Occupational Hygiene and Health

(Professional Development Course)

1. Introduction

Occupational hygiene and health is a critical discipline focused on identifying, evaluating, and controlling environmental factors in the workplace that may affect workers' health. From chemical and biological hazards to ergonomic and psychosocial risks, the field of occupational hygiene is essential in safeguarding employee well-being, ensuring compliance with labor standards, and enhancing workplace productivity.

This comprehensive training program equips professionals with the knowledge and practical tools to assess and manage occupational health risks in various industries, thereby contributing to healthier and safer work environments.

 

2. Objectives

Participants will:

• Understand the principles and importance of occupational hygiene and health
• Identify various workplace hazards and assess related health risks
• Apply control measures to reduce or eliminate occupational exposures
• Design workplace health and safety programs
• Promote compliance with national and international occupational health standards
• Integrate occupational health into workplace policy and decision-making

 

3. Targeted Group

Ideal for:

• Occupational health and safety officers
• Human resources and compliance managers
• Industrial hygienists
• Environmental health practitioners
• Medical professionals and health inspectors
• Factory and site supervisors
• Labor union representatives
• Public health officials and students in occupational health fields

 

4. Course Duration

• Total Duration: 4 weeks (64 contact hours)
• Schedule: 4 sessions per week, 4 hours per session
• Delivery Format: In-person, Online, or Hybrid
• Methodology: Lectures, workplace case studies, practical assessments, simulations, group discussions

 

5. Course Content

Module 1: Introduction to Occupational Hygiene and Health

• Definitions, principles, and scope
• Role in occupational health systems

Module 2: Occupational Health Legislation and Standards

• National and international laws (e.g., ILO, WHO)
• Workplace legal compliance

Module 3: Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (HIRA)

• Types of hazards: physical, chemical, biological, ergonomic, psychosocial
• Conducting effective risk assessments

Module 4: Chemical Hazards and Exposure Monitoring

• Toxicology basics
• Sampling methods and threshold limit values (TLVs)

Module 5: Physical Hazards in the Workplace

• Noise, vibration, radiation, temperature extremes
• Health effects and control measures

Module 6: Biological Hazards

• Infections and zoonotic diseases
• Laboratory and healthcare exposures

Module 7: Ergonomic Hazards and Work Design

• Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs)
• Ergonomic assessments and interventions

Module 8: Psychosocial Hazards and Workplace Stress

• Mental health at work
• Prevention of bullying, burnout, and violence

Module 9: Control Measures: Engineering, Administrative, and PPE

• Hierarchy of controls
• PPE selection, use, and limitations

Module 10: Indoor Air Quality and Ventilation

• Workplace air pollutants
• Designing effective ventilation systems

Module 11: Occupational Health Surveillance and Medical Monitoring

• Health checks, screening, and worker health records
• Disease reporting systems

Module 12: Industrial Hygiene Sampling Techniques and Equipment

• Air, noise, and surface sampling
• Use of dosimeters, pumps, and real-time monitors

Module 13: Incident Investigation and Reporting

• Accident root cause analysis
• Corrective and preventive actions

Module 14: Emergency Preparedness and Response in the Workplace

• Fire safety, chemical spills, evacuation procedures
• First aid and crisis management

Module 15: Promoting Workplace Health and Wellness

• Nutrition, physical activity, substance abuse prevention
• Developing a workplace wellness strategy

Module 16: Capstone Group Project – Workplace Hygiene Audit & Risk Reduction Plan

• Conducting a mock hygiene audit
• Developing a comprehensive risk reduction strategy

 

6. Expected Outcomes

After completing the course, participants will be able to:

• Conduct workplace hazard assessments
• Apply national and international occupational hygiene standards
• Design and implement effective hazard control programs
• Promote occupational wellness and safety culture
• Reduce incidence of work-related illnesses and injuries
• Improve overall workplace productivity and legal compliance

 

7. Certification

Certificate of Completion

Awarded to participants who:

• Attend a minimum of 85% of sessions
• Actively participate in group activities and assignments

Professional Certificate in Occupational Hygiene and Health

Granted upon:

• Submission and presentation of the capstone audit project
• Passing final evaluation (theory and practical)
• Demonstrating practical application of hygiene tools and frameworks

Certification may be endorsed by national occupational health authorities, Ministries of Labour or Health, professional bodies (e.g., IOHA), or training institutions.