CIS Newsletter

No. 160
January 2003

CIS Newsletter celebrates 15 years & still going strong! Bringing news to over 135 countries in the CIS Network

Contents

1. Editorial

2. Important News from CIS HQ and CIS Annual Meeting and Workshops in London, UK and accommodation

3. EUROSHE2003 Conference, major event in 2003

4. News from around the world - ARLAC, European Agencies, European Union, Germany, ILO Geneva, South Africa, Sweden, UK, USA

5. ARLAC's Training Events 2003

6. Diary of Events

Editorial

Dear CIS Colleagues

Happy New Year to everyone, hope it is healthy, safe and successful for you, your colleagues and your families. We look forward to 2003 with all its challenges and opportunities ahead for us to help improve the knowledge of all workers through disseminating validated and authoritative information, which at all times, should be timely and presented in usable formats.

2003 CIS Annual Meeting will be in London, UK. The full programme is below including accommodation opportunities.

ANY COUNTRY/CIS CENTRE RECEIVING TECHNICAL AID WHO BELIEVE THEY MAY QUALIFY FOR ASSISTANCE SHOULD CONTACT EMMERT CLEVENSTINE AT CIS HQ IMMEDIATELY. REMEMBER THE MEETING IS ONLY 4 MONTHS AWAY! and time flies by very quickly!!!!

Also remember to send to Geneva HQ any items which you wish to have placed on the agenda. You should send as soon possible any items you wish to have discussed. Also remember to send your annual reports in early.

Thanks to all the contributors to this edition of your Newsletter - all news however small is most welcomed. If you are planning any publications, seminars or training courses then please send your details to me so that we can share your efforts with others. Don't forget to send me your latest news!

Because this edition carries extensive news re the CIS week in May 2003 some items of news received are carried over to the February 2003 edition. You know I welcome ideas for inclusion in the future editions of this Newsletter. Let me know if there are any areas you would wish to see covered in future.

A number of individuals and organisations have let me know that wish to receive the Newsletter by email.... just let me know and I will send it.

Best wishes to you and your colleagues.

Sheila Pantry, OBE

85 The Meadows, Todwick, Sheffield S26 1JG, UK
Tel: +44 1909 771024
Fax: +441909 772829
Email sp@sheilapantry.com

CIS NETWORK OF NATIONAL INFORMATION CENTRES.........
WORKING TOGETHER AND HELPING EACH OTHER....

News from CIS HQ, Geneva

Emmert Clevenstine writes:

1. The 2002 AGM reports will be mailed the week of 13 January. As usual, the main report is only in English, and the Centres' reports are only in the languages in which they were submitted.

2. CIS Annual Meeting 2003

Financial constraints are everywhere but ANY COUNTRY/CIS CENTRE RECEIVING TECHNICAL AID WHO BELIEVE THEY MAY QUALIFY FOR ASSISTANCE to go to the 2003 UK meetings SHOULD CONTACT THEIR OWN COUNTRY PROJECT TECHNICAL OFFICER IN THE FIRST INSTANCE AND IMMEDIATELY.

REMEMBER THE MEETING IS LESS THAN 4 MONTHS AWAY! and time flies by very quickly!!!!

Remember to send to Geneva HQ any items which you wish to have placed on the agenda. You should send as soon possible any items you wish to have discussed.

Also remember to send your annual reports in early to the CIS HQ Geneva

Important Notice

Draft outline CIS Week in the UK 19-23 May

The main meetings will be at the Imperial Hotel, Russell Square, London. This is a central London location and within easy walking distance to the major sights of this wonderful city - many of these are free of charge for entry. There are many restaurants, bars and cafes in the area - at reasonable costs.

If anyone wishes to have small group or one-one meetings, or help with other visits during the week please let Emmert Clevenstine or Sheila Pantry know and every effort will be made to arrange these.

CIS activities during the week
NB Some changes from the December 2002 Newsletter>>>>>

Monday 19 May 2003 and Tuesday 20 May 2003
RoSPA Expo and Conference - Exhibition Centre, Birmingham, UK
About 1-hour train journey from London
This is a mega sized expo shows covering:

Tuesday 20 May 2003
For those not wishing to go to Birmingham, an alternative visit being arranged to the British Library. Details to follow.

Wednesday 21 May 2003
At the Imperial Hotel, Russell Square, London

Two workshops will be held:

Wednesday 21 May 2003 Morning :
Creating the electronic OSH information and knowledge service and centre. There will be various presentations and discussions.

To be successful, OSH managers constantly need to reassess the effectiveness of their information services and to ascertain whether they are really delivering the services needed by their users. In doing so it is now essential to take on board the opportunities afforded by new technology. An information service is no longer necessarily defined by the restrictions of a particular physical location or specific opening hours.

For anyone wishing to establish an electronic information/knowledge service, whatever the type or size of organization they work in, and is equally essential for those wishing to convert an existing traditional service into an e-information service. Ideas and examples of how an e-information service can be created, maintained and marketed in a cost effective way. Key issues covered include:

Wednesday 21 May 2003 Afternoon
Creating the successful OSH Publicity Campaign involving inspectors, specialists and information staff.
There will be various presentations and discussions. The participants should be able to draw up their own campaigns after this workshop and also the visit to HSE the next day.

Wednesday Evening 18.00 - 19.30
 There will be a "Reception" sponsored by Sheila Pantry Associates Ltd held in the Atrium at the Imperial Hotel.
Rest of the evening free.

Thursday 22 May 2003 morning 10.00-13.00
Visit to the UK Health and Safety Executive, Globe Room, Rose Court, London
 A number of presentations will be given by HSE staff and will complement the workshops held the previous day. HSE is the National CIS Centre.
Buffet Lunch, kindly given by HSE will be served after the morning meeting.

Thursday 22 May 2003 afternoon 14.00 - 17.00
 Back at the Imperial Hotel, Tudor Room, London The 2003 CIS Annual Meeting will start. Please let Emmert Clevenstine or Sheila Pantry know if you wish to give a short (10 minutes) presentation.

Thursday evening - Free for late night shopping, theatre, music, eating or just enjoying London!

Friday 23 May 2002 09.30 - 15.00
The 2003 CIS Annual Meeting will continue.

Hotel Accommodation for CIS Meeting.....

To help you....

1. Arrangements have been made with the Imperial London Hotels Ltd regarding hotel bookings which people must booked themselves.

2. The Imperial Group offer the following hotels - all in the Russell Square location.

A 10% reduction of the usual price has been arranged - see details below.
If CIS members wish to share twin rooms then this of course will cut the costs again.

Imperial Hotel £65.70 single £87.30 twin room (£43.65 each if sharing) with Full English Breakfast.
Ask for a quiet room looking over the Courtyard.

President Hotel £67.00 single £89.00 twin room (£44.50 each if sharing) with Full English Breakfast.

Royal National Hotel £66.00 £85.00 twin room (£42.50 each if sharing) with CONTINENTAL Breakfast ONLY

Bedford Hotel £71.00 single £94.00 twin room (£47.00 each if sharing) with Full English Breakfast.

Tavistock Hotel £61.00 single £81.00 twin room (£40.50 each if sharing) with Full English Breakfast.

All the above Hotels have ensuite bathrooms and showers, TV and Radio

There is also:
County Hotel £39.00 single £50.00 twin room (£25.00 each if sharing) with Full English Breakfast.
NOTE Without private bathrooms.

Contact:
Reservations Manager, Imperial Hotel, Russell Square, London WC1B 5BB | Tel: +44 20 7278 7871 | Fax: +44 20 7837 4653 | email: info@imperialhotels.co.uk | www.imperialhotels.co.uk for further details of the hotels, map etc.

NB When making the booking mention the CIS Meeting being held in the Imperial Hotel arranged by Sheila Pantry and ensure that you have the discounted prices. Please note that Sheila cannot make your bookings - you will have to make your own reservation using credit card or other deposit.

Overlooking some of London's most beautiful garden squares The Imperial Hotels have bars, coffee shops, Internet cafes and all are within walking distance of major attractions such as the British Museum, Covent Garden, Theatreland, Oxford Street - for shopping, Piccadilly Circus, Trafalgar Square and the National and Portrait Galleries.

The Imperial hotels are surrounded by a wide choice of cafes, bars, and restaurants to suit all tastes.
There are of course 100s of hotels and other guest accommodation in London, remember that London is very, very busy in the morning rush hour and public transport is very crowded and can add to your travel costs.

Major OSH Conference in London
November 2003

EurOHSE2003 Conference takes place on the 4-5 November 2003 and the venue for the conference is the Royal National Hotel, Russell Square, London, UK.

EurOHSE2003 Conference looks at the major themes of the European Commission's " Adapting to change in work and society: a new Community Strategy on health and safety at work 2002-2006 " Focusing in on the European Commission's thrust and initiatives towards a healthier and safer European work place.

Eminent speakers with backgrounds in government, industry, research and education will discuss future ways of working and training, the need for risk assessment for all aspects of everyday work life, corporate killing, fire safety, managing road risks, fitness for work, researching for tomorrow's workplace, enabling the disabled in the workplace and the roles of the social partners in securing a healthier and safer workplace.

SPEAKERS AND PROGRAMME TOPICS - EXACT TITLES BEING SORTED

Day 1 Tuesday 4 November 2002

Speaker 1 The Way Forward: agenda for European Health and Safety at Work 2002-2006 The how, why, what, when... covering the main points of the Strategy especially health.
Speaker from European Commission for Employment and Social Affairs includes Health and Safety

Speaker 2 Making it all Work..... progress to date and future activities
Hans-Horst Konkolewsky, Director European Agency for Health and Safety at Work, Bilbao, Spain

Speaker 3 Inspecting the Future: risk assessment and what the Inspectorates will be focusing on.
Malcolm Gifford, International Association of Labour Inspection and Health and Safety Executive, HSE UK

Speaker 4 international OSH problems and the effects on the European workplace. Include moving the work from country to country, worst forms of child labour.
Dr Jukka Takala - Director ILO Worksafe Programme

Speaker 5 The Unions in Europe working together to secure a healthier and safer Europe for future generations
Marc Sapir, Director, Trades Union Bureau, Brussels, Belgium

Speaker 6 European Businesses working together to secure a healthier and workplace
Janet Asherson, Chair, European Employers Group (also works at the UK Confederation of British Industries)

Speaker 7 Ensuring that fire safety is high on the European agenda
Dennis Davies, OBE - International Committee for the Prevention and Extinction of Fire (CTIF) and HM Chief Inspector of Fire Services, Scotland

Speaker 8 Fitness for work
Includes the ageing workers, the new risk industries, new ways of working including the 24:7 workforce
Dr Margaret Samuel

Conference details continued..........

WEDNESDAY 5 November 2002

Researching for a better future:

3 SPEAKERS

Speaker 9 Researching for a better future: Trends and Problems for tomorrow's workplace
Raymond-Pierre Bodin, Director, European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions

Speaker 10 Research and prevention programmes in the USA
Dr Vern Andersen, US National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health.

Speaker 11 Integrated Pollution and Prevention Control of the Environment moves forward
Don Litten, European Commission Joint Research Institute for the Environment, Seville, Spain

Speaker 12 Putting the "H" into health in the workplace: Using accident Investigation techniques and applying it to disease in the workplace
John Kingston

Speaker 13 Training and education in occupational health and safety for tomorrow's workforce.
Matti Ylikoski, Director, Training Centre, Finnish Institute on Occupational Health

Speaker 14 Management of Road Risk
Speaker - Roger Bibbings, Occupational Health and Safety Advisor, RoSPA

Speaker 15 Enabling the disabled: what one organisation has achieved
2003 is the European Year of the Disabled
Ms Terry Fahy, Human Resources Manager, Gandon Enterprises, Ireland

Speaker 16 Corporate Manslaughter:
Michael Welham Health and Safety Executive, UK

Chairpersons: Dr Sylvia Wood, Professor Peter Waterhouse, Mr John Howard OBE, Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents

To request further details contact

Mary Meadows
Angel Business Communications Ltd, 34 Warwick Road, Kenilworth, Warwickshire, CV8 1HE
Tel: +44 (0) 1926 512424
Fax: +44 (0) 1926 512948
email: info@angelbc.co.uk
See www.eurohse2003.com

Bookings have already started..... make sure you make an early bird reservation and save money.

Appreciation for printing and posting CIS Newsletter

Many thanks to Marc De Greef, Director General Prevent and his staff for once again agreeing to printing and posting your CIS Newsletter in 2003.

This continuing help is greatly appreciated.

UK Construction Industry Training Board Health and Safety Development

CITB (Construction Industry Training Board) has released a new health and safety video called Shattered Lives. This builds on the momentum set by CITB and the Major Contractors’ Group to achieve a fully qualified, and therefore, health and safety trained workforce, by the end of 2003.

Aimed at everyone working in the construction industry, the video addresses the health and safety responsibilities of every construction worker on site by profiling three construction workers speaking about their own experiences of how accidents can happen when health and safety guidelines are not followed.

CITB’s health and safety development manager, Gordon Eagle, said: “The video doesn't set out to apportion blame to anyone. However, once people have seen the video they'll appreciate the need to behave professionally and responsibly on site. This video carries a very powerful message, highlighting the importance of health and safety awareness on site.”

The video costs £55 (including VAT), but for companies registered with CITB there is a 28% discount, making it £39.60. The reference number for the video is VID070 and can be ordered by calling Tel: +44(0)1485 577800.

European Agency for Safety and Health at Work

New chairperson announces Agency plans to target ‘Dangerous Substances’

Meeting in Bilbao on 26 and 27 November 2002, the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work's Administrative Board has elected Dr Bertil Remaeus as its new chairperson and approved the Agency's work programme for 2003

http://osha.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/021130.xml

The World of Work

The latest edition of the World of Work magazine from the ILO features:

Available in Chinese, Czech, Danish, English, Finnish, French, German. Hindi, Hungarian. Japanese. Norwegian, Russian, Slovak, Spanish and Swedish

Contact: ILO World of Work Magazine
Department of Communication, CH-1211 Geneva 22, Switzerland
Tel: +41 22 799 7912
Fax: +41 22 799 8577
www.ilo.org/communication

News from Sweden

Prevent is the Nordic countries´ leading supplier of knowledge and training in the work environment field, working for a healthy, safe and sound work life through the transfer of knowledge and methods to every workplace.

Prevent:

Our principals are Svenskt Näringsliv (Confederation of Swedish Enterprise), LO (The Swedish Trade Union Confederation) and PTK (The Federation of Salaried Employees in Industry and Services) and our solutions have the strong support of the labour market partners. In conjunction with among others the insurance company AFA, Prevent closely monitors developments in occupational injuries and illnesses. This allows us to react quickly to trends and tendencies in the work environment area.

The number of work-related accidents remained largely unchanged in 2001 compared with 2000, according to statistics published by the Swedish Work Environment Authority. In contrast, the number of work-related illnesses continues to rise. The sectors with the highest accident figures for men are the mining industry, steel and metal manufacture and recycling and waste disposal. For women, the figures for work-related accidents are highest in steel and metal manufacture, followed by the care of the mentally disabled, work in nursing homes, and the food industry. A total of 34,415 work-related accidents were reported for the year, of which 56 were fatalities. The occupations that reported the highest number of work-related accidents for men in 2001 were process operators in the wood and paper industry, the police and machine operators. Female machine operators also reported high accident figures, followed by hospital ancillary staff/personal care staff and other care staff. The number of reported work-related illnesses is increasing sharply, and has more than doubled since 1997. In sixty per cent of cases the cause is related to physical strain. The recently-published report, Work Related Medical Conditions 2000, states that in the past year about 450,000 employees have at some time suffered from a medical condition serious enough to result in sick leave. This report is published by the Swedish Work Environment Authority.

Prevent, Box 20133104 60 STOCKHOLM | Email: info@prevent.se | Tel : +46 (0)84020200 | Fax: +46 (0) 84020250

Dancers' Strenuous daily routines

Most professional dancers suffer from strain injuries. But an artistic profession so strongly bound by long tradition is not responsive to innovative thinking.

http://arbetsliv.prevent.se/english/newsletter/1429.asp

HANS KARLSSON - new Minister of Working Life

In the new Swedish Government announced at the end of October 2002, Hans Karlsson was appointed Minister of Working Life.

http://arbetsliv.prevent.se/english/newsletter/1428.asp

EU to examine high sick leave figures in Sweden

The European Commission, in co-operation with authorities in Sweden, is to investigate the reason for the high sick leave figures in the country, and to establish if this phenomenon is related to the high incidence of business acquisitions.

http://arbetsliv.prevent.se/english/newsletter/1427.asp

Number of accidents remains constant

The number of work-related accidents remained largely unchanged in 2001 compared with 2000, according to statistics published by the Swedish Work Environment Authority. In contrast, the number of work-related illnesses continues to rise.

http://arbetsliv.prevent.se/english/newsletter/1426.asp

Union trains Regional safety Representatives

The Swedish Municipal Workers' Union has chosen Prevent as its partner in the basic training of all its 350 regional safety representatives.

http://arbetsliv.prevent.se/english/newsletter/1425.asp

INTERNATIONAL COURSE - A REMINDER

Prevent Sweden is moving beyond providing international target groups with literature on safety and health at work to offering international training courses. The first course is to be held on May 5-17th, 2003.

http://arbetsliv.prevent.se/english/newsletter/1424.asp

PREVENT - Management and Labour Improving Work Environment

Prevent Sweden works to counter occupational accidents, improve the working environment as well as the psychosocial climate of companies and organisations. It provides training, produce training materials, handbooks and reference works.

Prevent
Ringvägen 100 E, P.O. Box 20133, SE-104 60 Stockholm, Sweden | Tel: +46 8 402 02 00 | Email: info@prevent.se | www.prevent.se

Please send some news - Make my day!

Your Editor

Titles you may have missed......

Violence at Work: Causes, Patterns and Prevention

edited by Martin Gill, Bonnie Fisher and Vaughan Bowie

Workplace violence has emerged as a growing concern in today's interdependent political economy, and increasing attention is being paid to the phenomenon by both business and in the academic world to identifying its causes and to devise strategies to prevent it.In this book a distinguished international team, composed of both academics and practitioners, identify and address the key issues. It reviews the earlier literature on workplace violence, identifying and assessing key trends and patterns of violence at work, and reapplying traditional theories of victimisation and approaches to prevention, security and safety. Particular attention is paid to case studies which reflect innovative practice from the UK, USA and Australia in prevention strategies, and in assessing informal frameworks which have been developed in response to this.

Overall this book provides a foundation on which to base ways of better explaining, predicting, understanding and preventing workplace violence

Violence at Work: Causes, Patterns and Preventionedited by Martin Gill, Bonnie Fisher and Vaughan Bowie.

November 2001 240pp ISBN 1-903240-62-X (hardback) extensive reading lists

Publisher: Willan Publishing, Culmcott House, Mill Street, Uffculme, Cullompton, Devon EX15 3AT, UK | Tel: +44 (0)1884 840337 | Fax: +44 (0)1884 840251 | Email: info@willanpublishing.co.uk | www.willanpublishing.co.uk

Building-related Sickness: Causes, effects and ways to avoid it edited by Anu Palmer and Rosie Rawlings

This publication identifies the significant parameters most likely to play a role building-related sickness. It also provides a discussion and guidelines on good practice for all significant aspects of building-related sickness.

It is estimated that up to 30% of refurbished buildings, and an unknown but significant number of new buildings may harbour symptoms of building-related sickness. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), 25 - 30% of office personnel complain of building-related sickness that occur during working hours and diminish when people leave the building for weekends or holidays.

The report covers thermal comfort, ventilation, relative humidity, lighting, noise and ventilation, negative ions, micro-organisms, respirable particulates and filtration, volatile organic compounds, gaseous contaminants.

There is a checklist that addresses the adequacy of the working environment based on good engineering, maintenance and management practice. In addition there is a glossary of terms and abbreviations and a reading list.

Building-related Sickness: Causes, effects and ways to avoid it edited by Anu Palmer and Rosie Rawlings.

BSRIA Technical Note TN2/2002 ISBN 086022581X 2002 43 pages

Contact: BSRIA Ltd, Old Bracknell Lane West, Bracknell, Berkshire RG12 7AG, UK | Tel: +44 (0)1344 426511 | Fax: +44 (0) 1344 487575 | Email: bsria@bsria.co.uk | www.bsria.co.uk

New regulations to control fire and explosion risks from dangerous substances and potentially explosive atmospheres

New regulations to control fire and explosion risks from dangerous substances and potentially explosive atmospheres came into force on 9 December 2002 in the UK. The Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002 (DSEAR) will implement the requirements of two European Union Directives: the safety requirements of the Chemical Agents Directive (CAD); and the requirements of the Explosive Atmospheres Directive (ATEX 137).

DSEAR will apply to all dangerous substances at nearly every business in the UK. It sets minimum requirements for the protection of workers from fire and explosion risks related to dangerous substances and potentially explosive atmospheres.

DSEAR will apply at any workplace where there is present any substance or mixture of substances with the potential to create a risk from energetic (energy-releasing) events such as fire, explosions, thermal runaway from exothermic reactions etc. Such substances, known in DSEAR as dangerous substances, include: petrol, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), paints, varnishes, solvents and certain types of dust that are explosive (e.g. wood dust).

The main requirements of DSEAR are that employers and the self-employed must: carry out an assessment of the fire and explosion risks of any work activities involving dangerous substances; provide measures to eliminate, or reduce as far as is reasonably practicable, the identified fire and explosion risks; apply measures, so far as is reasonably practicable, to control risks and to mitigate the detrimental effects of a fire or explosion; provide equipment and procedures to deal with accidents and emergencies; provide employees with information and precautionary training.

Additionally, from 30 June 2003, where explosive atmospheres may occur: the workplaces should be classified into hazardous and non-hazardous places; and any hazardous places classified into zones on the basis of the frequency and duration of an explosive atmosphere, and where necessary marked with a sign; equipment in classified zones should be safe and satisfy the requirements of the Equipment and Protective Systems Intended for Use in Potentially Explosive Atmospheres 1996; and, the workplaces should be verified as meeting the requirements of DSEAR, by a competent person.

DSEAR implements the safety requirements of the Chemical Agents Directive (CAD), and the requirements of the Explosive Atmospheres Directive (ATEX). The health requirements of CAD are being implemented through amendments to current health legislation: the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH); the Control of Lead at Work Regulations (CLAW); and the Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations (CAW).

DSEAR will provide a modern framework for managing the risks of fire and explosions and will enable around 20 pieces of old legislation to be repealed or modernised. This will provide benefits for employers who will in future have significantly less legislation to consider. DSEAR does not contain requirements that are fundamentally new; employers currently meeting existing legislation should therefore notice no significant change. Safety standards will be maintained through a combination of DSEAR and activity specific ACoP material.

A free leaflet, Fire And Explosion. How Safe is Your Workplace: A short guide to the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations, to assist small and medium-sized businesses has been published. Priced packs are available from HSE Books; PO Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk, CO10 2WA, UK. Tel: +44 (0)1787-881165 or Fax: +44 (0)1787-313995.

Single copies will be free of charge. The leaflet is also available to download free from HSE's website: www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/index.htm.

The Statutory Instruments: "The Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002" (S.I. 2002/2776) is available from: www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2002/2776/made

A webpage for DSEAR, containing guidance on the new regulations, can be found at: www.hse.gov.uk/fireandexplosion/dsear.htm

DSEAR will also be supported by interpretative guidance and Approved Code of Practice (ACoP) material, to be published in 2003.

Slipping and tripping at work - TUC calls for a safe start to 2003

Every year in the UK some 9,000 people suffer broken bones and other serious injuries, having slipped or tripped at work, according to a new TUC study published January 2003

www.tuc.org.uk/h_and_s/tuc-6031-f0.cfm

European Commission recommends quality criteria for health websites

The European Commission has adopted a Communication setting out a core set of quality criteria for health related websites. It outlines six quality criteria: transparency and honesty, authority, privacy and data protection, updating of information, accountability and accessibility. Erkki Liikanen, EU Commissioner for Enterprise and the Information society, said: "Europeans access more than 100,000 health websites, making such websites amongst the most frequently used. It is therefore imperative that such websites and the services they provide meet high quality standards. I trust that our recommended standards will be welcomed and embraced by both the industry and internet users in Europe."

David Byrne, EU Commissioner for Health and Consumer Protection, said: "The internet can be a great ally for public health. It can help empower patients, it can help citizens make healthy lifestyle choices. The key is to find ways for the valid, the relevant, the helpful on-line information to be distinguished from the unreliable, or downright bogus. Today's initiative is a step towards achieving that." http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=IP/02/1819 [IP/02/1819]

The 2002 edition of the International Working at Height Handbook is now available from Technical Standards Services Ltd. www.tssonline.net

The International Working at Height Handbook describes and explains the principles of modern personal fall protection techniques and equipment. In doing so it aims to promote a more confident attitude amongst both management and workforce to the use of these techniques and equipment as part of an everyday safe system of work.

Valuable for all involved in construction, maintenance, inspection, rescue and many other areas of industrial activity where working at height is an issue.
Sponsored by IRATA - Industrial Rope Access Trade Association. Price: £20.00 (GB Pounds) or $31.00 (US Dollars) or 31.00 Euro. For further information and online ordering see www.tssonline.net

Working at Height is part of the "Safety Awareness Collection" which also covers Rigging and Lifting, Crane Operations and Cargo Handling, Manual Handling, Falls and Falling Objects and Injuries to Fingers and Hands. Details of the Safety Awareness Collection, including pocketbooks, risk assessment cards, videos, posters and teaching documents, can be found at www.tssonline.net/NSL%20Cat%20landscape.pdf

An online ordering facility with secure server plus full ordering information is provided on this web site.
Alternatively, contact:

Technical Standards Services Ltd., 3 Bury Mead Road, Hitchin, Herts, SG5 1RT,UK | Telephone: +44(0)1462 453211 | Fax: +44 (0) 1462 457714 | Email: sales@techstandards.co.uk

European Commission marks Human Rights Day

On Human Rights Day, 10 December 2003, the European Commission highlighted the commitment of the EU to the promotion of human rights and democratisation: the European Initiative for Democracy and Human Rights (EIDHR) has approved Euro 28 million (£17.9 million) for 42 projects to promote and defend human rights and democracy. It is expected that another 30 Commission decisions will be taken before the end of the year: Euro 53 million (£33.8 million) will finance 74 projects and an additional Euro7.8 million (£4.9 million) will fund micro-projects in 15 selected countries. In addition to the new funds announced today, 600 projects worth Euro 350 million (£223.7 million) are currently being implemented to promote human rights and democratisation world-wide. The annual Human Rights Day commemorates the signature of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights on 10 December 1948. The European Union respects and promotes the universal principles laid down in the Universal Declaration on Human Rights and considers it its mission to promote these values not only within its own borders, but also in its relations with third countries.

http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=IP/02/1837 [IP/02/1837]

Environment Commissioner Margot Wallström: "EU cannot rely on a few Member States to reach Kyoto target"

The European Commission has published its annual report on greenhouse gas emissions. It shows that total greenhouse gas emissions were down by 3.5% in 2000 compared to 1990. The report suggests, however, that with existing measures the EU will not reach its 8% target under the Kyoto Protocol. The emission reductions achieved so far are mainly due to lower emissions in a few Member States (notably Germany and the UK), while several Member States are far off track in meeting their targets under the EU burden-sharing. The report also shows that the EU reduced its CO2 emissions by 0.5% between 1990 and 2000 thereby meeting its aim to stabilise these emissions in this period. Commissioner Wallström commented on the report: "It is encouraging that the EU has met its commitment under the UN Climate Change Convention to stabilise its CO2 emissions between 1990 and 2000. But this is the result of emission cuts in only a handful of Member States. More than half of the Member States are not on track towards their Kyoto targets. They have to do more."

http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=IP/02/1835 [IP/02/1835]

http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=IP/02/1832 [IP/02/1832]

Commission hails final agreement on introducing sulphur-free petrol and diesel fuels throughout the EU

The Commission welcomed an agreement between the European Parliament and Council on the introduction of sulphur-free fuels. This paves the way for the full market availability of sulphur-free fuels from 1 January 2005 at the latest. The phasing in of these fuels will be completed by 1 January 2009. These fuels enable manufacturers of vehicles and mobile machinery to make full use of the technical potential to reduce the emissions of pollutants like nitrogen oxides and particles and to improve fuel efficiency. Reduction of emissions will contribute to the improvement of air quality and reduce the release of greenhouse gases. Commenting on the agreement, Margot Wallström, EU Commissioner for the Environment, said: "This agreement is good news both for the environment and for health prospects in Europe. It paves the way for the introduction of clean fuels that will help to reduce air pollution as well as greenhouse gas emissions."

http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=IP/02/1868 [IP/02/1868]

Fight against terrorism: more security in EU air transport

Loyola de Palacio, European Commission Vice-President in charge of Transport and Energy welcomed the final adoption of the proposal on aviation security on 13 December 2002, a key initial piece of EU legislation. The purpose of the new rules is to guarantee throughout the European Union the provision of a high level of security in civil aviation through harmonised mandatory common rules for civil aviation security. Loyola de Palacio explained: "The security of European citizens must be guaranteed: only the uniform, effective application of these measures will enable all Europeans to continue to have confidence in EU skies and airports." In the immediate aftermath of the events of 11 September 2001, the Commission proposed a Regulation establishing common rules in the field of civil aviation security, which has just been definitively adopted by the European Parliament and the Council.

http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=IP/02/1879 [IP/02/1879]

News from around the World........

Less heavy lifting at work in Sweden

In the past two years, ergonomic conditions have improved by 60% at Sweden’s workplaces. However, according to a questionnaire survey carried out by the publication Worklife, there is still much to do to reduce stress, poor work postures and heavy lifting.

The survey was directed to human resources managers and safety representatives. A total of 1,167 people answered the questionnaire. Just over half the responses were from the private sector and from safety representatives.

More than 60 per cent of respondents think the ergonomic conditions at their workplaces are good. The same number think the situation has improved in the past two years. Responses from managers are more positive than those from safety representatives. Most improvements take the form of new tables and chairs, and a reduction in the amount of heavy lifting thanks to better equipment. Many respondents also reported improvements in computer equipment and lighting. The private sector, and the engineering industry in particular, had shown the greatest success in eliminating heavy lifting by introducing new equipment. Improvements had been introduced in two of three workplaces. Close to four companies out of five in the banking, insurance and property management branches had invested in new chairs and tables.

Despite considerable improvements, problems still remain. The greatest problem is stress, which two of three respondents think affects ergonomic conditions. The second most serious problem is poor working posture and heavy lifting. Four of five respondents in the public sector think that the level of stress must be brought down, while the figure for the private sector is slightly lower, at two thirds of the respondents. Poor working posture is a major problem in the public sector as well. There was less heavy lifting in the private sector, yet three respondents of five think that changes must be introduced.

Contact: Prevent Box 20133104 60 Stockholm, Sweden | Tel: 08-4020200 | Fax: 08-4020250 | info@prevent.se

Newsletter 02-12-10, Article no: 1430. www.prevent.se

News from Germany

New brochure published by KAN

The Kommission Arbeitsschutz und Normung (KAN, the Commission for OH&S and Standardization) was set up in 1994 with the objective of presenting the interests of German occupational health and safety, particularly within European standardization activity. KAN commissions studies and reports in order to analyse OH&S issues in standardization and to identify deficits and undesirable trends in standardization work.

The following publication can be ordered free of charge from info@kan.de:

KAN Report 27: Standardization in the rail transport sector

The present KAN study on standardization relating to occupational health and safety in the field of rail traffic analyses the level of occupational health and safety for rail transport which has been attained in European standards. The analyses was not limited to technical standards, but also encompassed regulations and legislative provisions for the transport sector with a bearing upon occupational health and safety. These specifically included railway legislation and associated ordinances, and the codes of practice of the International Union of Railways (UIC).

KAN Report 27 is available in German; the summary is also available in French and English. It can be downloaded as a PDF file from KAN's web site at www.kan.de under “Publications/KAN Reports”.

The Report will also be available shortly in English.

UK Health and Safety Executive identifies baseline attitudes with the 2001 British Social Attitudes Survey.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has published an analysis of the first ever health and safety module within the British Social Attitudes Survey which is undertaken annually by the National Centre for Social Research. It measures changes in attitudes, values and beliefs amongst the British public.

The survey reports on a number of indicators of awareness, attitudes and behaviours concerning health and safety at work, which could have an influence on the risk of work-related injuries or ill health.

A full copy of the report can be found on the HSE web site at: http://www.hse.gov.uk/statistics/bsahs01.pdf

UK HSE launches guidance on new legislation on managing asbestos

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has published important guidance to support the new duty to manage asbestos, as part of its strategy to prevent people dying from asbestos-related diseases.

The new duty, part of the Control of Asbestos At Work Regulations 2002 (CAWR), will require those with responsibilities for the repair and maintenance of non-domestic premises to find out if there are, or may be, asbestos-containing materials within them. It also requires them to record the location and condition of such materials, and then assess and manage any risk from them, including passing on information about their location and condition to anyone liable to disturb them.

There could be as many as 500,000 non-domestic premises in the UK that contain asbestos materials. Assessing the risks from those materials and putting in place systems to manage that risk will therefore take time, so there is an eighteen-month lead in period for the duty. However, HSE want people to start work on this important task now.

Nick Brown, the Minister with responsibility for health and safety, said: "Asbestos is the most serious occupational health problem, in terms of fatal disease, that the country faces. In the 30 years between 1968 and 1998, 50,000 people died in the UK from asbestos related diseases. The human suffering and misery behind those terrible figures continue today. There is no medical intervention for those already exposed. But we can certainly do much to prevent exposures today and prevent painful and prolonged illness and death in the future.

"If current levels of exposure are allowed to continue over the next 50 years, nearly 5,000 people will die from asbestos related diseases. These regulations should go a long way towards preventing this human suffering and misery."

To raise awareness of the duty to manage, and to promote effective compliance, HSE has published the following guidance material:

A new Approved Code of Practice (ACoP) has been produced to support regulation 4 of CAWR. The management of asbestos in non-domestic premises L127 gives advice on how to comply with the new legal requirements and explains the duties of

building owners, tenants and anyone else with legal responsibilities for non-domestic premises. It highlights the flexibility of the new regulations to cover a range of situations and to allow a proportionate approach to be taken to managing the risks from asbestos.

The free leaflet Managing asbestos in premises INDG223 has been updated and entitled A short guide to managing asbestos in premises. Aimed at those with smaller, less complex premises, it provides background information on why asbestos can be a risk to health, and where it is found, and gives basic, practical advice on managing the risks from asbestos in premises.

The new guidance booklet A comprehensive guide to managing asbestos HSG227 is aimed at those dutyholders in more complex organisations and expands on the guidance given in the free leaflet. The guidance helps dutyholders decide what immediate steps they need to take to manage asbestos on their premises as well as giving advice on developing a management strategy to ensure full compliance with the new duty. The guidance is illustrated by the use of case studies and worked examples.

Copies of:
The management of asbestos in non-domestic premises Regulation 4 of the Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations 2002 L127, ISBN 0-7176-2382-3, price £9.50;

A short guide to managing asbestos in premises, INDG223, free of charge; A comprehensive guide to managing asbestos in premises HSG227, ISBN 0-7176-2381-5, price £12.50; Work with asbestos insulation, asbestos coating and asbestos insulating board (fourth edition) L28, ISBN 0-7176-2563-X, price £9.50; Work with asbestos which does not normally require a licence (fourth edition) L27, ISBN 0-7176-2562-1, price £9.50; are available from HSE Books, PO Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk, CO10 2WA, UK Tel: +44 (0)1787-881165 or fax: +44 (0)1787-313995.

CHEMICAL STRATEGY

The UK Government today issues its position statement on the New EU Chemicals Strategy outlining its continued commitment to ensuring that UK legislation that fully protects public health and the environment.

The UK position statement outlines the Government's current thinking on how key elements of the REACH1 system might operate in a practical and workable manner. The Government's overall objectives are to obtain a rapid, efficient system for collecting the necessary information on chemicals and for tackling those of most concern, whilst minimising animal testing and maintaining the competitiveness of the chemical industry.

Environment Minister, Michael Meacher, said:

'I have been disappointed in the slow progress made by the Commission in developing its legislative proposals, which is why I have been calling for a review of chemicals legislation at EU level since 1998.

'I am keen to see the Commission publish their legislative proposal as soon as possible. In the meantime, this Position Statement outlines the Government's continued commitment to ensuring that we have legislation that fully protects public health and the environment, that requires as few tests on animals as possible and that allows our economy to maintain and enhance its ability to provide jobs and growth.

In February 2001, the European Commission published its White Paper for a Future Chemicals Policy, setting out an approach to the regulation of chemicals based on a system called REACH (Registration, Evaluation and Authorisation of Chemicals). 'We want to see a system that is transparent to all interested parties in its operation and that provides consumers and workers with the level of information they require about the chemicals with which they come into contact.'

This position paper is not a definitive statement of the Government's position, not least because the Commission has still to publish proposals for legislation and those proposals will require a complete regulatory impact assessment. However, the Government recognises the importance of this proposed legislation and the importance of getting it right. That is why it is publishing initial views now, so that the process of developing a final position takes place in a clear and transparent manner.

It is hoped that publishing this statement, before the Commission's proposal, will help to stimulate debate, within both the UK and the EU. It is also intended to inform the decision making process and hopefully speed up the development of the proposal.

The Government intends to carry out a formal public consultation once the Commission's proposals are actually produced - currently expected early 2003 - before establishing its final position.

In February 2001 the Commission published a White Paper proposing a single system to gather hazard information, assess risks, classify, label, and restrict the marketing and use of individual chemicals and mixtures. (This is known as the REACH system - Registration, Evaluation and Authorisation of Chemicals). The policy would cover both new and existing substances. All chemicals produced or imported into the European Union in quantities above 1 tonne per year would be registered in a central database. Chemicals deemed to be of most concern would be banned unless they were granted an authorisation for particular uses which have been demonstrated to be safe.

The current regime for existing chemicals has be criticised for being so slow as to be ineffective with the result being little is know about the 30,000 chemicals (i.e. already on the market before 1981) marketed in quantities above 1 tonne.

While this is not a formal consultation, views on the Government's approach are welcome. Comments can be emailed to necs@defra.gsi.gov.uk

DEFRA, Nobel House, 17 Smith Square, London SW1P 3JR UK | Tel: +44 (0)20 7238 1133 | www.defra.gov.uk

TUC warns that the UK is becoming a 'sickie nation'

Commenting on the recently released workplace health and safety statistics, TUC General Secretary John Monks said: "Britain is becoming a 'sickie nation' because of the stresses and strains of the modern workplace. If strikes were causing the loss of 40 million days a year, there would be howls of outrage and immediate legislation. But justified outrage about work-related illness and injury seems to come only from trade unions. "Employers need to wake up and take action to make the working environment safer and less stressful, and the Government needs to deliver the resources to help employers prevent injuries and ill health and get people back to fitness and back to work, with more money for the HSE a top priority."

All TUC press releases can be found at www.tuc.org.uk

Real Madrid football club teams up with ILO to fight child labour

The Real Madrid football club and the International Labour Organisation (ILO) are teaming up to raise a "Red card" to the worst forms of child labour - a practice that traps one of every eight children or some 180 million worldwide in exploitative and often dangerous work.

Real Madrid and the ILO brought the "Red Card to Child Labour" campaign to Madrid's Santiago Bernabéu Stadium on World Football Day, December 18th 2002, when the football team marks its centennial anniversary with a match against a world selection team.

At a public ceremony in the stadium on the eve of the match, Kari Tapiola, ILO Executive Director and Florentino Pérez Rodríguez, the President of Real Madrid, will sign an agreement of mutual collaboration on the Red Card campaign. The agreement has been facilitated by the International Organisation of Employers (IOE) and the Spanish Employers' Confederation (CEOE).

Pedagog lines up in the fight against crime in South Africa

A South African security organisation has taken out a license from Pedagog of South Wales, the world leader in wireless multi-media, to build and install surveillance systems which allow video to be sent over existing mobile phone networks. Known as Pedagog OCTV, the system provides continuous surveillance of perimeter fences, town centres and every individual room in a residence at a fraction of the cost of conventional CCTV.

The signing of this license agreement with OCTV South Africa of Johannesburg, further enhances Pedagog's reputation as a global player at the forefront of wireless security technology.

OCTV South Africa is based in Randburg, Johannesburg, and has been set up specifically to exploit this huge opportunity. It brings together cross community expertise with a successful track record the high-technology and security industries, in both the public and private sectors. The South African partners in OCTV South Africa including John Bond the C.E.O. have won numerous awards in South Africa, including the prestigious President's Award for Exports and Technology Development. The main component of the agreement will be the local manufacture of the Pedagog Flexi-Box which is being viewed worldwide as the future of wireless surveillance. The Flexi-Box can be connected to any camera and, coupled with the Pedagog Open Circuit Television (OCTV) monitoring software package installed on a desk top PC, notebook PC or PDA, can send video footage in colour over any distance through a mobile phone.

An OCTV installation in a town centre or on a perimeter fence costs only a fraction (about one-fifth) of a conventional CCTV system because cameras can be placed anywhere without the cost of running cables down walls and under ground back to a monitoring (police) station. Above all, because there is no wiring involved, sabotage of the system is almost impossible.

The Republic of South Africa, as the major economy in the region, attracts organised crime from across the African continent. The authorities have struggled to contain this crime wave and the problems have spawned a significant private sector security industry. It is also a big country with a well established mobile telecommunications infrastructure.

Pedagog is based at Tredomen in South Wales. Its key technology is known as UMA (Unified Media Architecture). It is this which allows anyone with a mobile phone and a hand-held palm computer to transmit and receive high-quality live video pictures over any distance over existing pre-3G networks. In a new development of this technology known as Telemedicine, Pedagog has a three-phase development plan with the Welsh Assembly to focus on providing junior doctors in A & E with a palm PC and OCTV. This will enable them to access specialist advice and visual information as they deal with patients in trauma.

Further information from:
Pedagog Ltd., Tredomen Business and Technology Centre, Hengoed South Wales | Tel:+44 (0)1443 812 777 | E-mail : info@pedagog.com

UK Government "squandering billions on compensation while cutting back on prevention," says TUC

After two recent reports showing how many days are lost each year because of poor health and safety, the TUC has criticised the Government for cutting back on health and safety expenditure, yet "squandering billions on compensation".

With new Government statistics showing that Britain is doing much worse than previously thought on prevention at the workplace - leading to a soaring compensation bill costing eight times what is spent on the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) - TUC General Secretary John Monks said:

"We now know that health and safety is in a far worse state than anyone thought, with 40 million days lost due to work-related stress, RSI, back strain and other workplace injuries and illness. Now is not the time to cut back on the HSE, but that, amazingly, is what ministers are planning to do. We need to invest in health and safety at work because it would pay off for workers, employers and Government.

"We are squandering billions on compensation every year, while cutting back on prevention. Unions will of course continue to fight for fair compensation for victims, but they and we would far rather that their injuries and illnesses were prevented in the first place."

The HSE's budget this year is £260 million. Next year it will be £262 million, in 2004/5 it will be £262 million and in 2005/6 it will fall back to £260 million - but these figures take no account of inflation and extra functions given to the HSE - they amount to a real-terms cut of nearly 10%. Local authorities, which inspect health and safety in the private service sector, have been cutting back for several years, losing a third of their inspectors in the last five years.

Meanwhile the compensation budget has soared to over £2 billion a year (65% paid out in compensation court cases and 35% paid by the state in Industrial Injuries Benefit).

The TUC wants to see an increase in the number of HSE and local authority inspectors, Government support for roving safety reps appointed by unions to visit small workplaces, and more free HSE guidance for small firms - initially costing about an extra £50 million a year.

The recent reports were HSE health and safety statistics published on 10 December 2002 and the HSE Annual Report 2001/2 Health and safety targets: how are we doing?

News from ARLAC

2003 ARLAC Training Activities

10-14 February 2003
ARLAC Governing Council Meeting And High-Level Forum On HIV/AIDS And Child Labour.
Objectives: Analyse and Propose A Harmonized Policy Framework Within Which To Mainstream And Integrate HIV/AIDS and Child Labour Issues In The Labour Administration System And The National Development agenda.

TARGET GROUPS: Ministers of Labour and Employment, Permanent Secretaries, Director Generals, Labour Commissioners and Directors Responsible For Employment And Labour Issues.

RELEVANCE TO ILO C182 Worst Forms of Child Labour Convention, 1999

17-21 March 2003
The Role Of Labour And Occupational Safety And Health Inspection In combating The Worst Forms Of Child Labour In Commercial Agriculture

Financing: ARLAC/ILO IPEC

Geographical coverage: Egypt, Kenya, Ghana, Malawi, Namibia, Nigeria, South Africa, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe

Objectives: Analyse The Role of Labour and Occupational Health and Safety Inspections in combating the Worst Forms of Child Labour in Commercial Agriculture. Suggest a Policy Framework within which to mainstream and Integrate Effective Labour And Occupational Safety And Health inspections In Commercial Agriculture. Chart The Way Forward In Dealing With Hazardous Child Labour In Commercial agriculture

Target Group: Senior Officials From Government, Employers and Workers Organisations dealing with Labour Inspection and Occupational Health And Safety Issues and Child Labour.

RELEVANCE TO ILO: C129, Combating All Forms of Child Slavery; C182, Worst Form of Child Labour; C138, Minimum Age Convention, 1973;

6-11 April 2003
Poverty Alleviation and Wealth Creation through Employment and Promotion of Decent Work in the Labour Market.

Financing: ARLAC

Geographical coverage: Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, Lesotho, Mauritius, Namibia, Nigeria, and Zimbabwe

Objectives: Examine and Analyse the Role and Status of Labour Administration in Poverty Alleviation and Wealth Creation. Propose a Framework within which To Promote Employment as a Strategy for Poverty Alleviation and Wealth Creation Integrate The Decent Work agenda In Employment Promotion Strategies Particularly For The Informal Economy and SMEs.

TARGET GROUP: Policy Makers from Government, Employers and Workers Organisations who are responsible for Socio-Economic Policies.

RELEVANCE TO ILO: C168, Employment Promotion and Protection against Unemployment Convention (1988); C122, Employment Policy Conventions (1964); C111 Discrimination (Employment & Occupation) Conventions, 1958; C142, Human Resources Development Convention (1975); C88, Employment Services Conventions (1948)

5-10 May 2003
Gender Mainstreaming: Women Empowerment And Affirmative Action In The Work Place.

FINANCING: ARLAC

VENUE: ARLAC

Objectives: Identify Ways And Means Of Mainstreaming And Integrating Gender Issues In The Labour Market. Propose Policy And Legislation Framework For The Empowerment Of Women In The Workplace Especially In Rural Agricultural Work. Suggest The Way Forward For Affirmative Action For Women In The Decent Work agenda.

TARGET GROUP: Senior Officials from Government, Employers’ and Workers’ Organisations dealing with Gender Issues.

RELEVANCE TO ILO: Discrimination (Employment and Occupation) Convention, 1958 (No. 111)

28 July - 1 August 2003
High Level Tripartite Workshop On Strengthening The Capacity Of Social Partners In Combating HIV/AIDS In The Work Place Through Social Dialogue.

FINANCING: ARLAC

Objectives Explore ways and means of mainstreaming HIV/AIDS In The Employment and Labour Sector through Social Dialogue. Suggest a Policy Framework Within Which To Promote The ILO Code Of Practice On HIV/AIDS. Propose the way forward for mainstreaming and integrating HIV/AIDS In the National Development agenda with linkages with Poverty National Plans Of Action.

TARGET GROUP: Policy Makers drawn from Government, Workers And Employers Organisations dealing with HIV/AIDS and Social Dialogue Issues.

RELEVANCE TO ILO: C150 Labour Administration Convention, 1978; C155 Occupational Safety and Health Convention 1981

18-22 August 2003
Skills Development and Vocational Training Under Globalisation: Targeting The Informal Sector In Africa

FINANCING: ARLAC

Geographical Coverage: Botswana, Kenya, Namibia, Nigeria, South Africa, Swaziland, Zambia and Zimbabwe

Objectives: Carry Out A SWOT¹ Analysis Of Skills Development And Vocational Training Systems Under Globalisation. Examine The Place And Status Of Skills Development And

Diary of Events

These events may give you some ideas for your own country

30 January 2003 - Preparation of updated Guidance for Fire and Explosion Hazards.
The Gordon Highlanders Museum, Aberdeen, UK
Contact: Martin Home, The Steel Construction Institute, Silwood Park, Ascot, Berkshire SL5 7QN, UK. | Tel: +44(0)1344 623 345 | Email: fabig@steel-sci.com | www.fabig.com

20 February 2003 - EUR-Lex: making the most of the EU's law portal. Hidden gems: EU databases you might have missed.
London, UK
Contact: Catherine Webb, EIA Manager & Eurotalk Listowner, European Information Association, Central Library, St Peter's Square, Manchester M2 5PD, UK | Tel: +44 (0)161 228 3691 | Fax: +44 (0)161 236 6547 | Email: eia@libraries.manchester.gov.uk | www.eia.org.uk

6-7 March 2003 - Work beyond 60: preparing for the demographic shock
Vienna, Austria
Contact: International Association for the Study of Insurance Economics, 53 Rout de Malahnou, CH 1208 Geneva, Switzerland | Tel: +41 22 707 6600 | Fax: +41 22 736 75 36 | Email: secretariat@genevaassociation.org | www.genevaassociation.org

15 May 2003 - Electronic Sources of EU information
London, UK
Contact: Catherine Webb, EIA Manager & Eurotalk Listowner, European Information Association Central Library, St Peter's Square, Manchester M2 5PD, UK | Tel: +44 (0)161 228 3691 | Fax: +44 (0)161 236 6547 | Email: eia@libraries.manchester.gov.uk | www.eia.org.uk

CIS week in the UK 19- 23 May 2003 CIS Meetings, Workshops and Visits in the UK
See details in Newsletter for the programme

6-10 October 2003 - Occupational Health Risk Assessment and Management
Medical Academy of Latvia, Riga, Latvia
Contact: Gunilla Rasi, NIVA, Topeliuksenkatu 41 aA, FIN-00250 Helsinki Finland | Tel: +358 9 4747 2398 | Fax: +358 9 4747 2497 | E-mail: gunilla.rasi@ttl.fi | www.niva.org

23-29 October 2003 - Introduction to Occupational Epidemiology
Hotel Gentofte, Copenhagen, Finland
Contact: Gunilla Rasi, NIVA, Topeliuksenkatu 41 aA, FIN-00250 Helsinki Finland | Tel: +358 9 4747 2398 | Fax: +358 9 4747 2497 | E-mail: gunilla.rasi@ttl.fi | www.niva.org

2-7 November 2003 - Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders: current research trends
The Sunborn Yaht Hotel, Naamtali, Finland
Contact: Gunilla Rasi, NIVA, Topeliuksenkatu 41 aA, FIN-00250 Helsinki Finland | Tel: +358 9 4747 2398 | Fax: +358 9 4747 2497 | E-mail: gunilla.rasi@ttl.fi | www.niva.org

3 November 2003 - FSE 2003: Food Safety in Europe 2003 Conference
Royal National Hotel, Russell Square, London, UK
Contact: Mary Meadows, Angel Business Communications Ltd, 34 Warwick Road, Kenilworth, Warwickshire CV8 1HE, UK | Tel: +44 (0) 1926 512 424 | Fax: +44(0)1926 512 948 | Email: mary@angelbc.co.uk

4-5 November 2003 - EUROSHE 2003: European Occupational Safety, Health and the Environment 2003 Conference (MAJOR EVENT)
Royal National Hotel, Russell Square, London, UK
Contact: Mary Meadows, Angel Business Communications Ltd, 34 Warwick Road, Kenilworth, Warwickshire CV8 1HE, UK | Tel: +44 (0) 1926 512 424 | Fax: +44(0)1926 512 948 | Email: mary@angelbc.co.uk | www.eurohse2003.com