Environmental and occupational health and hygiene professionals

Environmental and occupational health and hygiene professionals assess, plan and implement programs to recognize, monitor and control environmental factors that can potentially affect human health, to ensure safe and healthy working conditions, and to prevent disease or injury caused by chemical, physical, radiological and biological agents or ergonomic factors.

Tasks and duties

• Developing, implementing and reviewing programs and policies to minimize potential environmental and occupational risks to health and safety
• Preparing and implementing plans and strategies for the safe, economic and suitable disposal of commercial, industrial, medical and household wastes
• Implementing prevention programs and strategies for communicable diseases, food safety, waste water treatment and disposal systems, recreation and domestic water quality, contaminated and hazardous substances
• Identifying, reporting and documenting hazards, and assessing and controlling risks in the environment and workplace and advising on compliance with relevant law and regulations
• Developing, implementing and monitoring programs to minimize workplace and environmental pollution involving chemical, physical and biological hazards
• Advising on methods to prevent, eliminate, control, or reduce the exposure of workers, students, the public and the environment to radiological and other hazards
• Promoting ergonomic principles within the workplace such as matching furniture, equipment and work activities to the needs of employees
• Providing education, information, training, and advice to persons at all levels on aspects of occupational hygiene and environmental health
• Recording and investigating injuries and equipment damage, and reporting safety performance
• Coordinating arrangements for the compensation, rehabilitation and return to work of injured workers