by Rebecca Walker — October 29, 2010—ACGIH and the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA ) announced that they will end dialogue regarding the proposed strategic alliance announced in May 2009. The alliance discussions were temporarily suspended in early 2010 when it became clear to ACGIH that major changes to its structure were needed in order to sustain the organization. These include a new corporate structure and broadening its relationship with stakeholders, including professional occupational health and safety associations in addition to AIHA and individual donors.
A renewal of discussions may occur following the approval of a new ACGIH business model by its Board and membership.
ACGIH and AIHA entered into the initial discussions of a potential alliance in the spring of 2009. These discussions resulted in Guiding Principles announced at AIHce 2009. A joint ACGIH/AIHA task force has worked over the past year to develop specific operating agreements that would define the terms of an efficient and effective strategic alliance.
In order to maintain its viability as an organization and continue to develop Threshold Limit Values (TLVs) in an open and unbiased manner, ACGIH is considering a significant transformation of its governance approach. Because potential approaches affect the outcome of any negotiations with AIHA, the associations have agreed to end the current direct Alliance discussions.
ACGIH is a member-based organization that advances occupational and environmental health. For more information, see the Web site.
Founded in 1939, the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA) is the premier association of occupational and environmental health and safety professionals. For more information, go to the Web site.
