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  • 19 March 2024
    Webinar

       

    FREE WEBINAR

    The impact of asbestos on the UK workforce: three waves of mesothelioma

    Asbestos is a mineral resistant to high temperatures, valued for its use as a fire retardant and heat insulating material. In addition, sadly, exposure to asbestos is the only known cause of mesothelioma, an incurable cancer with a prognosis of 12-18 months. The UK has the highest recorded rate of mesothelioma in the world.

    Incidence of mesothelioma has typically been higher in men and in certain occupational groups, including asbestos mining and construction industries. However, exposure to degrading asbestos in buildings means that the patient profile is changing. Asbestos, the UK’s number one cause of work-related deaths, is present in 94% of hospital trusts in England and 80% of UK state schools.

    This webinar will introduce the Mesothelioma UK Research Centre, based at the University of Sheffield. An overview of the history of asbestos use in the UK will be given, explaining the three waves of mesothelioma and political context. The main focus will be the risk and impact of asbestos exposure today. We will draw on four research studies, each concentrating on a particular patient group; military personnel, health care professionals, education workers and women. Implications for clinical practice will be addressed.

    Biography: Dr. Peter Allmark 

    Research Assistant based at the Mesothelioma UK Research Centre, University of Sheffield. Since 2016, has worked on qualitative sub-studies nested in clinical trials and qualitative/ mixed methods studies exploring the patient and family carer experience of receiving a diagnosis of mesothelioma and engagement in palliative care. Has a research background in philosophy and health care ethics and has worked extensively in this area, for example, on studies into informed consent.

    Biography: Dr. Bethany Taylor 

    Research Fellow based at the Mesothelioma UK Research Centre, University of Sheffield. Since 2016, has led a number of studies including qualitative sub-studies nested in clinical trials and qualitative/ mixed methods studies exploring the patient and family carer experience of receiving a diagnosis of mesothelioma and engagement in palliative care. Has an interest in seeking to understand the experiences of people with mesothelioma following exposure in non-traditional environments, such as public buildings including schools. Bethany's esearch seeks to learn from the experiences of patients, family members and health professionals to improve understanding of asbestos risk and to shape service provision and care delivery. 

    Chair: Dr Will ponsonby

    FREE for ALL. Register online. You will then be sent the joining link.

     

  • 21 March 2024
    Webinar

       

    FREE Webinar

    Agenda:

    -    BOHS: Working toward Occupational health care for Informal Workers (Dr Suvarna Moti)

    -    Opportunities & Challenges in Basic Occupational Health Services and similar innovations in health care (Prof Frank van Dijk)

    -    Successes & Challenges of BOHS in Thailand (Dr Orrapan Untimanon)

    -    Q & A session   

    Chair: Dr Rikard Moen

     

    BOHS: Working toward Occupational health care for Informal Workers - Dr Suvarna Moti

    Summary

    Basic Occupational Health Services (BOHS) is a form of occupational health care, offered as part of primary or community health care, to severely deprived working populations namely,  informal workers, farmers and workers in agriculture, workers in small companies and self-employed. These populations cannot be covered by expert-based occupational health services operating for large or moderate-size enterprises. Existing infrastructure of primary or community health care is used for organizing BOHS. In this way, BOHS can be an essential link in the chain fulfilling the aim of occupational health coverage for all workers. Close collaboration is sought with local working communities, unions, progressive employers, social security, and labour inspection.

    In this presentation the author will talk about utilisation of this form of occupational health care delivery in India on an exploratory basis through the MISSION BOHS launched by a voluntary body of occupational health professionals in the country. This initiative in selected geographic areas supported capacity building of primary care physicians in occupational health focussing upon delivery to the informal working populations lacking this care. Vast informal industry in India provides employment for over 85 per cent of the working population and lacks a regulatory framework.  There are other models referred here working for specific beneficiaries offering some elements of occupational health care. Sustainability of civil society led BOHS initiatives face challenges without regulatory and policy support highlighting the restraints due to funding, deficit of skilled capabilities and mainly, legal and administrative framework for the informal employment mirroring the situation in many parts of the globe.

    Dr Suvarna Moti works as Independent Public Health Specialist with Reliance Industries advising on Global Health, Health policy and strategy in Community health & Occupational health. Dr Moti completed her post graduate training for MD, DNB in Preventive & Social Medicine at Grant Medical College, Mumbai. Later she obtained her MSc degree in Global Health Policy from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine. She has worked as Plant Medical Officer at Hindustan Unilever Ltd. and volunteered with UNDP HIV, Health & Development group for WHO FCTC for Tobacco Control.

     

    Opportunities and challenges in Basic Occupational Health Services (BOHS) and similar innovations in health care. - Em. Prof. Frank van Dijk

    Summary

    In 2022 an online repository was publised, a database for publications about Basic Occupational Health Services (BOHS). As the term ‘basic occupational health services’ is hardly used in many countries and regions, it also included publications not using the term BOHS but describing and analyzing similar innovations in primary or community health care (PHC). The aim was to include all publications dealing with systematic efforts to organize or enhance PHC provisions supporting workers’ health issues.

    In an explorative study, 131 articles in scientific journals were analysed included in the repository (2001-2022). The information on thematic issues was studied, such as the coverage of workers by BOHS (and similar efforts), the role of legislation, the presence of a comprehensive national strategy to promote occupational health care, the financing of BOHS, structural support for PHC on occupational safety and health (OSH) strategies and issues, the education and training in OSH for PHC workers, the use of a participatory approach in training, the role of a referral system, the content and quality of performed BOHS activities, and the availability of an evaluation system.

    Clearly, the development, implementation, and evaluation of BOHS is a complex theme. In addition, there is a lack of data and – often - a dependency of contextual factors that are not always well described in studies. Consequently, study findings must be carefully interpreted by the reader who decides what to try in his or her own situation. Nevertheless, good studies are urgently needed. They contribute to the global discussion about relevant factors and conditions, and they can inspire new efforts in favor of the most vulnerable worker populations.  

    Prof Frank van Dijk is occupational physician and emeritus professor in Occupational Health at the Amsterdam University Medical Center in the Netherlands (1987-2013). Since 2014 he is working in the Learning and Developing Occupational Health (LDOH) foundation. He was member of the Health Council of the Netherlands (2015-2023) and is (co-)author of about 200 international peer-reviewed articles, reports, and books. Recent publications are the online Repository for publications on Basic Occupational Health Services (BOHS) (Van Dijk, Moti; 2022) and the e-book and learning materials Work and Health in Agriculture (Verberk, Van Dijk; 2022/23).

     

    Successes & Challenges of BOHS in Thailand. -  Dr Orrapan Untimanon

    Division of Occupational and Environmental Diseases, Department of Disease Control, Ministry of Public Health, Thailand.

    Summary

    BOHS (Basic Occupational Health Services) provided by PCUs is important because these units are close to informal workers who work in the communities and they are exposed to several occupational hazards. Currently, BOHS has been developed to increase both passive OHS such as walkthrough survey, risk assessment and control and passive OHS such as screening, diagnosis and record of occupational diseases among such workers. The aim of this talk is to describe the development of BOHS in Thailand. The situation of employed workers, informal workers and occupational hazards, OHS standards, basic occupational health online training course and occupational diseases data system will be included in the presentation.  

    Dr Orrapan Untimanon, is an occupational health epidemiologist by training. She has worked at the Department of Disease Control of the Bureau of Occupational and Environmental Diseases (BOED) in Bangkok, Thailand, for 17 years as a senior of professional level. Her current projects focus on the development of occupational health services provided by hospitals and primary care units and the development of occupational services for health workers.

    FREE for ALL. You will then be sent the join link.
     

  • 17 April 2024
    West Midlands

    Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) for Occupational Health Technicians and Nurses

    Wednesday 17th April, Birmingham

    Course tutor: Dr Roger Cooke, consultant in occupational medicine, and a leading expert in hand-arm vibration syndrome

    Are you getting started in HAVS? Do you want to improve your confidence, knowledge and skills? For OH technicians and screening nurses, with no prior knowledge of HAVS, this new introductory course may meet your needs. This one-day face-to-face training course is designed specifically for OH technicians and screening nurses to provide background knowledge to assist in their role undertaking delegated tasks for statutory health surveillance.

    Course testimonial from previous delegate:

    “A very worthwhile day, providing informative and relevant content, delivered in an interesting way that will enhance practice” - Occupational Health Nurse

    How will attending this training benefit you?

    You will gain:

    • Detailed background knowledge of hand transmitted vibration, its health effects and symptoms

    • Comprehension of the legal requirements relevant for workers exposed to hand transmitted vibration

    • An understanding of your role in undertaking delegated tasks for statutory health surveillance at Tiers 1, 2 or 3, and how you can work under supervision to assist suitably qualified occupational health staff

    • Hands on, practical experience of how to conduct different assessments for HAVS

    • Improved confidence in your HAVS knowledge and skills

    Who is the training designed for?

    This training is designed for OH technicians and screening nurses that are new to HAVS (little or no experience). Previous experience of HAVS is not essential, but experience in OH is required.

    For the full course programme and to book online click here.

    EARLY BIRD OFFER - Book and pay before 26 February 2024 and save £70 + VAT!

  • 22 April 2024
    Webinar

       

    FREE for ALL (please log in on the SOM website first). 

    Expert-led webinar series: ‘What are the key considerations for effective and integrated Work and Health services?’

    The overnment is committed to supporting disabled people and people with health conditions to start, stay and succeed in work.  Work is good for people’s health

    This webinar series is for all those who have a role in planning and delivering integrated work and health services, including Integrated Care Boards, Primary Care, Local Authorities, Job Centre Plus, policy-makers and others with an interest in this field.

    We have a multi-disciplinary line up of speakers, reflecting the multi-disciplinary response needed to address an individual’s full set of barriers and support needs.

    Thanks go out to the Society for Occupational Medicine (SOM) for kindly organising the events in partnership with the DWP and DHSC Joint Work and Health Directorate.

    Work and Health services 1 – key considerations

    2nd April 2-3.30pm

    Chair – Jean King: Deputy Director – Health Division, Joint Work and Health Directorate

    • Models of Occupational Health and the value of low intensity biopsychosocial interventions - Dr Steve Boorman, Chair, Council for Work and Health
    • The role of Occupational Therapy and Vocational Rehabilitation – Karin Orman, RCOT Director of Practice and Innovation
    • Different roles in a multidisciplinary team and building capability - Janet O’Neil, National School of Occupational Health (NSOH)

    FREE for ALL. You will then be sent the joining link.

  • 23 April 2024
    London

    EXCEL LONDON

    FREE

    The UK's largest B2B expo for employee and workplace wellbeing with 150 exhibitors, 100 speakers and 6000 visitors.

    For full details and FREE online registration visit;
    https://www.watercoolerevent.com/

    View the full programme here.

     

  • 24 April 2024
    Webinar

       

    FREE for ALL (please log in on the SOM website first). 

    Expert-led webinar series: ‘What are the key considerations for effective and integrated Work and Health services?’

    The overnment is committed to supporting disabled people and people with health conditions to start, stay and succeed in work.  Work is good for people’s health

    This webinar series is for all those who have a role in planning and delivering integrated work and health services, including Integrated Care Boards, Primary Care, Local Authorities, Job Centre Plus, policy-makers and others with an interest in this field.

    We have a multi-disciplinary line up of speakers, reflecting the multi-disciplinary response needed to address an individual’s full set of barriers and support needs.

    Thanks go out to the Society for Occupational Medicine (SOM) for kindly organising the events in partnership with the DWP and DHSC Joint Work and Health Directorate.

    Work and Health services 2 – key considerations.

    24th April – 1.30-3pm

    Chair – Alexander Fitzpatrick, Deputy Direct WorkWell, Joint Work and Health Directorate

    FREE for ALL. You will then be sent the joining link.

  • 13 May 2024
    Webinar

    For the MFOM Part 1, DOccMed and DipOHPrac*, The Occupational Health Academy with SOM presents... MCQ Weekend

    THIS IS NOT A LIVE SESSION; THIS IS A RECORDING OF THE 2023 MCQ WEEKEND.

    This recording will expire on Monday 13th May 2024

    Finding the vast amount of information from your CPD course a lot to take in? Never done occupational health and wondering how you will understand the concepts and pass the exam? Busy with your own personal life and work, and wanting to know the core information to help pass the MCQ exams? If you have any of these queries then why not purchase the very popular MCQ Weekend at The Occupational Health Academy.

    Over two days, The Occupational Health Academy will cover the key principles and information for the exam with OH Ethics and Law, Occupational Hygiene, Occupational Medicine and Exam Tips/Past Topics and help you grasp the key concepts to improve your knowledge for the more difficult MCQ exam. Check out some of the reviews on The Occupational Health Academy website to see it's definitely worth it - the Academy boasts some high scoring previous attendees!

    This recording will expire on Monday 13th May 2024

    Full SOM members receive a 20% discount on the course fee. To receive the discount, please log in to your SOM account before registering. To upgrade to full membership from associate/student categories, please email membership@som.org.uk

    Non SOM-members can sign up as a full SOM member first and then access the 20% course discount. Join SOM here. If you have any queries, please email membership@som.org.uk

    *Could also be utilised for LFOM exam preparation although not specific.

  • 13 May 2024
    Webinar

       

    FREE for ALL (please log in on the SOM website first). 

    Expert-led webinar series: ‘What are the key considerations for effective and integrated Work and Health services?’

    The overnment is committed to supporting disabled people and people with health conditions to start, stay and succeed in work.  Work is good for people’s health

    This webinar series is for all those who have a role in planning and delivering integrated work and health services, including Integrated Care Boards, Primary Care, Local Authorities, Job Centre Plus, policy-makers and others with an interest in this field.

    We have a multi-disciplinary line up of speakers, reflecting the multi-disciplinary response needed to address an individual’s full set of barriers and support needs.

    Thanks go out to the Society for Occupational Medicine (SOM) for kindly organising the events in partnership with the DWP and DHSC Joint Work and Health Directorate.

    Work and Health - service essentials.

    13th May – 2-3.30pm

    Chair – Chair – Alexander Fitzpatrick, Deputy Direct WorkWell, Joint Work and Health Directorate

    • The role of Prevention and Understanding the work and health needs of a local area –Lola Abudu
    • Effective signposting and referral pathways - Dr Shriti Pattani, National Clinical Expert in Occupational Health and Wellbeing for NHS England and accredited specialist in Occupational Medicine, and tbc
    • Working with employers to help them improve their offer - Louise Aston (formerly BITC)
    • Joint summing up at the end of session between SOM and JWHD

    FREE for ALL. You will then be sent the joining link.

  • 14 May 2024
    London

    Society of Occupational Medicine and Royal Society of Medicine joint meeting

    Venue: Royal Society of Medicine, 1 Wimpole Street, Marylebone, London, W1G 0AE

    We are pleased to invite you to a pivotal event focused on women's health and well-being in the workplace. The event will provide a dynamic platform to delve into the intricate interplay of women's hormonal physiology, discuss the challenges of menopause, address the prevalent issues of inequality and discrimination, and exchange knowledge and insights in a two-way discussion.

    Distinguished medical experts will deliver presentations, offering a nuanced exploration of how these factors intersect with women's professional lives. Through these expert-led discussions, attendees will gain valuable insights into the physiological aspects of hormonal fluctuations, the impact of menopause on workplace dynamics, relevant mental resilience factors and the pervasive challenges of inequality and discrimination.

    By attending you will:

    - Gain a thorough knowledge of the various aspects of women's health, including the complexities of hormonal physiology and the challenges associated with menopause.

    - Acquire practical strategies for integrating insights from the meeting into your professional practices.

    - Learn how to become an advocate for workplace equality and to take action against discrimination.

    The Annual SOM Apothecaries Lecture will be delivered by Dame Lesley Regan DBE, Womens Health Ambassador for England, Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Imperial College London.

    Discounted rate for SOM members. For further details and to book, visit the RSM website here.

  • 14 May 2024
    Webinar

    Certificate in Managing OH Services 2024

    A Virtual Course

    Calling all professionals responsible for managing or creating an occupational health service!

    This fantastic three-day course is specifically designed to provide you with the essential management tools to deliver a successful OH service – from the effective management of staff and services to managing departmental budgets. The course deals with the financial, political, legal and employment issues that OH professionals need to address in order to ensure that they function successfully and deliver maximum benefit to their employer.

    Join The At Work Partnership virtually via Zoom in May 2024 to gain this qualification that will help you develop the additional skills needed to operate confidently and effectively in the working environment in the private or public sector and to present the case for OH to different stakeholders.

    This comprehensive course is delivered over three full days by a team of expert tutors with an outstanding level of industry knowledge and expertise. Led by John Humphrey, with other speakers including Dr Paul Litchfield, Jo Berriman, Carolyn Graham, Prof Diana Kloss and Dr Steve Boorman.

    View the full programme at the link below.

    Course Testimonials:

    “A comprehensive overview of effective OH management, delivered by leading industry experts” Andrew Wiggans, Bentley Motors Ltd

    “Fantastic course – a MUST for OH Managers” Justine Whitmore, head of wellbeing, George Eliot Hospital NHS Trust

    For full programme details and to book online please click here.

    EARLY BIRD RATE OFFER:

    Book and pay by 15 March 2024 and save £100 + VAT!

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