INDUSTRIAL HYGIENE EMBRACES DIGITAL MODERNIZATION FOR DATA MANAGEMENT
Jacob Ocampo, Senior Consultant — Toms River, NJ
1. Similar Exposure Group (SEG) Management: SEG profiles are the building block of IH sampling programs. They are initialized based on location, job title, and other shared exposure categories. Keeping SEG profiles accurate and up to date is imperative. Digitized IH systems provide a standardized data model to effectively manage and maintain SEG profiles over time. Moreover, integrated HR applications can further streamline the process for onboarding new employees or existing employees with demographic/job role changes to the correct SEG profile. This automation not only reduces administrative burdens but also enhances accuracy. 2. Exposure Assessments: Exposure assessments are the crucial field activities where the IH data gets captured, most notably chemical and noise exposure levels. Other information must also be captured about the specific job attributes including PPEs and process controls. Digital IH programs enable Industrial Hygienists to capture this data real time, thus reducing the time required for data capture and documentation. Once captured in a centralized and structured database, the IH application will enable downstream analysis of the collected data and generate routine/ad hoc reports that are accessible in real-time. This streamlined process promotes more accurate and timely assessment of workplace hazards. Most importantly, Industrial
As the world’s digital landscape continues to evolve swiftly, many organizations have adopted digital platforms for their health and safety programs, including for managing Industrial Hygiene (IH) programs. This transition to digital technologies has fundamentally changed how IH data is managed and consumed and provides opportunity to proactively manage IH related risks. At their core, IH programs involve continuously evaluating, sampling, and monitoring chemical, biological, and physical workplace hazards. Due to the need to continuously collect and analyze data, and the compliance implications related to the timeliness of various activities, it is time consuming and challenging to effectively manage an IH program without data management solutions in place to support the program. What Does a Digitized IH Program Look Like? There are numerous software platforms that offer standardized solutions tailored to IH program management, including but not limited to Benchmark, Cority, DevonWay, Enablon, Intelex, and VelocityEHS. While each software platform offers its own value proposition, they all support the digitization of the core components of an IH program. The following are key highlights of a digitized IH program.
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