What Does An Industrial Hygienist Do?

WHAT DOES AN INDUSTRIAL HYGIENIST DO?

Published: Aug 25, 2025 - The Industrial Hygienist develops and administers occupational health, safety, ergonomics, and industrial hygiene programs. This role conducts exposure assessments using specialized equipment, oversees air monitoring, and leads efforts to mitigate risks related to chemical, physical, and biological hazards. The hygienist also manages respiratory protection, PPE, hazard communication, and medical surveillance programs while ensuring regulatory compliance and driving continuous safety improvement through data analysis and training initiatives.

A Review of Professional Skills and Functions for Industrial Hygienist

1. Industrial Hygienist Duties

Exposure Design: Participate in exposure control design for all new construction and renovation projects
Exposure Controls: Establish exposure controls and exposure elimination for new and existing materials
Risk Assessment: Conduct exposure-based risk assessments (qualitative and quantitative)
Equipment Management: Purchase and maintain media and industrial hygiene sampling equipment (calibration and service)
Sampling Methods: Determine exposure sampling methods, execute sampling, and verify the accuracy and validity of the sampling and analysis results
Sampling Execution: Independently execute and evaluate the sampling plan and employee-initiated requests for sampling, risk management, and risk mitigation
Evaluation Planning: Establish an industrial hygiene evaluation and sampling plan
Sampling Communication: Communicate sampling results
Risk Training: Coach and train on exposure risks and the effective use of controls
Risk Mitigation: Identify and implement a workable and effective risk mitigation strategy as a member of a team, including SHE, the user department, and the end user
Documentation Management: Maintain legal documentation for assessment and sampling activities
Respiratory Program: Manage the respiratory protection program (policy, auditing, training and recordkeeping)
Hearing Program: Manage the hearing conservation program (policy, auditing, training and recordkeeping)
Exposure Banding: Establish occupational exposure banding and OELs

2. Industrial Hygienist Details

Job Analysis: Observe and analyze the job environment to determine if code violations are present
Hazard Evaluation: Evaluate a variety of interrelated information involving existing and potential hazards related to the inspection and determine the best course of action
Site Inspection: Conduct independent inspections of various work sites to determine compliance with occupational health hazards
Complaint Investigation: Investigate complaints where employees are alleged to be exposed to conditions hazardous to health
Accident Investigation: Investigate accidents and illnesses where employees are suspected to have been exposed to conditions hazardous to health
Workplace Sampling: Take samples at workplaces to determine the presence of physical and chemical elements hazardous to workers’ health
Report Writing: Write reports and maintain records that require the use of computers and various computer programs
Effective Communication: Communicate and consult effectively with agency representatives, officials, employers, employees, and the public who may be angry and inconvenienced
Case Preparation: Assist in preparing cases for presentation before the OSHA review board presided over by an administrative law judge

3. Industrial Hygienist Responsibilities

Program Management: Develop and administer effective occupational health, safety, ergonomics, and industrial hygiene programs, including health services functions and maintenance of related policies and procedures in accordance with the company operating system and ISO 45001 requirements
Safety Training: Educate, motivate, and train line supervision and production personnel in good housekeeping practices, safe work procedures, and PPE
Exposure Evaluation: Use specialized testing equipment to sample, measure, and evaluate employee exposures to in-plant chemical contaminants, including lead and acid mist, and physical agents such as heat and noise exposure
System Monitoring: Oversee the monitoring and recordkeeping of the performance of the plant exhaust and make-up air ventilation systems and provide analysis to guide process improvement
Data Analysis: Conduct an analysis of data and provide solutions to reduce exposure levels
Air Monitoring: Ensure that employees who participate in air monitoring (personal sampling) are notified of the results per the OSHA lead standard
Medical Surveillance: Assist in the administration of medical surveillance and biological monitoring programs according to OSHA standards and company policies and procedures
Equipment Management: Manage the plant's personal protective equipment, work clothing, and safety equipment programs according to company standards and operating budget
Respiratory Program: Administer the respiratory protection program, including quantitative fit testing, respirator distribution, cleaning, and sanitizing

4. Industrial Hygienist Job Summary

Program Development: Develop and implement effective plant programs for the identification, prevention, and control of occupational injuries and illnesses
Safety Training: Develop and coordinate plant health and safety education and training programs
Regulatory Compliance: Maintain current awareness of applicable federal, state, and local health, industrial hygiene, and safety regulations
Record Management: Maintain legal, governmental, and company environmental, health, medical, and safety-related records according to standards, including confidentiality
Hazard Communication: Administer the plant hazard communication program, including maintaining up-to-date SDSs, effective identification of all chemicals, chemical inventory, and related training and education programs
Operation Review: Review all manufacturing and support operations to assure ongoing safety
Risk Assessment: Assist the line organization in developing risk assessments and safe operating procedures for all tasks and investigating incidents
Audit Program: Develop and implement audit programs to review and ensure compliance with applicable health and safety standards
Data Entry: Accumulate, prepare, and enter health, industrial hygiene, medical, and safety data into the IHS computer system
Report Analysis: Analyze data and prepare standard and other requested reports for the plant

5. Industrial Hygienist Accountabilities

Regulatory Compliance: Ensure compliance with all applicable industrial hygiene, health, and safety regulations
Program Management: Manage all aspects of the industrial hygiene program for the refinery
Safety Training: Conduct industrial hygiene and safety training and assist management with training needs
Survey Coordination: Coordinate industrial hygiene surveys and ventilation system assessments
Loss Control: Assist field management with loss control efforts
Hazard Control: Conduct hazard assessment and control, compliance assessments, and the establishment of safety systems
Regulation Interpretation: Interpret governmental regulations to ensure regulatory compliance
Team Support: Provide health and safety support to the area business teams
Exposure Monitoring: Conduct monitoring and sampling of exposure control and regulatory compliance
Data Analysis: Conduct a statistical analysis of sample data
Data Management: Maintain sample data information via a computer system
Respiratory Compliance: Maintain respiratory data to ensure compliance
Instrumentation Maintenance: Maintain instrumentation
Chemical Inventory: Maintain chemical inventory for the refinery, approve the purchase and use of any new chemicals
Project Input: Provide input on the design of IH or safety-related capital projects
Safety Evaluation: Assist with field safety evaluations
Job Analysis: Assist with job hazard safety analysis per the OSHA ergonomics standard
Report Coordination: Coordinate all requirements for governmental reporting, SARA 311 and 312 reports
Emergency Monitoring: Conduct personnel and community monitoring during emergencies and provide advice on protection needs
Radiation Safety: Serve as the facility's radiation safety officer

6. Industrial Hygienist Functions

Program Development: Develop and revise the affected safety and health programs
IH Consultation: Provide industrial hygiene and safety on-demand consultation services and a company IH strategy
Training Management: Conduct training and communication, oversight and evaluation, and manage contracts with third-party service providers
Program Design: Design, develop, or revise and support the company-wide industrial hygiene program compliant
Client Support: Provide health and safety support to internal client groups and partner with affected departments, organizations, and teams
Study Scheduling: Schedule and conduct industrial hygiene studies and sampling plans
Exposure Monitoring: Conduct airborne chemical monitoring, noise monitoring, indoor air quality, asbestos, and lead surveys
Result Tracking: Track and interpret results, generate applicable reports, and follow established recordkeeping practices
Safety Inspection: Conduct health and safety inspections, incident investigations, and support corporate audits
Business Support: Support the electric and gas business units, safety advisors, and affected departments and organizations
Emergency Response: Provide after-hours emergency response support and on-call activities

7. Industrial Hygienist Job Description

Program Implementation: Implement an effective industrial hygiene program in accordance with federal, state, local, and corporate requirements to monitor and assess employee exposure to current and potential health factors and to measure the effectiveness of programs and procedures in accordance with company EH and S policies and safety management system, ACGIH, and other applicable IH standards
Team Collaboration: Work under the direction of the SVP of Safety, partner with safety directors, the executive team, and the project leadership teams
Exposure Solutions: Identify and deploy solutions that reduce occupational exposures and drive positive improvements in critical industrial hygiene metrics
Risk Reduction: Develop strategies to reduce and eliminate health and wellness risks within the workplace, ranging from air filtration, ventilation, engineering controls, and PPE
Safety Management: Act as a safety manager at times, providing project support and direction
Best Practices: Support best practices and the safety management system
IH Training: Educate and train hourly and salaried personnel in effective industrial hygiene and ventilation practices and procedures
Record Management: Lead efforts to effectively manage legal, governmental, and corporate industrial hygiene records according to standards
Process Review: Review all construction and relevant working processes to support operations and assure ongoing, effective industrial hygiene practices
Data Analysis: Assess and analyze data, summarize statistics, and compile reports for improvement initiatives
Regulation Awareness: Maintain current awareness of applicable international, federal, state, and local health, industrial hygiene, and safety regulations
Professional Development: Maintain professional competence through participation in professional education and training programs and completion of any necessary requirements to maintain professional credentials

8. Industrial Hygienist Overview

Handbook Development: Develop an environmental health program orientation handbook with the intent to help new personnel understand the different elements of the program
Expert Consultation: Provide expert advice related to asbestos, lead, mold, noise, and other industrial hygiene issues
Practice Promotion: Advocate and promote industrial hygiene practices in an industrial environment to recognize, eliminate, and control occupational health hazards and diseases
Employee Protection: Advocate and promote appropriate industrial hygiene practices to ensure maximum employee protection
Exposure Evaluation: Evaluate employee exposure to chemical and physical hazards, identify cost-effective control options, propose program improvements, and provide guidance on program implementation
IH Monitoring: Conduct industrial hygiene monitoring and air sampling of contaminants through the use of industrial hygiene monitoring equipment and techniques
Risk Management: Participate in overall analysis and management of an agent, process, or workplace, and contribute to the establishment of priorities for risk management
Team Leadership: Work effectively in a multidisciplinary team involving other professionals, providing guidance and leadership to other industrial hygienists
Issue Communication: Keep managers and employees informed on relevant industrial hygiene issues and developments
Radiation Surveys: Perform non-ionizing radiation surveys (including RF and UV surveys)
Heat Monitoring: Monitor and report heat stress conditions

9. Industrial Hygienist Details and Accountabilities

Client Advisory: Advise and collaborate with clients to resolve occupational health issues
Risk Monitoring: Monitor and assess exposure to health risks and measure the effectiveness of occupational health programs, policies, and procedures
Program Oversight: Oversee monitoring programs
Proposal Support: Review RFQs and assist in preparing proposals
Project Collaboration: Work with other project managers and sales professionals
Business Strategy: Develop efficient business development strategies for new and existing customers
Staff Mentoring: Lead and mentor industrial hygiene staff
Safety Assessment: Conduct safety, industrial hygiene, and indoor air quality assessments
Remediation Planning: Develop water intrusion and leak investigation and remediation plans
Project Oversight: Perform project oversight and coordination with contractors
Air Monitoring: Perform direct reading and integrated air monitoring
Instrument Maintenance: Calibrate and maintain instruments
Supply Management: Order and organize various sampling media and safety supplies
Documentation Preparation: Prepare a sample chain of custody form
Client Management: Manage client interaction
Bid Preparation: Attend pre-bid walkthroughs, prepare proposals, and develop cost estimates
Sales Development: Perform sales development of clients through direct client contact to capture new and follow-on work and expand service offerings to existing clients
Opportunity Development: Identify and develop new business opportunities and deliver responsive, high-quality services for the industrial hygiene and environmental health and safety markets

10. Industrial Hygienist Tasks

IH Oversight: Provide IH oversight and field support for the Soil and Ground Water Project (S and GRP)
Subject Expertise: Provide subject matter expertise about IH areas
Program Support: Support the field implementation of occupational safety program requirements
Field Presence: Maintain a strong field presence during project work activities
Document Assistance: Assist buyer's technical representatives (BTRs) with the preparation of IH-related documents
Submittal Review: Review and approve subcontractor submittals
Hazard Analysis: Prepare hazard analyses and review and approve work packages
Assessment Development: Provide expertise in the development of industrial hygiene exposure assessments (IHEA) and industrial hygiene sampling plans (IHSP) to support S and GRP work scope
Program Development: Contribute to the development of S and GRP IH programs
Expert Support: Provide expertise as an S and GRP IH subject matter expert
Program Participation: Support and participate in voluntary protection program and integrated safety management system processes, including employee zero accident council and president's zero accident council participation

11. Industrial Hygienist Roles

Management Consultation: Meet with management to determine specific concerns applicable to the facility
Health Communication: Communicate with the local health department (LDH) to inform them of the facility visit and to welcome their participation
Plan Review: Review the facility’s response plan to ensure it meets or exceeds the guidelines and recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
Site Walkthrough: Conduct a site walkthrough to assess engineering controls, personal protective equipment requirements, and social distancing put in place to protect employees in manufacturing and break areas
Policy Observation: Observe employee adherence to the company’s plan and policies
Mitigation Discussion: Discuss any additional disinfection, personal protection, company policies, and company actions that may assist in mitigating the spread of COVID-19 at the facility
Idea Sharing: Share applicable innovative ideas being implemented in other similar facilities
Facility Support: Provide ongoing support for the facility as questions or concerns arise
Backup Support: Serve as a backup to other agency industrial hygienists

12. Industrial Hygienist Additional Details

Program Management: Implement, maintain, and provide subject matter expertise and technical guidance on all facets of the facility's industrial hygiene program to facility staff and management
Report Analysis: Review and analyze reports, data, and findings to ensure they are accurate and implement procedures to resolve problems in compliance with applicable agency and federal guidelines
IH Surveys: Perform industrial hygienist surveys on a scheduled, request, or emergency basis to evaluate a wide variety of occupational health hazards that encompass a broad spectrum of work activities
Technical Training: Use established procedures, provide state-of-the-art technical training, information, guidance, or direction on IH and varied occupational health issues
Hazard Assessment: Conduct workplace health hazards assessments using approved scientific sampling and statistical procedures, analytical testing, equipment selection and calibration, proper handling of hazardous materials, hazardous exposure control procedures, interpretation and application of VA, federal, state, and local regulations, and facilities design reviews
Project Management: Plan and manage industrial hygiene and environmental construction projects that are related to achieving and maintaining environmental compliance, as well as developing and implementing environmental policy, guidance, and procedures related to all environmental media
Activity Planning: Contribute to planning activities such as the annual IH business plan, the annual exposure monitoring program, and the budget planning
Action Follow-up: Carry out the follow-up of the progress of the corrective measures and action plans

13. Senior Industrial Hygienist Essential Functions

Hazard Monitoring: Conduct workplace monitoring for biological, chemical, and physical hazards with the specific ability to recognize hazards, evaluate them, and recommend control measures
Hygiene Advisory: Provide occupational hygiene and OH and S advice to clients and their workers
Risk Assessment: Perform occupational exposure and risk assessments
Client Liaison: Liaise with clients and respond to their requirements and enquiries
Report Preparation: Prepare and review comprehensive occupational hygiene reports
Program Management: Understand concepts and needs and then effectively develop, execute, and manage programs and solutions
Customer Service: Understand the importance of providing outstanding levels of customer service and be willing to assist and provide support to the OHS team
Schedule Flexibility: Maintain a flexible schedule to meet the requirements of clients
Proposal Writing: Assist or lead technical proposal writing, report writing, and data entry
Material Surveys: Support and conduct regulated materials surveys and assessments (e.g., asbestos, lead, PCBs)

14. Industrial Hygienist Role Purpose

Regulatory Compliance: Ensure compliance with the requirements of the OSHA laboratory standard
Lab Inspection: Conduct inspections of laboratory modules and support service locations
Respiratory Program: Manage the respiratory protection program to include training, fit testing, and selection of the proper type of respirator for the operation or hazard
Medical Surveillance: Identify personnel for medical surveillance in accordance with applicable regulatory standards
Program Oversight: Develop, implement, and oversee programs in the industrial hygiene areas to ensure regulatory compliance
Survey Scheduling: Schedule and conduct industrial hygiene surveys to ensure compliance with current USDA, agency, federal, state, and local regulations
Hazard Evaluation: Determine methods, procedures, and measuring devices for use in evaluating the extent to which hazards are present and the effectiveness of control procedures
Report Preparation: Prepare written reports and documentation of field activities, inspections, and testing using standard forms

15. Industrial Hygienist General Responsibilities

Report Writing: Learn to write reports of inspections and investigations and recommend the issuance of citations and penalties to employers, begin minor inspections
Inspection Assistance: Assist industrial hygienists in conducting routine health inspections and investigations
Sampling Techniques: Learn to utilize sampling techniques and calculations to document hazards
Violation Recognition: Learn to recognize, sample, and cite violations of KY OSH standards
Standards Learning: Learn industrial hygiene standards and techniques
Professional Training: Attend professional training courses to develop competency in the field of occupational safety and health
Equipment Calibration: Develop skills to calibrate and use sampling equipment
Design Review: Participate in the design review process for lab design and ventilation systems

16. Industrial Hygienist Key Accountabilities

Standards Review: Review occupational health, industrial hygiene, and occupational safety standards as received from VA, OSHA, TJC, and other regulatory agencies, and advise medical center management of methods to comply with the standards
IH Inspections: Conduct industrial hygiene inspections of all work areas to determine compliance with standards set by OSHA, VA, and other regulatory agencies
Procurement Support: Prepare specifications and purchase documents for contracting and purchasing of laboratory services to analyze hazardous materials
Corrective Action: Request immediate action from management to correct conditions that might be expected to cause serious illness, injury, or death to employees, patients, or the public
Policy Development: Develop policies, programs, and procedures designed to improve safety conditions and reduce the incidence of injuries and resulting Federal Employee Compensation Act (FECA) claims
Program Administration: Administer the safety program, including investigations of injuries, fires, vehicle damages, and preparing required reports of investigations, as well as reports for the region and central office
Data Management: Maintain the centralized safety data and hazard communication library for the medical center
Program Review: Perform comprehensive annual program reviews, including lessons learned and recommendations for improvement

17. Industrial Hygienist Roles and Details

IH Concepts: Demonstrate and apply the basic industrial hygiene concepts of anticipating, recognizing, evaluating, and controlling hazards to workers, the general public, and the environment
Assessment Support: Assist, with guidance from an IH, project manager (PM), or senior IH, in the performance of industrial activities and environmental assessments
Data Management: Provide data management and evaluation support, under the direction of senior staff, to PMs in toxicology, litigation support, risk assessment, and emergency response
Problem Solving: Solve problems by making accurate and informed decisions regarding IH and safety
Safe Practices: Perform duties safely to minimize threats to self and others in work settings with potential chemical, physical, biological, and safety hazards
Data Review: Compile, review, and summarize scientific and technical data and literature
Service Support: Support other service areas under appropriate supervision
Emergency Response: Remain ready and available for emergency response upon client request, with frequent, sometimes extended, travel

18. Industrial Hygienist Responsibilities and Key Tasks

Sample Collection: Collect and analyze field samples and surveys
Custody Compliance: Ensure the chain of custody process is followed for all field samples
Chemical Oversight: Act as chemical hygiene officer for the site
Data Evaluation: Document and evaluate data in collaboration with the EHS manager
Report Support: Assist with compiling data for reports and audits
Program Management: Manage industrial hygiene programs associated with respiratory protection, hearing conservation and personal protective equipment
Process Review: Review the occupational health and ergonomic sections of the chemical approval process
Incident Support: Assist with incident investigations, new process reviews and facility design

19. Industrial Hygienist Duties and Roles

System Implementation: Implement the Rio Tinto health systems and processes within the region of accountability and provide support and expertise to the operation
Exposure Review: Review health exposures and current status
Health Solutions: Recommend and implement solutions to improve health standards across the workforce
Regulatory Compliance: Ensure compliance with statutory requirements, company policies and practices regarding health standards
Performance Monitoring: Monitor health performance within the region of accountability
Risk Advisory: Advise the health, safety and environment management team of critical issues and recommend interactions that contribute to alleviating health risks
Stressor Management: Undertake the treatment and management of workplace stressor impacts such as injury, illness or wellbeing impairment
Equipment Calibration: Maintain and calibrate testing equipment and maintain a log of calibration
Report Preparation: Prepare written reports of job site assessments, as well as summaries of collected data and compare results to Cal/OSHA, along with conclusions and recommendations

20. Industrial Hygienist Roles and Responsibilities

Safety Expertise: Provide expertise in occupational safety, emergency response and industrial hygiene by furnishing advisory, planning or reviewing services on specific problems, projects, or programs and operating conditions directly affecting work safety and health
Technical Guidance: Ensure that industrial hygiene technical assistance and guidance are provided to employees, supervisors, managers and other personnel on chemical, physical and biological stresses in the workplace
Disaster Planning: Participate in disaster planning meetings, committees and teams and provide training to agency safety professionals, employees and employer groups
CONOPS Support: Work with inter-agency Concept of Operations (CONOPS) committees, develop plans and review procedures for workers' safety and health
Instrument Operation: Operate, maintain and calibrate safety and industrial hygiene instruments to measure indoor air quality, radiation, combustible gases, noise, light and other sampling devices
Project Management: Perform and manage scope and deliverables for industrial hygiene projects in both the public and private sectors
Report Compilation: Compile comprehensive technical reports
Report Review: Review technical industrial hygiene reports
Proposal Preparation: Prepare technical proposals, approaches and strategies
Client Development: Prospect for new clients, cross-sell ATC services and assist with expanding the client base
Report Analysis: Review and analyze professional architectural and engineering reports and designs or as-built plans
Written Documentation: Thoroughly document analysis in writing
Scope Development: Develop scopes of work to include related code and standard requirements
Scope Validation: Validate applicant-provided scopes of work to include related code and standard requirements
Cost Estimation: Develop and review cost estimates
FEMA Advisory: Advise FEMA staff on the technical validity of claims presented under FEMA’s arbitration process