Description
Protect worker health by anticipating, recognizing, evaluating, and controlling chemical, biological, physical, and ergonomic hazards in workplaces. Apply knowledge of industrial processes, toxicology, engineering controls, and occupational health laws and standards to reduce exposures and ensure regulatory compliance.
- • Investigate occupational illnesses, exposures, and incidents to determine causes and preventive controls.
- • Conduct qualitative and quantitative exposure assessments for chemical, biological, and physical agents.
- • Perform air, surface, bulk, and wipe sampling; interpret results against OSHA, NIOSH, and ACGIH criteria.
- • Evaluate and optimize local exhaust and general ventilation; recommend engineering controls.
- • Develop, implement, and audit respiratory protection programs, including selection and fit testing.
- • Design and manage hearing conservation programs; conduct sound level surveys and noise dosimetry.
- • Assess heat and cold stress and non-ionizing or ionizing radiation exposures; recommend controls.
- • Evaluate ergonomic risk factors and implement job and workstation improvements.
- • Review new and existing chemicals, processes, and SDSs to assess health hazards and exposure potential.
- • Develop exposure control plans, standard operating procedures, and job hazard analyses.
- • Train employees and supervisors on hazard communication, PPE, and exposure control practices.
- • Maintain and apply current knowledge of occupational health regulations, standards, and guidelines.
- • Recommend substitution, isolation, ventilation, and administrative controls to eliminate or reduce hazards.
- • Report and communicate exposure findings, risk characterizations, and corrective actions to stakeholders.
- • Evaluate the adequacy and effectiveness of corrective actions and health programs.
- • Interpret occupational health regulations and exposure limits for managers, workers, and safety staff.
- • Contribute to preparation and review of labels, hazard communication, and safety data sheet content.
- • Interview employees and conduct task observations to understand work practices and exposures.
- • Provide expert testimony or technical support in occupational health litigation or claims.
- • Review and audit industrial hygiene and health programs for compliance and effectiveness.
- • Coordinate medical surveillance and biological monitoring with occupational health providers.
- • Develop and revise industrial hygiene policies, procedures, and standards.
- • Maintain liaison with emergency response, fire, and public health agencies on hazardous materials.
- • Plan and conduct special studies and research in industrial hygiene and exposure science.
- • Compile, analyze, and trend industrial hygiene data to prioritize risks and track controls.
- • Inspect workplaces, processes, and PPE to identify and mitigate health hazards and ensure compliance.
- • Advise on safer alternatives, chemical substitution, and process changes to reduce exposures.
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Management & Entrepreneurship
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Tasks & skills:
O*NET occupational data (work activities, skills, knowledge).
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Sources & Standards:
This site includes information from O*NET by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license. Career Clutch has modified some of this information for student readability. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
Last reviewed: Jan 2026
