The Society of Occupational Medicine
The Society of Occupational Medicine's vision is "Work Well, Be Well, Live Well".
The Society of Occupational Medicine (SOM) is based in the City. It is the UK organisation for all healthcare professionals working, or with an interest, in occupational health. It is concerned with:
- The protection of the health of people in the workplace
- The prevention of occupational injuries and disease
- Related environmental issues
The SOM is a registered charity founded in 1935 as the Association of Industrial Medical Officers. In 1965 it changed its name to become the Society of Occupational Medicine. In 2012, the SOM opened its membership to other associated health professionals working in occupational health
The organisation stimulates interest and research in occupational health and medicine with the Government, the healthcare community, health charities and other bodies. It aims to be a leading voice, responding and proactively informing the media and policy-makers on work and health issues. It also hosts a leading journal – Occupational Medicine.
The SOM offers opportunities for continuing professional development and education for all doctors and healthcare professionals working in occupational health. It is also a forum for the exchange of ideas, best practice and networking, through its regional groups. It works globally, through its leadership of the International Occupational Medicine Collaborative. Paul Farmer – CEO of Mind – is an honorary member of the SOM and SOM also hosts a Mental Health Special Interest Group.
Its goals are:
- Healthy people through healthy work
- Representing the multi-disciplinary occupational health professions and their skill sets
- Promoting and supporting best practice, standard-setting, education and training in occupational health
- Stimulating research and evidence-based occupational health practice
- Addressing the health needs in respect to the work of the general public
The SOM’s multifaceted approach to its employees’ wellbeing mirrors the work it supports externally, to improve occupational health in the UK and beyond.
It operates a workplace wellbeing plan that includes a range of activities for staff, such as picnics in the park and away days to discuss ideas and issues, such as mental health, in a relaxed environment (previous locations have included the Chelsea Physic Garden). It also offers an employee benefits package for staff, which will soon include counselling.
The SOM has identified a workplace health champion – an occupational health nurse who has been given time and resources to undertake meaningful activities that help people to change the way they think and act about mental health at work.
All staff have received a free water bottle and materials about healthy eating and exercise.
