OHST Practice Exam

Which professional is focused on evaluating and controlling environmental factors in the workplace?

1. Industrial Hygienist

2. Industrial Toxicologist

3. Health Physicist

4. Medical Pathologist

The correct answer is: Industrial Hygienist

The professional who is focused on evaluating and controlling environmental factors in the workplace is the Industrial Hygienist. This role involves identifying potential hazards that could affect worker health, such as chemical exposures, noise, radiation, and biological agents. Industrial Hygienists use their knowledge to implement measures that minimize or eliminate these risks, ensuring a safer working environment. They might conduct assessments, monitor workplace conditions, and suggest appropriate engineering controls, work practices, and personal protective equipment (PPE) to safeguard employee health. In contrast, the other professions mentioned have different areas of focus. An Industrial Toxicologist focuses more specifically on understanding the effects of chemical exposures on humans, while a Health Physicist deals primarily with radiation safety and protection, ensuring radiation does not pose a risk to health. A Medical Pathologist is concerned with diagnosing diseases through the examination of tissues and bodily fluids and does not typically engage with workplace environmental factors. Thus, the Industrial Hygienist is specifically trained and utilized for workplace environmental evaluations and controls, making it the correct answer.