About SASOM
History of SASOM
From a meeting of practitioners in 1947 to a nationally and internationally recognised society — seven decades of advancing occupational health and medicine in South Africa.
The founding idea
The birth of an idea
At a meeting of medical practitioners with an interest in occupational health, the idea was proposed to establish a dedicated South African society for industrial health — the first step toward what would become SASOM.
Formation & early constitution
Constitution adopted
The Society's constitution came into existence in July 1948, formally establishing the organisation as the South African Society of Industrial Health — a special interest group of the Medical Association of South Africa (MASA), which later became the South African Medical Association (SAMA).
First Annual General Meeting
The inaugural Annual General Meeting was held, bringing together founding members to set the direction and governance of the Society. Key founding principles included the independence of the Occupational Medical Practitioner, ethical practice, and the right of the worker to choose their own doctor.
The early years
Medical appointments to factories
Rules were established governing part-time and full-time medical appointments to factories and similar industrial organisations, providing a professional framework for occupational medical practice in industry.
Renamed the South African Society of Occupational Health
The Society was renamed the South African Society of Occupational Health (SAIOH), reflecting a broader scope of practice beyond purely industrial settings.
Membership broadened
Membership was opened to all members of the Medical Association of South Africa with an interest in occupational health, reflecting the Society's growing influence and the expanding field of occupational medicine.
Legislation & advocacy
Erasmus & Wiehahn Commissions of Inquiry
SASOM members actively participated in and contributed evidence to both the Erasmus Commission of Inquiry into Occupational Health and the Wiehahn Commission, which examined labour relations and occupational safety in South Africa. These commissions had far-reaching consequences for workplace health and safety legislation.
Machinery and Occupational Safety Act (Act No. 6 of 1983)
SASOM was instrumental in the drafting of the Machinery and Occupational Safety Act — a landmark piece of legislation that replaced the old Factories Act and modernised the legal framework for occupational health and safety in South African workplaces.
Mine Health and Safety Act (Act No. 29 of 1996)
Following the outcomes of the Leon Commission of Inquiry into Safety and Health in the Mining Industry, the Mine Health and Safety Act was assented to on 30 May 1996. SASOM contributed to the development of this Act, which aims to protect the health and safety of mineworkers and promote a culture of safety in the mining sector.
Renamed to SASOM
The Society was renamed the South African Society of Occupational Medicine (SASOM) — the name it carries today — recognising that occupational medicine had emerged as a distinct and respected medical specialty in South Africa.
Recognition & growth
Occupational Health Southern Africa Journal launched
SASOM co-initiated the Occupational Health Southern Africa (OHSA) Journal, an accredited scientific publication produced jointly with specialist groups in occupational and environmental medicine. The journal remains an important platform for research and clinical guidance in the field.
SASOM logo registered with the Bureau of Heraldry
The SASOM logo was formally registered with the Bureau of Heraldry of South Africa in 2008, providing official recognition and legal protection of the Society's identity and brand.
ICOH 29th Triennial International Congress — Cape Town
South Africa hosted the 29th Triennial International Congress on Occupational Health (ICOH 2009) in Cape Town — a landmark event that placed South African occupational medicine firmly on the world stage and affirmed SASOM's standing within the international community.
Present day
International affiliations
SASOM remains affiliated with the International Commission on Occupational Health (ICOH) and its 38 scientific committees, the Pan African Congress on Occupational Health (PACOH), and the African Association of Regional Occupational Health (AAROH), maintaining a strong voice for African occupational health on the global stage.
National & international liaison
SASOM maintains active relationships with NIOH, SASOHN, SAIOH, MMPA, SASTM, OTOH and the universities. Nationally, SASOM liaises with the Department of Employment and Labour Occupational Health Forum (DoELForum), the Department of National Health (NDoH), FCPHM(OccMed)SA, HPCSA, and COHSASA. Internationally, SASOM works with ICOH, MEDICHEM, and the International Occupational Medicine Society Collaborative (IOMSC).
This history was compiled from SASOM records and archival documents.