Changing the Workplace

Be familiar with examples of technologic, psychologic, and economic dimensions to

“change.”

Despite their outstanding qualities, hygienists do not control the workplace. In most workplaces,

production managers make the rules and decisions, and production operators make the products or

do the things that make the employer money. Unfortunately, their decisions and actions sometimes

cause injury or disease. An industrial hygienists goal is to minimize these adverse effects while not

stifling the things they do best. Thus, changing either the rules, the chemicals, or the changing

production procedures, takes the approval, cooperation, and/or the participation of others, often

many others. Obtaining that commitment requires technologic knowledge, psychologic skills,

economic awareness, and patience.