A day in the life of Mike Slater

How early do you rise?

The life of an occupational hygienist is inevitably very
variable and that’s reflected in what time I get up. It depends what I’m doing
and where I’m working. But most days I’m up sometime between 6 and 7 o’clock. Although
if I need to be on site early, or have some distance to travel, I’ll be up
earlier and if I’ve been working a late shift (sometimes even nights) I’ll have
a lie in.

What gets you out of bed in the morning?

The knowledge that my job is about improving conditions in
the workplace, protecting people’s health and making a difference. I enjoy
what I do, so getting out of bed usually isn’t difficult.

What do you do?

I work as an occupational hygiene consultant providing
advice and assistance to a wide range of clients in different types of
industry. These days I also spend a lot of my time on teaching and training. My
company is the main provider of BOHS courses in the UK for trainee occupational
hygiene and I also do some teaching for the Manchester University Occupational
Hygiene MSc course.

I’m also the current President of BOHS and this adds an
extra dimension to my work – attending meetings, meeting with other
professions, HSE and Industry leaders, representing BOHS, promoting the
profession and working on our campaign to reduce the incidence of respiratory
disease in the Construction Industry which we’re launching on 28 April.

Where do you work?

My office is in Wigan, but the nature of my work means I’m
hardly ever there! Most of our clients are in the UK and our public courses are
held in Chester and Wigan, but my work takes me all over the UK and to Ireland,
Finland the Middle East and elsewhere.
My year has President has also given me the opportunity to visit the USA
and Australia.

What does a typical day entail for you?

Like most occupational hygienists, particularly consultants,
my work is variable so there isn’t a “typical” day. It really depends what I’m
doing. If I’m working for a client I’ll have to travel to their premises and
then will spend the day looking at their processes, talking to managers and
workers, making observations and taking measurements. After a few days on site
I’d need to spend some time in the office researching, writing up reports,
dealing with emails and on the telephone – and drinking copious quantities of
tea! When I’m running a course I’ll be on my feet most of the day talking,
listening and discussing with participants.

What is your favourite piece of work equipment?

My five senses! A lot of what I do is about observing,
asking questions and listening to identify problems that need to be addressed
and to find solutions. And then, the difficult bit, convincing people of the
actions they need to take.

What would you be lost without in work?

The support and pleasurable company of my colleagues,
clients and other people I interact with during my work.

When did you last laugh in work? What made you laugh?

I think I’ll have to take the 5th amendment on this one!

What is the best part of your day?

This is a difficult question to answer as it really depends
on what I’m doing. I enjoy interacting with people so the most pleasurable
parts of my day are when I’m able to do that – while I’m training or on site
with clients and their workers. I hate being stuck in the office for more than
a few days.

What advice would you give a person thinking of becoming an
occupational hygienist?

It’s a great career for someone who is interested in
industrial processes, in solving problems and engaging with people. As well as
developing a good technical knowledge, have an enquiring mind and work on your
observation, problem solving and communication skills.