If you have an interest in science and a desire to make the workplace safer,
check out the field of industrial hygiene. Students learn how to promote and
enforce health and safety in the workplace.
Though this is a scientific program, students will work with others a lot.
For that reason, good communication skills and a concern for others' well-being
are important.
Some schools offer a two-year program that provides the training to become
an industrial hygiene technician. There are also a few three- or four-year
bachelor's degree programs that may allow you to specialize in this field.
Most programs are offered at the graduate level. Typically, students
enter these with a bachelor's degree in a related field.
Western Kentucky University (WKU) has a bachelor's program in public health
with a focus on occupational health and safety. It's one of the few undergraduate
offerings in this field.
At WKU, you'll take courses such as elements of industrial hygiene,
basic electricity and physical hazards. Other courses include safety program
management, technical writing and environmental health.
The program includes at least six semester hours of field experience or
research. This gives students on-the-job training working with an experienced
industrial hygienist.
Neil Zimmerman is an associate professor of health sciences at Purdue University
in Indiana. He advises students to take as many science and math courses as
they can. The emphasis should be on physics, chemistry, biology and calculus.
Lydia Ma is the outreach and continuing education coordinator of a graduate
industrial hygiene program. She says your interests should extend beyond science.
"[While] high school students should place an emphasis on physical or life
science courses, it would also be beneficial if some business and law courses
were taken as well," she says.
Zimmerman suggests taking every opportunity to take field trips to industrial
areas. He even recommends calling your local occupational safety organization
to see if you can "shadow" an inspector.
He also advises students to get involved with local hazardous waste
recycling programs and to be aware of local issues concerning radon, asbestos
and lead.
Ma says you may have to purchase a pair of steel-toed work boots, some
protective eyewear and perhaps a lab coat. But the most valuable purchase
may be a computer.
In the U.S., the American Board of Industrial Hygiene grants the title
of certified industrial hygienist. It's awarded after someone has worked in
the field for five years and has successfully completed a comprehensive exam.
Links
Occupational Outlook Handbook
For more information related to this field of study, see: Occupational
Health and Safety Specialists and Technicians
Occupational Hygiene (Industrial Hygiene)
This site provides links related to industrial hygiene
Army Industrial Hygiene Program
Learn about the role of industrial hygiene in the army
American Industrial Hygiene Association
Check out the student career section of the AIHA website