In the later 1960's and early 1970's, Rollin Schneider, safety specialist at the University of Nebraska, was involved in studies that looked at farmers' exposure to noise. These studies originally focused on farm tractor operators but later branched out to other types of equipment. The link between health and safety eventually became clear to professionals working in both areas. Joint programs were initiated and professional networking provided positive results for both program areas. NIFS membership became a reality for health professionals, and their contributions enriched NIFS programs.
History has a way of repeating itself.
As in the past, the acceptance of new members with new interests and program emphases into the NIFS membership roster has given the organization a slightly different focus and thus a new vitality.