Occupational health research body hit by recession

-

A leading research body in occupational health is to cease taking on new projects due to a lack of research funding.

British Occupational Health Research Foundation (BOHRF) Chair, Sir Bill Callaghan, has written to the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) to say that it would start to wind down its activities in 2012.

“It will come as no surprise that in the current economic climate the trustees have concluded that we do not have the level of financial sponsorship to take on any new research projects,” he said.

“Looking back over the work that BOHRF has funded and facilitated there is much to be proud of. In particular, the rigorous evidence-based reviews on topics such as back pain and asthma have provided practical guidance with a sound scientific base for employers, that has been of benefit to employees as well as the bottom line.”

Get our essential weekday HR news and updates.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Keep up with the latest in HR...
This field is hidden when viewing the form
This field is hidden when viewing the form
Optin_date
This field is hidden when viewing the form

 

BOHRF’s research has spanned a wide range of occupational health issues, from rehabilitation and trauma at work to mental health and occupational asthma.

Dr Luise Vassie, IOSH Executive Director of Policy, said:

“IOSH has always been impressed by the quality of BOHRF’s research. The foundation has contributed significantly over the years to the health of people at work, and to helping cut the costs of occupational ill health.

“It’s why IOSH has provided sponsorship to BOHRF since 2002 and is happy to continue doing so. So it’s hugely disappointing to hear that BOHRF has been unable to secure the level of financial contributions required to take on new research projects. Research in the area of occupational health plays such an important role in helping our economy.”

Latest news

Employers prioritise cost control over growth as confidence remains weak, CIPD says

Rising labour, energy and operating expenses are keeping employers cautious on hiring, pay and investment despite a modest rise in recruitment intentions.

Ciara Harrington: Why an AI strategy without skills visibility is just guesswork

Organisations are racing to adopt AI, but does the workforce actually have the skills to use it in meaningful, productive ways?

Maureen Kyne on hidden problems in workplace reporting

“Upward bullying is frequently buried within aggregated HR reporting, labelled as ‘conflict’ or ‘personality clashes’, masking its true impact and preventing meaningful oversight.”

Scott Mills preparing unfair dismissal claim against BBC after Radio 2 sacking: report

The former Radio 2 presenter is reportedly preparing an unfair dismissal claim against the BBC following his removal earlier this year.
- Advertisement -

Alison Lucas & Lizzie Bentley Bowers: Why your offboarding process is as vital as onboarding

We know that beginnings shape performance and culture, so we take time to get them right. Endings are often rushed, avoided or delegated to process.

Reward gaps leave part-time and public sector staff ‘at disadvantage’

Unequal access to staff perks leaves part-time and public sector workers less recognised despite strong links between incentives and engagement.

Must read

Natasha Broomfield-Reid: Five ways that HR teams can support workplace mental health and wellbeing

Read the ways in which HR can support workplace mental health.

Joshua Wöhle: Why 73% of AI usage is still happening outside of work

OpenAI recently released the largest study of ChatGPT usage to date - 1.5 million conversations analysed. The headline? Less than 30% of usage is work-related.
- Advertisement -

You might also likeRELATED
Recommended to you