Become a Generalist, an EHS Specialist

In an effort to decrease the health hazards of handrails and other metalwork, the American Industrial Hygiene Association has been instrumental in promoting the use of ergonomics in the workplace. The AIA was formed in 1940 to promote uniformity in the manufacturing and performance of industrial products. Apart from setting industry standards, the group tries to educate American workers about health and safety. Every year, over four hundred professionals from all walks of life are certified by the AIA. The members of the AIA are also responsible for writing and editing the AIDA manual. If you are interested in pursuing a career in this field, it is important to become a member of the association.

American Industrial Hygiene Association

A professional who wishes to join the ranks of the AIA should be knowledgeable about safety and ergonomics. The person must have a strong interest in public health, occupational health, safety, and environmental health and safety. Those seeking membership in the association should undergo a background check by the American Industrial Hygiene Association. Applicants with degrees in occupational health, mechanical engineering, or related fields are more likely to be accepted into the association. If you have completed college courses on health and safety and feel that you meet these criteria, you may apply for membership.

One of the requirements of being a member of the AIA is that the individual must belong to a professional organization. There are currently two professional organizations recognized by the association: the American Institute of Engineers ( IEEE ) and the Society of Safety Engineers (SSE). The association also has regional subdivisions in the states of Georgia, North Carolina, Ohio, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Illinois. These divisions bring together EHS professionals from various states and the nation as a whole.

In order to join the American Industrial Hygiene Association, you must be an engineer or have an equivalent degree in engineering. Prior to application, the prospective member must fulfill all the requirements and prove that he or she meets the aforementioned professional qualifications. You must attend and pass the national examination given by the association in order to be accredited as a member.

Currently, there are several vocational training and certificate programs offered by the association. Students who participate in these training programs are given the opportunity to learn about health and safety principles. Upon successful completion of the coursework, these graduates are then able to sit for the certification examination given by the American Industrial Hygiene Association. The certificate programs offered by the association include courses that address fire safety measures, electrical safety procedures, and nutrition safety, among others.

Currently, the American Industrial Hygiene Association has also opened the registration process for ehs generalists. In this process, candidates can choose to enroll in either the EHS generalist course or one of their specialties, depending on the level they wish to pursue. Once a person is accepted into an ehs generalist program, he or she will be qualified to work as an EHS specialist, which is an occupational position defined by the American Industrial Hygiene Association. Specialists are able to perform tasks that are defined by the EHS generalist certification exam.