R. J. L. Heron, IOMSC, UK

The International Occupational Medicine Society Collaborative (IOMSC) was established in 2013 as an assembly for representatives of occupational medicine societies to promote greater awareness of issues and best practices for better worker health worldwide. It has grown to 48 societies in 43 countries, representing more than 30,000 occupational medicine healthcare professionals around the world and including approximately 70% of the world’s workers. The UK Society of Occupational Medicine and the Faculty of Occupational Medicine are both members of the IOMSC.

Recently named as one of seven WHO collaborating centres for occupational health, IOMSC is providing members of national occupational health societies with increasing potential to positively influence the global agenda. IOMSC and its members are actively shaping WHO guidance as consultees, informing worker representatives of the latest guidance to protect workers particularly in developing countries and those with limited access to occupational health expertise. We are also providing support for government advocacy with tool-kits , and lobbying

The key aims/messages for this presentation are:

1. To increase awareness of IOMSC role in advocating for and advancing universal access to Occupational Health
2. To inform delegates about the work of the IOMSC, including the priorities identified through member society surveys, the role of WHO collaborating centres and IOMSC's contribution
3. To engage members in the work of IOMSC

References:

Loeppke R, Heron R, Bazas T et al. Global trends in occupational medicine: results of the International Occupational Medicine Society Collaborative Survey. J Occup Environ Med 2017;59:e13–e16.

Heron RJL,  Loeppke R, Connaughton P, et al. Bringing together occupational and environmental medicine specialists - Development of the International Occupational Medicine Society Collaborative (IOMSC) Occupational Medicine 2017;67:596–597