Queensland Laboratory News Details
IOHA Releases New Occupational Hygiene Learning Resource
Added: 18 May, 2010
NEW LEARNING RESOURCE FOR OCCUPATIONAL HYGIENE
An exciting new learning resource has been developed for Occupational Hygienists or those with an interest in the recognition, evaluation and control of physical, chemical, biological and ergonomic hazards in the workplace.
The recently formed Occupational Hygiene Training Association (OHTA) has created a website to respond to the booming global demand for trained Occupational Hygienists, a boom created as the world seeks to address issues attached to asbestos, hazardous chemicals, noise, radiation, thermal stress and a myriad of other workplace hazards.
Its website www.ohlearning.com provides free, high quality, downloadable training materials for students and training providers. The site provides a wealth of information on the discipline of occupational hygiene, approved training providers, an international qualifications system and professional development opportunities. It also features a collaboration centre through which practitioners, both experienced and inexperienced, can network to share ideas and resources.
The OHTA began as an informal collaboration between dedicated occupational hygiene professionals who wanted people around the world to enjoy the benefits of healthy working environments. It has matured into an international framework supported by many national occupational hygiene organisations and the International Occupational Hygiene Association. The Australian Institute of Occupational Hygienists has been a major financial contributor and prominent supporter of the project.
The training and development opportunities outlined on the website will appeal to experienced occupational hygiene professionals, as well as those who may have a more limited interest - such as doctors, nurses, safety professionals, engineers and managers. The international qualifications scheme allows individuals to study at a level that suits them. There are no formal educational requirements to get underway. The front page of the website has demonstration tab that is a good starting point in understanding what this initiative has to offer.
Further information is available from the Australian Institute of Occupational Hygienists (www.aioh.org.au).