The team behind Exposure Science Consulting

Our senior hygiene consultants are International Occupational Hygiene Association certified who are trained to identify, evaluate, and control workplace hazards that could affect the health and safety of workers.

Two consultants in orange vests and yellow hard hats discuss next to a large construction vehicle.
Dr Sage Robinson, Owner, Principal Occupational Hygienist, with a friendly smile
  • Owner & Director - Principal Occupational Hygienist

    P.h.D, MOHT, GradCertWHlthS, MNZOHS, MAIOH, ProfNZISM, HASANZ

    Bernadino Ramazzini, the grandfarther of occupational hygiene said in his famous book of 1713 titled Disease of Workers, that ill health from work is the result of two causes: “The first and most potent is the harmful character of the materials they (workers) handle, for these emit noxious vapours and very fine particles inimical to human beings and induce particular diseases; the second I ascribe to certain violent and irregular motions and unnatural posture of the body”. Although now over 300 years old much of this is still true and worker health continues to pose a major challenge in the work environment. As such, New Zealand workers are 10-15 times more likely to die from exposure to agents hazardous to health, than from a workplace safety event.

    My passion for occupational hygiene stems from addressing this imbalance and knowing that every day we are improving workers lives through, education of workers, and the assessment and control of workplace health hazards. Coming from a chemistry research background and gaining valuable experience in the semiconductor and petrochemical industries overseas, I joined the Safe and Sound Solutions team in early 2020 establishing the Occupational Hygiene division.

    I am Exposure Science Consulting’s Principal Occupational Hygienist and have a Ph.D. in Organic and Analytical Chemistry, a Masters of Occupational Hygiene and Toxicology, and a Level 8 Graduate Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety. I am a Certified Occupational Hygienist (COH) and a full member of the New Zealand Occupational Hygiene Society (NZOHS) and Australian Institute of Occupational Hygiene (AIOH). I also served on the NZOHS council from 2021 to 2025 including as the NZOHS President from 2024 to 2025.

Leon Pretorius, Senior Occupational Hygienist, with a friendly smile
  • BSoc (Hons), ROH (SAIOH), MNZOHS, MAIOH

    As Senior Occupational Hygienist and Team Lead for the Occupational Hygiene Division, my core functions include ensuring unwavering quality and success of all Occupational Hygiene projects whilst supporting a team of specialists to perform at their highest level, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and excellence. I am a Registered Occupational Hygienist with the Southern African Institute of Occupational Hygiene (SAIOH), affiliated with the International Occupational Hygiene Association (IOHA), as well as being a professional member of both the New Zealand Occupational Hygiene Society (MNZOHS) and Australian Institute of Occupational Hygiene (MAIOH).

    Having obtained a BSocSc Honours Degree in Environmental Management, I have worked across 15 countries assessing and monitoring both health hazards and environmental contaminants from a variety of industries and sectors. I have extensive experience in several Risk Assessments formats (Health and Environmental Risk Assessment), Exposure Monitoring and Environmental Monitoring. Experienced in management, mentorship, training, and teaching, I have worked at various organisational levels, striving to impart leadership and encouragement to all people I work with. Passion and curiosity are fundamental in my pursuit to constantly learn, share and collaborate with others.

    My professional development goal is to make a significant contribution to the field of Exposure Science. Over the past 15 years I’ve developed a passion for Exposure Science – an interdisciplinary field that focuses on understanding how people encounter various environmental agents, such as chemicals, pollutants, and other hazards. It involves studying the routes, levels, and durations of exposure to these agents and assessing their potential health effects. Exposure science aims to identify and mitigate risks associated with exposure to environmental agents to protect both employees and the public health to ultimately improve their overall well-being.

    With an array of hobbies and interests, I love trying new things. Outdoor adventures and great coffee are necessities. Good food, travelling and meeting new people is another bucket-filler for me!

brad swift environmental emissions, exposure science consulting
  • My environmental career began by pure chance—when a friend was looking for someone to assist with emission monitoring, I decided to seize the opportunity. That decision marked the start of a journey I haven’t looked back on. I am an environmental professional with 15 years of experience specializing in emission monitoring, as well as ambient, water, and soil sampling. Driven by a deep passion for sustainability and environmental stewardship, my work has taken me across the globe, providing hands-on experience in diverse industries and fostering a profound appreciation for the critical role environmental monitoring plays in protecting both communities and the planet.

    Throughout my career, I have been committed to helping industries understand and reduce their environmental impact, ensuring regulatory compliance, and promoting the adoption of best practices. This global perspective has enriched my expertise, allowing me to collaborate with a wide range of clients and contribute to projects that support cleaner, healthier environments. Whether assessing air quality, monitoring water resources, or conducting soil sampling, my work is rooted in science-driven solutions that benefit both industry and the environment. With a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities within the environmental field, I continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible, bringing innovation, dedication, and passion to every project.

    In addition to my environmental expertise, I have also managed and maintained various fuel-fired boilers, ensuring they operate efficiently and remain compliant with industry standards. Outside of my professional work, I enjoy spending time outdoors, exploring new locations, and experiencing all that the world has to offer—fuelling my love for adventure and deepening my connection with nature.

zara thomas occupational hygiene technician, exposure science consulting
  • BSc (Hons)

    I was born in a small town called Tullamore in Ireland. My academic journey began with a focus on Toxicology at Athlone Institute of Technology, I’m currently on the final stretch of my master’s degree in environmental Analysis and Pollution Monitoring.

    My educational background has provided me with knowledge to assess, identify and understand the effect hazards can have on our health.

    Before entering the world of Occupational Hygiene my previous experience was in a biopharmaceutical company, where my interest in health and safety first began. My mindset is always to ensure the safety of others comes first before the job, my passion for safety and positive attitude in the workplaces ensures that the job is completed precisely and accurately.

    Outside of work I enjoy spending time with family and friends, crocheting and going to the gym.

Cassandra Edmunds, Occupational Hygiene Technician, with a friendly smile
  • Ph.D

    I am originally from the U.K., where I gained a Ph.D. in biocontrol of hematophagous insects, which led me into academia and lecturing in forensic biosciences, particularly forensic entomology and continuing with biosecurity research in New Zealand. I came to Occupational Hygiene as I wanted to continue my science career in a hands-on field and having family members that work in high-risk professions, this is an excellent fit professionally and personally.

    When I’m not working and learning I enjoy exploring New Zealand with my dogs, baking and furniture restoration.

briar topp, business development manager, exposure science consulting
Kim Pearson, Administration and accounts support, with a friendly smile
  • Occupational hygiene plays a critical role in safeguarding worker health and well-being in various industries. It focuses on identifying, evaluating, and controlling potential risks in the workplace that may cause adverse health effects. Common occupational hazards include noise, chemicals, dust, biological agents, and ergonomic stressors. Professionals in occupational hygiene conduct assessments and recommend strategies to prevent long-term illnesses related to exposure.

    Some of the essential services in occupational hygiene include:

    Workplace Noise Assessment & Monitoring: Occupational noise exposure is a significant health risk. Assessments help identify sources of excessive noise and propose solutions to mitigate exposure, ensuring the workplace complies with health and safety regulations.

    Workplace Exposure Monitoring: Identifying harmful substances, such as chemicals, dust, and gases, and measuring workers' exposure levels. This allows companies to take proactive measures, such as ventilation or PPE, to reduce risks.

    Silica Dust Testing & Monitoring: Silica dust is a well-known workplace hazard, especially in construction, mining, and manufacturing. Monitoring and controlling silica exposure is vital to prevent long-term respiratory conditions like silicosis.

    Acoustic Assessments & Noise Testing: Using specialized equipment to assess sound levels in the workplace, occupational hygienists help ensure compliance with noise regulations and maintain safe sound levels. Acoustic reports, including noise hazard control measures, are essential for effective health and safety planning.

    Occupational hygiene experts also offer acoustic reports and noise monitoring equipment hire to businesses, helping ensure workers’ health by adhering to acceptable noise levels. Regular assessments reduce the risk of industrial noise and help maintain safe working environments.

  • Environmental exposure science is the study and measurement of environmental factors that impact human health. This includes air quality, noise pollution, soil contamination, and other hazardous environmental factors. Professionals in this field assess environmental risks and provide actionable recommendations to reduce exposure, helping organisations meet environmental health and safety standards.

    Key services in environmental exposure science include:

    Environmental Monitoring & Air Quality Assessment: Conducting air stack testing, air quality assessments, and noise and vibration monitoring to ensure that pollutants are within safe limits. This monitoring helps mitigate the risks of exposure to pollutants like particulate matter, VOCs, and industrial emissions.

    Noise & Vibration Assessments: Through noise and vibration testing, experts measure sound levels and vibrations that may cause health issues in both residential and industrial settings. Noise and vibration testing is critical for evaluating impacts on employees and surrounding communities.

    Stack Testing & Emission Monitoring: Emission stack testing is a crucial service for ensuring that industrial processes comply with environmental regulations. By assessing the emissions from stacks, businesses can mitigate the environmental impact of their operations and avoid fines for non-compliance.

    Environmental Consulting & Sustainability Solutions: Environmental consultants help businesses and organisations improve their sustainability efforts by providing strategies for reducing environmental impact. This may involve managing emissions, water, or soil quality, and ensuring that operations meet required environmental standards.

    Water & Soil Sampling: Soil and water sampling help identify hazardous substances that may affect the health of workers and communities. Regular environmental assessments ensure that businesses mitigate risks associated with chemical pollutants and heavy metals.

    These services are vital for organisations seeking environmental consulting agencies to guide them in adhering to government regulations, obtaining necessary resource consents, and implementing sustainable practices.

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For workplace safety services please visit our sister company Safe and Sound Solutions Ltd