EDWARD J. BAIER

BAIER EDWARD J. BAIER (Age 89) Died on December 13, 2014, surrounded by family. Formerly of Vienna and Gainesville, VA, he was living at Country Meadows in Frederick, MD. Born on April 1, 1925 in Pittsburgh, PA, he attended the University of Pittsburgh where he received his undergraduate and graduate degree from the School of Public Health. He was married in 1946 to Grace McDonald and had 2 children. Ed dedicated his career to the field of Industrial Hygiene in the public sector. Industrial hygienists anticipate health and safety concerns and design solutions to prevent them. His leadership and visions contributed significantly to the advancement of worker health and safety. A pioneer in the field, he worked for the Pennsylvania Department of Health from 1946-1956 in Williamsport, PA; 1956-72 as Chief, then Director, of the Division of Occupational Health and Bureau of Mine and Health Safety in Harrisburg, PA. In 1972 he joined the federal government serving as the first Deputy Institute Director of the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health [NIOSH], whose sole mission was to research and make recommendations for the prevention of work related illness and injuries and remained until 1978. During this period he was called on to lend expertise to other countries governments that desired to establish similar programs. From 1979-1982 he briefly left the public sector and served as manager and corporate Director of Industrial Hygiene at Diamond Shamrock Corp in Ohio and Texas. He returned to the federal government in 1982 until his retirement in 1989 as Director, Directorate of Technical Support, with Occupational Safety and Health Administration [OSHA] in Washington, DC. Ed authored more than 130 publications and articles and lectured extensively at universities throughout the world. Among many technical society memberships, Ed was President of the American Industrial Hygiene Association [AIHA], Chairman of the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists [ACGIH], President of the American Academy of Industrial Hygiene, the first President of the American Industrial Hygiene Foundation and Distinguished Diplomat of the Institute of Hazardous Materials Management [IHMM]. In 1984 the American Industrial Hygiene Association created the Edward J. Baier Technical Achievement Award. In its 30th year, it continues to be awarded annually to the person, company, organization that has made the most significant contribution in Industrial Hygiene in recent years. Ed was an Eagle Scout and continued throughout his lifetime to take active roles in Civic Associations, as well as giving of his time and talents at their church, Our Lady of Good Council in Vienna, VA serving as usher and on special event committees. He was a man of great knowledge and devotion to career and family. He is survived by his children, Edward M. Baier and Grace C. Baier Green, their spouses, seven grandchildren and four great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife of 66 years, Grace McDonald Baier. A private memorial service was held on December 18th at St Mary's in Sharpsburg, PA with burial and interment immediately following at St. Mary's cemetery.