Events

FREE for SOM Members (please log in on the SOM website first). 

Session details:

Dr Vivake Roddah is an OHP and medical director for D4Drivers and is responsible for overseeing a panel of 300 doctors with fitness to drive assessments primarily for group 2 medicals such as taxis, HGV/PCV but also other roles such as FLT and airside medicals. Her background is in general practice however she has worked in the OH domain for almost a decade.

In this exclusive webinar for SOM members, Dr Roddah will discuss:

-  DVLA group 2 medical fitness standards

-  DVLA notifications

-  employer duties for vocational drivers

-  Challenges encountered in assessing fitness to drive

-  Limitations of the current driver medical process .

Chair: Dr Oli Chapman

FREE for SOM Members (please log in on the SOM website). You will then be sent the join link.
 

The At Work Partnership - Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) 2-day course and examination

Day 1: Tuesday 20th October 2026 (Virtual); Day 2: Friday 23rd October 2026 (Birmingham)

Enhance your expertise and confidence in the recognition, diagnosis and management of Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) with The At Work Partnership’s intensive two-day Certificate in HAVS course, led by consultant in occupational medicine, and a leading expert in hand–arm vibration syndrome, Dr Roger Cooke.

Designed specifically for occupational health professionals, this comprehensive programme provides a thorough understanding of health surveillance requirements for workers exposed to hand-transmitted vibration. Delegates will also explore best practice in the assessment, diagnosis and ongoing management of individuals affected by HAVS.

Through expert-led learning and practical insights, delegates will gain an in-depth understanding of the condition and the pivotal role occupational health plays in protecting workers and managing vibration-related risks in the workplace. 

Over two days, you will learn all aspects of the syllabus for HAVS competence as defined by the FOM including:

- Basic Principles
- Legal background 
- Workplace assessment 
- Health surveillance and clinical assessment 
- Occupational health action and advice

The course will provide a comprehensive understanding of HAVS and the role of OH, enabling qualified OH professionals to clinically assess HAVS-related conditions and to undertake health surveillance. The FOM examination will take place at the end of day 2 of the course.

Course tutors:

Dr Roger Cooke, the course leader, is a consultant in occupational medicine, and a leading expert in hand–arm vibration syndrome.

Three other expert tutors play an important role in the teaching on our HAVS courses:

Andrew Cooke, clinical director at Clarity Healthcare
Dr Susanna Gillibrand, independent consultant occupational physician 
Dr Bernard Yew, medical director, PAM Group

Who is the training designed for?

This training is designed for OH nurses and doctors, who want to improve their competence in HAVS and gain the FOM certificate qualification. This course forms part of The At Work Partnership’s series of HAVS courses aimed at providing high quality HAVS training for various levels of experience. For beginners, or those new to HAVS, there is an introductory level course specifically for OH technicians and nurses which takes place each Spring; for those who have already taken the 2-day course, they also provide refresher courses every Autumn.

Please view full course details, including the programme and the course brochure here.

Don’t miss out on savings:

- Special early bird rates for places booked and paid before Friday 11th September – save up to £20 + VAT!

£490 for SOM Members (please log in on the SOM website first). Non-members £590. There is a maximum of 20 places.

2-Day Surveillance Audiometry Course
(Compliance with The Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005)

Date and Time: 9.30am - 5.00pm, Thursday 29th - Friday 30th October 2026

Venue: St Pancras & Somers Town Living Centre, 2 Ossulston St, London NW1 1DF (maps)

Please note that this is an in-person event only. Lunch and refreshments will be provided.

Trainer - Melanie Brewster, Clinical Physiologist (Audiology)

This two-day face-to-face training course is practical and includes extensive ‘hands-on' experience of audiometry, ear examination and appropriate analysis of audiograms, under the direct supervision of a qualified, experienced tutor, in line with CNWR2005. Suitable for OH physicians, nurses, technicians and other clinicians.

This course follows the guidelines as stated by BSA and training candidates will acquire knowledge and skills in the following areas:
a. Communication needs of hearing impaired people 
b. Anatomy and physiology of the outer, middle and inner ear, with particular reference to the effects of excessive sound on these structures 
c. Hygiene and disinfection, and risks of cross-infection 
d. Safe technique for ear examination 
e. Identification of the structures of the outer ear and eardrum 
f. Contraindications to audiometry 
g. Manual and automated audiometry 
h. Referral criteria and process
i. Basic hearing protection in noise 
j. The need for third-party insurance 

Additionally, the course adds relevant training specific to the requirements of CNWR 2005 (L108):
1. Normal audiograms for age
2. Audiogram characteristics of noise-induced hearing loss
3. Severity of NIHL relative to exposure
4. Audiogram characteristics of non-noise-induced hearing loss
5. Impulse noise hearing loss (acoustic shock)
6. Role of the OHP
7. Role of the competent adviser
8. SOM guidance

Candidates are required to bring the audiometers they use day-to-day to the training course, plus an otoscope.

CPD points accredited by the Faculty of Occupational Medicine (FOM) and SOM Certificate of Attendance.

Delegate fee - £490 SOM member; £590 non SOM member

Duration 13 hours

Trainer: Melanie Brewster, Clinical Physiologist (Audiology) RCCP 1529, Dip Safety Management, Cert OH Law

Melanie Brewster is an NHS-trained Clinical Physiologist specialising in audiology. Alongside private and medico-legal practice she provided the assessment service for the claimants from the NCB and war pension directorate in the early 1990s and branched out into occupational health in 1996 setting up her own Occupational Health company which specialises in noise. Melanie was instrumental in the 2021 changes in CNWR 2005 guidance and still works in the NHS part-time as an external consultant.  

Melanie is an advocate for the correct identification of noise-induced hearing loss and has over 35 years of experience in interpreting audiograms in the industry. She provides specialist Occupational Health risk assessment and reports for employees identified as having hearing loss including advising on the compatibility of hearing aids and hearing protection and the management of safety-critical workers with hearing loss.

Melanie has been a trainer for many years alongside advising major insurance companies on NIHL claims, validating medico-legal audiograms and several papers published in her subject.

(SOM members please log in on the SOM website to get the discount). 

A FOM-approved course in preparation for FOM Diploma in Occupational Health Practice Examination (DipOHPrac). 

The course covers:

- Introduction to Occupational Health
- Effects of work on health
- Clinical Occupational Health and Management 
- Assessment of Actual Workplace Scenarios

Course Leads: Dr Lanre Ogunyemi, Dr Alan Bray and Dr Steven Sadhra

Course Dates: Monday 2nd November - Friday 6th November and Monday 23rd November - Friday 27th November 2026 (Virtual – Online)

Price: £3,480 including VAT

Click here to view more information and register your interest.