What it is and where it originated
The organisation originated in the Permanent Commission on Occupational Health, founded in Milan in 1906. It operates internationally and maintains relationships with institutions such as the ILO and WHO.
Its nature distinguishes it from a public authority, a service company or a business certification body. Participation in an ICOH activity does not automatically demonstrate an organisation’s regulatory compliance.
A multidisciplinary perspective
Occupational health requires connections between working conditions, exposures, organisation and health outcomes. ICOH scientific committees cover areas such as epidemiology, occupational hygiene, ergonomics, biological risks, mental health and work organisation.
There are also areas relating to particular groups and sectors. This variety helps identify the relevant discipline before looking for a publication, rather than treating every problem as an exclusively clinical matter.
Scientific committees and congresses
The committees facilitate knowledge exchange and activities in specific areas. ICOH organises world congresses on occupational health, and its scientific structures participate in meetings and publications. The official directory helps identify the committee associated with a topic.
When assessing a contribution, distinguish between a conference presentation, reviewed research and an institutional document. Appearing together at a scientific event does not give all content the same level of evidence.
Code of professional ethics
ICOH’s central documents include its International Code of Ethics for Occupational Health Professionals. The official portal provides access to its documents and language versions, alongside its constitution, bylaws and statements.
When citing it, identify the edition and check the corresponding text. It is a professional reference that must be considered alongside applicable legislation, professional ethical duties and confidentiality rules; it does not remove the need to review those national sources.
Using its resources in OSH
A useful starting point is to frame the question: surveillance, exposure, organisation or work adaptation. Then identify the relevant committee or document and review its scope, date and basis before applying it to a decision.
In occupational medicine and collective health surveillance, an international reference can guide the search for evidence. Applying it requires consideration of the company’s population, processes and actual conditions.
Hypothetical example: preparing a technical review
A healthcare team wants to update its approach to older workers. It locates the ICOH committee dedicated to ageing and work and uses its references as a starting point for a review. It then checks the original evidence and local obligations.
The findings are discussed with other disciplines and related to the site’s tasks. Consulting a scientific society’s resources provides context; it does not permit claims that the society endorses a company programme it has not assessed.
