Western Washington Area Health Education Center
2033 Sixth Avenue, Ste. 310
Seattle, WA 98121
Ph: 206.441.7137
Fax: 206.441.7158
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WWAHEC
2033 Sixth Avenue, Ste. 310
Seattle, WA 98121
Ph: 206.441.7137
Fax: 206.441.7158
Health
Professionals/
Student Placement
Health Career
Information
Health Career Ambassadors
Health Career
Job Descriptions
HOPE
Preceptor & Site Resources
Scholarship Info
Distance Learning
Volunteer/Retired
Providers Program
K-12 Learning Resources
aka Science
Allied Health
Health Career
Information
HOPE
Health Career Ambassadors
Health Career
Job Descriptions
Scholarship Info
Distance Learning
Statewide Office
of Rural Health
Community Health
Assessment, Planning
& Development
Primary Care
Provider Recruitment
Shop
Health Career Information
Industrial Hygienist
Job description
Industrial hygienists identify dangers in the workplace by testing and evaluating work situations to determine harmful exposures and work practices. They work to put into practice regulations to prevent future physical injury to workers. Industrial hygienists use scientific methods and the latest research to identify toxic chemicals, noise, radiation, asbestos, lasers, indoor air pollution, stress, repetitive motion trauma, electric and magnetic fields, and infectious biological materials.
Activities may include
●
collect samples of potentially dangerous chemical, physical, and biological agents for analysis
●
prepare and calibrate equipment used in collecting and analyzing samples
●
perform laboratory analysis of samples
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investigate the adequacy of ventilation, exhaust, lighting, and other conditions that may affect employee health, comfort, or efficiency
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conduct evaluations of exposure to ionizing and non-ionizing radiation and to noise and vibration
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review physicians' and accident reports and conduct studies to determine if diseases or illnesses are work related
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recommend measures for maximum employee protection
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work with other health professionals to remove or control hazardous and potentially hazardous materials
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prepare reports of observations and analyses, and make recommendations about industrial health problems
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use cost-benefit analysis to justify the money required to make engineering changes or to purchase protective equipment
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conduct or participate in epidemiological research
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participate in educational training meetings to instruct employees about occupational health and the prevention of accidents
Salaries and benefits*
Entry-level wages generally range from $1,700 to $3,100 per month, depending on the location and whether or not the position is union. An Industrial Hygienist I with a Bachelor's degree, working for the State of Washington, earns $2,156 to $2,725 per month. Statewide, the average salary for Industrial Hygienists is $3,800 per month. Nationally, they average $2,378 to $4,056 per month. Self-employed industrial hygienists must provide for their own health insurance an retirement. Those working for a public or private facility of company most usually receive a full benefit package.
Training and requirements
Generally, industrial hygienists have a four-year degree in one of the sciences such as engineering, chemistry, physical, biological, or medical science. After completion of a bachelors degree, many industrial hygienists go back to school to obtain a masters or doctoral degree. In Washington State, the University of Washington offers masters and doctoral degrees and continuing education in industrial hygiene and safety.
Necessary skills
●
ability and strong interest in science
●
ability to follow a problem to conclusion
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ability to work with a variety of people
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ability to work with governmental regulations
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ability to think logically
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ability to speak and write effectively
●
ability to exercise patience, flexibility, and a willingness to work in different locations under a variety of conditions
Licensure/Certification
Industrial hygienists can be certified by accumulating sufficient education and training and passing a national exam.
Helpful high school courses
Chemistry, biology, mathematics, physics, English, health, environmental science, computer science.
Outlook*
In Washington, this occupation is expected to grow as fast as the average for all occupations. Employment is projected to increase 11 percent by 2008. It is estimated that there will be 111 openings annually in this occupation. Currently about 3,663 Environmental Health Specialists are employed in Washington.
Professional Associations
●
American Industrial Hygiene Association
2700 Prosperity Ave., Suite 250
Fairfax, VA 22031
(703) 849-8888
http://www.aiha.org
●
Washington State Environmental Health
Association
11414 - 26th Place SE
Everett, WA 98205-2586
(425) 334-5399
http://www.wseha.org/
* Note: General career descriptions are updated as necessary, however salary expectations and projected outlooks have not been updated since 2000. Go to Workforce Explorer Washington and search your career for the most up-to-date salary and job growth expectations. Washington Healthcare Careers and Workforce College are also good resources for job information.
For additional information, contact your school's career counselor or
WWAHEC
2033 Sixth Avenue, Ste. 310
Seattle, WA 98121
Ph: 206.441.7137
Fax: 206.441.7158
Page updated 9/15/04