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Sasohn Menu
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The South African Society of Occupational Health Nursing
Practitioners (SASOHN) originated in the 1960's when a
group of industrial nurses led by Mary E Ahlers,
established an Industrial Nurses Discussion group in the
Southern Transvaal (now Gauteng).
Initially based only in the rapidly expanding
industrial sector, by 1970 this group included
Occupational Health Nurses working in retail stores,
transportation and other commercial sectors.
Similar groups were formed in Cape Town and Natal
and at the time of the formal inception of the
Professional Society of Occupational Health Nurses in
1980, there were 8 regional professional societies
active in the country. Currently there are 10 regional
societies under the banner of SASOHN. (See organogram
overleaf.)
Strong regional representation is still a major
feature of the organisation today.
In the 1980's the Society focussed particularly on
training needs and successfully introduced, with the
endorsement of the South African Nursing Council, a post
basic certificate course in Occupational Health which
was followed by the diploma course for Occupational
Health Nurses. These developments signalled an advance
for the growing professionalism of the Occupational
Health Nursing Practitioner, and resulted in the
development of the B.Tech Occupational Health Nursing
Degree at the Technikons, now amalgamated with major
universities
Goals of the Society
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The promotion of the highest possible
standards in Occupational Health practice by
encouraging accreditation and upgraded
professional qualifications. |
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The provision of a supportive network
for Occupational Health Nursing
Practitioners working in a business
environment and a forum for sharing problems
and experiences. |
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The development of professional capacity
and excellence through the presentation of
workshops, conferences and training projects
including specific efforts to keep members
abreast of changes in technology and
legislation. |
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The encouragement of the cost-effective
delivery of quality Occupational Health
services in the country. |
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The promotion of adherence by
organisations to the legal requirements set
in terms of current and future South African
and International legislation. |
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