C&IH Contributes New Article to The Synergist on Evolving Risk Paradigms in OEHS Practice

A new article published in The Synergist explores how modern risk paradigms intersect with AIHA’s current content priorities and influence occupational and environmental health and safety practice.

The article, titled “The Keystone: Risk Paradigms and AIHA Content Priorities,” examines how traditional and emerging risk frameworks align with the so-called “content priorities” – the directions of educational and research activities that AIHA selects to promote. The current content priorities of AIHA are advances in big data, AI and sensor technologies, changing work dynamics, communication strategies, and Total Worker Health (TWH).

Authored by Dr. Andrey Korchevskiy of C&IH, Madeline Demo of ENGIE North America, and Dr. Benjamin Roberts of Benchmark Risk Group, the article discusses how risk assessment, management, and communication provide a foundation for effective OEHS practice. It emphasizes the need to continually adapt risk-based approaches as workplaces, technologies, and workforce expectations evolve.

The research highlights several themes shaping the future of the profession:

• The growing influence of big data and AI, and the limitations of machine learning when used in place of evidence-based exposure assessment.
• How changing work dynamics, including remote work and generational differences, challenge traditional approaches to risk communication and program implementation.
• The importance of communication skills in translating technical findings into meaningful action and decision-making.
• The role of Total Worker Health (TWH) in integrating workplace hazards with broader well-being considerations.

The authors reinforce the importance of placing risk at the center of OEHS practice and provide insights into how professionals can refine risk assessment, management, and communication strategies to support healthier workplaces and more resilient organizations.

The article appears in the November 2025 online issue of The Synergist and is available to AIHA members here.