On behalf of the scientific and organising committees, it is my pleasure to present the abstract collection of the 32nd Triennial Congress of the International Commission on Occupational Health (ICOH) being held in Dublin, Ireland – 29th April to 4th May 2018. The Congress is now one of the world’s largest international conferences in the field of occupational health and safety where experts from all around the world gather every three years to share their experience and knowledge. The Faculty of Occupational Medicine of the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland are delighted to be hosting the event and appreciate the support of our supporting organisations both in Ireland and beyond.

The programme has as its theme ‘occupational health: research into practice’ and includes 11 plenary and 32 semi-plenary invited presentations. A record number of abstracts were received generating over 70 oral abstract sessions along with over 100 special sessions organised by the ICOH scientific committees. These sessions encompass a broad range of multi-disciplinary OH topics and represent over 900 presentations and 300 hours of educational content. Over 800 posters have been submitted and the popular student poster competition with various prizes available attracted over 50 entrants. Four worksite visits to major organisations in the Dublin area as well as an historical architectural walking tour are also on offer. Delegates have access to a dedicated conference app that will enhance their experience and European CME/CPD accreditation [EACCME] has been obtained. A special feature and major component of the Congress is the expert Global Policy Forum on the theme of ‘Preventing Occupational Cancer – global policies and strategy’. A range of leading experts in the field including WHO and ILO along with expert views from the regions will discuss relevant policies and strategies for the future.

I want to thank all those who organised sessions and reviewed abstracts and of course all those authors who submitted papers and agreed to give presentations at the Congress. I am grateful to Dr Martin Hogan and the local scientific and organising committees as well as to Dr Marilyn Fingerhut, VP ICOH for their support and input into the design and content of the programme. A special thanks to our Faculty administrator, Shane Walshe, and also Clare Kilmartin and her Conference Partner team who have provided us with invaluable and professional assistance. The organisers are most grateful for the support of our sponsors.

Lastly and importantly, I invite all delegates to participate and enjoy the experience of this truly global conference with the excellent blend of keynote and parallel sessions on a range of the latest occupational health and safety topics and of course the opportunity to socialise and network.

Very best wishes,

Prof Ken Addley OBE

Chair Local Scientific Committee

Dublin