British Occupational Hygiene Society

The British Occupational Hygiene Society (BOHS) is a science-based, charitable body that provides information, expertise and guidance in the recognition, control and management of workplace health risks. As of 2020, its Chief Executive Officer is Kevin Bampton.

BOHS was founded in 1953: it is a learned society, publishing the world-renowned, scientific, peer-reviewed journal, Annals of Work Exposures and Health, and the only professional society representing qualified occupational hygienists in the UK. The Society supports, develops and connects its members with resources, guidance, events and training.

Its Faculty of Occupational Hygiene sets professional standards and is the only UK examining board for qualifications in occupational hygiene that are recognised internationally.

BOHS is the only occupational hygiene organisation to be awarded a Royal Charter: this was granted in April 2013 in recognition of BOHS’ unique and pre-eminent role as the leading authority in occupational disease prevention.

In 2017, BOHS launched a new professionals body for people who work in asbestos assessment and management. The Faculty of Asbestos Assessment and Management (FAAM) is targeted at individuals working as consultants, asbestos managers, surveyors, analysts and project managers.

Occupational hygiene

Occupational hygiene is the scientific discipline that protects people against the wide range of health risks that can arise from exposure to health hazards at work. The breadth of knowledge and skills brought together in occupational hygiene is unique.

It focuses:

  • on the recognition of hazards, assessment of exposure, and control of risks to health
  • at the interface of people with the workplace and work activities
  • where science and engineering meet the human element of work

Structure

BOHS is a not-for-profit, non-governmental organisation that is managed by a board of directors, known as the Board.

The Faculty of Occupational Hygiene is run by the Faculty Board and reports to Council through its Registrar.

The Society’s Head Office, based in Derby, is led by a Chief Executive who is directly accountable to Council, with a senior management team responsible for finance and operations, membership services, conferences and events, publications, examinations management, marketing and communications, and overall administrative services.

It also has a range of committees, chaired by members and with input from other volunteers and staff; these committees, alongside a team of regional organisers (also volunteers from the membership) provide technical, strategic and project-by-project input to the Society’s various initiatives and on-going activities.

Faculty of Occupational Hygiene

The Faculty of Occupational Hygiene is the professional arm of BOHS. Membership is restricted to BOHS members with specific qualifications in occupational hygiene and related subjects.

As the examining board for the profession, the Faculty administers a suite of examinations and awards qualifications in occupational hygiene and allied subjects, and provides a qualifications’ verification service.

The Faculty also runs the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Scheme, which is mandatory for all non-retired Faculty members.

It maintains a Directory of Occupational Hygiene Services,[1] which is searchable online.

Publications

BOHS publishes the Annals of Work Exposures and Health, a peer-reviewed scientific journal (via Oxford University Press).

Additionally, the Society produces Exposure magazine, FAAM News, e-bulletins, guidance and position statements.

Awards

BOHS presents a number of different awards.

  • Thomas Bedford Medal

The Thomas Bedford Medal was instituted in 1978 and recognised as the Society's prime honour. It is awarded annually to mark outstanding contributions of an individual to the improvement of worker health protection.

  • Bedford Prize

The Bedford Prize, previously the Thomas Bedford Memorial Prize, was instituted in 1967 and is awarded every two years to the author or authors of the most outstanding paper published in the Annals of Work Exposures and Health.

  • David Hickish Award

The David Hickish Award is awarded annually to the highest score in the exams of the Diploma of Professional Competence in Occupational Hygiene.

  • Ted King Award

The Ted King Award is awarded annually to the highest score in the exams of the Certificate of Operational Competence in Occupational Hygiene.

  • Peter Isaac Award

The Peter Isaac Award was instituted in 2003 and is awarded in recognition of outstanding initiative contributing to the reduction of ill health.

  • Trevor Ogden Award

The Trevor Ogden Award was instituted in 2013 and is awarded to an individual in recognition of their outstanding voluntary contribution to the Society.

  • Early Career Occupational Hygienist Award

The Award aims to recognise talent and stimulate professional development in occupational hygienists who recently entered the profession.

Membership Grades

At BOHS, there are a number of membership grades which members are encouraged to progress their way through during their time with the Society.

The most coveted Membership grade is Chartered".

Chartered status is internationally recognised and signifies a high level of professional competence and experience. BOHS is the only organisation in the world that offers Chartered Membership for Occupational Hygienists.

As a Chartered Fellow you'll be able to use the CMFOH post-nominals and access all the membership benefits and resources.

References
  1. Directory of Occupational Hygiene Services Archived June 14, 2011, at the Wayback Machine British Occupational Hygiene Society
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