Indian Association of Occupational Health
Founded in Jamshedpur, 1948.
Serving India ever since.
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.
Through their relentless efforts, 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 was not conceived as an exclusive organization of physicians working in industry. It welcomed safety engineers, personnel and welfare officers, occupational nurses and ESIS panel doctors — in fact, all persons connected with the promotion and maintenance of health and safety of workers engaged in industries, railways, armed forces and other government and public departments. Industrial establishments were also invited to be institutional members.
The society has grown steadily in stature and strength. From a mere 28 members to start with, membership is now around 3,000, 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 the charity commissioner.
Year Founded
SSIM India inaugurated at Jamshedpur on 9th July 1948
Founder Members
Inaugural membership at the first meeting in Jamshedpur
Renamed IAOH
Registered as a public trust with the charity commissioner
Members Nationwide
Occupational health professionals across branches in India
Historical Archive
6th National Conference at Baroda — 1955
Delegates to the VI All India Conference of the Society for the Study of Industrial Medicine,
visiting Sarabhai Chemicals, Baroda · 8 February 1955
The Three Visionaries
At the inaugural meeting on 9th July 1948, these three pioneers were elected as the first torchbearers of the Society for the Study of Industrial Medicine (SSIM) India.
Founding President
Lt. J.R. Kochar
Visionary of industrial medicine · Jamshedpur, 1948
Founding Secretary
Col. Najib Khan
Visionary of industrial medicine · Jamshedpur, 1948
Founding Treasurer
Maj. R.C. Tarapore
Visionary of industrial medicine · Jamshedpur, 1948
Key Milestones
Society for the Study of Industrial Medicine (SSIM) India founded
Ceremonially inaugurated on 9th July 1948 at Jamshedpur with 28 founder members. Lt. J.R. Kochar, Col. Najib Khan and Maj. R.C. Tarapore were elected as the first President, Secretary and Treasurer at the inaugural meeting.
Renamed Indian Association of Occupational Health
With a view to enlarging the scope of activities and in conformity with the modern trend, the society was renamed Indian Association of Occupational Health (IAOH) and registered as a public trust with the charity commissioner.
A nationwide network of occupational health professionals
IAOH has grown from 28 members to around 3,000 occupational health physicians, industrial hygienists, safety professionals, social workers and counsellors, supported by 21 branches across India conducting scientific and professional activities.
Mission & Vision
Our Mission
Creating Healthy, Safe & Green Workplaces
IAOH is committed to enable occupational health professionals to make India's workplaces healthy, safe and green — free from the ill effects of hazards, by evolving effective solutions; to be the nodal non-governmental organization committed to attain highest standards of health in India by enabling stakeholders, influencing policy makers and creating community consciousness.
Our Vision
The Future
IAOH has over 3,000 Occupational Health Physicians, Industrial Hygienists, Safety Professionals, Social Workers and Counsellors to realize our future vision. In addition to strengthening our current activities, we plan to expand our scope to address broad objectives across awareness, training, research, occupational health services, and international collaboration.
Future Vision & Goals
IAOH plans to expand its scope to address the following broad objectives for occupational health, safety and environment across India.
Create Awareness
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.
Time-bound Projects
Prepare time-bound projects for designing and implementing occupational health, safety and environment protection in industry.
Occupational Health Services
Assist industries in design and implementation of occupational health services within workplaces to improve healthcare and occupational disease management.
Training Courses
Start formal and informal training courses in occupational health, safety and environment.
Publications
Publish scientific journals, periodicals, books, literature and produce films, videos and computer software relevant to occupational health, safety and environment.
Research Activities
Carry out research in occupational health, safety and environment, independently and in collaboration with agencies having similar aims.
Occupational Health Centers
Provide expertise in establishing occupational health centers and develop protocols for health screening and standards of fitness for work.
Government Liaison
Liaise with government and statutory agencies in drafting legislation related to health, safety and environment and its implementation.
National Registry
Prepare a National Registry of Occupational Health, Safety and Environment experts in collaboration with other agencies.
Medical Record Software
Prepare software for medical records for occupational health, safety and environment to provide management information.
International Collaboration
Collaborate with international agencies for cross-border transfer of technology and adoption of best practices in occupational health.
Scientific & Professional Activities
IAOH conducts a wide range of academic, scientific and professional programmes for Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) professionals across India.
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 programmes across the world.
Representation on several government committees to contribute professional expertise and policy guidance.
Official Website