A safe workplace is a productive one. Occupational hygiene fosters safe, controlled environments where employees can focus on their work without health risks, boosting morale and productivity.
British Occupational Hygiene Society
@bohsworld.bsky.social
The Chartered Society for Worker Health Protection. Find out more about what we do: www.bohs.org
If you think workplace hazards are only in factories or construction sites, think again. Cleaning chemicals, ventilation issues, and even stress are all occupational hygiene concerns.
Health risks often take years to show symptoms. By the time a worker develops an occupational illness, it’s too late. Prevention and exposure control are the only solutions.
Did you know hearing loss from excessive workplace noise is 100% preventable? ... But once it happens, it’s permanent. Proper noise control measures can protect workers’ hearing.
Personal protective equipment (PPE) should be the last line of defense. Engineering and administrative controls should always come first to reduce exposure at the source.
Ignoring occupational health doesn’t just affect workers - it impacts families, communities, and the economy. Prevention is an investment, not a cost.
If your workers are required to wear respiratory protection, make sure your workers have been facefit tested.
This paper calculates that approximately 1 in every 10 tunnel workers in Australia is estimated to develop silicosis over their lifetime due to exposure to respirable crystalline silica. academic.oup.com/annweh/advan...
The future burden of silicosis and lung cancer among tunnel construction workers in Queensland
Abstract. Exposure to respirable crystalline silica (RCS) is known to increase the risk of the development of silicosis, in addition to lung cancer and oth
academic.oup.com
PPE is considered a last resort control measure as it has to be worn properly all of the time, and it does not “fail safe”. It needs to be carefully selected to ensure it provides adequate protection.
Every year in the UK 99% of work related deaths are caused by occupational diseases, not by accidents. Follow BOHS' vision for a country where the workplace is not a significant cause of ill-health.
No job should cost you your health.
👀 You can’t see it. 👃 You can’t smell it. 🫁 But over time, it could cost you your lungs. ⚠️ That’s the danger of poor air quality at work. Occupational hygienists help stop it - before it starts.
Occupational diseases cause far more deaths than workplace accidents. Raising awareness and improving controls is vital to preventing long-term illness in the workforce.
A good workplace is one where the only thing you take home is your pay... not health conditions.
❌ 𝐌𝐲𝐭𝐡 Only factories and construction sites need occupational hygiene. ✅ 𝐓𝐫𝐮𝐭𝐡 Every workplace—offices, hospitals, and even remote work setups—has occupational hazards, from poor ergonomics to air quality issues.
PPE is a critical component, but it shouldn't be the sole reliance. Occupational hygiene emphasizes hazard elimination or control at the source. PPE is a supplementary measure, and a robust hygiene program aims to reduce reliance on it through other preventive strategies.
You may have noticed our certificates have been redesigned to incorporate our Coat of Arms, here's what each element has been chosen for. Let us know your thoughts on it in the comments!
The hierarchy of controls is a system for classifying safety measures in order of effectiveness. It can help you choose the best way to prevent workplace hazards on an everyday basis.
Every 15 seconds, a worker loses their life due to a work-related illness or injury. That's 4 deaths every minute - too many lives cut short. Workplace safety isn't optional - it's a right. Let's prioritize safer working conditions for all.
Whether you’re new to occupational hygiene or want a broader understanding of workplace health, the M200 sets you up for success. www.bohs.org/educati... #OccupationalHygiene #BOHS #WorkplaceSafety #HealthAndSafety #StaySafe
Occupational hygiene saves lives, but many people still don’t know what it is. Help us spread the word: Work-related diseases are preventable.
Occupational hygiene isn’t just for big industries. Hairdressers, cleaners, farmers, bakers - anyone exposed to dust, chemicals, or noise at work needs protection. Workplace health is for everyone!
PPE should be a last resort, not the first line of defense. The best protection? Eliminate the hazard or control it at the source. BOHS promotes real solutions for worker health. #BeyondPPE #BOHS
Ever heard of “the hierarchy of control”? It’s a framework for managing workplace risks. Instead of just PPE, we aim for elimination, substitution, and engineering controls - because prevention beats protection!
What do occupational hygienists actually do? They monitor air quality, assess noise levels, test for toxic substances, and design safer workplaces. They’re the unsung heroes keeping workers healthy!
Workplace illnesses don’t happen overnight. Long-term exposure to harmful substances leads to serious diseases like cancer and lung disease. Occupational hygienists work to prevent exposure before it’s too late.
Dust, fumes, noise, heat - hidden dangers in the workplace. Occupational hygiene helps to spot and stop them before they cause harm.
What is the most common workplace killer? It’s not accidents - it’s exposure to harmful substances. 😨 Thousands die each year from work-related diseases.
Want a career in occupational hygiene? It’s a rewarding field where you can make a real difference. BOHS offers qualifications and professional support for those looking to start or advance their career in worker health protection.
BOHS has been protecting workers since 1953! For over 70 years, BOHS has been leading the way in workplace health. We support professionals, provide training, and influence policy to make work safer for all. Join us in making work healthier, not just safer! #BOHS #HealthyWorkplaces