Partnerships in the OHS Profession Steven P. Levine, Ph.D., CIH President, American Industrial Hygiene Association

Overview  Core purpose and values of AIHA  Two business models  Competition vs. Confederation

New Strategic Plan: AIHA’s Core Purpose To promote the highest quality of occupational and environmental health and safety within the workplace and the community… through advocacy and the provision of services and tools to enhance the professional practice of our members.

Core Values  Prevention of occupational disease and injury as the foundation of our profession  Support of the right of workers and the community to a healthy and safe environment

Core Values  Promote the ethical practice of industrial hygiene through the anticipation, recognition, evaluation and control of hazards arising from the workplace  Employ a sound scientific basis for action

Core Values  Promote the fact that good business and good occupational and environmental health and safety are closely linked  Respect the diversity of opinion and open communication  Value the time and commitment of our members

Our Efforts Support the Core Purpose, Core Values, and Mission of AIHA We are prepared to partner with any organization that shares our purpose and values

IH Model 1: Compete for Dollars and Customers EH Safety OHN OEM AssociationsProfessionals

IH Model 2: Share Common Missions – Serve the Greater Good EH Safety OHN OEM AssociationsProfessionals

AIHA Compete for Dollars and Customers OR Share Common Missions – Serve the Greater Good AWMA ASSE AAOHN ACOEM ACGIH

AIHA Compete for Dollars and Customers THEN Act Like Competing Businesses That We Are AWMA ASSE AAOHN ACOEM ACGIH

AIHA Share Common Missions and Customers THEN Have a Confederated Structure AWMA ASSE AAOHN ACOEM ACGIH Confederation

SH&E degreed/certified Share Common Missions and Customers THEN Have a Confederated Structure SH&E non-degreed/uncertified Occupational Health Nurses Occupational & Environmental Physicians Confederation Board & Staff

So, What do you want to do today?  The default option, if we do nothing, is Model 1 – the competitive model.  Periodic cooperation can be expected.  Some Associations, acting as businesses in their own best interest, will do better than others.  End of Story

Are we ready to rise to a higher level to serve the common Mission?  If so, we must be ready to give up our own little favorites – things that are “precious”  We must be ready to exercise real leadership

There is no more delicate matter to take in hand, nor more dangerous to conduct, nor more doubtful of success, than to step up as a leader in the introduction of change. For he who innovates will have for his enemies all those who are well off under the existing order of things, and only lukewarm support in those who might be better off under the new way. Niccole Machiavelli

“May I become at all times... A protector for those without protection.. A servant to all in need…” Dalai Lama (1999) Are we ready to rise to a higher level to serve the common Mission?