The traditional practice of industrial hygiene follows the sequence of anticipation, recognition, evaluation, and control. Anticipation and recognition comprise the basic characterization of a hazard and employee exposure. Evaluation consists of an exposure assessment where measurements are taken. If the measurements find unacceptable exposure then controls such as local exhaust ventilation are used.

What if we alter this sequence by placing evaluation last or eliminate the evaluation step altogether — will the practice of IH no longer work?