AIHA with the support of affiliated universities and partner organizations surveyed thousands to forecast the future of OEHS

AIHA—the association for scientists and professionals committed to preserving and ensuring occupational and environmental health and safety (OEHS)—has released findings from a 2024 survey of its membership base, affiliated academic universities, and partner associations focused on hiring trends, training support, and retention/recruitment challenges, including the average number of new OEHS hires anticipated over the next three years. The results reveal key issues on the current state of and future demand for the OEHS profession in the United States. This is a follow-up survey to a more extensive assessment conducted by NIOSH in 2011 titled “National Assessment of the Occupational Safety and Health Workforce.”

Through the support of AAOHN, ABOHN, ABSA, ACGIH, ACOEM, ASSP, BCSP, BGC, ISEA, NAEM, NEHA, NSC, Safeopedia, and Shirley Parsons, the survey yielded over 2,140 responses. In addition to statistical results, key themes emerged—including emphasis on the need to address training time and cost constraints while balancing its vital role in retention, recruitment, and professional development.

AIHA continues to develop materials, and membership plans to meet ongoing and predicted training needs, including organizational membership options and eLearning subscription packages. “It is encouraging that nearly 88% of survey respondents receive the support of their employers to earn their professional certifications. AIHA and our allied association partners will continue to stress the importance of ongoing training to help professionals maintain their credentials,” says Lawrence Sloan, MBA, CAE, FASAE, CEO of AIHA.

The full survey report is available for download here.

About AIHA

AIHA is the association for scientists and professionals committed to preserving and ensuring occupational and environmental health and safety in the workplace and community. Founded in 1939, we support our members with our expertise, networks, comprehensive education programs, and other products and services that help them maintain the highest professional and competency 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 across the public and private sectors, as well as to the communities in which they work.

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