As an industrial hygienist, attending the AIHA Connect Conference has always been more than just a professional obligation — it's an invaluable opportunity to expand my knowledge, network with peers, and stay updated on the latest advancements in our field. This year’s AIHA Connect in Kansas City, MO promises to be particularly enriching, with a variety of educational sessions, Innovation Stations, and exhibitor booths that offer insights and tools to enhance your practice.
The Importance of Educational Sessions
Educational sessions at AIHA Connect are designed to provide deep dives into relevant and critical topics to our learning and awareness, offering theoretical knowledge and practical applications. This year, I am honored to be presenting two sessions that I believe will be especially beneficial:
1. G9. What We Wish We Knew
This session focuses on the information, techniques, ah-ha moments, and lessons learned that we wish we had known earlier in our industrial hygiene careers. The goal is to share these insights to help both new and seasoned professionals avoid common pitfalls and accelerate their professional growth. We will discuss:
- Key techniques that can streamline your workflow.
- Critical information that can enhance your decision-making.
- Lessons learned from real-world experiences that can prevent costly mistakes.
One of the most valuable aspects of this session is the collective wisdom that comes from shared experiences. As industrial hygienists, we often encounter unique challenges that require innovative solutions. By discussing these challenges and the solutions we’ve discovered, we can help each other navigate the complexities of our field more effectively.
For example, understanding the nuances of air sampling techniques or the importance of proper instrument calibration can significantly impact the accuracy of our assessments. These insights can save time, reduce errors, and ultimately protect worker health more effectively.
I encourage attendees to connect with me on LinkedIn to participate in providing information for this session before AIHA Connect. Your contributions will help create a richer, more comprehensive discussion. By sharing your own experiences and lessons learned, you can contribute to a valuable resource for our community.
2. O8. Making Silica Exposure Relatable to Workers
Communicating What Matters
Effective communication is essential in ensuring worker safety and compliance with health regulations. The problem with many health regulations (including silica) is that they are complex and hard to explain in a relatable way. This session will delve into the importance of personal communication when talking to workers about silica and how to connect with workers on a personal level to achieve maximum understanding and compliance. Topics will include:
- Strategies for clear communication that resonate with workers.
- Techniques for personal engagement to foster trust and cooperation.
- Methods to simplify complex information for better comprehension.
One of the key challenges in industrial hygiene is translating technical information into actionable insights for workers. This requires not only a deep understanding of the subject matter but also the ability to communicate it in a way that is accessible and relatable. For instance, explaining the risks associated with silica exposure in a manner that workers can understand and appreciate is crucial for ensuring compliance with safety protocols.
By improving our communication skills, we can better protect workers from the dangers of silica exposure and other occupational hazards. This session will provide practical tips and strategies for enhancing your communication efforts, making it easier to convey important safety information and foster a culture of compliance.
The Value of Exhibitor Booths
While the educational sessions are a cornerstone of AIHA Connect, the exhibitor booths offer a unique opportunity to explore the latest products and technologies that can enhance your practice. Visiting these booths allows you to:
- Discover innovative solutions that can improve your workflow and efficiency.
- Engage with experts who can provide insights and answer your questions.
- Evaluate new tools and equipment that can significantly impact your work.
Exhibitor booths are more than just product displays — they are interactive spaces where you can see, touch, and experience the tools and technologies that can make a difference in your daily work. This hands-on experience is invaluable for understanding how these products can be integrated into your practice and how they can help you achieve better results.
For example, seeing a new sampling pump in action or testing a noise dosimeter can provide insights that go beyond what you can learn from a brochure or online description. You can ask questions, get demonstrations, and even discuss specific challenges you face in your work with the experts at the booths. I find it is invaluable to talk one-on-one with technical experts who often have a unique perspective to offer.
Innovation Stations
This year’s Innovation Stations are set to showcase advancements in industrial hygiene. My colleague Andy Bragg, SKC Inc. Director of Sales, and I are excited to present two topics that will be particularly beneficial:
1. Smarter Sampling: The Case for the PPI Over Traditional Cyclones
Presenter: Dusty Ott, CIH
Monday, May 19 — 10:35 to 11 a.m. CDT (will also be livestreamed)
Learn how SKC’s Parallel Particle Impactor (aka PPI® Samplers) can enhance your particle sampling techniques when compared to traditional cyclones. This innovative tool allows for more accurate and efficient sampling of respirable and thoracic particulate, providing critical data for assessing workplace air quality. The PPI Samplers are designed to collect particles in a way that mimics human respiratory deposition, making them an essential tool for evaluating exposure risks.
Understanding the capabilities and applications of the PPI Samplers can help you improve your sampling strategies and ensure that you are collecting the most relevant data. This session will provide a detailed overview of the technology, including its design, operation, and practical applications in various industrial settings.
2. Connected Industrial Hygiene: Bluetooth-enabled Sampling for Improved Efficiency
Presenter: Andy Bragg, COHC
Tuesday, May 20 — 10:05 to 10:30 a.m. CDT
Discover how Bluetooth®-enabled sampling pumps and noise dosimeters can simplify your workflow and improve data collection. These devices offer seamless connectivity and real-time data monitoring, making it easier for industrial hygienists to manage their sampling and measurement tasks. Bluetooth technology allows for remote monitoring and control, reducing the need for manual intervention, enhancing accuracy, and increasing productivity and efficiency.
This session will explore real-world applications and the benefits of Bluetooth-enabled devices, including how they can streamline your workflow, improve data accuracy, and provide more comprehensive insights into workplace exposures.
Innovation Stations provide a unique opportunity to engage with cutting-edge technologies and methodologies, giving you a firsthand look at the future of industrial hygiene. Add these stations to your show agenda to stay ahead of the curve and bring fresh ideas back to your workplace.
A Must-visit: SKC at AIHA Connect Booth 111
As an employee of SKC Inc., I am particularly excited about our presence at AIHA Connect. SKC Inc. is renowned for its high-quality products and expert knowledge in industrial hygiene instrumentation.
At AIHA Connect Booth 111, we will be showcasing all the products we offer, but the NoiseCHEK Personal Dosimeters and Pocket Pump TOUCH Sampling Pumps will be featured and available at special pricing. These devices offer exceptional quality and are essential for ensuring compliance with occupational noise regulations and for gas and vapor sampling applications, respectively.
The NoiseCHEK personal dosimeters are designed to provide easy, comfortable, and precise noise measurement. Ensure your workplace complies with noise exposure regulations by using NoiseCHEK’s four programmable virtual dosimeters for simultaneous compliance monitoring. These dosimeters are the easiest to use and offer advanced features that make noise monitoring seamless and accurate. They are also available at a lower price for a limited time starting May 19 at AIHA Connect.
The Pocket Pump TOUCH dedicated low flow sampling pumps are known for their reliability and ease of use. These miniature touch screen operated pumps are versatile and can be used for a variety of sampling applications, making them a valuable addition to any industrial hygienist’s toolkit. The special pricing available at AIHA Connect makes it an excellent opportunity to upgrade your equipment at a reduced cost.
Additionally, SKC experts will be available to provide demonstrations, answer questions, and share their expertise. This is a fantastic opportunity to see SKC products in action and learn how they can benefit your practice. Our experts are ready to discuss your specific needs and help you find the best solutions for your challenges.
Networking Opportunities
AIHA Connect is not just about learning and exploring new products — it's also about connecting with your peers. Networking is a crucial aspect of professional development, and AIHA Connect provides numerous opportunities to meet and interact with other industrial hygienists. Whether it's during sessions, at exhibitor booths, during AIHA Connect special events, or in informal settings, these interactions can lead to valuable collaborations and friendships.
Building a strong professional network can provide support, advice, and opportunities for growth. Connecting with others in your field allows you to share experiences, discuss challenges, and find solutions together. Networking also allows you to stay informed about industry trends and developments, ensuring that you remain at the forefront of your profession. Feel free to visit me at Booth 111 so that we can become part of each other’s network.
Final Thoughts
Attending AIHA Connect is an investment in your professional development and the safety of the workers you protect. The combination of educational sessions, Innovation Stations, networking, and exhibitor booths provides a comprehensive experience that can significantly enhance your knowledge and skills. Don’t miss the chance to connect with peers, learn from experts, and explore the latest advancements in industrial hygiene.
I look forward to seeing you at AIHA Connect and hope you will join me for my sessions and visit SKC at Booth 111. Together, we can continue to advance the field of industrial hygiene and ensure safer workplaces for everyone.
Dusty Ott, CIH, is Corporate Industrial Hygienist for SKC Inc. He is based in Ogden, Utah, where he and his wife (also an industrial hygienist) are raising their family of four children. Dusty is passionate about making industrial hygiene concepts easy to understand at all levels. Follow Dusty on LinkedIn!