SASOM Constitution

The SASOM Constitution is a pivotal document that outlines the framework and governance of the South African Society of Occupational Medicine. It delineates our mission to promote the highest standards of occupational medicine, health and safety, ensuring the well-being of workers across various industries.

Established to provide a structured approach to occupational medicine, the SASOM Constitution underscores our dedication to professional excellence and ethical practices.

Introduction

The South African Society of Occupational Medicine (SASOM) was formed in 1948 to further Occupational Medicine and has subsequently played a leading role in the pursuit of health and safety in industry in general.

SASOM is a professional society and a special interest group of the South African Medical Association (SAMA) with links to the World Medical Association. SASOM has been affiliated with the International Commission on Occupational Health (ICOH) and its now 38 scientific committees since its inception.

Our members are registered medical practitioners and other professionals who work in occupational health or who have an interest in this area of medical practice.

SASOM advocated the recognition of occupational medicine as a specialty field in medicine for many years before it was received from the Health Professions Council of South Africa.

SASOM networks with specialist groups in the field of Occupational and Environmental Medicine and jointly issues an accredited scientific journal with them. SASOM has a permanent National Office in Pretoria with a full-time member of staff and various member support services.

Article I — Name and purpose

1. Name

The name of the Society will be "The South African Society of Occupational Medicine" (SASOM).

2. Affiliation

The Society is an official group of the South African Medical Association, an association incorporated under section 21 of the Companies Act, 1973, Registered No 05/600136/08 and is subject to the Articles and by-laws of the South African Medical Association.

3. Vision

To enhance the quality of life of the working population of South Africa during employment and into retirement.

4. Mission

To promote, protect and enhance the health of the working population of South Africa. To further all aspects of occupational health in South Africa. To be the guardian for ethical and medical standards of Occupational Medicine. To be the professional information resource on occupational health matters.

5. Objectives

The objectives for which the Society is established are:

• To determine, protect, maintain and promote the health of the working population of South Africa and to be concerned with relevant issues affecting the health of their families.
• To enhance the physical, mental and social wellbeing of the working population of South Africa.
• To promote and be involved in providing for healthy work by eliminating occupational factors and conditions hazardous to health.
• To strengthen and promote sound communication between the Society and its members and all stakeholders.
• To advance occupational health and promote the discipline of Occupational Medicine by means of continuing education.
• To contribute to the global body of knowledge in occupational health.
• To further the professional standards of practice and interests of the members of the Society.

Article II — Membership

6. Membership categories

Membership will be Standard, Retired, Affiliate, Student, Corporate or Honorary:

• Standard membership: Any person who is a medical practitioner within or outside the borders of the Republic of South Africa and registered with the HPCSA or with a similar body recognized by the HPCSA.
• Retired membership: Medical practitioners who retired from active medical practice.
• Affiliate membership: People who are not registered as medical practitioners and who have an interest in Occupational Health or contributing financially to further the objectives of the Society.
• Student membership: Any registered student enrolled in a Diploma in Occupational Health (DOH/DOM).
• Corporate membership: Medical practitioner groups, companies, institutions, healthcare organisations, academic faculties, etc. who employ more than one person who would like to become members.
• Honorary membership may be extended to members of the Society who have rendered exceptional service in the opinion of the Executive. Honorary membership will only be bestowed by the Executive Committee and is for life — no membership or congress attendance fees are payable.

7. Termination of membership

Every member will remain a member until the membership is terminated by:

• Resignation in writing addressed to the Secretary.
• Decision of the Executive Committee.
• Subscription not paid by 31 January of the year in which it is due.

8. Re-instatement of membership

Membership may be re-instated on receipt of payment of the subscription fee for the year in which the application to re-instate is received. Persons who once were members and apply again do not have to pay the fees for the year(s) they were not members. Persons who become either Affiliate or Student members after 1 September pay only half the membership fee for that year.

9. Membership application and renewal

The Membership Application/Renewal process is online via the SASOM website and all required member information must be completed and fees be paid via the online payment portal or by electronic bank transfer.

Article III — Governance

10. Executive Committee

The general control and direction of policy and affairs of the Society will be vested in the Executive Committee of the Society. The Executive Committee will consist of the Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, Secretary, Treasurer and not more than 6 additional elected members. Each Branch may appoint a representative to the Executive Committee.

Election of all officers of the Executive Committee will be by secret ballot of those present at the Annual General Meeting of the Society unless the nominations are unopposed. Only medical practitioners registered with the HPCSA or with a similar body recognised by the HPCSA have voting powers in the society.

The activities of the Society will be suspended if at any time its membership becomes less than 50 members.

11. Meetings

The Executive Committee will meet at least twice in a financial year. An Annual General Meeting of which at least 1 month's prior notice will be given to the relevant members will be held within 60 days of the close of the financial year. Special General Meetings may be held at any time and will be called by the Executive Committee or on the written request of 5 standard members of the Society.

12. Organisation

The Society can allow the formation of Branches in such manner as may be desirable. Branches may be allowed powers of independent action in local matters provided that such action is not in conflict with the objectives and good values of the Society. Executive members of the National Executive Committee and Branches must be members in good standing.

13. Membership fees

Annual membership fees will be payable from the day following the Annual General Meeting of each year. Membership will be suspended if subscription is not paid by 31 January of the year in which it is due. Persons who become either Affiliate or Student members after 1 September pay only half the membership fee for that year. The amount of the fee will be determined by majority vote at the Annual General Meeting of the Society.

Article IV — Amendments

This Constitution may be amended by a two-thirds majority vote of members present at the AGM, provided that proposed amendments have been circulated at least 30 days prior to the meeting.