Dusty Ott, CIH, is the corporate industrial hygienist for SKC Inc. in Eighty Four, Pennsylvania.
Q. What challenges are your customers facing right now?
A. Our customers face a mix of regulatory pressure, workforce turnover, and the challenge of doing more with less. Many industrial hygienists now cover multiple sites, take on broader responsibilities, and navigate evolving regulations, especially around respirable crystalline silica. At the same time, a generation of experienced professionals is retiring, leaving newer hygienists to take on complex work without the same mentorship. Our role is to help bridge that gap with reliable solutions, education, and real-world support—because great products only matter if you know how to use them effectively.
Q. What trends are you seeing in OEHS?
A. There is a strong shift toward real-time monitoring, data integration, and wearable technology, but these tools highlight the ongoing need for context and interpretation. Industrial hygiene is still grounded in regulatory compliance, and traditional methods such as charcoal tubes and filter cassettes remain the gold standard outside of confined space or explosive atmosphere monitoring.
Another key trend is greater worker engagement. Today’s most effective professionals communicate exposures and controls in ways that resonate with workers, supervisors, and leadership. At SKC, we support this shift by providing intuitive sampling solutions, practical training resources, and responsive, people-focused service.
Q. What advice would you give a prospective customer researching you vs. your competitors?
A. Start by asking, “What happens after I buy this?” With SKC, you are not just buying a product—you are gaining a partner. Customers get access to technical experts who have walked in their shoes. We do not just hand over a manual; we help you apply it to your situation.
Our products are handmade in Pennsylvania, and our people take pride in that craftsmanship. Behind every pump, filter cassette, sorbent tube, and noise dosimeter is attention to detail, quality materials, and support. We encourage customers to ask questions, request training, and give feedback. That’s how we continue to evolve and stay relevant.
Q. Can you share a success story of a client who implemented an SKC solution and saw improvements?
A. One standout example is our collaboration with Tennessee OSHA. TOSHA hygienists noticed that many respirable crystalline silica samples submitted for lab analysis returned below the limit of detection. These non-detects offered little insight while driving up costs. It became clear their resources could be better focused on areas with a higher likelihood of exposure.
SKC partnered with TOSHA to implement the EDC SM-7204, a real-time, light-scattering instrument for monitoring respirable dust and silica. The SM-7204 integrates a constant-flow SKC sampling pump and a filter cassette located behind the sensor, allowing simultaneous gravimetric sampling for validation while providing real-time data.
By using the SM-7204 as a screening tool, TOSHA hygienists identified when and where full-shift sampling was truly necessary. This targeted strategy of blending gold-standard, compliance-based sampling techniques with real-time monitoring reduced unnecessary lab submissions, cut costs, and redirected resources to higher-risk areas—all while maintaining data quality.
Q. What makes you optimistic about the future of OEHS?
A. The passion and creativity of the next generation of professionals is inspiring. They ask smart questions, embrace new technologies, and challenge the “check-the-box” mindset. At the same time, more organizations are recognizing that worker health and safety are central to business success, not just regulatory obligations.
We are also seeing greater collaboration among hygienists, safety professionals, operations, and even HR and marketing. This teamwork leads to better decisions, stronger communication, and healthier workplaces. At SKC, we are excited to be part of that future by continuing to deliver tools and support that make a real difference.
Learn more about SKC in the 2026 Vendor Directory.
