Measuring involves collecting samples using pumps, chemical traps, meters, and other types of equipment that measure chemical, biological, and physical agents. Control involves developing methods to reduce or prevent exposure to hazardous agents. Management includes training employees and managers, writing and implementing EPA and OSHA compliance programs, and consulting in the company on health and safety matters and in emergency situations. Small Companies have one person health and safety departments, and often that person is an industrial hygienist. Large companies may have a team of industrial hygienists and responsibilities are divided up according to individual experience and interest.
Many industrial hygienists work as consultants in private consulting firms or insurance companies.
They perform chemical surveys and develop employee training programs. Sometimes consultants serve as expert witnesses in court cases. Industrial hygienists work in universities and colleges as industrial hygienists, and additionally may teach industrial hygiene courses, or may perform research in the field. Also, each of the branches of the armed forces has an industrial hygiene program. Industrial hygienists also work for other federal or state programs to assist in environmental and workplace health research.