The University of Pittsburgh is seeking participants for a slip-resistant work footwear study. Information and contacts can be found flyer below. If you or your teams/employees wear work boots or shoes 5+ days a week please consider helping.
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 By Cynthia A. Ostrowski, CIH, National AIHA President
A few days ago, AIHA published new documents on its website about proposed changes to the AIHA bylaws: a summary of the major changes and the text of the proposed additions and deletions (PDFs). Together, these documents thoroughly describe the nature and extent of the proposed changes, so there’s no need for me to do that in this post. Instead, I would like to provide a little more context about what will change—and what will not change—if members vote to approve the proposal. A Move Toward More Inclusive Membership Categories The most significant proposed changes are the new definitions of member categories. The categories of associate member and affiliate member would be eliminated and members currently in those categories would become full members. The definition of “full member” would be broadened to include anyone who “has a business interest in or supports the industrial hygiene, occupational and environmental health and safety, or allied professions.” Requirements would be eliminated for specific academic degrees and professional experience. The intent behind this change is to make AIHA membership more inclusive: we should embrace all individuals who share our passion and interest in protecting worker health, no matter their academic or professional background. Clarification of Student Membership After feedback from AIHA’s student local sections, the Board of Directors decided to adjust the language of its proposed changes to student membership so that both full-time and part-time students would be eligible to apply. The proposed changes now explain how potential student members can establish their status as current students (for example, by submitting transcripts). The current bylaws aren’t clear about the definition of “student,” which has led to an increase in the number of members claiming student status. The proposed changes clarify this issue. Retention of the Contested Slate In recent years, for various reasons, fewer members have been willing to stand for election to national office in AIHA. This is similar to what many of our local sections experience when electing new officers. In response to this trend, the Board of Directors originally proposed eliminating contested elections for the offices of vice president, secretary-elect, and treasurer-elect. Contested elections for director positions would continue as before. Several associations similar to AIHA have adopted such a process, as have many of our local sections. However, a few members expressed concerns regarding this change. Therefore, the proposed changes to the bylaws will retain the current contested, two-candidate slate for AIHA offices. The Board will continue to review its nominating process. As a first step in addressing this issue, the Board is modifying the composition of the Nominating Committee (populating it through an open-call process to increase representation reflective of the broader membership), as well as enhancing the transparency of the overall nominations process. A new board nominations policy and an updated diversity and inclusion policy are being developed, both of which are referenced in the bylaws. A Modern Governing Document Other proposed changes are intended to modernize the bylaws and to accurately reflect current association practices. For example, in recognition of the change in title for the leadership of the AIHA staff, references to “Executive Director” would be removed and replaced with “Chief Executive Officer.” Much of the language related to the activities of the Academy of Industrial Hygiene would be removed to reflect the dissolution of the Council for the Academy several years ago. However, the Academy of Industrial Hygiene will continue exist. All CIHs will continue to be considered Diplomates of the Academy of Industrial Hygiene. There’s Still Time for Feedback The Board has been considering proposed bylaws changes for several months and has engaged members throughout the association to learn what they think of the proposal. The current proposed changes reflect what the Board believes to be in the best interests of AIHA based on the feedback it has received by numerous individuals. But if you haven’t shared your thoughts, you still have time to let us know what you think: AIHA recently opened a comment period on the proposed changes from June 1 through July 1. I encourage you to review the documents on the AIHA website and to send your thoughts about the proposed changes to Elsa Greer, AIHA’s administrative assistant. In July, AIHA will submit the proposed bylaws changes to a vote of the membership. The vote will be conducted via electronic ballot. To take effect, the changes must be approved by two-thirds of voting members. And if you have any questions about the bylaws changes in particular or AIHA in general, please don’t hesitate to email me or AIHA’s CEO, Larry Sloan.  AIHA has won a Communitas Award for its IH Heroes outreach program for Excellence in Organization Community Service.
The American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA) is pleased to announce that its IH Heroes outreach program has won a 2018 Communitas Award for Excellence in Organization Community Service. Communitas Awards recognizes exceptional businesses, organizations and individuals that are unselfishly giving of themselves and their resources, and those that are changing how they do business to benefit their communities. The IH Heroes outreach program is a part of the Professional Pathway program for industrial hygienists (IH.) These programs were created from a desire to align Association resources and development opportunities with the various career stages of the profession. The program includes an award-winning website, documentary series, comic book, and real-world inspired avatar characters. The resulting programs encourage and support the attainment of credentials such as certifications and registrations. Communitas winners are recognized for specific programs involving volunteerism, philanthropy, and ethical, sustainable business practices. Communitas nominees are evaluated based on the extent and effectiveness of their program. The size and potential scope of the nominee is also taken into consideration. The winner list can be found at www.communitasawards.com. “I am proud of this award for many reasons, but most importantly because of what it represents- making our communities better. At AIHA, we strive to improve our communities through industrial hygiene, by providing our members with the information and support they need to do their jobs of protecting workers,” said AIHA’s President Deborah Imel Nelson, PhD, CIH. “I am also very proud of our staff at AIHA who work wholeheartedly every day to fulfill AIHA’s mission.” “Seeing this project be awarded for its community service aspect is fantastic,” said Ben H. Rome, AIHA’s Marketing Manager and the IH Heroes project lead. “We’ve had so much fun crafting the entire outreach program for our members. Their dedication and enthusiasm in presenting the industrial hygiene profession to kids and young adults is truly inspiring. It speaks volumes about their level of commitment to reaching the next generation – and promoting worker health and safety for decades to come.” Communitas Awards was started in 2010 as an outgrowth of the pro bono recognition program of the Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals (www.amcpros.com), a several-thousand-member group that honors creative achievement and fosters partnerships with charities and community organizations. As part of its mission, AMCP gives grants to community organizations and underwrites a large portion of Communitas expenses. The most recent AIHA QuickTakes issues is available now - Important Dates and Deadlines included March - October. Download the file here: 
 The American Industrial Hygiene Association is now accepting applications for the 2018 Future Leaders Institute, which will be held at the Marriott Marquis in Washington, D.C., Sept. 21-23. The Future Leaders Institute provides critical leadership training and professional development opportunities for industrial hygiene/occupational health (IH/OH) professionals within the first 15 years of their career, particularly those from countries or organizations where such opportunities do not exist. Attending the Future Leaders Institute is an exclusive professional development opportunity for young IH and OH professionals who want to strengthen their leadership skills. With only 30 spots available, every year young attendees look forward to their chance to participate. Applications will be accepted through March 16, 2018. “At AIHA we know it is our responsibility to help fill and support the IH and OH pipeline for the future. The Future Leaders Institute is one way we can do this, because the fate of our industry and the important work our members do depends on preparing the next generation,” said Michele Twilley, DrPH, CIH. Twilley is on the AIHA Board of Directors and the Future Leaders Institute Advisory Board. by: Gabriella Lehimdjian, AIHA Communications; glehimdjian@aiha.org
 The American Industrial Hygiene Conference and Expo (AIHce EXP), with over 4,500 attendees, is the most-respected conference of its kind in North America. AIHce EXP is the “must-attend” event for occupational and environmental health and safety professionals of all levels, due in great part to its renowned speaker lineup. AIHce EXP 2018 is excited to announce that two well-known “disruptors” will challenge the participants of this year’s conference to think differently about the future of the work force and worker health--Rich Karlgaard and Colonel Kirk Phillips. Rich Karlgaard is an entrepreneur-turned-Forbes magazine editor-at-large, columnist, author, television commentator, private investor, and board director. His presentation entitled “Three Megatrends and Four Best Practices That Will Shape Your Business Future” will be held on Monday, May 21 at 8:00 AM. Karlgaard is a respected forecaster who offers a unique vantage point on the trends driving the business and economic climates; he forecasts the business and technology world as it is likely to unfold over the next two, five, and ten years. Karlgaard is uniquely positioned at the intersection of business, economic, innovation, and technological trends. As such, he is able to see, weigh, and articulate the variables that will shape the future. He will kick off AIHce EXP 2018 with what promises to be an unforgettable presentation on the trends affecting the industrial hygiene and occupational environmental health and safety (IH/OEHS) profession. Tuesday, May 22’s General Session will feature a highly anticipated, moderated roundtable entitled “Mitigating Opioid Exposure Risks to First Responders: What’s Been Done, What’s Left to Do & How You Can Help.” This session will begin at 8:00 AM. Back by popular demand after his eye-opening presentation at AIHA’s 2017 Fall Conference, Colonel Kirk Phillips will be the closing keynote speaker. Phillips will be discussing “Total Exposure Health: A Revolutionary Way to Think of Exposure and Primary Prevention” on Wednesday, May 23 at 3:30 PM. Colonel Phillips currently holds the position of Health Safety and Environment (HSE) Practice Leader at LJB Inc. out of Dayton OH. Recently, Phillips served as the BSC Associate Chief for Bioenvironmental Engineering (BE) in the Office of the Air Force Surgeon General. In this capacity, he oversaw development and execution of Air Force occupational and environmental health policies and development of the career field’s 362 officers and 960 enlisted members. In 2014, he developed Total Exposure Health as a strategic initiative to institutionalize primary prevention in work, environmental and lifestyle exposures. Prior to his current assignment, Col Phillips was the Director of Policy and Programs for the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Environment, Safety and Occupational Health, Pentagon, Washington, D.C. AIHce EXP will be held May 21-23 in Philadelphia, PA, with professional development courses (PDCs) being offered May 19, 20, and 24. AIHce EXP provides a wealth of knowledge and expertise through a varied array of quality, peer-reviewed presentations. A diverse menu of formats, including general sessions, lectures, poster sessions, interactive Hub presentations, exhibitor learning pavilion sessions, and pre-conference PDC’s, provides multiple pathways to learning. Industry professionals also enjoy numerous networking opportunities to connect with their peers. For more information or to register, please visit www.AIHce2018.org. by: Gabriella Lehimdjian, AIHA Communications; glehimdjian@aiha.org
October 26th Meeting Highlights - Potable Water Safety: What an Industrial Hygienist Needs to Know12/6/2017
 The Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF), the world’s largest pre-college science competition, is returning to Pittsburgh in 2018 at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center. This competition brings together 1700 students in grades 9-12 from 75 countries, regions and territories. These are the best and brightest in the world, having won at local, regional, state and national fairs to get here. Twenty percent of competitors hold patents or published papers.
We need your help! Approximately 1000 judges in 22 categories, covering the whole of science and engineering. Judges are required to have a B.A., B.S. or a master’s degree with a minimum of six years related professional experience OR a Ph.D., M.D., or equivalent. Senior level graduate students may also qualify. If in doubt apply, and credentials will be reviewed. Judges are expected to be available from Tuesday afternoon (register no later than 5:00 PM) May 15 through Wednesday evening May 16, 2018 to complete their judging assignments. Judge training is available. Parking and all meals are provided free. Judging at Intel ISEF is wonderful. The students consistently rank talking with the judges as the high point of their experience. The opportunity to meet these students is a tremendous experience for you. The positive energy in the exhibit hall with the students is inspiring! Judging is also a great opportunity to network with fellow judges - over 1000 professionals from around the region and around the world. The students are our future leaders and workers for industry, universities and research facilities – it’s an opportunity to meet your future students, colleagues and employees. You will also advance STEM education, and promote good will. Intel ISEF was held in Pittsburgh in 2012 and 2015, and was a huge success. Join us to help make the 2018 fair even better. Become a judge. It’s easy. Go to https://student.societyforscience.org/grand-award-judges - click Apply to be a Grand Awards Judge at Intel ISEF 2018 in Pittsburgh! Don’t want to judge? Volunteer to help. There are all kinds of jobs to do, including being an interpreter in any of 20 languages. Go to: https://student.societyforscience.org/volunteers to learn more. Questions? Email: Judging@societyforscience.org Lisa M. Kosick Director, Covestro Pittsburgh Regional Science & Engineering Fair, Coordinator, Chain Reaction Contraption Contest and Future City Competition Phone 412.237.1534 Fax 412.237.3375 Carnegie Science Center One Allegheny Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15212 |
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