Industrial hygiene focuses upon environmental factors or hazards in the workplace that may contribute to sickness, unhealthiness and discomfort to workers and communities near the workplace. These hazards include air contaminants, dust, fumes, fibers, gases, biological and chemical hazards, radiation, temperature and noise. Many degree holders assist in establishing occupational health standards and regulations. Courses for industrial hygienists cover public health, occupational diseases, assessment of risks and exposure to hazards and controlling of hazards. Degrees in industrial hygiene are offered at the doctorate and master's levels.
Construction management covers the design and construction phases of a project. Students pursuing this degree learn construction theory and practices, the contents of construction documents and drawings, the supervision of employees and the worksite and how to address financial and cost issues and estimate project costs. The University of Cincinnati offers a five-year Bachelor of Science in Construction Management, which involves study in architecture, business, management and engineering.
Egronomics involves the prevention of illnesses and injuries, particularly to the musclular and skeletal systems, caused by the functions and demands of particular jobs and workplaces. The risk of such disorders prevails in jobs that require repeated, lengthy or forceful use of hands, frequent handling of heavy objects and assuming of awkward positions. Musculoskeletal illnesses can arise from cold working environments and functions involving vibrations. Holders of degrees emphasizing egronomics learn to develop methods and strategies for workers to safely meet particular job demands.
An occupational medicine degree or concentration is employed by physicians treating job-induced or related disorders or workers in an industrial environment as well as various other professionals in formulating, executing and enforcing programs that monitor workplace hazards and evaluate the health of employees who are or may be exposed to these hazards. A manual from Florida Atlantic University (see Resources) provides an example of an occupational medicine program that includes triggers for evaluations and reports required by occupational safety and health laws and forms used in the program.
The OSHA Training Institute provides instruction and training through education centers housed at institutions such as the University of Cincinnati, Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) and the University of South Florida, as well as smaller universities and community colleges. OSHA's education center webpage (see Resources) provides information on the institution's curriculum, degree programs and contact information.