What is the primary objective of industrial hygiene in the workplace?

• A. Protect workers from occupational hazards by preventing exposure.
• B. Increase production throughput.
• C. Ensure corporate profitability.
• D. Design new products.

Answer: (A)

The main goal of industrial hygiene is to protect workers by preventing exposure to occupational hazards. In practice, this means identifying potential hazards, measuring exposures, and implementing controls that reduce or eliminate risk before harm occurs. This relies on the hierarchy of controls—eliminating the hazard or substituting it when possible, using engineering controls like ventilation, applying administrative changes to work practices, and providing personal protective equipment when needed. The emphasis is on preventing health effects rather than reacting after exposure, so safety becomes an integral part of planning and daily operations.

Other options miss the central aim because they describe outcomes that may accompany good safety but aren’t the purpose of industrial hygiene themselves—boosting production throughput, ensuring profitability, or designing products. The focus remains on safeguarding health by preventing exposure.