Developing and managing an industrial hygiene program

Establishing a comprehensive industrial hygiene program at a major manufacturing location can be a formidable task, even when many of the basic elements are available. The growth of a manufacturing location often requires a change in industrial hygiene operational methods, as well as an increase in staff size. A successful six-step approach used at a major manufacturing location is described. The steps include: 1) learning the management system; 2) defining IH concerns; 3) establishing IH priorities, goals and objectives; 4) defining the business needs; 5) communicating the business needs; and 6) managing the program and measuring progress.