COMMUNITY

AIHA NEWS AND NOTES

White Paper Outlines Hiring Managers’ Expectations of Recent Graduates In February, AIHA released a new white paper that explores the future of environmental health and safety multidisciplinary professionals, or “EHS generalists.” The white paper focuses on hiring managers’ requirements and expectations of recent EHS generalist graduates, emphasizes the unique skill sets candidates need to perform this type of job, and outlines the entry-level opportunities available to them. The document was developed from a survey conducted by AIHA in cooperation with the American Board of Industrial Hygiene and the National Association for Environmental Management. Because EHS generalists may practice across all three disciplines—environmental, health, and safety—relevant education and credentials are essential to get hired and quickly becoming effective in a position. The white paper concludes that some of the most desirable communication skills employers seek related to an EHS generalist position are the ability to influence others, train workers, present information to nontechnical staff, and write technical briefs for different audiences.  “AIHA is well positioned to assist in educating EHS generalists on the fundamentals of exposure assessment and control,” said AIHA CEO Lawrence Sloan. “Equally important, we strongly support the pursuit of ‘soft skills’ that will help enhance the competitiveness of these professionals in their careers.”  The survey was conducted with college graduates from 2018. Participants represented a broad cross-section of industries, and most worked for organizations with more than 500 employees. The white paper is available as a free PDF download from AIHA’s website. AIHA Issues IH Professional Pathway eGuide The new AIHA IH Professional Pathway eGuide, published last month, provides practical suggestions for industrial hygienists who are seeking to advance their careers. The eGuide highlights educational resources for IHs in each career stage, including students or interns, early career professionals, professionals, senior professionals, and emeritus professionals. The eGuide also discusses the role of “allied professionals” such as IH technicians, safety professionals, and chemists. Allied professionals often interface with IH professionals, and they should have at least a basic understanding of IH/OH principles and the hierarchy of controls.  “As a university professor, I know how important it is for students to be able to envision a career path before they commit to a degree program,” said Steven E. Lacey, PhD, CIH, CSP, who was part of the team that authored the eGuide. “The new IH Professional Pathway eGuide will serve as a central piece of this roadmap.” Advice in the eGuide is broken out into three areas: technical skills, leadership skills, and management skills. Readers will also find suggested AIHA educational courses that can help with the development of these skills. The eGuide also encourages IHs to pursue and attain credentials such as certifications and registrations. Employers often seek certified candidates, especially for positions in management, the eGuide notes. For more information regarding the IH Professional Pathway program, visit AIHA's website. Download a free copy of the AIHA IH Professional Pathway eGuide as a PDF. Contribute to the Future of IH The industrial hygiene profession needs a pipeline of highly trained and skilled professionals if it is to continue to meet the needs of a global economy. The purpose of the American Industrial Hygiene Foundation is to provide scholarships to the best and the brightest to ensure this critical need is being met. Since 1982, AIHF has distributed more than $2 million to more than 700 students studying industrial hygiene and related disciplines at 50-plus different schools and universities. Contributions to AIHF are tax-deductible, as provided by law. Donating to AIHF will help ensure that deserving students preparing for careers in industrial hygiene will receive scholarships. Detailed information about making a donation or a pledge can be found on the AIHF website.

Notice of AIHA 2019 Annual Business Meeting AIHA’s annual business meeting will be held at AIHce EXP 2019 in Minneapolis, Minn., at 4:45 p.m. CT on Wednesday, May 22, to introduce incoming officers and directors and address other association business. In order to establish a quorum for this meeting, a call for proxy votes will be made electronically. AIHA Accolades  The International Association of Women has recognized Dawn Bolstad-Johnson, MPH, CIH, CSP, FAIHA, as a 2019–2020 “influencer” and leader in environmental, health, and safety practices. IAW is a global professional networking platform that seeks to provide women the forum, education, and services to succeed in an interconnected world. Bolstad-Johnson previously authored “Firefighting: A Toxic Profession,” the cover article of the October 2013 Synergist (available in the online Synergist archives with AIHA member login). In 2017, she founded Kaizen Safety Solutions, LLC, a consulting company specializing in the fire service and aviation industry. Read more in IAW’s press release.

Have You Heard of Safety Matters? Safety Matters, a program presented by NIOSH and AIHA, is designed to raise awareness among young people about workplace safety and health. Learn how to help make information regarding workplace safety training available in your school districts and contact your legislators about incorporating this vital curriculum today. Visit AIHA's website for more information and additional resources on teen safety in the workplace. Dates and Deadlines April 25 AIHA webinar: “Introduction to Emotional Intelligence.”

May 20–22 AIHce EXP 2019 in Minneapolis, Minn. June 20 Save the date for a new AIHA webinar: “Requirements of 2019 Edition of NFPA 652 Standard on Combustible Dust – On Your Way Towards Compliance?”   September 10–12 Product Stewardship 2019 in Columbus, Ohio. October 21–23 Exposure and Chemical Monitoring - Beyond IH Fundamentals course in Westerville, Ohio. For a complete list of events, visit AIHA's website.