We acknowledge Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the first inhabitants of the nation and the traditional custodians of the lands where we live, learn and work. We pay our respects to elders past and present.
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Samantha Connell's entry into the world of OSH was far from conventional. Initially setting her sights on medicine, she soon discovered that her true calling lay elsewhere. A fortuitous encounter with a university counsellor led her to Environmental Health Sciences, a field that explores the nexus between the environment and human health. This was her gateway into occupational hygiene, a specialised discipline within OSH that focuses on the prevention of harm.
Samantha Connell's entry into the world of OSH was far from conventional. Initially setting her sights on medicine, she soon discovered that her true calling lay elsewhere. A fortuitous encounter with a university counsellor led her to Environmental Health Sciences, a field that explores the nexus between the environment and human health. This was her gateway into occupational hygiene, a specialised discipline within OSH that focuses on the prevention of harm.
"There are several important steps in the occupational hygiene framework, beginning with anticipation and recognition," Samantha articulates. "We want to prevent employees from exposures to chemical, noise, or ergonomic risk factors." The role also involves measuring these stressors, controlling for exposures, and then assessing the efficacy of these controls. It's a proactive approach to the prevention of harm, which is a cornerstone for IOHA.
When asked about her vision for IOHA, Samantha was unequivocal. "I want to open the lines of communication and better connect our global community of hygienists. We all have so much to share and learn," she says. "I want to tap into the expertise and motivation of our 20,000 members and create opportunities for them to participate and contribute. I want to combine the various efforts between countries, member organisations, and individuals to streamline the work and achieve worker health protection faster."
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One of the pressing issues Samantha touched upon was the need for real-time monitoring, especially for asbestos. "Real-time monitoring would help us stop prolonged exposure during remediation efforts or identify when asbestos may start to become an issue in existing structures so that we can take action immediately. It is a huge step up to our traditional sampling methods and can provide more insight into exposure potential and prevention."
Another focus area for Samantha is competency building. "Education and communication are key," she emphasises. "In general, there are not enough occupational hygienists to fill the global need. In my company, we are low on OH resources, and I aim to develop people to become hygienists through OHTA training modules. In IOHA, we support our members through monthly webinars and communicating various training events and conferences. We also support OHTA's (among others) mission to promote and provide OH training and qualifications globally."
Samantha's work promises to bring a transformative change to occupational hygiene, setting new standards and practices that will benefit not just IOHA but the entire OSH community. Her leadership is not just about setting new benchmarks; it's about creating a culture of continuous improvement and shared responsibility. It's about making the prevention of harm not just a goal but a collective mission.
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As we edge closer to the World Congress, Samantha Connell's innovative leadership and profound insights are poised to be a cornerstone of the event's agenda. Her transformative work in OSH is not just a testament to what one individual can achieve: but a clarion call for collective action. Samantha's influence is set to reverberate throughout the World Congress, offering attendees a unique opportunity to engage with her vision. This is more than a conference; it's a global movement committed to the prevention of harm, and Samantha's role promises to be a pivotal part of this monumental event. Don't miss the chance to be part of this pivotal moment in OSH history. Register now for the World Congress and be part of a global initiative that aims to set new standards in the prevention of harm.
