Anticipation
Anticipation, recognition, evaluation, prevention, and control are the five pillars of industrial hygiene (IH). Anticipation is the most difficult component of IH since it necessitates extensive experience and technical understanding (Hersh, 2015; Plog & Quinlan, 2012). Anticipation is the estimation of one or more occupational hazards' exposure and response or reaction. To determine the extent of hazardous chemical exposure, it is critical to analyze all new chemicals and processes, as well as conduct qualitative or quantitative assessments of the hazardous chemicals (Hersh, 2015; Plog & Quinlan, 2012).
Recognition
Recognition of occupational hazards is essential for the creation of adequate planning for hazard assessment and control strategies, as well as the establishment of action procedures. Besides, the physical characterization of contaminant sources and propagation paths is essential for the adequate design of various control measures (Plog & Quinlan, 2012). In the case of exposure to hazardous chemical, recognition may involve the establishment of a database containing all the recommended practices and legal requirements for the chemical, as well as creating an assessment plan based on the chemical ranking (Plog & Quinlan, 2012).
Evaluation
Evaluation of occupational hazards involves the assessment of the workers' exposure to occupational hazards, as well as the provision of data relating to the design of control measures. The evaluation also helps in determining if there is overexposure to occupational hazards, as well as identifying the most appropriate intervention (Plog & Quinlan, 2012). In the case of exposure to hazardous chemical, the evaluation may involve the establishment of a logical exposure assessment framework, as well as the documentation of the hazard evaluations in a standardized and detailed manner (Hersh, 2015; Plog & Quinlan, 2012).
Prevention
Prevention of occupational hazards relates to the implementation of the most appropriate hazard control and prevention measures in the work environment. The enforcement of the best practice regulations and standards is essential in protecting the workers' health. Prevention often involves the establishment of both control and monitoring strategies (Hersh, 2015). Besides, the absence of legally recognized standards is usually not an obstacle to implementing the required preventive measures to harmful exposures or their control to minimum feasible levels. In the case of hazardous chemical, prevention of exposure may involve ensuring effective hazard communication, as well as emphasizing all health and safety training (Hersh, 2015; Plog & Quinlan, 2012).
Control
Control of occupational hazards involves the modification of the hazard source, which helps in eliminating or reducing the hazards' concentration or intensity. Various source reduction measures may include modification of equipment or processes, substitution of materials, or adequate maintenance of equipment (Plog & Quinlan, 2012). Other control strategies may include the use of various engineering control measures, which are helpful in preventing occupational exposures by monitoring and managing the work environment, thereby limiting the chances of exposure. In the case of hazardous chemical, control may involve following the hierarchy of controls, as well as embracing the use of a recognized health and safety management system (Plog & Quinlan, 2012).
The Appropriate Control Strategies
The appropriate control strategies for occupational hazards involve process modifications or the use of mechanical structures aimed at eliminating or reducing the generation, use, or release of occupational hazards at their sources (Hersh, 2015). When the elimination of hazardous agents at the source is impossible, control measures should be designed to either prevent or minimize the spread of occupational hazards into the work environment. That may be accomplished by containing the hazardous agents, interfering with their propagation, removing them before they reach the source, or reducing their intensity or concentration (Plog & Quinlan, 2012). When the source modifications are impossible, or not adequate to achieve the required control level, then the prevention of the occupational hazards' release and dissemination in the work environment may be achieved through the interruption of their transmission paths. That may be accomplished by using a broad range of measures, including local exhaust ventilation, isolation, shields, and barriers (Hersh, 2015; Plog & Quinlan, 2012).
References
Hersh, E. (2015). Industrial Hygiene: Keeping Workers Healthy and Safe. Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. Retrieved from https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/ecpe/industrial-hygiene-keeping-workers-healthy-and-safe/
Plog, B., & Quinlan, P. (2012). Fundamentals of industrial hygiene. Itasca, Ill.: National Safety Council.
