RHP Risk Management was honored to provide review and harmonization of the initial 26 guidelines developed by AIHA volunteers for the Back to Work Safely communications campaign at the onset of the pandemic. Through that involvement I gained a deep appreciation for the level of commitment that AIHA has placed on elevating the visibility of the IH profession during a time when our skills were called upon to assist society. To ensure that OEHS continues to be a public priority in the future will require an ongoing commitment to the prompt identification of emerging issues, mobilization of membership to synthesize the state of knowledge, and the preparation of communication tools that are accessible and understandable to the intended audience. The “advancement and dissemination of knowledge” domain within AIHA’s 2022–2024 strategic plan reflects an ambitious vision for the future of AIHA that I will support.  Responding to future public health needs with similar well-coordinated and robust campaigns is one way to maintain the visibility of our profession.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, we used our knowledge and skills to develop guidance for employers, workers, and the public. These efforts helped protect worker health and demonstrated the value of our profession. Our success was not surprising; we are used to responding and providing guidance during an emergency or health crisis. It is often more difficult to act without the motivation of urgency. Many of the strategic objectives outlined in AIHA’s 2022–2024 strategic plan will position us to build on this increased visibility. Examples include focus on allied professions, broad communication, disseminating knowledge, and influencing policy makers. There are a number of emerging issues where AIHA’s strategies can be leveraged to meet these objectives. EPA’s risk evaluations under TSCA now include consideration of risk to worker health and extrapolation of these risks to product users. Total Worker Health relies on industrial hygienists working with other departments and leadership in an organization to promote well-being. Increased public attention to chemical and biological exposures is an opportunity for industrial hygienists to provide practical, science-based guidance. If elected to serve on the Board of Directors, I will work to implement the strategic plan proactively by promoting programs that strengthen our relationships with allied professions, promote the use of good industrial hygiene practice in policy, and promote communication to public and professional audiences.