More than five decades of science, expertise and practical action

Research into respiratory disease among coal miners began in the 1950s. This pioneering work into dust exposure and lung disease laid the foundations for what would become IOM.

The Institute of Occupational Medicine was formally established in Edinburgh by the National Coal Board and opened by Lord Robens on 22 April 1969. Its initial focus was groundbreaking research into lung disease among coal mine workers.

IOM Consulting Limited was created as the commercial subsidiary of the Institute. This enabled our scientific expertise to be applied in practice, supporting organisations to mitigate and manage workplace health risks.

Our expertise expanded into new areas of occupational and environmental health. From 2005, we became a leading European contributor to research into the safe use of nanomaterials.

A Singapore office opened to support work across South-East Asia, while our teams continued to grow across occupational hygiene, laboratory analysis, healthcare ventilation and specialist consultancy.

Celebrated 50 years of advancing the science of occupational and environmental health, shaping workplace practices through national and global research and practical solutions that continue to protect people, improve business performance and influence policy worldwide.

IOM Consulting Limited was acquired by Rcapital, securing an independent future for the business, its laboratories, expertise and people. This investment enables us to build on more than five decades of scientific knowledge and deliver practical solutions that improve health, protect people and strengthen organisational performance.

We bring together occupational hygienists, engineers, laboratory specialists, ventilation experts and expert witnesses to help organisations understand and mitigate risk, protect people and make practical improvements every day.