Expert evaluation, analysis, and control of chemical, biological, and physical hazards across all occupancy types — workplace, residential, commercial, and public environments.
Expertise
Industrial Hygiene
Specialized in
Ergonomics & Input Devices
Environments
All Building Types
What I Do
From industrial facilities to home offices, I identify, evaluate, and recommend controls for the full spectrum of environmental health hazards.
Indoor air quality assessment, VOC monitoring, exhaust and metal analysis, petroleum products, plastics off-gassing, ammonia, chlorine, and more.
Assessment of mold, bacteria, viruses, and other biological stressors in indoor environments, with sampling, analysis, and remediation guidance.
Evaluation of noise, non-ionizing radiation, EMF, heat stress, cold stress, lighting, and other physical agents that affect health and performance.
Evaluation of potable and non-potable water systems for chemical and biological contaminants, including metals, disinfection byproducts, and pathogens.
Comprehensive facility safety evaluations, emergency action planning, fire safety audits, and hazard communication program development.
Development, editing, and advisory services for written safety and health programs aligned with OSHA, EPA, AIHA, ACGIH, and other regulatory and consensus standards.
Related Guides & Certifications
Occupational health & safety management systems — summary and adoption roadmap for international corporations.
StandardEnvironmental management systems — summary and adoption roadmap, including the 2026 revision.
CertificationGreen building rating system — how Qualia CIH Inc. supports Indoor Environmental Quality credits.
CertificationHealth & wellbeing building standard — how Qualia CIH Inc. supports Air and Water testing.
Enforcement DataThe ten standards OSHA cited most often in FY 2025, with a summary and regulation number for each.
Enforcement DataThe five most common EPA compliance violation categories, with a summary and regulation number for each.
CertificationThe ten highest-impact LEED credit categories, ranked by point value, for improving certification level.
CertificationOne high-impact improvement strategy for each of WELL v2's ten concepts.
RegulatoryWhy OSH Act Section 5(a)(1) matters when no specific OSHA standard applies to a hazard, and how the four-element test works.
ErgonomicsThe ten most common office ergonomic risk factors driving musculoskeletal disorders, ranked by body region and prevalence.
The Process
Every engagement follows a systematic industrial hygiene framework — anticipating, recognizing, evaluating, and controlling hazards using current science and updated standards.
Identify potential stressors through site walkthrough, records review, process analysis, and occupant interviews.
Quantify exposures through air, surface, biological, and physical sampling. Compare against OSHA PELs, ACGIH TLVs, and current research benchmarks.
Apply the hierarchy of controls — engineering controls, administrative controls, work practices, and PPE — with practical, prioritized recommendations.
Deliver a clear written report with findings, risk assessment, and actionable guidance tied to regulatory and consensus standards.
Engineering Controls
Ventilation, enclosure, substitution, process modification
Administrative Controls
Work practices, scheduling, training programs
PPE & Respiratory Protection
Selection, fit testing, written programs, training
Regulatory Compliance
OSHA, EPA, ACGIH, AIHA, NFPA, and local standards
Risk Assessment & Documentation
Current research · Updated standards · Clear reporting · Actionable guidance
Scope of Practice
A non-exhaustive index of hazard categories and specific agents I evaluate across all occupancy types and industries.
Ergonomics
As a Certified Office Ergonomics Evaluator, I provide detailed assessments and practical adjustments to reduce musculoskeletal risk from prolonged computer, keyboard, mouse, and smartphone use.
On-site or remote assessment of desktop computers, laptop setups, sit-stand workstations, and shared work environments.
Assessment of posture and technique risks from handheld and mobile device use, including neck and upper-extremity stress.
Specific, actionable recommendations for workstation setup, equipment selection, and work habits to reduce injury risk.
Development of ergonomics policies, training materials, and management programs compliant with OSHA guidance and ANSI standards.
Written Programs & Documentation
I write, review, edit, and advise on the full suite of safety and health program documentation required by OSHA, EPA, and consensus standards.
OSHA 1910.134-compliant written program including medical evaluation, fit testing, respirator selection, and training components.
OSHA 1910.95-compliant written program including noise exposure monitoring, audiometric testing and medical surveillance, and hearing protector selection.
GHS-aligned written HazCom program, SDS management systems, and chemical inventory programs compliant with 29 CFR 1910.1200.
Site-specific EAPs covering evacuation procedures, shelter-in-place, fire response, and emergency coordinator assignments.
Formal industrial hygiene monitoring strategies, sampling methodologies, and exposure decision documentation.
Workplace ergonomics program development per OSHA general duty and ANSI/HFES guidance, including training and evaluation protocols.
Lockout/tagout, confined space, fall protection, PPE assessments, and general safety and health management system documents.
Now Offering
Musculoskeletal disorders from poorly configured workstations are among the most common — and most preventable — sources of employee discomfort, lost productivity, and workers' compensation claims. No dedicated OSHA standard governs office ergonomics, but employers are still expected to address recognized hazards like these under the General Duty Clause, and a comfortable, well-configured workstation is simply good practice for retaining a healthy, productive workforce.
As a Certified Office Ergonomics Evaluator (COEE), Michael Chermak provides individual workstation evaluations — on-site or remote — covering chair, desk, and monitor setup, keyboard and mouse positioning, laptop and dual-monitor configurations, and smartphone posture. Offerings include written ergonomics program development, group training for teams and departments, sit-stand transition guidance, and standards for shared or hot-desk environments, each delivered with a written report of findings and prioritized, actionable recommendations.
See the Top 10 Office Ergonomic Concerns →
Contact Qualia CIH Inc. to schedule an Office Ergonomic Evaluation →
See a sample: Ethylene Oxide (EtO) Written Program & Corrective Action Process (.docx) →
See a sample: Titanium Powder Health & Safety Written Program (.docx) →
See a sample: Respiratory Protection Program, 29 CFR 1910.134 (.docx) →
See a sample: HAZWOPER Program, 29 CFR 1910.120 (.docx) →
See a sample: Hearing Conservation Program, 29 CFR 1910.95 (.docx) →
See a sample: The General Duty Clause — Section 5(a)(1) →
See a sample: ISO 45001 Summary & Adoption Guide →
See a sample: ISO 14001 Summary & Adoption Guide →
See a sample: LEED Certification Summary →
See a sample: WELL Certification Summary →
See a sample: OSHA Top 10 Most Cited Standards →
See a sample: EPA Top 5 Most Common Violations →
See a sample: LEED Top 10 Improvement Strategies →
See a sample: WELL Top 10 Improvement Strategies →
See a sample: Top 10 Office Ergonomic Concerns →
Service Area
Routine and on-site work is conducted within approximately 75 miles of Warwick, NY, covering a wide swath of the Hudson Valley, New York City, northern New Jersey, and the mid-Hudson region. Consulting, program writing, remote evaluations, and travel engagements are available statewide, nationally, and internationally.
Primary Service Area
Within 75 Miles of Warwick, NY
Extended Service Area
New York State & National
International
Europe & Beyond
Get Started
Whether you're dealing with an immediate concern or looking to get ahead of exposure risks, I'm available to discuss your situation and define a path forward.