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Occupational and environmental health and safety is a broad field, and its effectiveness depends upon a complex system of collaboration and communication among industrial hygienists, nurses, physicians, engineers, and other professionals. That system requires associations that are able and ready to provide what’s needed by professionals and the workers they serve—not only today, but into the future.  

As OEHS professionals, we have several options to grow the OEHS field through AIHA, the American Public Health Association (APHA), and the Association of Occupational and Environmental Clinics (AOEC). Together, these organizations represent the professional homes for both novices and veterans of worker health and safety. At this time of change for national policies, bridging the gaps between our associations and building foundations for the future are more critical than ever.

AIHA is a powerful resource for professional development in OEHS through networking, education, and other supportive services. AIHA University’s robust offerings include e-learning, face-to-face training, certificate programs, and publications. AIHA Connect, the premier annual conference for OEHS, brings together thousands of professionals for a diverse program of professional development courses and educational sessions. The American Industrial Hygiene Foundation (AIHF) offers dozens of scholarships for students pursuing degrees in industrial hygiene or OEHS. Since 1982, AIHF has distributed more than $3.1 million in scholarship funds.

APHA is the oldest and largest public health organization in the world. The Occupational Health and Safety Section of APHA, originally the Industrial Hygiene Section, was founded by Alice Hamilton, a pioneer of OHS in the United States, and George Kober, coauthor of the first industrial hygiene survey in the U.S. For more than 110 years, the OHS Section has fought to address disparities that workers face. Today, the OHS Section brings together professionals from government, industry, academia, community, and labor, both nationally and internationally. The OHS Section has developed public policy, improved the skills and competencies of members, and fostered mentorship and partnership across the field. APHA offers the James P. Keogh Memorial Scholarship, which promotes and strengthens the participation of students, union representatives, and members in the OHS Section of APHA.

AOEC is a nonprofit whose members and clinics provide high-quality, patient-focused care for workers with occupational injuries and illnesses as well as people exposed to environmental hazards. In addition to providing resources and referrals for clinical teams—physicians, nurses, physical and occupational therapists, and more—AOEC also has networks of industrial hygienists who work with those teams to assess working environments, exposures, and controls. Additionally, AOEC offers many scholarships to students and new professionals. In its 23rd year, the Occupational Health Internship Program (OHIP) has trained more than 400 future OEHS professionals.  

Worker safety is critical for our economic viability and success as a nation. OEHS experts need skills to demonstrate to industry, employers, and businesses that building professional capabilities helps prevent costly injuries. We need resources to drive improved OEHS productivity—keeping workers safe, and keeping us employed—and to recruit talent so future job seekers want to be us and policymakers seek to ask us.  

AIHA, the APHA OHS Section, and AOEC help OEHS professionals learn these educational and advocacy skills. These societies also foster communities of researchers who create evidence-based best practices and offer conferences where practitioners learn about these superior methods. OEHS professionals then bring their expertise to their own employment settings to help their local businesses grow, workers thrive, and future generations flourish.  

During a time when workers require immense support, these organizations have stood up to the challenge. This community of associations protects, rebuilds, and strengthens the field of OEHS. If you haven’t already, consider joining one or more of these organizations and contributing to their scholarships.   

Resources

AIHA: “AIHF Scholarships.”

AIHA: “Value of AIHA Membership.”

American Public Health Association: “Occupational Health and Safety.”

American Public Health Association: “Awards,” James Keogh Memorial Scholarship Fund.

Association of Occupational and Environmental Clinics: AOEC Membership.

Association of Occupational and Environmental Clinics: AOEC Scholarships.

New Solutions: “Safe Work Saves Lives: American Public Health Association—Occupational Health and Safety Section” (August 2025).