Association of Occupational Health Professionals in Healthcare explained

Formation:	1981
Type:	Professional association
Headquarters:	Warrendale, Pennsylvania
Leader Title:	President
Leader Name:	Lydia Crutchfield
Association of Occupational Health Professionals in Healthcare (AOHP)
Size:	100px
Location:	United States
Membership:	1,000
Website:	AOHP

The Association of Occupational Health Professionals in Healthcare (AOHP) is a professional association focusing on the health, safety, and well-being of health professionals. It is the only national professional organization in the United States with the exclusive mission of addressing the needs and concerns of occupational health professionals in healthcare settings.

Activities

AOHP's goal is to advance the health, safety and well-being of health professionals. Although the health and safety needs of healthcare personnel are similar to workers at large, they face a unique set of hazards. AOHP's major efforts include the annual EXPO-S.T.O.P. survey of sharps injuries and mucocutaneous blood exposures among healthcare workers in U.S. hospitals.^{[1] [2]} AOHP has taken positions on respiratory protection for healthcare workers.^{[3] [4]} AOHP publishes the Journal of the Association of Occupational Health Professionals in Healthcare.^[5]

It has ongoing collaborative relationships with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration,^[6] National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health,^{[7] [8]} and The Joint Commission, and organizations such as the Association of periOperative Registered Nurses, the American Association of Occupational Health Nurses, and the Japan Infection Control Association.^[9]

History

AOHP began as the local Association of Hospital Employee Health Professionals (AHEHP) in Northern California in 1981. In 1983, it was incorporated and became a national organization as chapters were established elsewhere in the United States. In 1994, it was renamed the Association of Occupational Health Professionals in Healthcare to more accurately reflect its mission and vision.^[10]

Notes and References

1. Web site: AOHP Sounds Alarm on U.S. Sharps Injuries. 2013-11-19. Occupational Health & Safety. en. 2018-05-08.
2. Web site: AOHP national survey finds 'disturbing' increase in sharps injuries, blood exposures to HCWs. 2015-08-01. Hospital Employee Health. en. 2018-05-08.
3. Web site: AAOHN, AOHP seeking new respirator standard. 2003-11-01. Relias Media. en. 2018-05-08.
4. Web site: AOHP Issues Position Statement on Respiratory Protection for Healthcare Workers. 2015-08-10. Infection Control Today. 2018-05-08.
5. Web site: Journal. Association of Occupational Health Professionals in Healthcare.
6. Web site: OSHA Concluded Alliances: Association of Occupational Health Professionals in Healthcare (AOHP). U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration. en-us. 4 January 2018.
7. Web site: AOHP and NIOSH seal five-year deal. 2012-01-18. Industrial Safety & Hygiene News. en. 8 May 2018.
8. Web site: NIOSH and AOHP Extend Partnership with Renewed Memorandum of Understanding. 2016-08-23. U.S. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. en-us. 8 May 2018.
9. Web site: AOHP Partners with Infection Control Support. 2012-05-10. Infection Control Today. 8 May 2018.
10. Web site: AOHP at 25: Raising the profile of HEH. Hospital Employee Health. en. 2019-08-09.