Occupational Hygiene FAQs
New to Occupational Hygiene, or wondering how our services fit your business? This section covers the fundamental questions about what we do, why it’s vital for UK businesses, and how we can help you create a safer, healthier workplace.
What is Occupational Hygiene?
What is Occupational Hygiene?
Occupational hygiene is the discipline of anticipating, recognising, evaluating, controlling, and confirming protection from hazards at work that may result in injury, illness, or affect the well-being of workers.
What are Occupational Hygiene Hazards?
What are Occupational Hygiene Hazards?
Occupational Hygienists work to protect workers from a variety of hazards, including:
- Chemical hazards: These include airborne contaminants, such as dust, fumes, and vapours, as well as chemicals that can be absorbed through the skin or ingested.
- Physical hazards: These include noise, vibration, heat, cold, radiation, and ergonomics.
- Biological hazards: These include bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites.
How do Occupational Hygienists Work?
How do Occupational Hygienists Work?
Occupational hygienists typically use a four-step process to protect workers from hazards:
- Anticipation: Occupational hygienists first identify potential hazards in the workplace. This can be done by reviewing work processes, inspecting equipment, and talking to workers.
- Recognition: Once potential hazards have been identified, occupational hygienists assess the level of exposure. This can be done by measuring the concentration of airborne contaminants, measuring noise levels, or assessing the ergonomic demands of a job.
- Evaluation: Occupational hygienists then compare the level of exposure to Workplace exposure limits (WELs). WELs are the maximum levels of exposure to a hazard that are considered safe for workers.
- Control: If the level of exposure exceeds the WEL, occupational hygienists recommend control measures to reduce the exposure. Control measures can include engineering controls, such as ventilation systems, administrative controls, such as work practices and training, and personal protective equipment (PPE).
The importance of Occupational Hygiene
The importance of Occupational Hygiene
Occupational hygiene is important because it helps to protect workers from a variety of health hazards. Exposure to occupational hazards can cause a range of health problems, including:
Respiratory problems: Asthma, bronchitis, and lung cancer are just a few of the respiratory problems that can be caused by exposure to occupational hazards.
Skin problems: Dermatitis, allergies, and cancer are all potential skin problems that can be caused by exposure to occupational hazards.
Cancer: Many occupational hazards are carcinogens, meaning that they can cause cancer.
Neurological problems: Headaches, dizziness, and memory loss are just a few of the neurological problems that can be caused by exposure to occupational hazards.
Reproductive problems: Infertility, birth defects, and miscarriage are all potential reproductive problems that can be caused by exposure to occupational hazards.
Occupational hygiene can help to prevent these health problems by identifying and controlling hazards.
Why do I need an Occupational Hygiene Consultancy?
Why do I need an Occupational Hygiene Consultancy?
Many workplace hazards, such as exposure to hazardous substances, excessive noise, or vibration, can lead to serious health issues for employees and significant legal liabilities for businesses. An Occupational Hygiene Consultancy helps you identify these risks, assess their severity, and implement effective control measures to ensure compliance with UK regulations and protect your workforce.
Are your services applicable to all types of businesses?
Are your services applicable to all types of businesses?
Yes, our services are relevant to any business operating in the UK that has employees who may be exposed to hazardous substances, noise, or vibration, regardless of industry sector or size.
What areas of the UK do you cover?
What areas of the UK do you cover?
We cover the entirety of the UK, with consultants strategically located to serve clients nationwide.
How do I get started with your services?
How do I get started with your services?
You can contact us via phone at 01782 614236, email at [email protected], or by filling out our online enquiry form. We’ll discuss your specific needs and provide a tailored proposal.
