ACCREDITED OCCUPATIONAL HYGIENE ASSESSMENTS

Workplace facilities such as sanitation, washing facilities, change rooms, dining areas, drinking water, and seating play a critical role in protecting employee health and hygiene. Facilities inspections assess whether workplace amenities are suitable for the type of work performed and comply with legal requirements.

Indoor air quality (IAQ) refers to the condition of air within workplaces and buildings and its effect on employee health, comfort, and performance. Poor indoor air quality is commonly caused by inadequate ventilation, temperature and humidity imbalances, and the accumulation of chemical or biological contaminants.

An occupational health risk assessment is a structured process used to identify workplace hazards, evaluate potential health risks, and determine appropriate control measures to protect employee health and wellbeing. Health risk assessments consider physical, chemical, biological, ergonomic, and environmental hazards arising from work activities.

Local exhaust ventilation (LEV) systems are engineered controls designed to capture and remove airborne contaminants at their source before they enter the employee’s breathing zone. Effective LEV systems play a critical role in protecting employees from exposure to dusts, fumes, vapours, and other hazardous airborne substances.

Hazardous chemical agents are substances present in the workplace that may pose a risk to employee health through inhalation, skin contact, or ingestion. These agents may occur in the form of dusts, fumes, gases, vapours, mists, fibres, or liquids and are commonly generated during manufacturing, processing, maintenance, and cleaning activities.

Heat stress occurs when the body is unable to regulate its internal temperature due to a combination of environmental heat, physical workload, and personal factors. Employees may be exposed to heat stress during indoor or outdoor work where high temperatures, radiant heat, humidity, or strenuous activity are present.

Cold stress occurs when the body loses heat faster than it can be replaced due to exposure to low temperatures, wind, or cold surfaces. Employees may be exposed to cold stress during outdoor work, refrigerated environments, or cold indoor workplaces.

Adequate workplace lighting is essential for employee safety, visual comfort, and work quality. Illumination levels that are too low or too high can strain the eyes, reduce concentration, and increase the risk of errors, accidents, and injuries. Poor lighting is common in workplaces and often goes unnoticed due to the human eye’s ability to adapt to sub-standard conditions.

Workplace vibration exposure occurs when employees operate vibrating tools, equipment, or machinery. Hand-arm vibration (HAV) is typically associated with hand-held or hand-guided tools, while whole-body vibration (WBV) affects employees who operate vehicles or machinery in seated or standing positions.

Workplace noise is a common occupational hazard that can negatively affect employee health, safety, and productivity. Noise is typically generated by machinery, tools, vehicles, and industrial processes, and prolonged exposure can result in permanent hearing damage.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral previously used in building materials for its insulation and fire-resistant properties. Many older buildings still contain asbestos-containing materials that may pose a health risk if disturbed or deteriorating.

Hazardous biological agents include bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other microorganisms that may pose a risk to employee health. Exposure may occur during cleaning activities, healthcare services, waste handling, food processing, or in shared indoor environments.