Stephanie Lynch, PhD, CIH, CSP, is senior technology and research manager at OHD.
Q. How did OHD begin, and how has the company evolved?
A. OHD was founded in the early 1990s with a focus on advancing occupational health through innovative instrumentation and testing solutions. The breakthrough development and regulatory acceptance of Controlled Negative Pressure (CNP) technology for respirator fit testing, which powers our QuantiFit and QuantiFit2 devices, marked a significant turning point. This innovation propelled OHD into the spotlight, enabling us to expand not only across the United States, but also establishing ourselves as one of the leading companies in respirator fit testing worldwide.
Q. Tell readers about your success in the marketplace.
A. OHD spans a diverse range of market segments, from some of the most critical industrial manufacturers to the largest fire departments and the U.S. military. Our success lies in our ability to create technologies and products that not only meet stringent regulatory requirements but also cater to our customers’ specific needs. By empowering organizations to elevate their compliance programs, we help safeguard the health and safety of workers around the world. OHD’s commitment to innovation and customer-focused solutions has solidified our position as a trusted partner in protecting the health of the world’s workforce.
Q. What advice would you give a prospective customer researching you vs. your competitors?
A. It’s important to consider not just the products but the overall support and partnership a company offers. At OHD, we’re at the forefront of innovation in respirator fit testing. Later this year, we will become the only manufacturer to offer both Controlled Negative Pressure (CNP) and Condensation Nuclei Counting (CNC) technologies. Having both technologies allows us to best serve our customers, helping them find the fit-testing device that’s best suited for their specific needs. Whether it’s the QuantiFit2, which delivers the fastest and most accurate fit tests for elastomeric respirators using CNP technology, or our soon-to-be-launched AeroFit, a CNC fit-testing machine (for all tight-fitting respirators, including filtering facepiece respirators) designed with precision and ease of use in mind, OHD ensures that you have the right tools for the job. Customers can breathe easy knowing OHD has deep industry knowledge in respirator fit testing and is committed to providing the best solutions for every scenario.
Choosing OHD means choosing a partner who doesn’t just provide equipment but is committed to your long-term success. With our unmatched technical support and industry-leading service turnaround times, you can have peace of mind knowing that we stand behind our products and are always ready to assist. We’re not just offering a product; we’re offering a partnership in safety, tailored to meet your specific needs.
Q. What are some of the changes you’ve seen in the OEHS industry over the years?
A. When I started as an industrial hygiene technician in 2002, it felt like a relatively narrow, male-dominated space, focused on the science of a few key aspects of industrial hygiene. Now there are people from all different backgrounds and walks of life who are doing a wide array of arts and sciences across the much broader range of OEHS. I am acutely aware of how much there is to learn and how little I really know about everything having to do with occupational safety and health globally. It is exciting to see this space growing in so many ways, and it offers a real sense of job satisfaction and security.
Q. What makes you optimistic about the future of OEHS?
A. My optimism is connected to some of the changes I’ve seen in this industry. I work closely with OEHS university students, both as an adjunct professor and through research on OEHS instrumentation, and I am encouraged by the heightened interest I see in OEHS spaces. As the field grows in so many ways—attracting more diverse people, broadening OEHS topics, and increasing reach globally—I am optimistic about seeing a truly global shift over the next 50 to 100 years in what it means to work, with a genuine focus on total worker health and safety.
