The Nickel Institute helps its Members and users of nickel to protect workers exposed to nickel and nickel-containing products by generating knowledge and providing information and advice on best occupational hygiene practice in relation to nickel use.
The International Occupational Hygiene Association defines Industrial or Occupational Hygiene as:
the discipline of anticipating, recognising, evaluating and controlling health hazards in the working environment with the objective of protecting worker health and well-being and safeguarding the community at large.
Occupational or Industrial hygiene can also be described as the practice of identifying, assessing and managing the risk of those hazardous agents (chemical, biological and physical) at the workplace that may cause illness or discomfort, to avoid adverse effects on health in the long and short term.
Occupational Hygienists use a range of scientific and engineering techniques to help prevent health problems that may burden workers both now and in the future. They support employers and employees by helping them understand the risks and showing them how to improve working conditions and practices.
THE NICKEL INSTITUTE PERSPECTIVE
The main objective of the Nickel Institute’s Occupational Hygiene program is to protect those workers exposed to nickel and nickel-containing products.
Specifically, the objectives are to:
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Take part in the regulatory discussions surrounding workers’ safety
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Follow up on the feasibility of Occupational Exposure Limits and cost-benefit analyses
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Manage exposure monitoring campaigns
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Advise on risk management measures
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Advise on risk assessment methodologies and techniques for measuring exposure.