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In order to be recognised as having Occupational Hygiene theoretical content at an equivalent or higher level than that contained in the OHTA modules, to fulfil the requirements of the ICertOHTA or the BOHS CertOH, each academic institution must apply independently to SAIOH for accreditation. Multiple academic institutions offering the same qualification may not make a single application.
- Initial recognition: All academic institutions offering a SAQA registered qualification at the required NQF level, may apply to the SAIOH Professional Certification Committee (PCC) for recognition of the qualification. Content to be included in the required submission is detailed in “Form (to follow): Recognition of Qualification by SAIOH PCC”. Whilst it is at the discretion of the PPC to grant recognition or not, if the applicants’ academic institution was not successful in being granted recognition, the PCC will provide feedback on potential areas of improvement to the qualification. This will allow the academic institution to make the requisite changes and become eligible to re-apply in the following academic year.
- Continued recognition: Every 5 years after initial successful recognition by the PCC, each academic institution shall complete “Form (to follow): Continued recognition of qualification by SAIOH PCC”, and submit it to the PCC. Where there has been a change from the original submission, evidence related to the change/s must be submitted with the form, allowing for assessment of the impact of the change/s. The PCC will evaluate the evidence submitted either accepting the evidence with continued recognition or requiring a full re-assessment of the programme.
The Commission of Inquiry on Occupational Health in South Africa the Erasmus Report was published in 1976 and after several informal/impromptu discussions as well as a request from the Department of Labour, a meeting was organised to discuss the formation of an organisation for the occupational hygiene profession. The prime objective of this meeting was to determine the need for an organisation to promote and protect the professional status of occupational hygienists. A sub-committee was formed to investigate, define, and report on the following: what an occupational hygienist is, define the responsibilities of OHASA as well as what the responsibilities of the "new organisation" will be and, in addition, aim for the establishment and maintenance of international recognition, register occupational hygienists according to set criteria and ensure good working relationship between the newly established organisation and OHASA.
In February 1992, nominations for the transitional committee of IOHSA were called for. This committee consisted of elected representatives from the following sectors:
Education
- Practicing Consultants
- General Industry
- Trade Unions
- Mining Industry
- Government Agencies
- Local Government
The transitional committee then established an examination committee, professional categories, evaluation standards and the constitution. Following a presentation made by Dr John Johnston and Dr Johan Schoeman in Geneva, Switzerland, IOHSA was granted membership to the International Occupational Hygiene Association (IOHA) in Stockholm in 1996. After several meetings, the OHASA and IOHSA Councils began joint meetings early in 1998. A strategic objective-setting meeting was held in March 2000 and the Southern African Institute for Occupational Hygiene officially launched, with a new name, new logo, and new council members. With the formation of SAIOH, the initial objective of creating awareness of SAIOH as a professional institute and enhancing occupational hygiene as a discipline could now be reached
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