Indoor air quality (IAQ) is the biggest issue currently facing the American worker, according to a newly released membership survey from the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA). The association represents nearly 12,500 professionals in the field of occupational and environmental health and safety.
IAQ has been in the news frequently in the last several years over growing concerns about “sick building syndrome.” More than 40 percent of members surveyed named IAQ the first or second most important health issue for workers.
AIHA members noted several other key concerns for the nation’s workforce. Among them are workplace reproductive hazards, environmental lead, and the creation and implementation of an ergonomics standard. Such a standard, though voluntary, could greatly influence and improve physical working conditions for a variety of employees, including the millions of office workers who spend hours a day at computer workstations.
The association’s members also believe that changes underway at the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) will have a significant impact on working conditions in the next several years.
From Monday Morning Quarterback: www.mmqb.com
