Over the course of the last several years, countless individuals have asked the question “Why isn’t the professional of industrial hygiene recognized in more laws and regulations?” A fair question! Nonetheless, before we seek to have the profession recognized in more places, we first have to determine where we are already recognized. Does anyone know who we are?
That was the purpose behind this first-ever look into State statutes and regulations and recognition of the profession of industrial hygiene.
In conducting this research, AIHA Government Affairs staff attempted to review every state law and regulation, compiling a listing of those laws and regulations where the profession was defined, recognized and/or protected.
In conducting the research, the following terms were chosen for reference:
Searching State laws turned out to be much more difficult than originally expected. Notwithstanding today’s access to the internet, we found that not every State provided internet access to the statutes. In addition, many times it was not possible to “search” the statutes for specific terms; the only possible way to search for IH references was to search each statute individually – such a time-consuming task that it was not always possible.
Searching State regulations was even more difficult than searching the statutes. Several States do not offer internet access to State standards, rules and regulations. Others only allow for a “search” to be conducted within the individual regulation. With tens of thousands of regulations this too became almost impossible.
Upon finding a reference to the profession, sections of the statute or regulation have been provided to assist in learning more about the specific statute or regulation.
It is estimated that perhaps upwards of 10 percent of the statutes and regulations may have been overlooked when conducting this research. However, I am confident that the research presented here is the most complete look at the profession of industrial hygiene ever conducted.
The Results - Attached you will find a summary of the references found in state statutes and regulations. For a look at each of the statutes or regulations, by state, you must go to the AIHA web site, members’ only section, government affairs, and then look under the state activity center.
After reviewing, should you be aware of additional statutes or regulations referencing the profession of industrial hygiene, please contact AIHA government affairs so the reference may be added.
Thank you.
Aaron K Trippler
Director Government Affairs
American Industrial Hygiene
Association
2700 Prosperity Ave., #250, Fairfax, VA 22031
Direct: (703) 846-0730 P: (703) 849-8888 F: (703) 207-3561