation. Chemical hazards include airborne particles, gases, and vapors.

See also

• Occupational health psychology
• Occupational safety and health
• Industrial and organizational psychology

External links

• American Industrial Hygiene Association
• American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists

Occupational hygiene Resources
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