February 2, 2023

A Message from President of AIHA

Dear AIHA Members,

In this first communication of 2023, I’d like to update you on AIHA’s recent successes and inform you of a few upcoming projects.

In December, Poppy Crum and Faridodin “Fredi” Lajvardi signed on as the keynote speakers for AIHce EXP 2023. Crum is the chief scientist at NextSense Inc. and an adjunct professor at Stanford University. Her presentation, “Optimizing Human Performance Through Technology,” will kick off the conference on May 22 at 8:00 a.m., Mountain time, and will explore the human and consumer applications of rapidly advancing technology. Lajvardi is a science teacher whose background as an Iranian immigrant helped him connect with students in the predominantly Hispanic high school where he taught for over 30 years. He will deliver the closing keynote session, “Diversity Is Key to Move the OEHS Agenda Forward,” on May 24 at 3:30 p.m., Mountain time. More information about the speakers and their presentations can be found on the AIHce EXP 2023 website. If you haven’t registered for AIHce EXP 2023 yet, I encourage you to take advantage of the discounted advanced rates before early bird registration ends on March 19. AIHce EXP 2023 will offer a program of virtual events for those who cannot attend onsite in Phoenix. We hope you will join us either in person or virtually.

In January, AIHA issued new public policy priorities addressing noise, thermal stress, and the OEHS professional pathway. These priorities will guide and focus the association’s activities in 2023 and beyond:

Furthermore, to continue our efforts to make workplaces and communities healthier and safer, AIHA has reenergized the Back to Work Safely website developed at the beginning of the pandemic. Renamed Healthier Workplaces, it’s been redesigned as a one-stop OEHS resource center. We’ve also rolled out an online resource center for the transportation industry (specifically freight rail and trucking) on our Worker Health and Safety website, which provides information on controlling risks and hazards and protecting the workforce in this industry. In 2023, we will develop materials for the marine transportation sector and the insurance industry, to be added to the Worker Health and Safety site.

I want to conclude this letter with a quick heads up regarding market research projects that AIHA will launch in the coming months. We learn so much about how to improve our benefits and services when you provide feedback through these surveys, so I encourage you to participate. Here’s what’s coming in 2023:

  • Member Needs survey
  • Salary and Compensation survey
  • Education Needs survey
  • Synergist Readers’ survey
  • State of the Art versus Science: Exposure Assessment survey

Your commitment to excellence has helped AIHA reach new heights and promote the OEHS profession in the public arena. 2023 will be a big year for AIHA and our profession. Thanks for renewing your membership. We are IH!

Best regards,
Donna Heidel, MS, CIH, FAIHA AIHA
President, 2022–2023

P.S. If one of your New Year resolutions is to get more involved with AIHA, then you’re in luck! Check out our Open Calls page for more information about the many volunteering opportunities our association has to offer.