The American Industrial Hygiene Association unveiled its brand evolution at Virtual AIHce EXP 2020, which better reflects its diverse membership today and looks toward the future of the profession. The new brand includes a new name – simply “AIHA”, a modern logo and tagline: “Healthier Workplaces. A Healthier World.” Additionally, AIHA will now reposition itself as the professional association for occupational health and safety science professionals, rather than industrial hygienists. 

“Our industry has progressed significantly over the past 80 years. As the premier organization representing our profession we had to evolve to meet the needs of our current and future members as well as the general public,” said AIHA President Kathleen Murphy. “COVID-19 has put a spotlight on our profession and positioned many of our members front and center as experts in occupational health in their workplaces and in the forefront of the country’s public eye. This change to OHS helps the public associate the profession with health and better understand what we do,” she added. 

The launch of the new brand kicks off AIHA’s campaign to educate employers about the value occupational health and safety scientists bring to a workplace. The educational initiative includes reaching out to employers in the construction, chemical manufacturing and first responder industries and will include others in the future. AIHA has developed specific websites, including www.workerhealthandsafety.org for employers to access information about how to make their workplaces healthy.  

“AIHA is now in a better position to serve its existing members and recruit and educate the next generation of occupational health and safety scientists,” said Lawrence Sloan, MBA, CAE, chief executive officer, AIHA. “We will continue to advance and position the profession to better protect workers, businesses and the public. We will provide the highest quality of educational resources and opportunities for members to share their knowledge.” 

In addition to educating employers, AIHA is reaching out to undergraduate and graduate students in science about the benefits of the profession in an effort to steer students toward the profession. The campaign includes reaching out to professors and guidance counselors who can guide young professionals in their careers. 

Methodology 
AIHA worked with an independent company to conduct qualitative and quantitative research to gather insights and better understand perceptions of the current state of AIHA’s messaging and brand. The research included in-depth phone interviews with board members, online qualitative discussions with a diverse range of AIHA members and students and survey of members.   

About AIHA 
AIHA is a professional association for occupational health and safety science professionals who are committed to preserving and ensuring health and safety in the workplace and community. Founded in 1939, we support our members with our expertise, network, comprehensive education programs and other products and services that help them maintain the highest professional standards. More than half of AIHA's nearly 8,500 members are Certified Industrial Hygienists, and many hold other professional designations. AIHA serves as a resource for those employed in the industrial, consulting, academic and government sectors. For information visit: www.aiha.org. 

Taking Action 
AIHA has valuable resources for employers including a Guide for Recovering from COVID-19 Building Closures.  

Most recently in response to the pandemic, AIHA has introduced the “Back to Work Safely” initiative to help employers and employees get back to work safely with industry sector specific guidelines and resources. These free guidelines include recommendations on ventilation, personal hygiene, physical distancing and enhanced cleaning. Guidelines are available for the following industries:  

•    At-Home Service Providers
•    Construction Sites
•    General Office Settings
•    Gyms and Workout Facilities
•    Hair and Nail Salons
•    Retail
•    Restaurants
•    Rideshare, Taxi, Limo and Other Passenger Driver-for-Hire
•    Bars
•    Small Manufacturing and Maintenance Shops
•    Small Entertainment Venues (i.e. Mini Golf, Small Museums, Chuck-E-Cheese)
•    Houses of Worship
•    Small Day-care Facilities
•    Business Services (i.e. Banks, Dry Cleaners, Cell Phone Stores)
•    Warehousing/Transportation