BOHS announces new president

Parm is a chartered fellow of the Faculty of Occupational Hygiene (FOH) and a member of the Faculty of Asbestos Assessment and Management (FAAM). With over 30 years of experience as an occupational hygienist, he brings extensive knowledge from various sectors including manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, engineering, and oil and gas both in the UK and internationally. As a specialist in health risk management, Parm has significantly contributed to the field, most recently serving as head of occupational hygiene at Element Materials Technology, where he provides top-tier advice and support on human health risk management.

Parm commented, “I feel very privileged and honoured to become the president of BOHS at a time when occupational hygiene is starting to gain a more central role. BOHS is actively advocating for healthier workplaces across the nations. My ambition is to drive up standards, promote competency, and take the message of worker health protection global.”

Alex Wilson, immediate past-president of BOHS, expressed his support for Parm’s appointment, and said, “I was very privileged to be the president of BOHS in the year celebrating its 70th anniversary and achieving milestones that have positioned occupational health as a national priority for the first time in decades. I wish Parm all the best for his presidential year.”

Chris Keen, the recent Immediate past-president who will continue to offer her expertise as a member of the FOH Committee said “I’m very proud of the work we achieved over the past three years on the BOHS Board. There is still much more to accomplish, and I am grateful for the opportunity to continue contributing through the Faculty of Occupational Hygiene.”

Kevin Bampton, CEO of BOHS, also welcomed Parm, adding, “Parmjit Gahir’s extensive experience and dedication to the field of occupational hygiene make him an excellent choice for president. His leadership will undoubtedly steer BOHS towards further advancements in worker health protection. His outstanding work during the pandemic while at HSE and his contribution to occupational hygiene, recognised by being a joint Peter Issaac Award-winner means he brings outstanding qualities to the role.”

Supporting Parm in his new role will be president-elect Adrian Parris, past-president Alex Wilson, and the board of trustees.

Adrian is a chartered fellow of the Faculty of Occupational Hygiene and the deputy chair of the Breathe Freely in Manufacturing campaign. He has more than 25 years’ experience across the chemical, steel and nuclear sector for Clariant UK Ltd, Tata Steel and Sellafield Ltd. His ambition is to support the Society in delivering the key strategic aims to achieve the overarching mission ‘to safeguard the UK’s current and future health through effective management of the workplace environment’.

The Society’s Board of Trustees comprises of 15 highly experienced professionals passionate about occupational hygiene and dedicated to preventing workplace ill health. Their wealth of knowledge and tireless work are instrumental in advancing BOHS’s mission, significantly contributing to saving lives every day.