What Are Occupational Hygiene Services? IOH Solutions Explains
What is occupational hygiene? Does your business need it? Have you ever had a professional assessment carried out at your work premises by an occupational hygienist? Many people are somewhat sketchy on the definition of occupational hygiene and why it is required.
Occupational hygiene is a strategy to ensure that the business and its employees are safeguarded against potential illness and injury in the workplace. It is a type of science where the aim is to be able to recognise and anticipate risks, evaluate the type and nature of the risks and then communicate the best possible measures and solutions to mitigate these risks. Controls have to be put in place to eliminate or monitor and manage the various hazards in the workplace that often lead to injury, illness, and a generally unhealthy or unsafe environment.
Occupational hygiene services can be provided on a customised basis to cater to the needs and requirements of your particular business. This means that when we speak of “occupational hygiene services”, we are referring to a broad scope of services, all designed to make the work environment safer and healthier. These services include, but are not limited to health risk assessments, noise monitoring, correct management and disposal of hazardous chemical substances, working with asbestos, indoor air quality, thermal stresses, ergonomics, illumination, chemical compatibility, ventilation, vibration, hazardous biological sampling, and water sampling.
Many companies overlook their responsibility to assess risks in the workplace and this may lead to injuries and illnesses being suffered by employees. Injuries and accidents can lead to expensive damage to equipment and downtime of staff members. It goes without saying that these scenarios can have a negative impact on your bottom line. While productivity and profitability are the main concerns for most businesses, it is important to ensure that your work environment promotes better business and profits.
Many people are not aware of it, but it is required by law that a business should assesses its risks and ensure that the correct and effective measures and controls are in place. We highly recommend that you assess your occupational hygiene and safety mechanisms at least every two years. Being compliant with health and safety regulations is essential if you want your business to avoid loss of productivity, potential legal action being taken against you and if you want to truly earn the respect and loyalty of both your employees and customers.
IOH Solutions has been providing the South African market with professional occupational hygiene services for the past 14 years. Our expertise in the field and in helping a wide variety of businesses in various industries allows us to provide helpful, accurate advice and assistance to our customers, regardless of the type and nature of business they are operating.
If you would like to learn more about our occupational hygiene services and how they can benefit your business now and in the long run, chat to one of our professional consultants. We are available via email and telephone and look forward to assisting you to achieve greater health and safety compliance in the workplace this year.