Topics We Are Seeking

Over the past several years, AIHA has conducted multiple education- and conference-focused studies including an Environmental Scan, Education Gap Analysis, and Conference Design Lab. This year’s Call for Proposals reflects the current needs of attendees, both topically and in overall conference programming. 

The following are several high-priority topics identified, and we encourage you to submit proposals that touch on these areas:

Human Capital/ESG

Submissions related to human capital, and environmental, social, and governance (HC/ESG) organizational and public policy topics. Organizational-related submissions on the integration of HC/ESG with management systems, auditing, Total Worker Health®, and training; HC/ESG disclosures and metrics, and rating agency criteria; Integrated reporting; and leadership training. Public policy submissions on consensus standards-development; regulatory agency activities; legal rulings; and European Union activities.

Climate Change Hazards and Risks

IHs now anticipate the potential risks and the occupational health and safety hazards associated with climate change. A framework is broken into seven broad categories including an increase in ambient temperature - heat stress; air pollution (ground-level ozone and pulmonary toxicants) - respiratory and cardiovascular disease; ultraviolet radiation - skin cancer, eye effects, immune dysfunction; extreme weather - traumatic injuries, acute death, mental stress; vector-borne disease and other biological hazards - infectious disease, dermatitis, allergies/asthma; industrial transitions, and emerging industries - new chemical hazards, musculoskeletal disorders, mental stress from job insecurity; and changes in the built environment (energy-efficient tight buildings) - a build-up of indoor radon and increased lung cancer risk, indoor air quality issues associated with off-gassing of building materials.

Big Data and Sensor Technology

New applications of sensor technologies are allowing for the faster collection and communication of data across a broader set of agents. At the same time, advancements in data analysis and Artificial Intelligence are combining formerly disparate data sets and automating decision-making. Together these developments will fundamentally alter the role of health and safety professionals. This priority focuses on helping IH professionals leverage cutting-edge technologies for collecting and integrating data to inform risk assessment and management decisions and to stay relevant in the face of transformative change.

Total Worker Health®

Well-being is comprised of several interconnected dimensions and is impacted through a complex interaction of factors including exposure to environmental agents, psychosocial and economic stressors, personal behaviors, and individual genomics. Advancements in science and technology are facilitating the more robust collection and integration of these factors to inform health-related interventions and decision-making in the workplace. This priority focuses on ensuring OEHS professionals are positioned to be leaders and valued participants in preventing harm and protecting and promoting worker well-being (e.g., Total Worker Health®, Exposomics, Total Exposure Health) and recognized as the preeminent experts in the anticipation, recognition, evaluation, and control of exposures to environmental and physical agents and psychological stressors in the workplace, home, and community.

Communicating OEHS Concepts

Increasing growth and diversification in information sources and communication channels are continuing to dilute the influence of science-based expertise. At the same time, public skepticism toward traditional experts is growing in the face of unresolved concerns and perceived biases as various advocacy groups leverage scientific systems for their benefit. These trends coupled with technological advances around data analysis and Artificial Intelligence to further diminish the reliance on scientific expertise. This priority focuses on developing the “soft skills” of OEHS to listen, relate, communicate, and collaborate effectively with a broad spectrum of stakeholders in order to promote the influence and value of the OEHS profession in the modern social-technological landscape.

Serving the Changing Workforce

People are increasingly engaging in nontraditional work arrangements such as gig work, contract work, telecommuting, and working for multiple employers. In addition, the workforce is aging, raising issues around health, chronic disease, and information processing. Coupled with global economic shifts and migration, these changes will significantly impact the evolution of occupational and environmental health concerns and how they are managed. This priority focuses on educating IHs on the circumstances driving these changes, the implications they will have, and how the IH community can respond to protect human health in the workplace and community.

In addition to the content priorities listed here, we encourage you to submit proposals that touch on current events. In the past, this included topics such as hurricane, earthquake, wildfire, and other natural disaster response efforts, as well as disease outbreaks like Ebola.

For a full topic list, click here.

As in previous years, AIHA will continue to offer the following programming and encourages proposals in these areas:

Academic Track

AIHA debuted the Academic Track to showcase the research initiatives of students across the country, as well as to provide targeted content offerings to students and early career professionals as they navigate their entry and professional growth within the occupational health and safety field. Submitters self-select their presentations for this track with a final review and approval by the Conference Program Committee. 

Laboratory Sampling and Testing Track

AIHA has been considering adding a laboratory sampling and testing track to AIHA Connect that would offer specific content for members working in laboratory settings, as well as those interested in laboratory testing and standards. If you feel your content is specifically targeted to this topic area, indicate so using the checkbox question listed, which will assist AIHA staff and the Conference Program Committee in determining if this new track is warranted.