CIS Newsletter

No. 239
August 2009

CIS Newsletter celebrates 21 years & still going strong!
Bringing news from Members to Members in over 154 countries in the CIS Network!

Contents

  1. Editorial
  2. 50 years of CIS... Celebrating the event... Some ideas to help in promoting the CIS Network... Don't Work Harder, Work Smarter!
  3. News, Events and OSH Briefs from around the World - Belgium, Canada, Finland, France, Germany, India, Kish Free Zone, Korea, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Philippines, Puerto Rica, Switzerland, UK and the USA to name a few!
  4. OSHE websites to explore
  5. Diary of Events

The CIS Newsletter is a monthly newsletter for the International Labour Organisation (ILO) International Occupational Health and Safety Information Centres and is edited by Sheila Pantry OBE. The CIS Newsletter is NOT an official publication of the ILO but a newsletter containing information from Members in CIS Centres and other sources and is intended to be shared by anyone who finds the data contained useful. Users are free to use and reuse the data in these newsletters.

Editorial

Greeting Dear CIS Colleagues

It is getting nearer to the date of the 2009 CIS meeting - about 10 weeks or so to go! If you have not already received your invitation - you will shortly be receiving it from CIS HQ - please put the dates 21 - 23 October 2009 firmly in your Diary and start making your preparations for the meeting. We will be missing some regular attenders and one of them will be Maureen Shaw from IAPA... who has sent a message for this newsletter.

Some people have been asking about what they should be doing in their own country to celebrate this very special year - the 50th anniversary of the CIS network.

Gabor Sandi suggests that you reflect and promote what has been achieved in your country to improve the visibility of the CIS Network.

Then state what you and your organisation intends to do in the future to:

See also further suggestions below in the Newsletter.

Many thanks to those who wrote to say how much they enjoyed the CIS Newsletter - June 2009 edition that contains many articles on the subject. If you did not get a chance to read it, then shame but all the news is still there - www.sheilapantry.com/cis/cis200906.html

Thanks for all the publications, emails and news - these are always gratefully received and are used as soon as possible.

Remember any news you send gets an amazing further publicity as much of the CIS Newsletter content gets re-used around the world. Take advantage of free publicity! Remember you can see CIS Newsletters on the web site www.sheilapantry.com/cis where back issues are stored.

Are you making plans to go to Geneva in October 2009 ... details of the 2009 CIS meeting in Geneva in October 2009 are in the CIS Newsletter May 2009 edition.

Make my day ... please send your news items to your Editor!
Remember... Publicity is the key ... tell them, tell them and tell them again...

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

Some historical information for you to enjoy and perhaps use...

About CIS beginnings

Some points that you may wish to use in your own write-ups:

From Maureen Shaw, IAPA, Canada

I am attaching a copy of the paper of R. B. Morley of Canada reporting on his 2 months journey from Canada to New York, London and Geneva. Imagine 2 months to do a business trip!

I am sure you will find it of real interest. The references to his visits in London are of interest.

The references to the work of the ILO and its future are interesting. The references on page 2 of the document, the 2nd paragraph could be written today.

... He has, at the present time, a rather limited staff and if the safety service is going to assume its proper place in the work the International Labour Office, the staff should be materially increased and strengthened. There should be some organization acting as a clearing house for safety information for the whole world and while certain bodies already claim to carry on this work, the claim can hardly be substantiated in the first place and, in the second place, it is only reasonable to assume that Geneva, having become the "The Cross-Roads of the World", this clearing house for safety should be established at Geneva.

Maureen continues...

I have to say that over 70 years later IAPA became a CIS collaborating Centre of the ILO. I must say I am very proud of this should have been sooner, but later is still good! This history of our founders amazing vision and leadership is of course one of the reasons I feel so strongly that we need this as much or even more than we did in 1927. Trying to sort through the world of growing knowledge and figuring out how to transfer that knowledge into reality in our workplaces is indeed a challenge to be taken on by the world. And still should be in Geneva!

And do not forget lots of milestones were written up in the CIS Newsletter June 2009 ... see www.sheilapantry.com/cis/cis200906.html

Take a few minutes to read about the work and efforts that have been achieved in the past to improve health and safety standards in all workplaces, to get us to where we are today. Hope these efforts will continue...! It is up to you, your colleagues and your organisations wherever they are in the world to continue these improvements.

DON'T WORK HARDER ... WORK SMARTER ...

Promoting the CIS Network, by Sheila Pantry OBE

Some of you have been asking for ideas to promote the CIS Network in your own country during this celebratory year.

A number of experienced CIS Members met last September (2009) in London to address this and other questions. Other experienced CIS Members sent in ideas and their experiences.

So there are many ideas and recommendations in the Report from the meeting... see:

From other meetings you will find various reports see: www.sheilapantry.com/cis and especially CIS Working Group 1 - Publicity, Promotion and Communication Strategy REVISED

DON'T WORK HARDER ... WORK SMARTER AND SPEND TIME READING THESE REPORTS AND THEN MAKE YOUR OWN WAYS OF PROMOTING CIS AND THE NETWORK

News from Belgium

BOHS Bedford Prize awarded posthumously to lead author for paper on occupational hygiene research among drug manufacturing workers

The British occupational Hygiene Society Bedford Prize has been awarded to a team from the University of Leuven in Belgium for a paper about the protection of pharmaceutical production workers from the potential harmful effects of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). The 'Thomas Bedford Memorial Prize' is BOHS's oldest award, presented to lead authors of the most outstanding paper published in the Society's journal, Annals of Occupational Hygiene. Sadly, the lead author of this paper, Nadine Van Nimmen, died of cancer at the age of 42, and was awarded her PhD posthumously. The paper was based on part of this work; the Bedford Prize, which would have been presented to her at the BOHS Annual Conference in 2009, was sent to her family, also posthumously.

This paper presents very relevant occupational hygiene research into worker exposure to APIs, something which poses a significant challenge for the drug manufacturing industry. The authors have dealt with a particular agent, opioid narcotic analgesics, from the beginning to the end - by developing analytical methods for analysing both dermal and air samples at very low concentrations, and then evaluating actual exposures in the field and recommending optimal control measures. Commenting on the paper, the Editor in Chief of the Annals, Dr Trevor Ogden, said, "This study is a very nice example of what occupational research is all about and how it should be performed." The paper can be read in full or in abstract on the Annals website: http://annhyg.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/50/7/665

The Bedford Prize is awarded every other year. Anyone can nominate papers to the shortlist, and the choice is then made by a panel of the journal Editorial Board and recent presidents of BOHS.

For further information contact: Anthea Page, BOHS Communications Manager | Email: anthea@bohs.org | Tel: +44 1332 250701

News from Canada

CCOHS to host Forum III: Leading the Change in 2010

The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) is hosting Forum III: Leading the Change, a two-day national event, taking place on March 8 and 9, 2010, in the National Capital Region. This conference is a two-day tripartite, national event that will bring together subject experts, workers, employers, and governments to share their knowledge and experience around the rapidly evolving workplace.

Forum III provides an opportunity for participants to explore and better understand how leadership in the workplace can significantly impact the health and safety needs of workers. Throughout the key discussion topics of the internal responsibility system, participatory ergonomics, workplace violence, and training and knowledge transfer, a common thread becomes apparent - the critical role that leadership can play in affecting workplace change.

Location: Hilton Lac-Leamy, Gatineau, Quebec.

Date: March 8-9 2010.

Call 1-800-668-4284 to register or visit us at www.ccohs.ca/events/forumIII

News from Canada

July 17, 2009 marked IAPA's 92nd anniversary.

So much has changed in the world of health and safety over the past nine decades and so much has changed in the Industrial Accident Prevention Association's (IAPA) history. However, the one thing that remains - that will never change - is our unwavering conviction that workplace injuries, illness, and deaths are preventable. And, we know that since we can prevent them, we can eliminate them.

This is the foundation on which IAPA was built and on which it has continued to grow; and, even as we are currently in the midst of change, our work will continue until together, we achieve one number - zero.

IAPA's history commenced in war time - July 17, 1917 - and was an act of innovation; the first of many to come. In those early days, IAPA was a staff of seven and an office of one. Today, we have more than 200 staff in six office locations and approximately 600 volunteers. IAPA has had many, many successes and has furthered the prevention efforts in Ontario and beyond.

This is a time to reflect and to celebrate. This is a time to acknowledge IAPA's accomplishments and milestones over the years - all of which complement a rich history of innovation and growth.

IAPA stands strong today and has the reputation for being a leader in workplace health, safety, and well-being. Because of this, IAPA would like to acknowledge and thank all of those who share the vision and passion to keep Ontario's workplaces safe and healthy each and every day.

It is this passion that will propel us forward and continue the work that started 92 years ago, on July 17, 1917. The journey has just begun...

For more information on IAPA's 92 year history, visit the history section on our website: www.iapa.ca/Main/About_IAPA/history_intro.aspx

News from Canada

Message from Maureen Shaw who retires from IAPA...

Maureen reflect on her years at IAPA... and CIS Network members wish her a very well deserved long, healthy and happy retirement.

Dear Colleagues,

It is hard to believe how time flies. I have been with IAPA for 14 years and it was already a year ago that I announced my intention to retire this year. It is with mixed feelings that I now share with you my retirement date. Officially, I will be retiring from IAPA on September 24, 2009; however, my last day in the office was June 30, 2009. I have accumulated vacation time that I am looking forward to taking prior to officially retiring; and, I will be available throughout this time to continue to provide my support to IAPA as it transitions to a new organization under the new leadership of Elizabeth Mills.

Time flies. We have come a long way since I began my tenure at IAPA. So many accomplishments, so many successes, so many innovations, relationships, and growth. What are these many things?

When I reflect on these and so much more, the most significant journey that we - and workplace health and safety - have taken is the one that truly put health into health and safety. A healthy workplace is becoming the norm - we are working on this being a national habit. We are now looking at the psychosocial aspects of the workplace as much as we are the physical.

Health and safety is also penetrating our social consciousness, as has drinking and driving and second-hand smoke. Twenty years ago, most Canadian jurisdictions were celebrating the passing of health and safety legislation. Today, we see the integration of health and safety into existing legislation, such as the Criminal Code, and into broader social standards and expectations. We expect our employers to demonstrate social responsibility, and increasingly read or hear about those who don't.

This change in social attitude towards health and safety is fuelled by changes in science and technology, and commerce and culture. It has become itself a force of change, perhaps the most powerful we will ever see.

IAPA has come a long way. Now, it is time to create the new chapter - the next 90 years. Health and safety - and IAPA - needs new ideas and new leadership, new innovations and new relationships. The growth and opportunities are endless.

I see you, my trusted colleagues, becoming an even larger part of IAPA as it evolves. I know the passion that we share and I have witnessed firsthand the pride that you take in your work every day to reduce - and ultimately, eliminate - injuries, illness, and deaths in the workplace. I urge you to continue your work and to continue working with IAPA to spread the message that even one injury or one death in the workplace is one too many.

So, with mixed emotions, I am excited and sad. I look forward to much needed vacation time and new opportunities, which will allow me to continue to contribute; and I am sad to be leaving IAPA, however, know that IAPA will always be family and you will always have a fond place in my heart.

You, your work, and your relationship with IAPA will continue to make a difference - an even greater difference as the future unfolds.

Thank you for an incredible 14 years and for the opportunity to provide this organization with leadership, focus, and direction.

News from Canada

The IRSST's Summary on Cleaning and Decontamination of Workplaces Containing Beryllium

The Institut de recherche Robert-Sauvé en santé et en sécurité du travail (IRSST) has just published a summary of good cleanup and decontamination practices for workplaces where beryllium (Be) is found.

The present study will allow industries where beryllium is present to be supported in developing a cleaning and/or decontamination protocol so that they can achieve acceptable levels of beryllium. The project's objective is to produce a decontamination guide that will be a complement to the publication "Summary of good cleanup and decontamination practices for workplaces with beryllium containing dust" to meet specific needs (Dion, 2005). The research report presents the laboratory and field studies that will improve knowledge about the evaluation of cleaning solutions, three surface sampling techniques, and the cleaning and decontamination techniques used in the field. A decontamination guide will be published separately.

Good cleaning practices for premises where beryllium is used or handled are necessary in preventing the accumulation of beryllium on work surfaces. Such an accumulation can result in resuspension of the beryllium particles in the air of the work area where these particles were.

During decontamination of premises where beryllium is present, as with other contaminants such as asbestos and lead, safety measures must apply for maintenance workers and for the people working close to the decontamination zone. The techniques used during maintenance of contaminated zones or equipment must prevent the dispersion and re-suspension of the dust. Two cleaning principles are generally used: vacuum cleaning using a vacuum equipped with a high efficiency (HEPA) filter, and wet cleaning with detergent.

To download the report www.irsst.qc.ca/files/documents/PubIRSST/R-614.pdf

Make my day ... please send your news items to your Editor!

News from Finland

Electronic journals from Finland

The Finnish Institute of Occupational Health (FIOH) has produced for many years the following online and free of charge journals. Click on the links to go direct to these informative journals - some of the contributors are also CIS Members!

News from Hong Kong

New International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships adopted at the IMO Conference in Hong Kong

The International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships was adopted in May 2009 by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) at a Conference held in Hong-Kong, attended by delegates from 63 countries. The new Convention was developed by IMO, the United Nations specialized agency with responsibility for the safety and security of shipping and the prevention of marine pollution from ships.

During the last three years the SafeWork department of the ILO, in collaboration with other departments (SECTOR, NORMES and JUR), has contributed to the preparation of this international instrument to ensure its compatibility with ILO standards.

The Convention is aimed at ensuring that ships, when being recycled after reaching the end of their operational lives, do not pose any unnecessary risk to human health and safety or to the environment. During the Conference, IMO Secretary-General Efthimios E. Mitropoulos declared that the new Convention struck the right balance between the responsibilities and obligations of shipowners, ship recycling facilities and flag and recycling States. He added that the Convention, as adopted, allows for future improvements and provides "a platform and an avenue for better regulation, in due course, of the activity it addresses."

He urged Governments now to turn their attention to the important task of bringing the Convention into force at the earliest possible date and, thereafter, to promoting its uniform and effective implementation. "The closure of the Conference," he said "should mark the beginning of strenuous efforts: first, to initiate, back home, work to ratify the Convention at the earliest possible opportunity to expedite its entry into force; secondly, to initiate action to provide technical assistance to requesting countries without awaiting its entry into force; and thirdly, to initiate action, as may be necessary, to ensure the effective implementation and proper enforcement of the Convention when it comes into force."

The new Convention intends to address all the issues around ship recycling, including the fact that ships sold for scrapping may contain environmentally hazardous substances such as asbestos, heavy metals, hydrocarbons, ozone-depleting substances and others. It will address concerns raised about the working and environmental conditions at many of the world's ship recycling locations.

Regulations in the new Convention cover: the design, construction, operation and preparation of ships so as to facilitate safe and environmentally sound recycling, without compromising the safety and operational efficiency of ships; the operation of ship recycling facilities in a safe and environmentally sound manner; and the establishment of an appropriate enforcement mechanism for ship recycling, incorporating certification and reporting requirements.

Ships to be sent for recycling will be required to carry an inventory of hazardous materials, which will be specific to each ship. An appendix to the Convention will provide a list of hazardous materials the installation or use of which is prohibited or restricted in shipyards, ship repair yards, and ships of Parties to the Convention. Ships will be required to have an initial survey to verify the inventory of hazardous materials, additional surveys during the life of the ship, and a final survey prior to recycling.

Ship recycling yards will be required to provide a "Ship Recycling Plan", to specify the manner in which each ship will be recycled, depending on its particulars and its inventory. Parties will be required to take effective measures to ensure that ship recycling facilities under their jurisdiction comply with the Convention.

A series of guidelines are being developed to assist in the Convention's implementation.

Entry into force criteria

The Convention shall be open for signature by any State at the Headquarters of the Organization from 1 September 2009 to 31 August 2010 and shall thereafter remain open for accession by any State. It will enter into force 24 months after the date on which 15 States, representing 40 per cent of world merchant shipping by gross tonnage, have either signed it without reservation as to ratification, acceptance or approval or have deposited instruments of ratification, acceptance, approval or accession with the Secretary General.

Furthermore, the combined maximum annual ship recycling volume of those States must, during the preceding 10 years, constitute not less than 3 per cent of their combined merchant shipping tonnage.

Resolutions adopted by the conference

The conference also adopted six resolutions as follows:

Resolution 1:
Expression of appreciation to the host Government;
Resolution 2:
Contribution of the Parties to the Basel Convention and the International Labour Organization in the development of the Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships, 2009;
Resolution 3:
Promotion of technical co-operation and assistance;
Resolution 4:
Future work by the Organization pertaining to the Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships, 2009;
Resolution 5:
Early implementation of the technical standards of the Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships, 2009; and
Resolution 6:
Exploration and monitoring of the best practices for fulfilling the requirements of the Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships, 2009.

The Diplomatic Conference was attended by delegations from 63 IMO Member States, as well as by observers from two Associate Members, the United Nations Environment Programme, ILO, the European Commission, and eight non-governmental organizations. It was organized with the support of the Government of China and the Marine Department of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

The Convention shall be open for signature by any State at the Headquarters of the IMO from 1 September 2009 to 31 August 2010 and shall thereafter remain open for accession by any State.

Summary on the new Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships, 2009

Find more information on the IMO website

News from Japan

JISHA's Annual report and Activities 2008

The latest Annual report from the Japan Industrial Safety and Health Association (JISHA) shows a range of activities undertaken, including:

For copies of the 2008 JISHA Annual Report contact: JISHA, (ILO-CIS National Centre in Japan), 5-35-1 Shiba, Minatoku, Tokyo 108-0014, Japan | Tel/Fax +81 3 3454 4596 | Email: kokusai@jisha.or.jp | www.jisha.or.jp

News from Macedonia

ILO office opens in Macedonia

Recently, an ILO office was opened in Skopje, Republic of Macedonia. Macedonian Occupational Safety and Health Association is stating again that we are going to give strong support to the office and in the same time we expect that all interested parties will do the same thing, since we can all benefit from the successful and above all operational office.

Congratulations!

www.mzzpr.org.mk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=452:ilo-office-in-skopje&catid=45:macedonia&Itemid=&lang=en

Ljupco Kocovski, ILO/CIS Center coordinator, Macedonian Occupational Safety and Health Association, 29 Noemvri 50, 1000 Skopje, Republic of Macedonia | www.mzzpr.org.mk | ++389 (0)2 2774 868 | ++389 (0)75 432 051

News from Portugal

17/10/09 - 21/10/09 EQUIFASE 2009 VIII Iberoamerican Conference on Phase Equilibria and Fluid Properties for Process Design

This conference will be held in the Algarve, Portugal

Contact: Maria Eugénia Rebello de Almeida Macedo (Chair), LSRE, Chemical Engineering Department, Faculdade de Engenharia, Universidade do Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal | Tel: +351 22508 1653 | Fax: +351 22508 1674 | Email: equifase@fe.up.pt | www.fe.up.pt/equifase

News from the UK

Ruskin College and TUC in a new academic partnership

The TUC's Frances O'Grady and Ruskin College's Audrey Mullender have signed an agreement that will mark the beginning of a two-year partnership between the College and the TUC's Organising Academy.

The agreement makes Ruskin College the lead national provider of Organising Academy courses, bringing together two important academic institutions that have a long and prestigious history of producing trade unionists that campaign for social justice and equality.

The TUC's Organising Academy, now in its 11th year, trains over 350 union officers and organisers every year. Ruskin College has a history of educating trade unionists, with graduates such as Ex-Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott, Ex-TUC General Secretary George Woodcock and Dennis Skinner MP.

Commenting on the new partnership, TUC Deputy General Secretary Frances O'Grady said: 'For the last four years the TUC Organising Academy has enjoyed a successful partnership with Newcastle College. I'd like to thank Newcastle College for their wonderful support and also Ruskin College for welcoming the Organising Academy with such open arms.'

'This new partnership marks an opportunity to shape a new generation of skilled, educated and motivated trade unionists that will create stronger and more successful unions.'

Audrey Mullender, the Principal of Ruskin College said: 'We are delighted to be welcoming the TUC Organising Academy to Ruskin. It makes absolute sense for Ruskin and the TUC to draw together our proud histories of educating trade unionist to organise for social justice and social mobility.'

The new partnership will allow Organising Academy graduates to take advantage of Ruskin's broader programme of training and support, which includes MA and undergraduate programmes.

TUC Congress 2009 will be held at the BT Convention Centre, Liverpool from Monday 14 September to Thursday 17 September 2009.

Trades Union Congress, Congress House, Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3LS | www.tuc.org.uk

FOCUS

Safety inspectors join forces to tackle £20 billion toll of workplace injury and illness

Local and national safety regulators have struck a new deal to tackle the £20 billion toll of injury and illness in Britain's workplaces.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has signed a commitment with the Local Authorities Coordinators of Regulatory Services (LACORS), the body that represents safety inspectors in hundreds of town halls throughout England, Scotland and Wales.

The deal was announced a week after new figures revealed that the number of workers fatally injured had fallen to 180 in 2008/09 - the lowest level since records began in 1974.

Official figures show that 34 million working days are lost each year due to work-related ill health and injury - costing the economy some £20 billion a year.

LACORS and HSE said the commitment would help give every worker in Britain access to a safe place to work.

Geoffrey Podger, HSE's Chief Executive, said:

"A good health and safety regime, focused on real risks, will have a positive impact on local communities and businesses.

"No single organisation can successfully tackle the challenge of reducing work-related deaths, injuries and ill health in Britain.

"By working together, HSE and local authorities can put in place a robust, modern regulatory system that helps us improve protection for employees and support for employers in understanding how to comply with the law."

LACORS Executive Director, Derek Allen, said:

"Having a healthy and safe place to work is a fundamental right of every employee. But it is not a right that everyone enjoys. The new statement of commitment defines how LACORS, the HSE and councils in England, Wales and Scotland will work together to ensure that we continue to improve our safety record.

"We must join together to reject the trivialisation of the health and safety agenda - we cannot afford to be distracted by silly or frivolous issues, and must concentrate on protecting workers from serious injury or death."

"Councils, as both leaders and practitioners, are perfectly placed to build a common-sense approach to health and safety to improve the well-being of people and communities."

A new health and safety strategy for Great Britain was launched in June 2009, which encourages a proportionate and common sense approach preventing the death, injury or ill health in the workplace and builds on the successful co-regulator partnership between councils and HSE.

The new commitment binds councils and HSE to implementing a new standard of enforcement by 2011 - the so called Section 18 standard places a duty on HSE and local authorities to put adequate resources into enforcement, work together effectively and take a sensible approach to risk management.

The Statement of Commitment has been agreed by the key local government representative bodies the Local Government Association (LGA), the Welsh Local Government Association (WLGA), the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (CoSLA), the Local Authorities Coordinators of Regulatory Services (LACORS) and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

Copies of the Statement of Commitment are available on www.hse.gov.uk/lau and www.lacors.gov.uk.

HSE's new strategy "The Health and Safety of Great Britain\\ Be part of the solution" was published on 3 June 2009. It is available on www.hse.gov.uk/strategy

The division of responsibilities for enforcement is governed by specific regulations (Health and Safety (Enforcing Authority) Regulations 1998). Local authorities are responsible for enforcement in over a million workplaces, employing around half the British workforce. They are generally responsible for offices, shops, warehouses, call centres and similar premises. HSE is responsible for the remainder of activities and the workers involved.

LACORS is the local government central body providing support, coordination and promotion of local health and safety regulation, representing local government on behalf of LGA, WLGA and COSLA.

News from the UK

Safety Advisers Need Accreditation, HSE Chair says

Health and safety advisers need accreditation to ensure they meet appropriate standards of professional competence, the Chair of the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has said.

Judith Hackitt told guests at an International Institute of Risk and Safety Management (IIRSM) reception in London this week that although HSE did not intend to run such a scheme, it did believe one was necessary.

Ms Hackitt said:

"We do believe that there is a need for an accreditation system within the competency framework for health and safety professionals. We have no interest in HSE directly controlling or regulating such a scheme, but we are very keen to ensure that all professional bodies who establish an accreditation scheme do so in a way that measures competence in practice, not just acquired knowledge."

"Accreditation must include continuing professional development as a requirement as well as a means of sanction, with real teeth, for anyone who acts unethically in their professional activities - including providing inappropriate advice or guidance."

She said that those involved in health and safety needed to be competent to assess and manage risk by applying common sense, taking a proportionate approach and exercising judgment about what is reasonable.

Competence is one of the cornerstones of the new health and safety strategy for Great Britain, and HSE wants to see increased competence as the basis of a more sensible and proportionate approach to managing risk.

Judith Hackitt made a series of speeches this week underlining the importance of competence and how it should not be measured in terms of retained knowledge but instead on the ability to apply it.

She gave the keynote address to the British Safety Council's conference on the health and safety challenges facing public services in London, and spoke at a graduation ceremony organized by the National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health (NEBOSH) in Warwick.

HSE wants employers to have access to competent, sensible advice from professional advisors so that risks are properly managed and unproductive measures and paperwork are not pursued.

A study for the Federation of Small Businesses in 2007 found that 60 per cent of firms found risk assessment difficult - making professional advisers an important part of the health and safety system.

The Health and Safety Executive is Britain's national workplace safety regulator and it works to prevent death, injury and ill health. It does so through research, information and advice, promoting training, new or revised regulations and codes of practice, and working with local authority partners by inspection, investigation and enforcement.

News from the USA

The University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) is starting a new "International Programme on Occupational Health Practice" (390 hours).

The training programme is designed for company health professionals worldwide (doctors, nurses and others) but it is also open for other professionals (technicians, managers, engineers). It is specifically aiming at professionals who work in global companies or in institutions in developing countries.

Teaching is in English but assignments can be sent back in four different languages (English, French, German, Spanish). The program starts on August 31st 2009. Enrolment is open now for the entire programme and the individual courses.

The course information website is available at www.uic.edu/sph/glakes/ce/IntPrgOHP.html with more information on the content of courses, faculty, application process etc.

The brochure can be downloaded from:

Because UIC is a collaborating center in Occupational Health, The Occupational Health Programme of WHO has posted a link to the program at www.who.int/occupational_health/publications/newsletter/newsletter_15_news_events/en/index4.html

Norbert L. Wagner MD PhD, Research Associate Professor, Department of Environmental & Occupational Health, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, 13201 Bruce B. Downs Blvd. MDC 56, TAMPA FL 33612-3805 USA | phone office: +1 813 974-2908 | fax office: +1 813 974-4986 [please notify before sending a fax] | mobile: +1 813 362-4896 | Skype: NL.Wagner | Email: nwagner@health.usf.edu | Web: http://publichealth.usf.edu/eoh/ | http://hsc.usf.edu/publichealth/eoh/nwagner/

News from the AIHA

PCIH 2009 registration open now

To be held 3-6 October 2009 in Vancouver, Canada

The Professional Conference on Industrial Hygiene (PCIH) 2009 is THE conference to attend if you are an occupational and environmental health and safety (OEHS) professional looking to stay abreast of current trends, find solutions to everyday issues, and network with experienced OEHS professionals.

Sponsored by the American Industrial Hygiene Association's (AIHA) Academy of Industrial Hygiene, PCIH provides a forum to discuss current trends, to learn from experts, and to develop practical applications to tackle the issues you face daily.

Professional development courses, workshops and small group discussions leave you equipped with the information you need excel and let you stay on top of your field by earning up to 6 CM points.

View the programme at www.aiha.org/pcih09/education/ataglance.htm

PCIH is also a great place to network with other leaders in your profession. Join us at Steamworks Pub, a favourite Vancouver landmark for one of our fun-filled networking events.

Enjoy the incredible mountains, sparking ocean and cosmopolitan flair that make Vancouver perfect for work and play. Exceptional cuisine, a walk-able downtown, and all the energy of a dynamic, multicultural city set in a spectacular natural environment are just some of things that will make your Vancouver experience unforgettable.

Discounted online registration only until 24 August 2009

Register Today www.aiha.org/pcih09/registration.htm

OSH NEWS BRIEF - India

10-13 November 2009 - 9th International Mine Ventilation Congress

Will be held at the Hotel Crowne Plaza, New Delhi, India and is sponsored by the Department of Mining Engineering, Indian School of Mines University, Dhanbad, India.

Contact: www.9thimvc.org/con1.htm | Web: www.9thimvc.org/hom.htm

OSH NEWS BRIEF - USA

2011 NORA Symposium Announced!

The next US National Occupational Research Agenda (NORA) Symposium is planned for the spring of 2011 in Washington, DC. It will mark the 15th anniversary of NORA and the 40th anniversary of the creation of NIOSH - The US National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health.

A NORA symposium is held every few years to celebrate successes and work toward future achievements (see the "Historical Information" section of the NORA Web site: www.cdc.gov/niosh/nora).

Contact the NORA coordinator email: noracoordinator@cdc.gov with your suggestions for a great NORA symposium.

OSH NEWS BRIEF - USA

Research to Practice Launches New Website

The US National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Office of Technology Transfer has launched a new research to practice (r2p) website, www.cdc.gov/niosh/r2p.

Learn about r2p across NIOSH, r2p success stories, and partnership opportunities and resources. The site will be updated as new NIOSH licensing and partnership opportunities become available for collaboration on occupational safety and health research. For additional information about r2p, please email researchtopratice@cdc.gov or call 513-533-8662.

OSH BRIEFS - USA

Dramatic New Videos From the CSB

Findings From CSB Accident Investigations

The U.S. Chemical Safety Board (CSB) has released a 20-minute safety video, Emergency Preparedness: Findings From CSB Accident Investigations.

This video dramatically demonstrates the need for emergency response agencies, companies, and communities to work closely together to prepare for the kinds of tragic chemical accidents the CSB has investigated over the past decade.

The video is available online at www.csb.gov/videoroom/detail.aspx?vid=29 and on YouTube.

Combustible dust at worksites

The U.S. Chemical Safety Board (CSB) has released a new safety video depicting how accumulations of combustible dust at worksites can provide the fuel for devastating explosions that kill and maim workers, shut down plants, and harm local economies.

Entitled, "Combustible Dust: An Insidious Hazard," the new video is available online at www.CSB.gov, and on YouTube www.youtube.com/uscsb. It can also be ordered free of charge on a new two-DVD set of all CSB safety videos by filling out the CSB's online DVD request form www.csb.gov/videoroom/videorequest.aspx.

"Combustible Dust" features all-new CSB computer animations which illustrate three major dust explosion accidents the CSB has investigated: West Pharmaceutical Services in Kinston, North Carolina; CTA Acoustics in Corbin, Kentucky; and Hayes Lemmerz International, in Huntington, Indiana.

For each accident, the animations show how explosive dust accumulated over years on plant equipment, pipes, floors, ducts, dust collectors, and other areas. The video shows how conditions develop needing only an ignition source to set off a primary explosion, which lofts the accumulated dust, leading to deadlier secondary explosions.

OSH BRIEF - UK

Swine Flu & You: First the slowdown ... Now the meltdown? ... What every business needs to prepare for NOW!

Following the World Health Organisation's recent upgrade of Swine Flu to pandemic level 6 EssentialSkillz.com has released a new e-information course, "Swine Flu and You" to help employers inform their employees on what they can do to protect themselves from infection and prevent the virus from spreading.

Every business, small and large, needs to plan now for how they will manage when the virus returns with extra potency this autumn. CEO of EssentialSkillz, Tony Dervan, believes that "the sight of commuters wearing face masks on the streets of the UK will only lead to general panic and massive disruption to business if plans are not put in place now and effectively communicated to all employees. Businesses must prepare for a significant increase in employee absence rates if schools are closed and travel on public transport is deemed to be high risk."

While businesses of every shape and size are currently struggling to find their way through the economic slowdown Tony Dervan fears that this autumn's flu pandemic may be the last straw for many.

EssentialSkillz specialise in harnessing the power of the internet to communicate vital information to employees. Using a combination of email and web delivered information EssentialSkillz can target critical messages and policies to every employee and report on who has, and who has not, viewed and understood the information. This enables businesses to improve the health and wellbeing of their workforce and reduce the cost of absence while demonstrating due diligence to enforcement authorities. Tony Dervan summarises by predicting that "this autumn a well communicated Swine Flu Action Plan will be worth its weight in gold!"

For more information on EssentialSkillz and Swine Flu & You contact Tony Dervan (CEO) +353.86.6067403 or Ryan Pavey (Marketing Director) +44.7734.446711.

Colette Mannion, EssentialSkillz.com, Covent Garden, London | Tel: 08700 621162 | Email: colette@essentialskillz.com

OSH BRIEF - UK

Summer reading - HSE Annual Report and Accounts 2008/09

To get-up-to-date on the work of Health and Safety Executive (HSE) during the year and delivery of the HSE Business Plan 2008/09.

www.hse.gov.uk/aboutus/reports/0809

News from the UK

How is this for an idea in your country?

Request a call back from HSE

Why not try the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) new call back service?

Just fill out the form on www.hse.gov.uk/contact/callback.htm or simply text the keyword 'HSE' to 64446† and HSE will call you back within 1 hour. If you can't come to the phone when HSE calls back don't worry as HSE operators will try three times to call you. This service is available Monday to Friday between 9 am to 5 pm.

† HSE does not charge for this service however your network provider may charge their normal network text rate

News from the UK

RR716 - A review of Layers of Protection Analysis (LOPA) analyses of overfill of fuel storage tanks

In response to the Buncefield, UK major incident, the UK Major Incident Investigation Board (MIIB) made recommendations to improve safety in the design and operation of fuel storage sites.

Two of these recommendations were that loss of primary containment (tank overfill) should be prevented by a high integrity system, and that industry should agree to undertake a systematic assessment of safety integrity levels using commonly agreed methods. The Buncefield Standards Task Group (BSTG), consisting of representatives from industry and the control of major accident hazards (COMAH) Competent Authority, also stated in its final report, Paragraph 16, "Before protective systems are installed there is a need to determine the appropriate level of integrity that such systems are expected to achieve."

The BSTG report suggests a layer of protection analysis (LOPA) study be used to provide a more consistent approach to safety integrity level (SIL) determination. Therefore, in response to the MIIB and BSTG recommendations this study aimed to identify common trends and instances of good practice and areas requiring discussion / improvement in the way in which LOPA studies were carried out by operators of sites that bulk store fuels such as petrol. This study is part of ongoing work to stimulate discussion between concerned parties with the aim of contributing to the development of improved guidance. This report and the work it describes were funded by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Its contents, including any opinions and/or conclusions expressed, are those of the authors alone and do not necessarily reflect HSE policy.

Download the full report www.hse.gov.uk/research/rrhtm/rr716.htm

News from the USA

Process Safety Beacon

The US Center for Chemical Process Safety (CCPS) Process Safety Beacon is a resource aimed at delivering process safety messages to plant operators and other manufacturing personnel. The Process Safety Beacon is sponsored and produced by CCPS. The monthly one-page Process Safety Beacon covers the breadth of process safety issues. Each issue presents a real-life accident, and describes the lessons learned and practical means to prevent a similar accident in your plant. With an estimated distribution of around a million, the Beacon is CCPS' most widely read publication.

Register for the Beacon

Help CCPS bring a process safety message to an even larger world wide audience each month by encouraging your colleagues to register at www.aiche.org/apps/ccps/safetybeaconfrm.asp

Registration is quick and easy. After you register, the Beacon will be sent to you FREE each month via email. During the registration process, you may choose to receive the Beacon in as many of the available languages as you wish.

How to Use the Beacon

The aim of the Beacon is to provide a regular message for manufacturing personnel. This is a monthly offering, but is dependent upon the input of users like you. By sharing these messages, based upon actual incidents from companies, the content is more meaningful to operation personnel. The Beacon format is a one-page flyer with an eye-catching title, picture, or graphic depicting an incident, text explaining the incident, the impact, how the error was corrected, and the lessons learned. While you may not have the same equipment of chemicals in your sites, the lessons learned are meant to be universal. Also, a single incident may have several causes and therefore more lessons than what can be highlighted in a single Beacon.

To see an example see the July 2009 edition:

A safety instrumented system (SIS) takes automated action to keep a plant in a safe state, or to put it into a safe state, when abnormal conditions are present.

www.aiche.org/uploadedFiles/CCPS/Resources/Beacon/July09EnglishBeacon.pdf

How to Submit a Beacon Idea

To keep this process safety tool operating, we need a supply of "raw material". We need a copy of incidents from your companies that have process safety lesson(s). (Please no personnel safety incidents that do not have a process safety connection.) Do not worry about the format. All we need is a picture (if possible) that depicts the incident, and 2-3 paragraphs explaining briefly what happened, why it happened, how it was corrected, and what were the lessons learned. Any reference to your company will be removed from the message. Submit the package to CCPS electronically (ccps_beacon@aiche.org) and a CCPS staff person will do the final formatting and editing. If you like, you can review the final draft of the Beacon to make sure it is correct before CCPS sends it out to the users.

Make my day ... please send your news items to your Editor!

Use the CIS LOGO

CIS Logo

Remember >>> Please Use the CIS Logo on your web site and publications!

Remember that your News in the CIS Newsletter goes to over 154 countries and gets re-used in other magazines and websites. Also there are many people who are not CIS Members who receive the CIS Newsletters. And through its presence on the web many people are getting to know more about the CIS Network. So with many thousands of web hits per month... send your news to me and get even more publicity for your Information services!

I keep asking the question...Will you be Surviving in 2010?... perhaps you will if you make efforts in promotion, publicity and telling the World that CIS and its network exists!

Your Editor
Sheila Pantry
sp@sheilapantry.com

OSHE web sites to explore...

We look at websites in different parts of the world that are offering quality information. This month we look at a variety of websites.

Also look in www.oshworld.com/links.html for hundreds of links to authoritative and validated web sites... constantly updated.

If we do not have your web site please send it to me sp@sheilapantry.com

KOREA

Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency   KOSHA   KOREA
www.kosha.or.kr
Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency site lists activities, Newsletter, OSH Act and other regulations. KOSHA is also the International Labour Office Health and Safety National Centre. Site is also available in English language in addition to Korean language.

LATVIA

Latvia State Labour Inspectorate (SLI)   LATVIA
www.vdi.gov.lv
The Latvia State Labour Inspectorate (SLI) is a state administrative and supervisory institution. Its activity is determined by the "State Labour Inspectorate Law". The following persons and institutions are subjected to the supervision and control of the SLI: entrepreneurs, the state and municipal institutions, religious and nongovernmental organizations, employers and their representatives according to the mandate and responsibilities delivered to them, dangerous equipment and their owners, as well as workplaces and other places at the enterprises available for the employees during their work process. The main task of SLI is to take measures to ensure effective implementation of State policy in the field of labour legal relations, labour protection and the technical supervision of dangerous equipment. Site contains history, structure, contacts, news, news releases, events, legislation, publications, statistics etc.

Latvia Working Environment   LATVIA
http://home.parks.lv/ioeh/
Details of the Institute of Occupational and Environmental Health and other organisations, legislation, information, training courses. Member of the Baltic Sea Network on Occupational Health and Safety.

LITHUANIA

Lithuania Legal Information Centre   LITHUANIA
www.litlex.lt/Litle/defaulte.htm
Lithuania Legal Information Centre's legal database and other legal information.

Lithuania Working Environment   LITHUANIA
www.balticseaosh.net
Details of the Lithuanian Occupational Medicine Center, other organisations, statistics and legislation. Member of the Baltic Sea Network on Occupational Health and Safety.

LUXEMBOURG

Chemical Sector Information Network   LUXEMBOURG
http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/chemicals/competiv/risc/db_en.htm
This links to members APME, CEFIC, CEPE, EFMA, FEICA.

CORDIS   LUXEMBOURG
http://cordis.europa.eu/en/home.html
European Commission EU official website for information on research, technological development and innovation. Daily news about research and innovation, library of documents relating to R&D policy and practice, information about funding and support for projects as well as interactive services. In addition you can sign-up to receive a monthly newsletter to keep abreast of developments.

Eur-lex   LUXEMBOURG
http://eur-lex.europa.eu/en/index.htm
European Commission portal, result of a merger between the Eur-Lex and Celex websites includes details of European legislation and proposals, Official Journal of the European Union, Directives, Recommendations, Decisions, Treaties, Publications, case law and links to other Commission sites then this is the site for you. This new site provides a unique, high performance tool, which combines the navigation possibilities of EUR-Lex and the search modes of Celex. In addition, the free-of-charge access is guaranteed to all and the multi-lingual nature of site has been reinforced thanks to the inclusion of the new official EU languages.

European Commission   LUXEMBOURG
http://ec.europa.eu/health-eu/index_en.htm
The European Commission has launched a Health-EU portal to help people answer their health questions. The portal will provide a gateway to simple and sound information on 47 topics that range from babies' health to bioterrorism, and from infectious diseases to health insurance. It is aimed at the general public, patients, healthcare professionals and scientists alike. Health and consumer protection Commissioner Markos Kyprianou said: "The portal is a very large project bringing together all EU member states as well as EFTA nations, international organisations and NGOs. Web surfers will have access to over 40,000 links to trustworthy sources. The translation of the portal into all 20 official EU languages means that up to 1.5 billion people worldwide can use it to help them to make healthy choices."

European Commission   LUXEMBOURG
http://osha.europa.eu/en/good_practice/topics/stress
European Parliament Committee on Employment and Social Affairs have published a resolution on harassment at work.

European Commission   LUXEMBOURG
http://osha.europa.eu/en/campaigns
The European Agency for Safety and Health at Work special web feature has been set up in order to keep you informed of the latest developments on the new European Union Strategy on Safety and Health. The European Commission in March 2002 published a Communication, "Adapting to change in work and society: a new Community strategy on health and safety at work 2002-2006", on this issue.

European Commission   LUXEMBOURG
http://europa.eu/scadplus/leg/en/s06016.htm
European Commission SCAD programme. Since 1993 the technical requirements for testing and manufacturing medicines for human and veterinary use and the rules concerning the labelling, advertising, wholesale distribution and prescription sales of medicines and the transparency of national measures on pricing and refunds have been totally harmonized. The Community's strategy has revolved around two principal ideas. Firstly, efforts have concentrated on consolidation and completion of the existing legislation by extending its scope, delegating the power to adopt technical amendments, making the national price control and refund schemes more transparent, acceding to the European Pharmacopoeia, harmonizing the conditions for administering medicines to patients and providing fuller information on medicinal products. Secondly, the reform of the marketing licensing system for medicinal products in the Community has been implemented. In 1993 the Council adopted one regulation and three directives concerning the future marketing licensing system and the establishment of the European Agency for the Evaluation of Medicinal Products.

European Commission: Avian Flu   LUXEMBOURG
http://ec.europa.eu/food/animal/diseases/controlmeasures/avian/ten_key_facts_about_avian_influenza.pdf
The European Commission (SANCO), EU Health Ministries, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) and the European Food Safety Authority EFSA has been published providing information and advice to groups at risk and members of the public. This fact sheet gives details about avian flu.

European Commission: Electronic Directory of European Institutions   LUXEMBOURG
http://europa.eu/whoiswho/public
IDEA is the Electronic Directory of European Institutions of the European Commission and can be searched by a staff member's name, or by organisation. Gives full address, telephone numbers and the hierarchy of the organisation.

European Commission: Energy and Transport   LUXEMBOURG
http://ec.europa.eu/transport/index_en.html
European Commission web site to help keep track of key developments and new proposals in European Union law relating to transport safety. Includes transportable pressure equipment, improving passenger safety on ships, improving road safety, introduction of digital tachographs.

European Commission: Nanotechnology   LUXEMBOURG
http://cordis.europa.eu/nanotechnology
European Commission portal to Nanotechnology and NanoForum and links to other related sites.

European Commission: Strategy for Nanotechnology: Implications for OSH Actions: Public health   Luxembourg
http://cordis.europa.eu/nanotechnology/actionplan.htm
The European Commission has adopted an European Union (EU) strategy to help Europe become world leader in the rapidly developing field of nanotechnology, the science of the infinitely small. The Communication, Towards a European strategy for nanotechnology (ftp://ftp.cordis.lu/pub/nanotechnology/docs/nano_com_en.pdf) provides a series of recommendations and initiatives on how to strengthen European research and development (R&D) in the field and help turn nanotechnologies into commercially viable products for the benefit of society. Key actions include boosting R&D investment and infrastructure, improving training for research personnel, enhancing technology transfer in Europe and its financing, taking into account the impact of nanotechnology on society and increasing international co-operation towards a responsible approach to nanotechnology R&D globally. Scientific investigation and assessment of possible health or environmental risks associated with nanotechnology need to accompany the R&D and technological progress. Some dedicated studies are underway to assess the potential risks, which are also examined within FP6 IPs and NEs projects in the field of nanotechnology. In particular, nanoparticles might behave in unexpected ways due to their small size. They may present special challenges, for example, in terms of production, disposal, handling, storage and transport.

Inspection of Mines Luxembourg   LUXEMBOURG
www.itm.lu
Inspection of Mines Luxembourg website gives legislation, guidance and advice.

Diary of Events

These events may inspire you and your organisation to offer similar type 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 that is constantly being updated.

2009

6-10 September 2009 - EUROCORR 2009: The European Corrosion Congress
Nice, France
Contact: www.eurocorr.org/EUROCORR_2009.html
Readers may also wish to take a free trial of OSH UPDATE: www.sheilapantry.com/interest.html

26-28 October 2009 - Health People in a Healthy Environment: 2009 National Environment Public Health Conference
Sheraton Atlanta Hotel, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
Contact: www.team-psa.com/2009nephc for conference details
Readers may also like to take a free trial of OSH UPDATE www.sheilapantry.com/interest.html

27-30 October 2009 - APOSHO 25 Conference & Exhibition
SMS Convention Center, Seashell Drive, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City, Philippines
Organized by the Asia-Pacific Occupational Safety and Health Organization (APOSHO)
Theme: Regional Strengths, Strategies and Challenges of the New Safety Dimension
Contact: Asia-Pacific Occupational Safety and Health Organization (APOSHO) | Email: sopi@pldtdsl.net | www.aposho.org
Readers may also wish to take a free trial of OSH UPDATE: www.sheilapantry.com/interest.html

3-6 November 2009 - A+A 2009
Dusseldorf, Germany
Contact: www.AplusA-online.de
Readers may also wish to take a free trial of OSH UPDATE: www.sheilapantry.com/interest.html

5 November 2009 - British Safety Council Conference: Health and Safety in the Construction Industry
Vintners' Hall, Upper Thames Street, London EC4V 3BG
Contact: British Safety Council, 70 Chancellors Road, London W6 9RS | Tel: (0208) 741 1231

5-8 November 2009 - The 8th International Conference on Occupational Stress and Health
San Juan, Puerto Rica
Note: Organized by the American Psychological Association, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health and the Society for Occupational Health Psychology
Themes: Job stress, risk factors, and interventions in developing countries; emergent concerns in developed regions; prevention and educational initiatives by governmental agencies and NGOs around the world; national policies and guidelines affecting work, stress, and health; etc.
Contact: 2009 American Psychological Association, Public Interest Directorate, 750 First Street, NE, Washington, DC, 20002-4242, United States. | Tel: +1 202 336 6050 | Fax: +1 202 336 6040 | Email: publicinterest@apa.org | www.apa.org/pi/work/wsh.html
Readers may also wish to take a free trial of OSH UPDATE: www.sheilapantry.com/interest.html

8-13 November 2009 - AIChE National Meeting 2009
Nashville TN, USA
Contact: American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE) 3 Park Avenue New York, NY 10016-5991, USA | www.aiche.org/Conferences/AnnualMeeting/index.aspx

23-25 November 2009 - XXIXth International Symposium of the ISSA Construction Section on Occupational Safety and Health in the Construction Industry
Brussels, Belgium
Organized by the International Social Security Association (ISSA) and the National Committee of Action for Security and Health in Construction (Comité National d'Action pour la Sécurité et l'Hygiène dans la Construction (CNAC))
Theme: Ageing and globalization in construction
Contact: ISSA | Email: construction.issa@cramif.cnamts.fr | http://construction.prevention.issa.int
Readers may also wish to take a free trial of OSH UPDATE: www.sheilapantry.com/interest.html

10 December 2009 - 5th Annual Health and Safety Conference: Health and Safety Agenda for 2010
London, UK
Programme organised and chaired by Sheila Pantry OBE
Contact: Customer Services, Croner Training, 7th Floor, Elizabeth House, York Road, London SE1 7NQ, UK | Tel: 0845 082 1170 | Fax: 0845 120 9612 | Email: services@cronertraining.co.uk
Readers may also wish to take a free trial of OSH UPDATE: www.sheilapantry.com/interest.html

2010

27-28 January 2010 - Be Safe, Be Profitable: Protecting Workers in Agriculture: 2010 ASHCA-NIOSH Conference
Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas, USA
Agricultural Safety and Health Council of America and US National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
Contact: CALL FOR ABSTRACTS: POSTER PRESENTATIONS invites researchers and others involved in agricultural safety and health to submit an abstract for a poster presentation. Deadline for poster abstract submission is September 9, 2009.
Contact: www.ashca.com | Questions regarding abstracts can be directed to ashca@mcrf.mfldclin.edu
Readers may also wish to take a free trial of OSH UPDATE: www.sheilapantry.com/interest.html

10-12 February 2010 - International Conference Towards Better Work and Well-being
Helsinki, Finland
Contact: Conference Secretariat, Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Topeliuksenkatu 41 a A, FIN-00250 Helsinki, FINLAND | Tel: +358 30 474 2498 | Email: betterwork@ttl.fi | www.ttl.fi/en/international/conferences/towards_better_work

2-5 March 2010 - The First International Health, Safety & Environment Exhibition
Kish Island, Kish Free Zone, Persian Gulf
Contact: Tel: +98 21 88658216-8 | www.hseinternationalexpo.com
Readers may also like to take a free trial of OSH UPDATE www.sheilapantry.com/interest.html

Make my day ... please send your news items to your Editor!