Abstract:
A proper chemical management system is a crucial aspect of maintaining workers safe in the
military aircraft manufacturing industry. As technology develops and new research is found,
manufacturing processes must be updated as well. This includes reducing exposure by
eliminating any hazards that workers may be unnecessarily exposed to. When incidents do occur,
it is important that a proper hazard analysis be performed. The Haddon matrix is a solution-based
oriented model that can be used to identify key interventions to prevent such incidents. Though
the matrix is commonly used in pedestrian vs motor vehicle accident scenarios, it has further
applications as well. During the 2023 summer, I was able to work as an intern with a worldwide
aerospace manufacturing company. I was able to work on projects related to industrial hygiene
and chemical management systems. Through this report, I was able to apply the Haddon matrix
to industrial hygiene work and chemical exposures.
The company that I interned for is organized into several different subsidiaries that serve
different types of customers. The company has an Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS)
structure that is modified according to the needs of each manufacturing site. The EHS
organization consists of several different support groups with different types of expertise.
Industrial hygienist in particular, rely heavily on two computer software programs that allow
them to keep track of the chemicals and products found at each of the sites. As an intern, I had
the opportunity to interact with these programs and perform a chemical inventory review and
hazard communication analysis. Through these projects, I was able to remove a toxic product
from a company site that contained a high amount of methylene chloride. I also had the
opportunity to perform a noise survey risk assessment in a highly sensitive area, for a noise
complaint due to white noise generators.
Upon applying the Haddon matrix to a hypothetical scenario where a worker was exposed to
methyl propyl ketone in a confined space, I was able to develop several different types of
interventions that could be applied prior to the exposure, during the exposure, or after the
exposure. I was able to show that the Haddon matrix can be applied to the industrial hygiene
field despite the fact that it is traditionally used in an occupational health setting. As I continue
my career in the occupational health and industrial hygiene fields, I hope to one day share the
knowledge I have gained from my experiences with others.