It was in the steel city of Jamshedpur, in the year 1948, that three visionaries of industrial medicine as it was known then, nurtured an idea of establishing a National Scientific Forum where problems related to Industrial Medicine could be discussed. The visionaries were Lt. J.R.Kochar, Col. Najib Khan and Maj. R.C.Tarapore. It was through their relentless efforts that the Society for the Study of Industrial Medicine (SSIM) India was ceremonially inaugurated on 9th July 1948, with an initial founder membership of 28. At the very first meeting, these three doyens were elected as the first torchbearers of the organization.
The society, not been aimed as an exclusive organization of physicians working in industry, including safety engineers, personnel and welfare officers, occupational nurses and ESIS panel doctors. As a matter of fact, it was meant for all persons connected with promotion and maintenance of health and safety of workers engaged in all types of industries, railways, armed forces and other government and public departments. Further, the industrial establishments were also invited to be institutional members.
The society since then has grown steadily in stature and strength. From a mere figure of 28 to start with, our membership is now around 3000. This has been achieved by establishing branches all over the country. With a view to enlarging the scope of activities and in conformity with the modern trend, the name of the society underwent a change in 1970, to its present name - Indian Association of Occupational Health (IAOH), registered as a public trust with charity commissioner.
IAOH is committed to enable occupational health professionals to make India's work places healthy, safe and green —free from the ill effects of hazards, by evolving effective solutions; to be the nodal nongovernmental organization committed to attain highest standards of health in India by enabling stake holders, influencing policy makers and creating community consciousness.
IAOH has over 3000 Occupational Health Physicians, Industrial Hygienists, Safety Professionals, Social Workers and Counselors to realize our future vision. In addition to strengthening our current activities, we plan to expand our scope to address the following broad objectives.
Create awareness about health, safety and environmental hazards of industrial processes among the public, workmen and management of industry, particularly in the unorganized and hazardous sectors.
Prepare time-bound projects for designing and implementing occupational health, safety and environment protection in industry.
Assist industries in design and implementation of occupational health services within workplaces to improve healthcare and occupational disease management.
Start formal and informal training courses in occupational health, safety and environment.
Publish scientific journals, periodicals, books, literature and produce films, videos and computer software relevant to occupational health, safety and environment.
Carry out research in occupational health, safety and environment, independently and in collaboration with agencies having similar aims.
Provide expertise in establishing occupational health centers and develop protocols for health screening and standards of fitness for work.
Liaise with government and statutory agencies in drafting legislation related to health, safety and environment and its implementation.
Prepare a National Registry of Occupational Health, Safety and Environment experts in collaboration with other agencies.
Prepare software for medical records for occupational health, safety and environment to provide management information.
Collaborate with international agencies for cross-border transfer of technology and adoption of best practices in occupational health.
Academic and scientific lectures, symposia and workshops for Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) professionals.
Annual Scientific Conferences conducted for over six decades for HSE professionals working across diverse industries.
Periodic International Meetings held in India to exchange Asian and global occupational health experiences.
Collaborative knowledge and technology transfer through the International Commission on Occupational Health (ICOH), with IAOH representation on several scientific committees.
Academic forums established to promote formal and informal training in Health, Safety and Environment (HSE).
Need-based scientific activities conducted by IAOH's 21 branches, including OH Foundation, Work Safe India Fund and branch journals.
Collaboration with national institutions such as the Central Labour Institute, National Institute of Occupational Health, Indian Toxicological Research Institute and National Safety Council.
Active participation of members as faculty in a wide range of training and educational programs across the world.
Representation on several government committees to contribute professional expertise and policy guidance.