Our History

The British Occupational Hygiene Society was founded to further the study and practice of occupational hygiene. We have put together our key milestones so our members can see the progress we have made.

1953

BOHS founded

Thomas Bedford, David Hickish, and Peter Isaac start BOHS, bringing together 37 of Thackrah’s people of "connivance and invention."

1958

The Annals of Occupational Hygiene Launches

The Annals of Occupational Hygiene first published (now Annals of Work Exposures and Health).

1960

Inhaled Particles Symposium

First Inhaled Particles Symposium (12th was in 2017).

1967

Examining Board Founded

Examining board founded to establish and certify professional standards.

1968

Chrysotile Asbestos Hygiene Standard

Influential hygiene standard for chrysotile asbestos published.

1975

Institute of Occupational Hygienists founded

Merged with BOHS, 2001

1976

First BOHS Annual Conference

1987

International Occupational Hygiene Association founded

with BOHS secretariat

1991

BOHS HQ moves to Derby

1993

BOHS publishes "The First Forty Years"

2003

BOHS merges with BIOH

2003

Faculty of Occupational Hygiene established

Self-governing within BOHS

2010

Occupational Hygiene Training Association (OHTA) starts international qualifications

with BOHS support

2012

BOHS awarded Royal Charter

2015

Breathe Freely in Construction campaign

2017

Breathe Freely in Manufacturing campaign

2017

BOHS founds Faculty of Asbestos Assessment and Management (FAAM)

2017

The Annals of Occupational Hygiene changes its name to Annals of Work Exposures and Health

2020

BOHS hosts its first virtual Annual Conference