Launch of the ‘History of Occupational Health in Ireland’
Today saw the launch of a new history of the Faculty of Occupational Medicine of the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland, written by a former Dean of the Faculty, Prof John Malone.
Founded in 1976, the objectives of the Faculty were to advance the science and practice of occupational medicine and to promote education, study and research in the specialty. The volume recounts the history of the Faculty's early years of development, as it anticipated and reacted to new Health and Safety Legislation emerging from Europe. The Faculty also developed the Licentiate and Membership Examinations which became sought after qualifications at home and abroad. Annual examinations have been held in Ireland since 1983, in Malaysia since 1995 and most recently in the United Arab Emirates.
The book gives a chronological account of the activities of the Faculty, moving through the terms of office of the various Deans of the Faculty from 1976-2010, drawing heavily on the archive of the Faculty. It covers that period of change that affected many disciplines involved in occupational health, i.e. nurses, hygienists, toxicologists, safety officers, psychologists and others, as well as the changes that the factory doctor underwent as they became a 21st century occupational physician. The fractions and frictions that arose are not omitted, as these are a real part of the events recorded.
Occupations Health in Ireland – A History is available from the RCPI Heritage Centre at a price of €30. All profits from the sale of the book will go to The Samaritans. To order a copy please email
heritagecentre@rcpi.ie