Why do employers need industrial hygiene services? Characterizing employees’ exposure to air contaminants and chemical, physical, and ergonomic hazards is essential for effectively managing worker safety and health. Accurately identifying exposure levels helps employers allocate resources to appropriate controls and support compliance with programs such as substance-specific exposure control plans, respiratory protection, hearing conservation, and employee training.
Small employers in Florida do not have to navigate these challenges alone. USF SafetyFlorida Consultation Program offers a variety of industrial hygiene surveys to assist employers in construction, maritime, agriculture, and general industry.
- Airborne contaminants such as mists, vapors, fumes, or solids can be evaluated with personal air sampling. During the process, an air sampling pump is attached to an employee to determine the airborne concentration of contaminants such as lead, cadmium, hexavalent chromium, asbestos, crystalline silica, and methylene chloride. Exposure to these substances can cause acute and chronic illnesses that can lead to permanent disability or death. Commonly evaluated operations include, but are not limited to, metal welding, grinding, and cutting; stone or concrete product fabrication and installation; abrasive blasting; and spray painting.
- Noise exposure can be assessed using sound level meters, noise dosimeters, and octave band analyzers to determine both area and personal exposure levels. Workplace noise exposure can lead to temporary or permanent hearing loss, tinnitus, communication difficulties, and increased workplace accidents. Industries with high percentages of noise-exposed workers include manufacturing, construction, agriculture, transportation, and warehousing.
- Heat hazard assessments help determine when heat hazards are present in the workplace. Environmental factors, clothing, and workloads are considered when evaluating the effectiveness of a heat illness prevention program. Exposure to excessive heat can cause serious illness, permanent disability, or death. Workers in both indoor and outdoor environments across all industries may be exposed to heat hazards from environmental conditions, heat-generating processes, or equipment.
The USF SafetyFlorida Consultation Program provides small businesses with free and confidential assistance in addressing safety and health concerns, evaluating workplace programs, conducting industrial hygiene surveys, and identifying necessary controls and corrective actions. Contact the consultation program toll-free at (866) 273-1105 or visit usfsafetyflorida.com.