The Analyte Podcast – The end of the industrial hygiene profession?

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Guest: Craig Maunder, MSc, CIH, CSP – BluMetric Environmental,  Occupational Hygiene Association of Ontario
Topic: A Decline of the Industrial Hygiene Profession in Canada & the United States?

In this episode of The Analyte Podcast, we sit down with Craig Maunder, an experienced industrial hygienist with BluMetric Environmental and a key figure in the  Occupational Hygiene Association of Ontario. Together, we dive deep into the troubling trends in the industrial hygiene profession, exploring the metrics, workforce dynamics, and industry challenges that signal a potential decline in both Canada and the United States.

Key Discussion Points:

• The Numbers Don’t Lie: Analyzing the data behind the aging workforce, declining CIH certifications, and a shrinking talent pipeline in industrial hygiene.
• Are Fewer Professionals Entering the Field? A look at barriers to entry, lack of university programs, and the competition from adjacent disciplines like environmental health & safety.
• Consequences for Workplace Health & Safety: What a decline could mean for industries reliant on exposure assessment, hazardous substance monitoring, and compliance with occupational health standards.
• What Can Be Done? Strategies to revitalize interest, improve educational pathways, and promote mentorship programs to sustain the profession.
• The Role of Organizations Like the Ontario Occupational Hygiene Association & AIHA in shaping the future of industrial hygiene.

Craig brings data-driven insights and real-world experience to the discussion, making this a must-listen for EHS professionals, industrial hygienists, and anyone concerned about the future of workplace health and safety.