Industrial Hygienist

This position is located within the Martinsburg VA Medical Center, Martinsburg, West Virginia, as part of the Safety Office. This position serves as an Industrial Hygienist and will be assigned the duties of the Safe Patient Handling and Mobility Program Manager (SPHM) for the medical center.

Duties may include but are not limited to: Plans and conducts evaluations of working operations involving potentially hazardous environmental conditions, analyzes findings, and recommends corrective measures and controls. Formulates specific recommendations for control of health hazards found. Participates in the review for new or modified facilities, processes, equipment and materials for evaluation of the adequacy of health hazard controls.

Administers specific industrial hygiene programs for the facility. Leads industrial hygiene surveys and investigations to determine the nature and severity of hazards. Prepares technical reports identifying health hazards and recommends measures for the reduction or elimination.

Conducts briefings with supervisors to discuss industrial hygiene programs, the findings from industrial hygiene evaluations, and the approach to be taken to mitigate hazards. Reviews VA / VHA publications, OSHA documents and regulations, the Federal Register, EPA regulations and other pertinent documents and interprets said regulations and guidance for development of management programs. Participates in the Facility Safety and Health Committee, Accident Review Board and Patient Safety Committee and chairs the Safety Patient Handling Committee.

The SPHM Program Manager is responsible for the development, implementation, maintenance, and continuous evaluation of the facility's program for SPHM in alignment with VHA Directive, policy and national oversight. Responsible for the development and implementation of policies and procedures for the entire facility as they relate to SPHM, including acquisition, development, analysis and presentation of planning data, economic demography, patient care, and work performance for use in planning efforts. Provides leadership in addressing ethical issues that impact the Veterans or staff involved with the SPHM Program.

Evaluates compliance with The Joint Commission Standards, internal and external auditors regarding SPHM program, including staff education and development. Responsible for implementation of SPHM algorithms and will identify, propose, and oversee equipment to meet current and future needs for SPHM. Coordinate with the Patient Safety to implement evidence into practice for SPHM. Collaborate with Patient Safety and Occupational Safety, Health Care Technology and Logistics, Environment of Care and staff in equipment selection.

Maintains coordination of the SPHM program throughout the Martinsburg VAMC. Collaborate with managers/service chiefs to develop a strategy for dissemination of information, education, and justification of the SPHM Program for facility staff. Develop, supervise, coordinate, and expand a lntraunit Resource and Instructor for Safety (IRIS) Program to facilitate facility-wide implementation of the SPHM Program.

This program development will include education (at least annually), supervision (in collaboration with managers), and support of IRISs for progression of responsibility. The incumbent will anticipate new knowledge needs for changing practice and plans and implement/evaluate strategies to meet those needs. Conducts on-site inspections of worksites to identify and evaluate conditions which may be hazardous to workers' health.

Conducts periodic workplace inspections in all organizations, buildings, and grounds to locate any hazards or potential hazards. Conducts ergonomic assessments of work environments and makes recommendations to improve worker comfort and reduce musculoskeletal injuries. Provide written and oral reports of findings and recommendations to abate or reduce hazards.

Investigate accidents which may include those involving fatalities and serious injury. Investigate complaints of employees concerning work conditions. Check facility areas for possible unsafe conditions.

Follow up to assure correction of all deficiencies found. Determine compliance with occupational health regulations, recognized standards, and agency governing references. Investigate exposures which may include those involving fatalities, serious injuries, and complaints by employees concerning work conditions.

Other tasks and duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Full time. Monday through Friday 8:00am - 4:30pm.

Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Position Description/PD#: Industrial Hygienist/PD19034O Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized. Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not approved. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized.