INDUSTRIAL HYGIENE

Hurricane Aftermath, Returning to a Workplace

Hurricane Aftermath, Returning to a Workplace

Introduction

This paper intends to explore the responsibilities of the industrial hygienist and his team, which is composed of

Environmental Manager, responsible for wastes, physical plant and regulatory issues

Current Safety Supervisor, responsible for trainings and programs.

At least two technicians, who shall be well versed in collecting environmental samples and testing and in IH.

Then there is Incident Commander who is basically in charge for the effective and efficient recovery of the hurricane affected area.

Further, paper analyzes the recommendations for the team members to clean-up and recover the affected area and analyze the core objectives of the Industrial Hygiene.

The Industrial Hygiene consists of a set of rules and procedures aimed at protecting the physical and mental integrity of workers, preserving the health risks inherent in the tasks of the position and the physical environment where they run (Fulekar, 2006). It is related to the diagnosis and prevention of occupational diseases from the study and control of two variables: the man and his work environment. It has a preventive character, as it addresses the health and comfort of the people.



Discussion

Being Industrial Hygienist it is important to guide Incident Commander and make appropriate recommendations so he could address his concerns and needs. However, after the hurricane Incident Commander is the main in-charge of the recovery of effected area. Thus, he must make sure that all the operations and cleanup procedures including personal protective equipments for the workers are there as needed.

Sampling, analysis of contaminants in the affected area;

Exposure assessment, compliance with standards;

Respiratory protection program;

Substitution;

Analysis of air quality

The industrial hygiene or occupational health comes down to anticipation, identification, assessment and control of health hazards in the workplace: its ultimate goal is to protect the health and welfare workers. Industrial hygiene concern for my team and clean-up recovery workers involves two main techniques, namely the investigation and diagnosis. The investigation results in the search for causes to effects observed or anticipated, either by inspecting workplaces, preventive maintenance or investigation of incidents or accidents (Fulekar, 2006).

My team consists of Environmental Manager, responsible for wastes, physical plant and regulatory issues. Secondly, there will be a Current Safety Supervisor, responsible for trainings and programs. Thirdly, there will be at least two technicians, who shall be well versed in collecting environmental samples and testing and in IH. Then there is Incident ...