Töökeskkonnahügieen

Töökeskkonnahügieen, also known as occupational hygiene, is a scientific discipline and professional field dedicated to the anticipation, recognition, evaluation, control, and prevention of health hazards in the workplace. Its primary goal is to protect workers' health and well-being by identifying and mitigating risks associated with various environmental factors.

These factors can include chemical agents (dusts, fumes, gases, vapors), physical agents (noise, vibration, radiation, thermal stress), biological agents (bacteria, viruses, fungi), and ergonomic stressors (poor posture, repetitive movements). Occupational hygienists use a range of methods and tools to assess exposure levels, such as air sampling, noise monitoring, and surface wipe testing.

Based on these assessments, they develop and recommend control strategies. These strategies often follow a hierarchy, prioritizing elimination or substitution of the hazard, followed by engineering controls (ventilation systems, machine guards), administrative controls (work practice changes, job rotation), and finally, personal protective equipment (respirators, hearing protection).

Effective Töökeskkonnahügieen involves a systematic approach to workplace safety and health management. It requires understanding relevant legislation, establishing clear policies and procedures, providing training to employees, and regularly reviewing and updating control measures. By proactively addressing workplace hazards, Töökeskkonnahügieen contributes to a healthier, safer, and more productive working environment, reducing the incidence of occupational diseases and injuries.