USF College of Public Health (COPH) Professor Dr. Tom Bernard has been honored by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) with the William D. Wagner Award.

The award, given annually since 2003, recognizes a person in the field of national and international worker health and safety who is an outstanding example of commitment and dedication to the creation and dissemination of occupational exposure values (OEVs).

OEVs are the levels of admissible exposure to a chemical or physical hazard before that exposure is likely to affect a worker’s health.

“I am privileged that ACGIH chose to recognize my 20-some years of participation in the setting of professional practice guidelines,” Bernard said.

Bernard, an expert in occupational safety and health, has served on ACGIH’s Physical Agents Committee for more than 20 years and with International Standards Organization for 14 years to help promote professional practice guidelines, especially in the area of heat stress. He’s also promoted heat stress management and ergonomics for over 30 years through workforce development activities.

“Promotion of worker health and well-being is a slice of public health,” Bernard said. “As an occupational health, safety and wellness professional, I advocate for the prevention of illness and injury among workers and for the advancement of health. The results are to the advantage of employers and employees in better performance and productivity at lower costs.”

Story by Donna Campisano, USF College of Public Health