Occupational Health Awards 2024
SOM guidance on Driving, NIHL, Wellbeing Services and more
BudgetSOM’s Response
SOM Workplace Visits and Webinars
AUTUMN MAGAZINE 2024
Clockwise from top right:
SOM Past Presidents’ Dinner at the Royal AIrforce Club
Dr Elizabeth Murphy hands over to Clare Brown, new North East Regional Group chair SOM West Midlands Regional Group autumn meeting
Dr Vicky Mason is congratulated for her hard work organising the SOM Leadership Conference, held at RAF Henlow in October
Introduction by SOM CEO Nick Pahl
SOM Commercial Providers Event & Occupational Health Awards 2024
Latest SOM Publications
Launch of Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining Project and SOM joins GAHP
SOM Past Presidents’ DInner
Refresher course for competency in conducting occupational audiology in line with CNWR2005 and L108
New SOM Membership Video
Autumn Budget 2024 - SOM response
SOM/FOM Conference 2025
Occupational Health News
Upcoming SOM Special Interest Groups
SOM Regional Group Activity
Occupational Health Training Project for Healthcare Workers in Oyo State, Nigeria
SOM Professional Partner Membership
SOM Workplace Visits
Women’s Health in the Workplace: The Transformative Role of Occupational Health
Leadership for Nurses - Webinar Series 3 Career Pathways for OH Nurses
Upcoming SOM Webinars About the SOM
Introduction
Nick Pahl, SOM CEO
SOM published several documents this autumn. In September, we released new guidance on Interpreting an Audiogram for Indications of Occupational Noise-Induced Hearing Loss and a Buyers’ guide to Wellbeing Products or Services, and in October, this Driving and OH document (and you can watch the free webinar here).
10th September was World Suicide Prevention Day and, to coincide with this, SOM launched Suicide Postvention in the Workplace: Supporting Organisations and Employees with this free webinar - many thanks to the lead authors, Professor Neil Greenberg and Professor Gail Kinman. A new framework for managing the sudden and unexpected death of a colleague in a primary care setting will be launched at this free webinar in January.
September also saw another successful Occupational Health Awareness Week during which we hosted a soldout careers day for nurses and doctors and published a series of blogs. Thank you to everyone who engaged with OHAW2024 on social media and who shared our resources.
Finally, entries have now closed for the SOM Occupational Health Awards 2024 and our judges are busy reading through the many submissions. Winners will be announced at our Christmas drinks reception on Thursday 12th December in Manchester – join us there!
Latest SOM Publications
You can download our Publications Catalogue here. Click on the covers below to view the publications.
NEBOSH has invested £80,000 in a project to tackle one of the world’s most dangerous occupations: artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM).
The project – coordinated by the International Occupational Medicine Society Collaborative (IOMSC) and supported by SOM – aims to improve the health, safety, livelihoods and wellbeing of people who work and live in these mining communities.
The World Bank estimates that 100 million people work in the sector worldwide, using basic tools to extract minerals and metals, often without proper equipment or safety regulations. Further, because there is little separation between living and working areas, miners and their families are exposed to pollutants and toxic hazards, leading to serious illnesses such as silicosis, tuberculosis, chronic respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, and death.
Professor Dingani Moyo, FRCP; FFOM; MFOM; MOHS; MAppMgnt. President of the Zimbabwe Society of Occupational Medicine (ZISOM) and IOMSC member said: “Uncontrolled mercury use and exposures are a common feature. I have dealt with many ASMs with mercury poisoning
who have excessive memory loss, aggressive behaviours, and tremors. There is also a very high burden of silicosis due to poor knowledge, prevention of exposures and lack of adequate and effective respiratory protection. I have seen many young ASMs with very advanced stages of silicosis and the level of suffering is intense in this population.”
Due to the remote and often illegal nature of ASM, the exact number of miners is unknown and likely higher than estimated. Patterns of disease, injury and premature death are also poorly documented. Closing this data gap is crucial for planning and delivering health and safety interventions.
Every worker deserves a safe environment that minimises health risks and protects the surrounding ecosystem.
NEBOSH’s investment will fund the first phase of the project, in which occupational medicine society members from Uganda, Zimbabwe, Columbia and Brazil will conduct research to create a clearer picture of the situation. Their findings will feed into a global steering group,
which will collectively identify key issues and areas for action.
Andy Shenstone, NEBOSH Chief Executive, added: “By investing in this crucial project, we are helping to lay the groundwork for long-term improvements in the health, safety, and livelihoods of artisanal and small-scale miners. This initiative highlights our dedication to supporting some of the world’s most vulnerable communities.”
The Society of Occupational Medicine (SOM) has also announced today that it has joined the Global Alliance on Health and Pollution (GAHP) as a New Council Member. SOM’s commitment to environmental responsibility closely aligns with GAHP’s mission, as both organisations work towards reducing health risks and promoting sustainable practices globally.
SOM’s decision to join GAHP is driven by a shared goal of addressing pollution and occupational health challenges, particularly through the Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining project. This initiative aligns with SOM’s broader mission to enhance workplace conditions in sectors where pollution poses significant health risks to workers and surrounding communities. SOM intends to leverage its expertise to support GAHP’s initiatives, promoting the exchange of knowledge and best practices that can benefit communities worldwide.
In a statement, SOM emphasised its commitment to creating healthier workplaces for all: “We are thrilled to join GAHP in this vital mission. Every worker deserves a safe environment that minimises health risks and protects the surrounding ecosystem.”
SOM Past Presidents’ Dinner
In October, SOM held a Past Presidents’ Dinner at the Royal Airforce Club in London. This was an enjoyable evening for SOM Past Presidents to reminisce and discuss current issues.
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Refresher course for competency in conducting occupational audiology in line with CNWR2005 and L108
Friday 29th November, 10am-4.30pm, London (In-person only)
A one-day face-to-face refresher course for OH physicians, nurses, technicians and other clinicians wishing to refresh their competency in conducting occupational audiology in line with CNWR2005 and L108.
This course provides the skills necessary to take and record a medical and noise history, conduct otoscopy, and perform pure tone air conduction (AC) audiograms to national standards. Candidates will learn to interpret and triage AC audiograms using the HSE classification scheme, recognise red flags, and ensure compliance with CNWR2005 and L108.
Cost: SOM members £295; Non-members £350. Book here.
New: SOM Membership Video
Autumn Budget 2024 - SOM response
SOM welcomes the Budget focus on supporting people in and into work, and the related announcement by the Chancellor of 28th October of “Building a Britain where those who can work, will work”.
Caring is a major reason why people drop out of the workforce. SOM welcomes the changes to the carer’s allowance, and increasing the weekly earnings limit to the equivalent of 16 hours at the National Living Wage per week, so a carer can now earn over £10,000 a year while receiving Carer’s Allowance.
Over 2.8m people are out of work due to ill health with a potentially significant increase forecast in Benefit costs. There is a key role for Occupational Health to support people staying and returning to work. SOM wish to see Government significantly supporting people in work with health conditions stay in work, facilitate universal access in occupational health and review the fit note.
We look forward to responding to the Industrial Strategy consultation, working with Skills England and the DWP/DHSC work and health unit to support people stay and return to work.
There are also unanswered questions as to whether DWP/DHSC will continue its expert group on occupational health for SMEs, led by Dame Carol Black .
Save The Date!
Includes a sparkling reception at the Royal Pavilion. Unique workplace visits will be on Monday 16th June and the programme will offer clinical updates as well as plenary lectures from global experts. This is the key conference to connect OH leaders and practitioners both in the UK and globally. A call for abstracts will launch later in the year. Don’t miss this conference!
Occupational Health News
Delivering Occupational Health Research in Government: An Important Front-Line Service?, Lane Lecture from Professor Andrew Curran, available on YouTube here.
Integrating Work Coaches for Employment Support in GP practices - here.
Reports on diet, activity and living with cancer - given the rising rates in survivorship these new reports are of interest.
Health Foundation - Commission for Healthier Working Lives - interim report here.
Royal Society for Public Health - new report on workplace health here.
Lloyd’s Register Foundation World Risk Poll - Engineering Safer Workplaces: Global trends in occupational safety and health – new report here.
Change NHS: help build a health service fit for the future - Statement here.
HS2 Learning Legacy Live 2024, Wed 4th Dec 12-4pm, British Library London. Register here (closes Wed 20th Nov).
IOSH research funding - details here.
Upcoming SOM Special Interest Groups (SIGs)
• Monday 18th November 4.30pm – Portfolio
• Thursday 21st November 1pm – MSK at Work
• Monday 25th November 10am – Construction
• Monday 25th November 3pm – OH Technicians
• Monday 25th November 4pm – Sole Practitioners
• Thursday 28th November 10am - Mining
• Wednesday 4th December 2pm - Drugs and Alcohol
• Thursday 5th December 10am - Women’s Health at Work
• Thursday 5th December 3pm - HAVS
• Thursday 10th December 3pm - Pensions
Interested in joining? Contact Nick.Pahl@som.org.uk
SOM West Midlands Regional Group
The SOM West MIdlands Regional Group held their Autumn Meeting & AGM in October. Talks included Tuberculosis and Interferon Gamma Release Assays.
Regional groups at SOM provide a unique, relevant, and lively forum for members, aiming to develop their knowledge and encourage discussion and networking through social events and workplace visits. For more information click here
SOM North East Regional Group
The SOM North East Regional Group held a meeting in October with a focus on peer reviews. Topics included a clinical case study, and OH management cases on exposure to body fluid incidents and referrals to OH for back pain.
Occupational Health Training Project for Healthcare Workers in Oyo State, Nigeria
SOM is proud of a new partnership with the Occupational Health Unit at the College of Medicine, University of Ibadan (COMUI), and the Society of Occupational and Environmental Health Physicians of Nigeria (SOEHPON).
The collaboration is providing a series of weeklong occupational health training workshops to healthcare workers at all levels of health facilities in Oyo State. The training is aligned with the World Health Organization (WHO) & International Labour Organization (ILO) initiative on health of healthcare workers.
The first workshop started in August with a cohort of primary healthcare workers in the state. Particular congratulations to Professor Folashade Omokhodion, who, as principal investigator, has managed to get this
off the ground despite the challenges of delays in the release of funds and ongoing political protests.
This project is a key investment in the health workforce of Oyo State and a crucial step towards achieving better health outcomes for the community and ultimately the country.
We are grateful to all colleagues contributing to the success of this project, including Dr Dorothy Ngajilo from the WHO and Dr Shriti Pattani, who is supporting NHS England’s Global Health Programme.
This SOM initiative with the University of Ibadan is part of the Global Health Workforce Programme (GHWP), funded by the UK Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) via the Tropical Health Education Trust (THET). Grant Manager for Nigeria is Ducit Blue Solutions.
Join SOM as a Professional Partner Member
Work in HR, Wellbeing, Occupational Health Procurement, Employee Assistance or responsible for workplace health?
SOM Professional Partner Membership is for professionals who wish to keep up to date with the latest occupational health resources and guidance. Membership offers knowledge, tools, and connections to help you do the best job you can for your employer and your clients in health and work – now and in the future. It is not open to occupational health or other health professionals.
Benefits include:
• A curated monthly update with key resources and guidance
• Discounts on SOM events including up to 6 free webinars a year
• Exclusive workplace health offers
• Invitation to the SOM Christmas drinks and Awards
Whether you work in HR, or are a professional navigating health challenges,
SOM’s Professional Partner Membership helps you keep up to date with key issues,
from Long COVID to mental health at work.
With SOM’s support, and the backing of a community of nearly 2,000 occupational health professionals around the world, Professional Partner Membership will boost your confidence and skills, helping you in your work and career.
Cost – £60 / year (saving you over £120 on webinar registration fees alone). Our membership year runs from January to December. If you join mid-year, you will pay a pro rata rate.
Membership shows a commitment to workplace health and a wish to understand current best practice; but is not an endorsement by SOM of the services you may offer and does not provide SOM membership voting rights.
For further information, please contact membership@som.org.uk
SOM Workplace Visits
SOM plans regular workplace visits for its members as part of the benefits of being a member, offering hands-on learning and insight into industry-specific occupational health strategies.
In October, members visited the Viridor ERF Plant in Croydon. ERFs are operational industrial sites and delegates had the opportunity to ask questions on issues such as workplace health risks.
For access to our workplace visits, join SOM as a member here.
Triump Motorcycles Factory
Wednesday 18th December, Hinckley
This visit will offer an opportunity for members to learn and ask workplace risk-based questions to help with their CPD.
Emma Bridgewater Pottery Factory
Wednesday 29th January 2025, Stoke-on-Trent
The experience will begin with afternoon tea on arrival, followed by a tour of the factory and finally a pottery decorating session.
Quarry Bank Mill
Wednesday 23rd April 2025, Cheshire
One of Britain’s greatest industrial heritage sites, set in picturesque gardens. Includes a tour of the Apprentice House and the guilded Mill.
Women’s Health in the Workplace: The Transformative Role of Occupational Health
By Clare-Louise
For most of my career, I have been battling Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD). PMDD is not just “PMS”. It is a crippling condition that, at times, completely derailed my life. As an Organisational Psychologist specialising in women’s health at work and the founder of See Her Thrive, I have not only navigated my own challenges but have also witnessed the silent struggles of countless women facing similar health issues. My journey has shown me just how critical the role of Occupational Health professionals is in supporting women facing conditions like PMDD, Endometriosis, and Perimenopause - and how devastating it can be when that support falls short.
Severe symptoms can lead to frequent absenteeism, triggering performance management issues, disrupting team dynamics, and placing extra strain on colleagues. Concentration becomes a luxury during flare-ups, making it challenging to maintain the quality and efficiency expected. Unaddressed symptoms can lead to misunderstandings about performance, resulting in unfair evaluations or even
“1 in 10 women who worked during menopause left their job due to their symptoms. This is not just a personal loss; it is a significant drain of talent and experience for organisations.”
disciplinary actions. The fear of these repercussions adds to an already heavy burden. These factors often hinder career progression. The inability to perform optimally is not due to a lack of ambition or effort but stems from the sheer difficulty of managing these conditions without adequate support. Stress and anxiety become constant companions, creating a vicious cycle that worsens health issues.
Tragically, many women feel compelled to leave their jobs. A survey by the Fawcett Society found that one in ten women who worked during menopause left their job due to their symptoms. This is not just a personal loss; it is a significant drain of talent and experience for organisations.
The Legal Perspective: Women’s Health and Employment Law
Under the UK’s Equality Act 2010, conditions that have a substantial and long-term adverse effect on a person’s ability to conduct normal dayto-day activities can be classified as disabilities. This includes PMDD, Endometriosis, and severe
Knox, Founder & CEO at See Her Thrive
menopausal symptoms. Ignoring or trivialising these conditions is not just harmful, it is potentially unlawful. Employers have a legal duty to make reasonable adjustments to support employees with disabilities, ensuring they are not disadvantaged in the workplace.
The Transformative Role of Occupational Health
Effective Occupational Health (OH) support is not just beneficial, it is transformative. It can mean the difference between a woman thriving in her role or feeling forced out of the workforce. Here are some steps you can take:
• Recognition of Severity
• Empathy and Understanding
• Practical Support Measures
• Continuous Support
By offering this level of support, you do not just help women stay in their jobs, you empower them to thrive. A lack of support can have dire consequences. Failing to recognise these conditions as potential disabilities ignores legal protections and can lead to discrimination claims - but beyond that, it erodes trust and morale. The loss is not just personal; organisations lose skilled, dedicated employees and face increased recruitment and training costs.
So, what do women dealing with these health issues want from OH?
1. Belief and Validation: Recognise that our conditions are real and significantly impact our lives. This acknowledgement is foundational.
2. Serious Consideration: Understand the gravity of our symptoms and the necessity for support. This is not optional; it is essential for our wellbeing and ability to work.
3. Tailored Assistance: Recognise that each woman’s experience is unique. Offer personalised support plans that cater to individual needs rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.
4. Practical Assistance: Collaborate with us to implement strategies and adjustments that
enable us to perform effectively and continue contributing meaningfully.
5. Confidentiality and Respect: Assure us that our privacy is protected and that our concerns are treated professionally. This fosters trust and openness, allowing us to seek the help we need without fear.
6. Proactive Advocacy: We need OH professionals to be champions for women’s health issues within the workplace. This means not only supporting individual cases but also advocating for broader organisational change.
7. Cross-Departmental Efforts: Work with HR, management, and employee resource groups to ensure a unified and effective support system.
OH professionals are at the heart of this transformation. OH can help turn our workplaces into spaces where women feel understood, valued, and empowered to succeed. Together, we can foster a culture that not only acknowledges these health issues but works to accommodate and celebrate the strength it takes to overcome them.
Resources and Support
• Join the SOM Women’s Health at Work Network: a dedicated community striving to improve women’s health in the workplace.
• Employer’s Guide to PMDD: Equip your organisation with the tools to support employees dealing with PMDD.
• Employer’s Guide to Endometriosis: create a supportive environment for those affected by Endometriosis.
Clare-Louise Knox is Founder & CEO at See
Her Thrive
Leadership for Nurses - Webinar Series
3. Career Pathways for OH Nurses
Monday 2nd December 4-5pm
FREE For All
As a speciality field, Occupational Health has many career opportunities and diverse career pathways for nurses. Not only will these pathways be explored but so will leadership opportunities. Leadership is an essential component in OH Nurse career progression and a significant part of the strategic role of Occupational Health working with employers and wider public health. This webinar will explore how a career as an OH nurse can be developed both organically and as a planned career progression depending on specific areas of interest and pathways chosen. Areas of importance in career development will be touched upon alongside learning and development to support growth and progression into leadership. The use of case studies will be used to demonstrate feasibility and direction will be given to wider reading for those with an interest in a particular area of progression and leadership.
Speaker Bio:
Janet O’Neill is an Occupational Health Nurse specialist of 25 years’ experience. She has a certificate in OH, a PG Diploma in OH and an MSc in Workplace Health and Wellbeing. She is the head of training and development for PAM Group and is the Deputy Head of the National School of Occupational Health focusing on training, quality and workforce development. Janet is a SOM member and active supporter and a trustee board member of iOH. She is sub editor of OH today and an assistant editor for the Journal of Occupational Medicine.
Chair: Professor Anne Harriss
Upcoming SOM Webinars
View our catalogue of public webinar recordings here.
View the full list of upcoming SOM webinars here.
• SOM Webinar on OH in Wales and Scotland FREE For All
Tuesday 19th November 12-1pm- register here
• Domestic Abuse Awareness & Supporting in the Workplace FREE For All
Wednesday 20th November 12-1pm - register here
• Psychometric Assessments in OH - What they are and How to use them FREE For All
Tuesday 14th January 2025 12-1pm - register here
• A framework for managing the sudden and unexpected death of a colleague in the primary care setting FREE For All
Wednesday 15th January 3-4pm - register here
• Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCEs) webinar FREE For All
Monday 20th January 12-1pm - register here
About the SOM
The Society of Occupational Medicine (SOM) is the largest and oldest national professional organisation and with an interest in OH. It demonstrates a commitment to improving health at work, supports professional development and improves future employability enhancing our members’ reputation and employability. Members are part of a multidisciplinary community – including doctors, technicians, nurses, health specialists and other professionals – with access to the information, expertise and learning needed to keep at the forefront of their role. Members benefit from career development opportunities alongside practical, day-to-day support and guidance, through local and national networks that are open to all. Through its collective voice, SOM advances knowledge, increases awareness and seeks to positively influence the future of OH.
New Membership Category: Professional Partner Membership
Work in HR, Wellbeing, Employee assistance or responsible for workplace health? SOM is delighted to offer Professional Partner Membership, to keep you up to date with the latest workplace health resources and guidance – from mental health to neurodiversity and Long COVID. For only £50 per year, membership offers knowledge, tools, and connections to help you do the best job you can in improving health and work. It is not open to occupational health or other health professionals who are welcome to Join as Full, International, Student or Associate members. Benefits:
The introduction of this new membership category demonstrates SOM’s commitment to supporting as many organisations and people as possible in its aim to improve workplace health for all. Join us - at www.som.org.uk
