Institution of Occupational Safety and Health

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) is a United Kingdom organization 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.

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 has publications providing 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.

[edit] Membership and designations

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. This is the highest grade. 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 requires approved educational qualifications and experience. 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. These are academically qualified to become Chartered Members, and are undergoing professional development.

Technician Member (Tech IOSH) Technician Members of the Institution are entitled to use the designatory letters Tech IOSH. They require approved educational qualifications at a lower level than graduates, plus professional experience. They are required to continue in professional development.

Affiliate Affiliate level is for those who have an interest in, or are employed in occupational safety and health, but are not yet eligible to join at other categories of membership.

[edit] Publications

Policy and Practice in Health and Safety A peer-reviewed journal published twice a year
Safety and Health Practitioner A monthly magazine
Books Publications for professionals
Guidance Notes and Reports. A number of documents are available free from the website.