AHEC Connecticut
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES - Industrial Hygienist
To be a successful Industrial Hygienist you should...
- have an ability and a strong interest in science
- have the ability to follow a problem to conclusion
- have the ability to work with governmental regulations
- have the ability to exercise patience, flexibility, and a
- willingness to work in different locations under a variety of conditions
What will my job be like?
Industrial hygienist are committed to protecting the health and safety of people in the workplace and the community. They investigate and examine the workplace for hazards and potential dangers, make recommendations on improving the safety of workers and the surrounding community. They develop techniques to control or eliminate possible dangerous situations in the workplace and the community. They train and educate the community about job-related risks; advise government officials in the development of regulations to ensure the health and safety of workers and their families; and ensure that workers are properly following health and safety procedures.
Where could I work?
Industrial hygienist work for consulting firms, government agencies, private industry, and manufacturing and environmental agencies.
Workplace safety is a growing concern for employers and employees. Complex automated machinery and stricter government guidelines will increase the need for industrial hygenists. The need for this career will increase in the future.
What is the average annual salary?
$67,019
What is the future of this career?
Employment of Industrial hygienist is expected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations through 2014.
What type of education and/or training do I need?
Industrial hygienist generally have a college degree in one of the sciences or engineering. Most have graduate degrees in occupational safety and health, environmental health engineering, physical or natural science, or environmental health sciences.
Where can I get the education and/or training?
- Briarwood College, Southington
- Institute of Environmental Management and Technology, Inc., Shelton
- Naugatuck Valley Community College, Naugatuck
- Rensselaer at Hartford/Learning Institute, Hartford
- University of New Haven, West Haven
Do I need a license or certification for this career?
Licensure is not required in the state of Connecticut.
Where can I get more information?
American Board of Industrial Hygiene
6015 West St Joseph, Suite 102
Lansing, MI 48917
www.abih.org
American Industrial Hygiene Association
2700 Prosperity Avenue, Suite 250
Fairfax, VA 22031
(703) 849-8888
www.aiha.org