Organised by: ICOH Scientific Committee on the History of the Prevention of Occupational and Environmental Diseases

The scientific program will focus on the importance of taking into account the history of occupational and environmental health. Throughout history, occupational and environmental health has been influenced by a wide range of factors. Technological advances and socio-economic changes have introduced new hazards, altered the patterns of established diseases, and given rise to entirely novel conditions. Occupational health practitioners, researchers, workers’ and other social movements have been instrumental in recognizing sentinel health events, identifying disease causes, and advancing prevention efforts. However, progress has often faced delays due to vested interests. Historical insights might play an important role in shaping current and future practices in occupational and environmental health.

The conference is intended to promote interconnections among historians, social scientists and occupational and environmental practitioners/researchers.

Next to keynote lectures from leading researchers in the field, there is an open call for abstracts for oral and poster presentations on the broad theme of the conference:

“Recognizing the Rich History of Occupational and Environmental Health: Insights from the Recent and Distant Past”

Abstracts that engage with or respond to the following potential thematic sessions:

1. Lost Potential for Gaining Insights from Specific Case Studies in the History of Occupational Health
2. Examples of How Social Sciences in General and History Specifically Can Contribute to Progress in Occupational Health
3. The Global History of Asbestos, Silica, or  Other Inorganic Dusts
4. Industrial History Museums as Learning Resources and Addressing  Toxic Legacies
5. History of Natural Resources Exploitation, Agriculture, or Seafaring in  Occupational  Safety and Health
6. The Role of Organized Labor, Trade Unions, and Worker Participation in Occupational Safety and Health

Registration and submissions are available on the conference website.

For more practical information you can contact info@icohhistory2026.org