Occupational hygienists are responsible for the health and well-being of workforces throughout all industrial manufacturing industries, such as mining, pharmaceuticals, airlines, chemicals etc.
They are trained to recognise health hazards and how to evaluate the extent of these hazards. They identify the risks involved and implement procedures for controlling them. These procedures assist management in coping with any risks to their workforce and prepare them for potential liabilities that might arise.
The typical duties of occupational hygienists are to carry out surveys on working conditions in the workplace, assess risks (such as chemical exposure, noise levels, poor lighting, ventilation etc, to document details of risk factors accurately, to give consideration to and recommend appropriate control methods, as well as to communicate effectively with the workforce and liaise with outside companies which specialise in health and safety services.
They work closely with the workforce, providing them with clear and accurate information regarding risk or health hazards. In order to do their work effectively, occupational hygienists need to stay well-informed on scientific and legal developments in the industrial manufacturing industry. Once they have gained the relevant experience, they may decide to become self-employed and work on a contractual or part-time basis.
Satisfying Aspects
- satisfaction of knowing you are contributing to the health and safety of the workforce
- opportunity to become self-employed
Demanding aspects
- long hours spent consulting with workforces and health and safety specialists
- travelling between different sites and beiing away from home at times
- deaing with unhappy employees
Requirements
- able to communicate effectively
- responsible and ethical
- excellent people-skills
- high degree of attention to detail
- technical skills
- flair for and interest in research
- able to work with many dfferent kinds of people
- safety and health conscious
School Subjects
National Senior Certificate meeting degree requirements for a degree course
National Senior Certificate meeting diploma requirements for a diploma course
Each institution will have its own minimum entry requirements.
Compulsory Subjects: Mathematics
Recommended Subjects: Physical Sciences, Life Sciences
Training
Examples of places to study:
Degree: BSc - Wits, UKZN, studying subjects such as Anatomy and Physiology, Environmental Planning, Community Development, Microbioogy, Physics and Chemistry.
Diploma: TUT
Employer
- large industrial manufacturers
- government departments
- health and safety organisations
- all industries or companies that employ a large workforce
- self-employment, with appropriate experience
Contact
The National Occupational Safety Association (NOSA)
P O Box 1698
Centurion, 0046
Block A, Ground Floor
Centurion Office Building
Embankment Street
Centurion
Tel: (012) 683-0200 Fax: (012) 683-0229
www.nosa.co.za