29 Survey of occupational hygiene professional practice in spanish-speaking countries

Professional credentialing schemes based on experience and examination are used to clarify the scope and required competencies associated with the practice of a profession. To date there is no certification scheme for occupational hygienists in Spanish speaking regions. To fill this void a new credentialing body has been created called the Iberoamerican Board of Occupational Hygiene (JIHO). As a first step to the development of a certification exam for it was necessary to determine the interest in an occupational hygiene certification exam in Spanish and to clarify the most common work practices for those working in the profession. To determine the proper exam weightings for occupational hygiene competencies needed to practice in Spanish-speaking regions JIHO conducted a comprehensive survey of professional practice of occupational hygiene in nations where Spanish is spoken as the primary language. Surveys were sent to 456 practicing occupational hygienists in 9 different countries on a variety of topics. Results indicated that 86% of respondents felt a strong need for an OH certification exam in Spanish. The most frequent and important technical competencies utilized in practice were indicated as 1) awareness about the health effects of hazardous agents to make decisions about workplace activities and worker exposures, and 2) the application of the hierarchy of controls, control banding, hazard communication, training of employees and other methods to reduce worker exposure and workplace risks. The study results have been used to guide the weighting and importance of various technical topics and rubrics on the JIHO exam.