Grand Challenges

Many organizations and professions have developed Grand Challenges with goals such as advancing science, solving major medical or health issues, or building a more just society. To our knowledge, Grand Challenges have not previously been developed for worker health, safety, or well-being.

In 2020, the AIHA Board of Directors approved a project to develop the Grand Challenges for Worker Health, Safety, and Well-Being, which if accomplished, would lead to significant reductions in occupational injuries, illnesses, and fatalities, and lead to improved quality of work life.

AIHA's Grand Challenges Project

Grand Challenges have been developed for several professions and organizations (e.g., mathematics, medicine, engineering, and social work). They are different in many ways from more routine but ambitious efforts such as 5-year strategic plans.

Background: Grand Challenges have been developed for several professions and organizations (e.g., mathematics, medicine, engineering, and social work). In 2019, AIHA's Fellows leadership team established the AIHA’s Grand Challenges for Worker Health, Safety, and Well-Being Leadership Team, a limited-term volunteer group. In 2021, the Grand Challenges project began. As the world’s premier organization for occupational and environmental health and safety (OEHS) professionals, AIHA, in collaboration with its allied organization partners, is ideally suited to embark on this important project. The time is right to build on the increased recognition of the value of the OEHS profession in protecting worker and community health and to further the association's progress towards its vision…”a world where all workers and their communities are healthy and safe”.

New for 2025 - Grand Challenges: Introduction and Executive Summary

Here’s a Sneak Peek of What’s Inside:

Introduction
What are Grand Challenges?
How were the AIHA Grand Challenges for Worker Health, Safety, and Well-Being Developed?
Mitigating the Impacts of a Changing Climate on Workers
Changing Work Environment
Promoting Health Equity and Eliminating Precarity in the Workplace

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New for 2025 - Grand Challenges: Mitigating the Impacts of a Changing Climate on Workers

Here’s a Sneak Peek of What’s Inside:

Introduction
Criteria for the Grand Challenges
What is Climate Change?
Potential Risks of the "Green Economy"
Mitigating Climate Change Hazards: What is Being Done?
Mitigating Climate Change Hazards: What Must Be Done?
Next Steps

Fill the form below to download the new paper!

Overview of 2025 Updates

AIHA Grand-Challenges-Overview_2025.pptx from AIHA

Grand Challenges Leadership Team

Deborah Imel Nelson, Ph.D., MPH, CIH, FAIHA: Project Chair; Facilitator for the Promoting Health Equity Team
Chris Laszcz-Davis, MS, CIH, FAIHA, FAIC: Facilitator for the Climate Change Team
Don Weekes, CIH, CSP, FAIHA: Facilitator for the Changing Workplace Team
Denese Deeds, CIH, FAIHA: Facilitator for the Improving Exposure Assessment Team
Tom Grumbles MS, CIH (Retired), CPPS, FAIHA: Advising Editor for all teams
Nicole Greeson, MS, CIH: AIHA President, 2024-2025 (Board Liaison)
Larry Sloan, MBA, CAE, FASAE: AIHA CEO

We Welcome Your Feedback

With the concept papers now finalized, our next step is to research and identify other organizations whose bandwidth and capacity can help us amplify our message. These partners will be instrumental in developing a plan to take us to the next step in addressing our Grand Challenges. Please share your input below.

Historical Materials Timeline

What Are Grand Challenges?

In 2019, AIHA's Fellows Executive Board established the AIHA Fellows Grand Challenges for Worker Health, Safety, and Well-Being (GCWHSW-B) Team, a limited-term volunteer group. In 2021, the Grand Challenges project began.

Watch and Listen to Deborah Nelson Explain