Final answer:
True, industrial hygienists have a crucial role in assessing risks and determining the necessary actions to control work hazards. They prioritize eliminating or reducing risks through modifying work conditions and ensuring compliance with safety standards such as those set by OSHA.
Step-by-step explanation:
One of the primary roles of an industrial hygienist is to assess work environments and determine the appropriate measures to control work hazards. This statement is true. Industrial hygienists utilize scientific expertise to identify potential risks, develop and implement safety protocols, and ensure compliance with regulatory bodies such as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
Employers are responsible for providing a safe workplace by following all OSHA safety and health standards, which include the requirement to find and correct safety and health problems. Measures taken to control hazards should prioritize eliminating or reducing risks through changes in working conditions, for instance by choosing safer chemicals or improving ventilation systems. Only when these methods are not feasible should personal protective equipment be considered.
The development of safety standards and regulations, such as those responding to the Three Mile Island nuclear accident, showcase the importance of human factor professionals in enhancing work safety through ergonomic design and increased operator training. Thus, the role of industrial hygienists in designing workspaces and advising on hazard control is a critical component of occupational health and safety management.