CIS Newsletter
No. 230
November 2008
CIS Newsletter celebrates 20 years & still going strong!
Bringing news to over 154 countries in the CIS Network!
Contents
- Editorial
- News from around the World - Australia, Bulgaria, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, European Agency, Germany, Kazakhstan, Latvia, Papua New Guinea, Netherlands, Poland, Spain, Switzerland, Turkey, UK and the USA
- OSHE websites to explore
- Diary of Events
Editorial
Dear CIS Colleagues
The end of the year approaches and organisations and people will be looking ahead and making plans for 2009. It is a most important year for many of us - the celebration of the 50th Anniversary in 2009 of the formation of CIS! All those involved in CIS work should be starting to plan their campaigns - please start to think about this major event and how news of CIS and its activities can be broadcasted around the World. We will not get such a chance for another 50 years!!!!! Authoritative and Validated Health and Safety Information is essential to help achieve higher standards of health and safety in the workplaces of the world.
Remember there are many useful sources of information on the CIS web site www.ilo.org/cis and the links to the CIS Centres.
As we look forward to future activities of the CIS Network you will find useful ideas in the Recommendations for the future of the CIS: report from the group of CIS members' meeting that met in London in September 2008. You can share the contents of the Report with others - there is no copyright on the many activities that have been tried, tested and known to be successful. Many suggestions and ideas flow out of the report. Also see the presentations on the website www.sheilapantry.com/cis - again adapt and use to advantage in your Centre and country and do use when you are promoting OSH information worldwide. Encourage people to use OSH information - or be like many other organisations that are closing down their libraries and information centres! You are warned!
Dr Sameera M Al-Tuwaijri, Director, International Programme on Safety and Health at work and the Environment (SAFEWORK) ILO HQ says ... Thank you for the email [re the Report]...
Indeed, I have had a chance to read the report with its recommendations. I am not sure
why: "many people are very concerned about the Future of CIS and its role in OSH
activities". In my book, very little has changed except the increasing realisation that to
stay competitive and useful, we need to reflect on what we do best and how can we continue
doing it even better...
...we [ILO Safework] are in the process of looking critically at the future of CIS bearing
in mind its valuable heritage and contribution to the OSH community at large. The ultimate
decision will be taken by the ILO Governing Body.
The Recommendations that the Group has provided, and their willingness to help is an added advantage that we will not overlook in our deliberations".
____________________
As usual you can see there is a wealth of news in this edition of the CIS newsletter from around the world.
Make my day and send your news... It is amazing how much the CIS Newsletter content gets re-used around the world. Take advantage of free publicity! Remember you can see CIS Newsletter on the web site www.sheilapantry.com/cis where back issues are stored now for almost 7 years.
Request to CIS Members
Some of you may have changed your email number and addresses in recent months, please let
CIS Headquarters know your new email/address and also let me know as well - otherwise you
will not get the CIS Newsletter or other news.
Remember >>>> Use the CIS Logo on your web site and publications!
Remember ALSO the motto of all publicity people... tell them, tell them and tell them again... so take every opportunity to give publicity to "Health and Safety at work"...
Thriving in 2008... Keep promoting and telling the World at large that CIS and its network exists!
And will you be Surviving in 2009?... perhaps you will if you make efforts in promotion, publicity and telling the World that CIS and its network exists!
All good wishes to you, your families and your colleagues.
Sheila Pantry, OBE
Sheila Pantry Associates Ltd, 85 The Meadows, Todwick, Sheffield S26 1JG, UK
Tel: +44 1909 771024
Fax: +44 1909 772829
Email: sp@sheilapantry.com
www.oshworld.com
www.sheilapantry.com
www.shebuyersguide.com
www.oshupdate.com
www.fireinf.com
Please consider the environment before printing this Newsletter
Feel free to use this Newsletter on your own web site/pages/e-news
News from around the World
News from Bulgaria
Boryana Barbukova writes
I read the announcement about the ETUI booklet on Production and Reproduction in the last CIS newsletter and I want to tell you that it has already been translated into Bulgarian on the initiative of Bulgarian CIS Centre and in a partnership with the Bulgarian Confederation of Labour
"Podkrepa". As it gives a detailed literature survey on the topic, the booklet will be of use also to OSH practitioners for information and training purposes. This initiative is a part of the mission of Bulgarian CIS Centre, i.e. to provide OSH information to all stakeholders.
However I must tell you that our partnership with Podkrepa has quickly become a relationship between employer-employee, but as you know good will and enthusiasm have always been a great part of the CIS work.
Looking forward to hearing from you and many thanks to keep me informed.
My best wishes,
Boryana
Contact: Boryana Barbukova, Responsible for CIS activities, National Center of Public Health Protection, National CIS Center, Iv.Ev.Geshov Blvd 15, Sofia 1431, Bulgaria | b.barbukova@ncphp.government.bg
News from Canada
The prevention of work-related stress - IRSST report
Quebec Occupational Health and Safety Research Institute (IRSST) has just published a research report on the strategic approach to preventing occupational stress, an important issue since 30.8% of Canadians workers declare that most of their working days are considerably or extremely stressful.
The stress at work is related to several problems of workers' health, low job satisfaction and a reduced productivity. These negative consequences for employees affect the success of organisations and their competitive edge in the marketplace. Even if the employer cannot protect employees from the sources of stress arising in their private lives, he can protect them from sources of stress emerging in the workplace. Given the scale of the problem and the costs associated with stress in the workplace, a number of organisations would like to implement measures with a view to either training individuals to cope better with stress or reducing the sources of stress in the work environment.
This research project has two main objectives:
- Assisting organisations in order to document the development and implementation process of interventions to prevent work-related stress;
- Evaluating the effectiveness of stress interventions aiming at reducing the exposure to psychosocial risks in the workplace, and in improving psychological health and wellbeing.
The study published by the IRSST demonstrates that the interventions targeting the reduction of the risks to the source tend to decrease the constraints of the working environment.
The report is available for free download at: www.irsst.qc.ca/files/documents/PubIRSST/R-577.pdf
The meaning of work generates stress or well-being
Meaningful work has vitamin effects on the worker's mental health and encourages his commitment towards an organization, while work without it promotes the onset of symptoms of stress, and even distress. This is one of the findings of a study funded by the Institut de recherche Robert-Sauvé en santé et en sécurité du travail (IRSST) on the meaning of work, mental health and organizational commitment, whose results have just been published in English.
The researchers developed a theoretical model that presents work organization as a determinant of employees' health, their attitudes and their performance. If a person perceives his work activities, the conditions in which he does it and the relationships with his coworkers and his supervisor in a positive light, he will tend to find meaning in his work and, as a result, to feel good physically and psychologically about it. Conversely, if his perception is negative, he will tend to consider that his work and the environment in which he does it do not have meaning. As a result, the person will present symptoms of stress or distress. The researchers also noted that ethical and moral problems are a growing preoccupation in workplaces.
For more details or to download the report: www.irsst.qc.ca/files/documents/PubIRSST/R-585.pdf
Contact: Maura Tomi, Communications Division, IRSST | Email: mautom@irsst.qc.ca | www.irsst.qc.ca/en
Latest Issue - INFO IRSST, Vol. 6 No. 6, 2008
(Electronic newsletter from the Institut de recherché Robert-Sauvé en santé et en
sécurité du travail)
See www.irsst.qc.ca/media/documents/en/InfoIrsst/Archives/InfoIRSST_v06n06.htm
Pleasant reading!
Contact: Jacques Millette, Communications Director, IRSST, 505, De Maisonneuve blvd. West, Montréal (Québec), Canada H3A 3C2 | www.irsst.qc.ca | communications@irsst.qc.ca
News from Germany
The latest edition of KANBRIEF no.3/08 presents New KAN studies
KAN - Kommission Arbeitsschutz und Normung's latest edition of KANbrief has recently been published. KAN endeavours to exert influence upon standardization activity at the earliest possible opportunity. For this purpose, it commissions studies and expert reports in the run-up to standardisation activity proper that provides guidance during subsequent technical work.
This Special issue of KANBrief is on the Conference on The new Machinery Directive - The expectations of prevention experts regarding standardization
KAN took the revision of the Machinery Directive as an opportunity to hold a European conference in Munich on 27/28 May, in conjunction with the DGUV. Delegates from the European Commission, the market surveillance authorities and associations representing the European social partners presented papers outlining their expectations of implementation of the revised directive. Legal experts also spoke on liability issues arising during the drafting and application of standards.
KANBRIEF is available on the web www.kan.de
KANBRIEF is published quarterly.
Contact: DR. Ing Joachim Lambert, Alte Heerstr.111. D-53757 Sankt Augustin, Germany | Tel: +49 (0) 2241 231 3463 | Fax: +49 (0) 2241 231 3464 | Email: info@kan.de | www.kan.de
News from Kazakhstan
Unions and ArcelorMittal in safety push
A global agreement to improve health and safety across a steel giant's operations worldwide is being pressed into use in Kazakhstan. The Joint Global Health and Safety Committee of ArcelorMittal met in Kazakhstan earlier this month to assess conditions at the local facilities and discuss the implementation of a global agreement on health and safety signed in June this year.
So far in 2008, five fatalities have occurred in ArcelorMittal's Kazakhstan steel plant and a further 38 in the local coal mines serving the plant, making it the company's worst safety performer. The committee met with local union representatives and management and toured the steel plant and a nearby coal mine. It noted some improvements have been made at the site, such as the establishment of a local union health and safety committee and an equipment modernisation programme, but that overall the rate of change could be quicker.
The committee called for greater availability of protective equipment, a company-funded union health and safety programme, and joint union-management projects to improve working conditions. While meeting in Kazakhstan, the trade union members of the committee prepared a survey to be filled out by union leadership at every plant globally, to assess the current state of play and levels of implementation of the global agreement on health and safety. At the next meeting, to be held in Brazil in November 2008, the committee will plan its activities for 2009 and also consider proposals for the company's global health and safety day.
News from Latvia
2nd Joint Conference By The Latvian State Labour Inspectorate (SLI) within The Framework of The European Social Fund (ESF) Project and International Association of Labour Inspection (IALI)
QUALITY OF WORK - QUALITY OF LIFE: The role of labour inspection in implementation of European and national strategies 20 and 21 November 2008, Islande Hotel, 20, Kipsalas str. Riga, LATVIA
DRAFT PROGRAMME
09.00 - 10.00 |
Registration |
10.00 - 10.20 |
Welcome and opening addresses: Chairperson: Rita Elce, Director of the State Labour Inspectorate, Latvia
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10.20 - 10.50 |
Challenges in contemporary working environment and the role of labour inspection - Malcolm Gifford, ILO - SAFEWORK Geneve, Switzerland |
10.50 - 11.20 |
Labour Protection Strategy in Latvia - Renars Lusis, Ministry of Welfare, Latvia |
11.20 - 11.50 |
Coffee break PRESS CONFERENCE |
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Parallel SESSION 1: Risk assessment (methods and tools, good practice) Chairperson: Ivars Vanadzins, Agency of the Riga Stradins University "Institute of Occupational Safety and Environmental Health", Latvia |
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11.50 - 13.30 |
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Parallel SESSION 2: Labour relations (black work, migrant workers, posted workers, challenges for labour inspection, cross border information and enforcement) Chairperson: State Labour Inspectorate, Latvia |
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11.50 - 13.30 |
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13.30 - 15.00 |
Lunch |
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Parallel SESSION 3: Accident prevention (preventive actions, information and training, accident reporting and analysis) Chairperson: Renars Lusis, Ministry of Welfare, Latvia |
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15.00 -16.30 |
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Parallel SESSION 4: Labour inspection policy (new strategies, European and national inspection and enforcement methods, culture of inspection, labour inspectors' qualification and training) Chairperson: Wiking Husberg |
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15.00-16.30 |
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16.30 - 16.45 |
Coffee Break |
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Parallel SESSION 3 (CONTINUED): Accident prevention (preventive actions, information and training, accident reporting and analysis) Chairperson: Renars Lusis, Ministry of Welfare, Latvia |
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16.45 - 17.30 |
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Parallel SESSION 4 (CONTINUED): Labour inspection policy (new strategies, European and national inspection and enforcement methods, labour inspectors' qualification and training) Chairperson: Dr. Bernhard Brueckner, IALI Vice-President |
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16.45 - 17.30 |
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Chairperson: Renars Lusis, Ministry of Welfare, Latvia |
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10.00 - 11.50 |
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11.50 - 12.30 |
Coffee Break |
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Panel discussion: creating international and regional cooperation of labour inspectorates Chairperson: Dr. Bernhard Brueckner, IALI Vice-President |
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12.30 - 15.30 |
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15.30 - 15.45 |
Conclusions and closing of conference |
News from the Netherlands
New Polish language website
On September 30 2008, a Polish web site (http://polski.szw.nl) was officially launched by the Dutch Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment, at a special meeting of the Minister, the Polish ambassador and representatives of the Polish community in the Netherlands.
The web site is aimed at Polish workers in the Netherlands, and provides information on their rights and obligations. The brochure "Working in the Netherlands" was also updated and published on this web site.
A press release was issued in Dutch (http://home.szw.nl/index.cfm?rubriek_id=391818&hoofdmenu_item_id=13826&link_id=152281) announcing this Polish web site.
Elly Goos
CIS Centre, Netherlands
News fro Papua New Guinea
Workers 'paid to die' in dust
Workers in Papua New Guinea (PNG) have been 'paid to die' instead of being supplied with protective gear against volcanic ash fallout, a top government official has said. David Tibu, secretary of PNG's industrial relations department, has ordered five businesses in Rabaul to close immediately for not complying with recommended safety standards. Two-thirds of Rabaul was destroyed in 1994, in the last eruption of Mt Tavurvur. The volcano belches a continuous plume of ash, making it a popular tourist attraction.
UK Cambridge University professor Peter Baxter earlier this year recommended workers wear protective masks to protect themselves from the volcanic ash. In an interview with PNG's Post-Courier newspaper, David Tibu said: 'Safety is a paramount requirement. It is simple and not rocket science for business houses to be equipped with simple or the minimum safety equipment as specified under the legislation.' He said local businesses had failed to buy safety equipment such as dust masks, gloves, overalls, goggles, respiratory masks and hats. Some businesses were paying risk allowances instead of providing safety wear, so in effect their workers are 'getting paid to die,' he said.
European Campaign Resources for 2008/09
Campaign Action Pack for 2008/09
This is available for download on this website for the duration of the campaign. The Action Packs provide useful information on the European Week campaign, a range of the UK Health aand Safety executive (HSE) guidance materials on risk assessment, plus various campaign materials produced by the European Agency, such as guidance factsheets and a poster.
You can download unlimited copies of the Action Pack material by clicking on the items below:
- Action Pack Letter [75KB, PDF]
- European Campaign 2008-09 information leaflet [503KB, PDF]
- HSE Five Steps to Risk Assessment [391KB, PDF]
- HSE Example Risk Assessments
- European Agency's two fact sheets on risk assessment:
- Risk assessment - roles and responsibilities [390KB, PDF]
- Risk assessment - the key to healthy workplaces [430KB, PDF]
- Campaign poster [192KB, PDF]
- European Good Practice Awards 2008 leaflet [610KB, PDF]
Going to work in Europe can be both deadly and cause ill-health... the truth
Every year 5,720 people die in the European Union as a consequence of work-related accidents, according to EUROSTAT figures (1).
Besides that, the International Labour Organisation estimates (2) that an additional 159,500 workers in the EU die every year from occupational diseases.
Taking both figures into consideration, it is estimated that every three-and-a-half minutes somebody in the EU dies from work-related causes and that every four-and-a-half seconds an EU worker is involved in an accident that forces them to stay at home for at least three working days (3).
References
(1) EUROSTAT 2005: Figure in recorded economic sectors covering 87% of the workforce in the 27 EU Member States.
(2) ILO 2005: Figure is an estimation for EU27; www.ilo.org/public/english/protection/safework/wdcongrs17
(3) ILO estimates 2008
Missing OSH-ROM? Why not take OSH UPDATE? Don't make decisions without quality OSH information
You may have had access to OSH-ROM for many years and will now know that it is ceasing publication. OSH-ROM was created by Sheila Pantry OBE who subsequently, in 2004 produced OSH UPDATE.
OSH UPDATE - produced by Sheila Pantry Associates Ltd now has 19 databases (latest one just added) containing validated and authoritative worldwide information on all aspects of health and safety at work.
OSH UPDATE - arguably one of the best collections of full text and bibliographic health and safety information, is continuously updated as new data is published. It has user-friendly powerful software and the lowest priced collection of occupational safety and health (OSH) information.
During 2007, 24,152 new bibliographic records containing 3,387 links to full text and 1,811 full text documents containing 42,724 pages were added.
All services are available for a 15-day free trial
News from Spain
New publications from the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work
The following new E-Facts are available in 22 languages.
- E-Fact 41 - Cleaners and dangerous substances
Cleaners are at risk from exposure to cleaning products through inhalation and skin contact, wet work activities, needle stick injuries and dirt. Skin problems are the most common problem for cleaners, who are also at increased risk of developing asthma, chronic bronchitis and other respiratory problems This E-Fact looks at how to recognise dangerous substances and explains how they can enter the body and cause harm. It also offers ways to prevent or minimise risk.
http://osha.europa.eu/en/publications/e-facts/efact41/view - E-Fact 40 - Risk assessment and needlestick injuries
The health of workers, particularly those in the health and welfare sectors, is at risk from exposure to blood-borne pathogens at work, often through an injury sustained by a worker. This e-fact gives information on the hazards and risks relating to needlestick injuries and on the assessment of such risks.
http://osha.europa.eu/en/publications/e-facts/efact40/view - E-Fact 39 - Cleaners and musculoskeletal disorders
his E-Fact offers important information about work-related musculoskeletal disorders. Numerous investigations have shown that cleaners are at risk of developing MSDs of the back, neck, shoulders, elbows, hands and lower limbs as a result of their work. The E-Fact identifies the risk factors that cleaners face in the course of their work and provides advice on the practical steps that can be taken to prevent or reduce these risks.
http://osha.europa.eu/en/publications/e-facts/efact39/view - E-Fact 38 - Work equipment, tools and cleaners
This E-Fact examines how and why cleaners are injured using their equipment. Musculoskeletal disorders are a significant problem, with studies showing that they are the biggest cause of time off work among cleaners. The E-Fact explains the steps of the risk assessment process, including identifying hazards and evaluating risks. It also includes two case studies on preventing harm and a checklist of the most common hazards associated with the use of cleaning equipment.
http://osha.europa.eu/en/publications/e-facts/efact38/view - E-Fact 37 - Slips, trips and falls and cleaners
This E-Fact explains the most commons causes of slips, trips and falls. It examines why cleaners are especially at risk from these type of accidents and outlines the steps that can be taken to prevent them happening. It also lists the relevant legislation protecting cleaners.
http://osha.europa.eu/en/publications/e-facts/efact37/view - E-Fact 36 - Prevention of accidents and ill-health to cleaners
This E-Fact examines the risks and hazards to which cleaners are exposed. It explains the steps of the risk assessment process, including identifying hazards and evaluating risks. Simple methods that can be adopted in the workplace to reduce risk are also suggested.
http://osha.europa.eu/en/publications/e-facts/efact36/view - E-Fact 35 - Risk assessment for care workers
Following a brief introduction about home care workers and OSH in care worker activities, the article includes sections on 'How to do a Risk Assessment' and 'How to use a Checklist'. A general checklist is then presented to help determine 'Does the hazard exist at the workplace?'. An extensive list of 'Proposed solutions and examples of preventive measures' is then considered, for the different questions posed in the general checklist. A case study is then presented, showing how appropriate education and training and the use of risk assessment tools and a resource guide can alter a home care worker's perception of occupational safety and health issues and through this reduce the potential for injuries and claims. Finally, sources of further information are presented at the end of the article.
http://osha.europa.eu/en/publications/e-facts/efact35/view - E-Fact 34 - Risk assessment for hairdressers
Following a brief introduction to the hairdressing sector and occupational health and safety in the sector, this article includes sections on 'How to do a Risk Assessment' and 'How to use a Checklist'. A checklist is then presented to help identify the hazards in the sector. An extensive list of 'proposed solutions and examples of preventive measures' is then considered for different questions posed in the general checklist. A case study is then presented, to show the importance of identifying hazards and taking the appropriate preventive measures. Finally, sources of further information are presented at the end of the article.
http://osha.europa.eu/en/publications/e-facts/efact34/view - E-Fact 33 - Risk assessment for Teleworkers
Following a brief introduction to teleworking and occupational health and safety issues faced by teleworkers, the article includes sections on 'How to do a Risk Assessment' and 'How to use a Checklist'. A checklist is then presented to help identify the hazards applied to teleworking. An extensive list of 'proposed solutions and examples of preventive measures' is then considered for some of the questions raised in the general checklist. A case study is then presented, showing the challenges faced by teleworking. Finally, sources of further information are presented at the end of the article.
http://osha.europa.eu/en/publications/e-facts/efact33/view - E-Fact 32 - Common errors in the risk assessment process
When conducting the risk assessment common errors are made by all types of enterprises and organisations. Some of the most common errors during the process are presented here, in the order in which they generally occur. Some of the common errors mentioned: overlooking possible risk categories, not thinking about long-term hazards to health, overlooking second jobs, not ensuring coordination between employers and subcontractor, not including groups of persons who may particularly be at risk, not taking into account the preventive hierarchy, considering the risk assessment as a one-time obligation, not supervising sufficiently the efficiency of the preventive measures.
http://osha.europa.eu/en/publications/e-facts/e-fact32/view
News from Switzerland
World of Work 2008 ILO report
Despite strong economic growth that produced millions of new jobs since the early 1990s, income inequality grew dramatically in most regions of the world and is expected to increase due to the current global financial crisis, according to a new study published recently by the research arm of the International Labour Organization (ILO).
The new report, entitled World of Work Report 2008: Income inequalities in the age of financial globalization, produced by the ILO's International Institute for Labour Studies also notes that a major share of the cost of the financial and economic crisis will be borne by hundreds of millions of people who haven't shared in the benefits of recent growth.
"This report shows conclusively that the gap between richer and poorer households widened since the 1990s", said Raymond Torres, Director of the Institute responsible for the report. "This reflects the impact of financial globalization and a weaker ability of domestic policies to enhance the income position of the middle class and low-income groups. The present global financial crisis is bound to make matters worse unless long-term structural reforms are adopted."
To see the full report: www.ilo.org/public/english/bureau/inst/download/world08.pdf
There is also a shortened executive report for those with little time!
News from the UK
How was it for you? HSE office checklist for safety reps
The Health and Safety Executive has published an online display screen equipment assessment checklist 'to help safety reps and other officials to assess the risks to workers from visual display units and comply with legal requirements.'
The eight page document covers display screens, keyboards, trackball/computer mouse, software, furniture, environment and, finally, questions to ask the person actually using the workstation. Use it and tell us what you make of it.
www.hse.gov.uk/msd/campaigns/vduchecklist.pdf
News from the UK
New Skin Disorder caused by Mobile Phones discovered
Doctors are being warned to be alert to a new allergic skin disorder, caused by mobile phones, according to the British Association of Dermatologists.
A new phenomenon called "mobile phone dermatitis" has been discovered, in which people who spend long periods of time on their mobile phone develop an allergic reaction to the phone's nickel surface.
The problem was identified in several published case reports of patients with unexplained rashes on their face and ear. Closer investigation revealed that the reaction was caused by nickel in the mobile phone handsets, where it is often found in the casing or buttons, particularly in the most fashionable models.
Now the British Association of Dermatologists is warning other doctors to be aware of the allergy, which is thought to be on the increase. Because the condition has only newly been identified, many cases may go unreported or untreated, which has prompted the scientists to share their findings.
Nickel allergy is the most common contact allergy in the UK and is thought to affect 30 percent of the population, with a rising incidence.* Women have a higher risk of developing mobile phone dermatitis, as they are more likely to have been previously sensitised to the metal following an allergic reaction to nickel-coated jewellery.
Dr Graham Lowe, from the British Association of Dermatologists, said: "The allergy results from frequent skin contact with nickel-containing objects. Prolonged or repetitive contact with a nickel-containing phone is more likely to cause a skin reaction in those who are allergic. If you have had a previous reaction to a nickel-coated belt-buckle or jewellery, for example, you are at greater risk of reacting to metal phones.
"In mobile phone dermatitis, the rash would typically occur on the cheek or ear, depending on where the metal part of the phone comes into contact with the skin. In theory it could even occur on the fingers if you spend a lot of time texting on metal menu buttons.
"It is worth doctors bearing this condition in mind if they see a patient with a rash on the cheek or ear that cannot otherwise be explained."
In a study published earlier this year, doctors in the US tested for nickel in 22 popular handsets from eight different manufacturers, and found it present in ten of them.†
Dr Lionel Bercovitch, one of the study's authors from Brown University, Rhode Island, said: "Nearly half of the phones we spot tested contained some free nickel. The menu buttons, decorative logos on the headsets and the metallic frames around the liquid crystal display (LCD) screens were the most common sites... Those with the more fashionable designs often have metallic accents and are more likely to contain free nickel in their casings.
"Given the widespread use of cell phones, the presence of metal in the exterior casing of these phones and the high prevalence of nickel sensitization in the population, it is not surprising that cell phones can cause allergic contact dermatitis."
Several other cases have been reported, prompting the British Association of Dermatologists to share the research with other doctors. The association is advising anyone who develops a rash on their face which might be attributable to prolonged mobile phone use to seek advice from their doctor.
For more information please contact: Nina Goad, British Association of Dermatologists, Communications Manager, Phone: 0207 391 6355, Email: nina@bad.org.uk, Website: www.bad.org.uk
* "Genetic Factors in Nickel Allergy"; Journal of Investigative Dermatology (2004) 123, xxiv-xxv; doi:10.1111/j.0022-202X.2004.23508.x; Veronique Bataille, Genetic Epidemiology and Twin Research Unit, St Thomas Hospital, London, UK
Recent case reports of mobile phone dermatitis
† "Cellphone contact dermatitis with nickel allergy"; Lionel Bercovitch, MD* and John
Luo; *Department of Dermatology, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University; Liberal
Medical Education, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA.
CMAJ, January 1, 2008; 178 (1). doi:10.1503/cmaj.071233.
www.cmaj.ca/cgi/content/full/178/1/23
"Mobile phone dermatitis: a modern presentation of contact allergy"; A. Waters, C.M.
Green and S. Lewis-Jones; Ninewells Hospitall, Dundee, UK.
Overview available in British Journal of Dermatology, BSPD abstracts 2008; Presented at
British Society for Paediatric Dermatology Annual Symposium, November 2007.
"Cellular phone addiction and allergic contact dermatitis to nickel"; Contact
Dermatitis
Volume 57 Issue 2, Pages 130 - 131; Cristina Livideanu 1, Francoise Giordano-Labadie 1
Carle Paul 1; 1 University Paul-Sabatier, Department of Dermatology, Purpan University
Hospital, Place du Dr Baylac Toulouse, France; 11 Jul 2007;
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1600-0536.2007.01090.x/abstract
"Mobile telephone as new source for nickel dermatitis"; Contact Dermatitis
Volume 56 Issue 2, Pages 113 - 113; Stefan Wöhrl 1, Tamara Jandl 1, Georg Stingl 1 Tamar
Kinaciyan 1; 1 Department of Dermatology, Division of Immunology, Allergy and Infectious
Diseases, Medical University of Vienna; 18 Jan 2007;
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1600-0536.2007.00996.x/abstract
News from the UK
Organising for health and safety
You know the job's dangerous, but the company doesn't seem to care. Or those bags of chemical nasties have been linked to cancer, but the boss is a 'like it or lump it' sort of guy. The difference between knowing something is bad for your health, and getting something done about amounts to a big 'O' - Organisation.
That's why the UK TUC's safety strategy has union organisation at the centre. Four new guides, available in print and online, set out 'to show how union organisers, at both national and local level, can use health and safety as a tool in a campaign for union recognition as well as to develop activists and grow the union in already organised workplaces.'
The 'Organising for safety' series explain how union members' skills and experiences can be used to strengthen and expand the union movement. The publications include new guidance and a training course for union organisers, a new training course for union safety reps on using their expertise to develop the organising approach at branch and workplace levels and a revised TUC workplace resource with practical exercises for use by safety reps and branch organisers. The guides, which are free to affiliated unions, can be used separately or as part of a comprehensive approach to developing health and safety at work as an organising tool.
- TUC publication alert. TUC health and safety organisation webpages. TUC affiliated unions and union reps can obtain print copies from Jo Adams in TUC's Organising and Recruitment Team.
- Organising for health and safety: A workplace resource [PDF].
- Organising for health and safety: Safety reps course [PDF].
- Organising for health and safety: Union officers course [PDF].
- Organising for health and safety: What makes health and safety a good organising issue? [PDF].
News from the UK
European Campaign 2008/09
A resource pack is available to download and covers a range of risk assessment materials from the UK Health and Safety Executive website:
www.hse.gov.uk/campaigns/euroweek/resources.htm
News from the USA
Research to Practice (r2p)
If you want to see how the results of research are moved into practice see Research to Practice (r2p) which is a new US National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) initiative focused on the transfer and translation of research findings, technologies, and information into highly effective prevention practices and products which are adopted in the workplace.
The goal of r2p is to reduce illness and injury by increasing workplace use of effective NIOSH and NIOSH-funded research findings.
In order to achieve this, NIOSH is continuing to work with partners to focus research on ways to develop effective products, translate research findings into practice, target dissemination efforts, and evaluate and demonstrate the effectiveness of these efforts in improving worker health and safety.
How is r2p accomplished? [PDF; 181KB; 1 page]
New NIOSH Publications
- Workplace Solutions: Control of Hazardous Dust during Tuckpointing (DHHS [NIOSH]
Publication Number 2008-126).
This document summarizes NIOSH findings that construction workers' hazardous dust exposures can be reduced using tool-mounted local exhaust ventilation and work practices.
www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/wp-solutions/2008-126 - Guidelines for Permitting, Construction, and Monitoring of Retention Bulkheads in
Underground Coal Mines (DHHS [NIOSH] Publication Number 2008-134)
www.cdc.gov/niosh/mining/pubs/pubreference/outputid2833.htm
Spanish versions of the following NIOSH publication and topic page are now available
- Prevención de muertes entre bomberos por ataques cardíacos y otros episodios
cardiovasculares agudos (Preventing Fire Fighter Fatalities Due to Heart Attacks and
Other Sudden Cardiovascular Events. DHHS [NIOSH] Publication Number 2007-133).
www.cdc.gov/spanish/niosh/docs/2007-133_sp/default.html - Directrices provisionales de NIOSH sobre el equipo de protección personal y la ropa
para las personas que trabajan en la limpieza después de las inundaciones (NIOSH Interim
Guidance on Personal Protective Equipment and Clothing for Flood Response Workers)
www.cdc.gov/spanish/niosh/topics/flood_sp/ppe-flood_sp.html
Three New NIOSH Environmental Air Quality Health and Safety Topic Pages Are Available:
- Dampness and Mold in Buildings
www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/indoorenv/mold.html - Building Ventilation
www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/indoorenv/BuildingVentilation.html - Maintaining Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) during Construction and Renovation
www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/indoorenv/ConstructionIEQ.html
OSH BRIEFS
Do you know about OSH Thesaurus and Glossaries?
If anyone is looking for information on building a Thesaurus or Glossary on occupational safety and health (OSH) may find the descriptions, information and links in a Paper on www.sheilapantry.com/cis/other/wp03.html
The paper carries a summary of various products.
If you have any more information on other OSH thesaurus and glossaries please let your Editor know and the information will be updated.
News from the International Trade Union Confederation
High level consultation between ASEM Labour Ministers and the Social Partners
An unprecedented tripartite consultation between European and Asian social partners and Ministries of Labour took place mid October 2008 in Bali, Indonesia as part of the ASEM
Trade Union Summit, which brought together over 40 trade unionists from Europe and Asia.
Labour Ministers from the Netherlands, India, Slovakia and Cyprus, as well as vice ministers from China and Japan, took part in the consultation. The EU Commissioner for Employment and Social Affairs who also attended strongly supported a process of dialogue with the social partners in ASEM. The employers' delegation joined the trade unions in calling for regular and formal meetings with the social partners.
ASEM is an informal platform created 12 years ago by European and Asian countries as a way to enhance dialogue and cooperation between the two regions. Today the 27 EU and 10 ASEAN countries as well as China, India, Japan, Korea, Mongolia, and Pakistan are members.
During the consultation European and Asian workers' and employers' organisations presented their views on the topics discussed by the ASEM Labour Ministers, who are holding their second Ministerial Meeting in Bali. A key demand of the trade unions is to obtain a formal consultative status on the same basis as the Asia Europe Business Forum.
"We are delighted that after so many years, ASEM leaders have finally decided to add employment and social issues to their agenda," said Guy Ryder, ITUC General Secretary. "Unions are convinced that through social dialogue we have the capacity to change the direction of globalisation and make it work for workers. ASEM Leaders need to listen to social partners and take account of their views in dialogue and cooperation activities."
During the consultation workers highlighted the decent work deficits in several countries. Govindasamy Rajasekeran, the President of ITUC Asia - Pacific noted the increase of work precariousness in Asia. "A growing number of workers find themselves in very unstable employment relationships. We call them either irregular, temporary, atypical or contract workers, but the fact is that they all lack adequate social and legal protection," he said.
Workers have also argued strongly for a rights-based and gender sensitive approach to labour migration, an issue that the Ministers discussed. "We reject the all security approach to migration and call upon labour ministers and social partners to get further involved in the management of migration flows", said Bianca Kuehl from the DGB, Germany.
Read the full TU Statement at
www.ituc-csi.org/IMG/pdf/FINAL_statement_Bali_Oct_2008.8_Oct.final.pdf
The ITUC represents 168 million workers in 155 countries and territories and has 311 national affiliates. www.ituc-csi.org
Make my Day... Please send some News - Your Editor
OSHE web sites to explore...
Also look in www.oshworld.com/links.html for hundreds of links to authoritative and validated web sites... constantly updated.
We look at websites in different parts of the world that are offering quality information.
CHINA
China Academy of Safety Sciences and Technology China
www.chinasafety.ac.cn
China Academy of Safety Sciences and Technology, Beijing, China is also an International
Labour Office ILO CIS - Health and Safety Information National Centre
www.cis-safety-inf.org.cn.
China Coal Information Institute (CCII) China
www.coalinfo.net.cn
China Coal Information Institute (CCII) site a range of coal mining safety and health
information, including research, coal book and audio-video publishing, coal economic
policy, science and technology, market and price, trade and statistics. Also has details
of China coal industry, China coal journal, China coal news, China coal law and China
safety production law.
Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention China
www.chinacdc.cn/n272562
Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention gives details of statistics, research
and information concerning diseases and Avian influenza.
CYPRUS
Cyprus Safety and Health Association Cyprus
www.cysha.org.cy
Cyprus Safety and Health Association activities, aims, policy framework on road safety,
gives names of contacts, links and other useful contacts.
CZECH REPUBLIC
National Institute of Public Health NIPH Czech Republic
www.szu.cz
The National Institute of Public Health (NIPH) is a health care establishment whose main
tasks are health promotion and protection, disease prevention and environmental impact on
the health of the population. Covers science and research, health topics, publications,
Centres, WHO collaborating centres and activities.
DENMARK
Danish National Institute of Occupational Research (Arbejdsmilj¢instituttet)
Denmark
http://ami.dk
Danish National Institute of Occupational Research (Arbejdsmilj¢instituttet) (NIOH) is an
government research institute under the Ministry of Employment (www.bm.dk).
NIOH is obligated to contribute to a safe, healthy and developing work environment in
accordance with technical and social development. NIOH is also a national centre for work
environment research. This means that the institute conducts strategic research, and it
contributes to securing the best possible coordination of Danish work environment
research. Furthermore, NIOH monitors international work environment research and the
environmental development nationally as well as internationally.
Danish Working Environment Arbejdstilsynet Denmark
www.at.dk
Danish Working Environment Arbejdstilsynet contains details of the activities, the Working
Environment Information Centre is part of the International Labour Office CIS Network of
Health and Safety Information Centres.
European Environment Agency EEA Denmark
www.eea.europa.eu
European Commission's European Environment Agency environment lists documents, news,
project, details of best practices, links and also offers search service. The European
Environment Information and Observatory Network is available through this site.
Diary of Events
If you have a seminar, conference or exhibition that you would like to promote - please send details to your Editor. Also look in www.oshworld.com/diary.html
You may also be inspired to organise something similar in your country
12-13 November 2008 - Annual Conference: Fire Related Research & Developments (RE08)
The Fire Service College, Moreton-in-Marsh, UK
Contact: Mrs Rachel Jones, The Events Department, The Fire Service College, Moreton in
Marsh, Gloucestershire, GL56 0RH | Tel: +44(0)1608 812166 | Fax: +44(0)1608 651839 |
Email: rjones@fireservicecollege.ac.uk
|
www.fireservicecollege.ac.uk/events.aspx
17-19 November 2008 - 44th Annual Human Factors and Ergonomics Society of Australia
National Conference. (Theme: Sustainable Performance: Human factors, ergonomics and work
environment).
Adelaide, Australia
Contact: Conference Secretariat, Sapro Conference Management, PO Box 187, Torrensville SA
5031, South Australia | Tel: +61 8 8352 7099 | Fax: +61 8 8352 7088 | Email:
pco@hfesaconference.org.au
| www.hfesaconference.org.au
24 November - 5 December 2008 - 18th International Conference of Labour
Statisticians
General Report; measurement of working time; measurement of child labour.
Geneva, Switzerland
Contact: Bureau of Statistics, International Labour Office (ILO), 4, route des Morillons,
1211 Genève 22, Switzerland | Tel: +4122 799 86 31 | Fax: +41 22 799 69 57 | Email:
stat@ilo.org | www.ilo.org/stat
2-3 March 2009 - The National Safety Council's 2009 Texas Safety Conference and Expo
(TSCE)
The Woodlands, Texas, USA
Contact: Ms Hilda Koskiewicz, Conference Planner, National Safety Council, 1121 Spring
Lake Drive, Itasca, IL 60143, United States | Tel: + 1 630 775 2037 | Fax: +1 +630 285
0798 | Email: koskiewh@nsc.org
| www.nsctexexpo.com
6-7 April 2009 - Western Conference on Safety
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Contact: Pacific Safety Center, 3235 21331 Gordon Way, Richmond BC V6W 1J9, Canada | Tel:
+1 604 233 1842 | Fax: 604-233-1942 | Email:
registration@pacificsafetycenter.com
| www.pacificsafetycenter.com
20-22 April 2009 - Health & Safety Canada 2009 IAPA Conference & Trade Show
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Contact: IAPA, 5110 Creekbank Rd, Suite 300, Mississauga ON L4W 0A1, Canada | Tel:
1-800-406-4272 or 905-614-4272 ext. 2424 | Fax: 1 800-316-4272 or 905-614-1420 | Email:
conference@iapa.ca
| www.iapa.ca
27 April - 1 May 2009 - 12th World Congress on Public Health: Education in Public
Health for 21st Century, Global Public Health Workforce, Public Health & Health Services
Research & Technology, Global Governance, Health and Development, Comparative Analysis of
Health Systems, Strengthening Global Public Health Systems, Financing Global Public
Health, Environmental Safety & Stewardship, Health, Geopolitics, & Public Diplomacy,
Public Health, Political Will, & the Public Good
Organized by the World Federation of Public Health Associations and the Turkish Public
Health Association
Istanbul, Turkey
Contact: Turkish Public Health Association (TPHA), Mithatpasa Cad. No. 52, 7
Kizilay-Ankara, Turkey | Tel: +90 312 285 31 00 / 230, 231 | Fax: + 90 312 284 00 70 |
Email: bmetin@t-hasak.org |
www.worldpublichealth2009.org
2-4 June 2009 - 4th International Conference on Whole-Body Vibration Injuries
Hilton Montreal Bonaventure Hotel, Montréal, Québec, Canada
Contact: IRSST, 505, blvd. De Maisonneuve West, 15th floor, Montréal, Québec, Canada, H3A
3C2 | Tel: +1 514 288-1551 | Fax: +1 514 288-7636 | Email:
Vibrations2009@irsst.qc.ca
| www.irsst.qc.ca
4-6 June 2009 - International Congress of the Polish Institute of Maritime Medicine
and Tropical Diseases: Present challenges of occupational health and safety; work, tourism
and leisure in the tropics
This Congress is organized on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the Institute
Gdynia, Poland
Contact: Information: Polish Institute of Maritime Medicine and Tropical Diseases, 9B
Powstania Styczniowego Street, PL-81-519, Poland | Tel: +48 58 6998 593 | Fax: +48 58 622
3354 | Email: leszekm@acmmit.gdynia.pl
| www.ptmmit.acmmit.gdynia.pl
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