Institution of Occupational Safety and Health
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) is the United Kingdom's leading body for health and safety professionals. It has nearly 30,000 members, including more than 8,000 Chartered Safety and Health Practitioners. While principally a UK-based organisation, the Institution also has an expanding international membership, with members in over 50 other countries, including branches in Hong Kong and the Republic of Ireland. The Institution is the guardian of occupational health and safety standards of competence in the UK.
The Institution was founded in 1945 and is an independent, not-for-profit organisation. As well as setting professional standards, the Institution supports and develops members and provides authoritative advice and guidance on health and safety issues. The Institution achieved Chartered status in 2003 and has had the right to award individual Chartered status to members since 2005.
As a leading body for health and safety professionals, the Institution is working to:
- ensure that people are at the heart of health and safety
- become the definitive voice for health and safety at work
- champion pragmatic, sensible risk management
- encourage research and share knowledge
- advance high professional standards.
[edit] Membership and designations
Membership of the Institution offers a range of opportunities for those working or qualifying in health and safety. Categories of membership depend on a combination of academic qualifications, experience and achievement.
Chartered Fellow (CFIOSH): Chartered Fellows of the Institution are entitled to use the designation Chartered Safety and Health Practitioner and the designatory letters CFIOSH. Along with Chartered Member status, this category of membership is the most prestigious and can be attained by progressing through the IOSH membership categories. Chartered Fellows must have demonstrated an outstanding contribution to the discipline and profession of health and safety. All Chartered Fellows are required to maintain a Continuing Professional Development (CPD) record.
Chartered Member (CMIOSH): Chartered Members of the Institution are entitled to use the designation Chartered Safety and Health Practitioner and the designatory letters CMIOSH. Chartered Member status reflects the competence demanded of professionals in health and safety management or leadership positions. All Chartered Members are required to maintain a Continuing Professional Development (CPD) record.
Graduate Member (Grad IOSH): Graduates of the Institution can use the designatory letters Grad IOSH. The category denotes those who are academically qualified to become Chartered Members, but are currently completing a mandatory Initial Professional Development (IPD) cycle. Completion of a qualification accredited by the Institution is required to qualify for this level of membership.
Technician Member (Tech IOSH) Technician Members of the Institution are entitled to use the designatory letters Tech IOSH. This category recognises the competence needed by professionals engaged in crucial operational health and safety roles. A version of CPD specifically tailored to this category is mandatory for Technician Members to maintain their status.
Affiliate Affiliate level is designed for those who have an interest in, or are employed in occupational safety and health, but are not eligible to join at other categories of membership.
[edit] External links
- Official links
