The SOM Occupational Health Awards showcase occupational health – demonstrating its value to organisations and the wider community. Entries for the 2026 awards are now open! Do apply! Please complete the form here. Rules of entry here. Closing date: 5pm Monday 2nd November. Categories are as follows…
Britain is waiting until people are too sick to work before giving them the support that could keep them in employment, SOM has warned, stating that the delayed use of occupational health services is helping create a growing “sickness economy”, with ill health increasingly determining who can enter…
SOM has today published a Position Statement on Mental Health and Work. SOM welcomes the progress made in reducing stigma surrounding mental ill health in the UK, however, we are keen that greater awareness does not lead to the over-medicalisation of common emotional challenges that arise both at…
A new research report published by the Society of Occupational Medicine (SOM) and International Occupational Medicine Society Collaborative (IOMSC) highlights the occupational health and safety risks of artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) in Brazil, Colombia, Uganda and Zimbabwe. The report…
Employers have a legal duty under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 to assess and manage risks to worker’s health and safety. Heatwaves are becoming more frequent in the UK, increasing the risk of heat-related illness and reduced workplace performance. Employers should take a proactive…
Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining (ASM) Miners and surrounding communities face significant health hazards. Exposure to dust leads to high rates of silicosis, tuberculosis, and other respiratory illnesses. The SOM/NEBOSH ASM literature review by Professor Gavin Hilson, identified that India has 15m…
SOM has published new guidance on Supporting employees at work during fertility treatment and pregnancy loss. Fertility treatment and pregnancy loss are increasingly relevant workplace issues. Rising female workforce participation, later parenthood, and assisted conception mean more employees will…
The International Occupational Medicine Society Collaborative (IOMSC) successfully concluded its Global Thought Leaders Meeting at the International Labour Organization (ILO) headquarters in Geneva on 21st and 22nd May. The high-level, two-day summit brought together leading Occupational Medicine…
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DWP and DHSC have announced today that patients, employers and GPs are set to benefit from an overhaul of the fit note system following the launch of several Government pilots to reform the system for workers who fall ill. In response to the announcement, Professor Neil Greenberg, SOM President…
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This new guide, Repositioning Occupational Health within the Employee Value Proposition (EVP) responds to the challenge employers face managing sickness absence, improving their workforce’s health, and attracting and retaining talent. As part of this, many organisations do not realise the full value…
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Today is the World Day of Safety and Health at Work. 2.9 million people die each year from work-related causes. Work related deaths have risen 12% since 2000. Poor occupational safety and health is estimated to cost the equivalent of up to $3 trillion annually – equivalent to 5.8% of GDP. For the…
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WISE-QM [Quality Mark for Wellbeing Initiatives and Services for Employees] is a new joint initiative between SOM and the Royal College of Psychiatrists (RCPsych). Together, we are committed to shaping a more transparent, consistent, and effective wellbeing landscape across workplaces. WISE-QM is a…