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News from around the WorldJune 2006 Revision of safety datasheets to comply with REACHThe EU REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Assessment of Chemicals) Regulation is expected to be adopted by the European Commission in Spring 2007. Although cement clinker is specifically exempted from this Regulation, a number of chemicals are used in the manufacture of cement, and consequently cement safety datasheets are being revised to ensure compliance with the Regulation as drafted. For purposes of consistency, CEMBUREAU, the European Cement Association, is preparing a harmonised cement safety datasheet that will be used by all its members across the European Union including the UK. The harmonised cement safety datasheet will contain information on hazard identification, first aid measures, spillage procedures, handling and storage, exposure controls and personnel protection, toxicological, ecological and regulatory issues. The work on the harmonised cement safety datasheet should be completed by October 2006. In the meantime, UK cement companies will continue to provide their own cement safety datasheets to accompany deliveries of cement. Cement safety datasheets can be provided by cement companies or downloaded from their websites. Downstream users such as concrete plants have a responsibility to pass on the appropriate environmental, health and safety information to their customers. The cement industry will be working with its customers to ensure that their procedures comply with the harmonised cement safety datasheet and that the correct information is forwarded to end users. Mike Gilbert, Chief Executive of the British Cement Association (BCA), said: "We advise that people wear appropriate safety protection; such as waterproof protective clothing, boots, gloves and eye protection whenever they work with wet cement or concrete. Cement is safe to use if basic precautions are taken." Contact: Liezel Tipper, Press Officer at the British Cement Association | Tel: +44 (0)1276 608707 | Email: ltipper@bca.org.uk | www.cementindustry.co.uk OSH UPDATE keeps everyone informed and healthily and safeKeeping up-to-date in worldwide occupational health, safety, hygiene, road safety, water safety, environment trends and the latest information can be time consuming. Do budget constraints not allow you to buy all the latest journals, newsletters and documents that contain the latest information? Can't afford the time to search for the latest information, legislation and standards? No staff to search for this information? And no time yourself to spend hours searching for information? Then do what many organisations and individuals have done recently and take out a subscription to OSH UPDATE! This newly launched, very affordable Internet based service OSH UPDATE, from Sheila Pantry Associates Ltd is the answer for you. Powered by Head Software International's Headfast/Discovery Internet publishing software, OSH UPDATE containing over 538,000 references is now available and is updated monthly see www.oshupdate.com OSH UPDATE records has links to the full text where possible - this is all done for you! It currently contains ten bibliographic databases from worldwide authoritative sources:
OSH UPDATE will expand - we are continuing to make agreements with other well-known information producers around the world and these databases will also be included. As well as the latest information, many reference sources go back 80 or more years and so a valuable tool for researchers, trainers and practitioners. This new aggregation of databases contains thousands of relevant references with abstracts or keywords and will keep you and your colleagues alerted to hot topics such as the health risks of nanotechnology, corporate killing and corporate social responsibility, bio-terrorism, management of road risks, preparedness and business continuity and risk assessment. The title price for a single user via the Internet is GBP250.00/Euros 360.00 /US$ 450.00 per year - less than 68 pence/1 Euro /1.2 dollars per day The price* (see below for further details) reflects our aim to bring health and safety guidance, Advice, research, journal articles, papers, standards to the attention of health and safety practitioners and managers, researchers, trade union safety representatives, occupational physicians, information specialists in industry, colleges and universities, government staff, inspectors, university and college safety directors, university and college lecturers and those in training - at a cost that is affordable and a service that is time efficient.
Why not take a 30-DAY FREE TRIAL of OSH UPDATE and see for yourself. If you are interested in taking up this service on trial please email/fax with your details, or contact us to ask further questions. Sheila Pantry OBE BA FCLIP, Sheila Pantry Associates Ltd, 85 The
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Survey reveals 50% of UK businesses are still in the dark about fire safety reformThe new UK Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order will come into force from October 2006, and any business or premises owners failing to comply face serious legal consequences including hefty fines or, in the event of a fire-related fatality, imprisonment. However, despite this threat a survey conducted by Corus Fire Engineering has revealed that 35 percent of businesses in England and Wales (1) are unaware of how the new reform will affect them, whilst nearly 50 percent of respondents admitted they were uncertain as to how they go about making sure they are compliant. These findings come in the wake of an ODPM announcement issued earlier this year stating that the original enforcement date was being put back from 1 April to 01 October 2006 to allow businesses and fire safety experts more time to get ready for the new regulations. Dr Brian Kirby Corus Fire Engineering Business and Technical Manager comments: "No business welcomes the introduction of red tape, but our survey findings clearly indicate that for many businesses the responsibility of trying to familiarise themselves with a new regime whilst keeping on top of everyday business concerns is proving to be something of a juggling act." He continues: "The repercussions of a major fire incident are so serious that up to 80 per cent of businesses never actually recover (2). The new legislation is an important reform and its successful implementation is vital, - people's livelihoods and indeed lives depend on it." From October 2006 the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order will apply to the vast majority of commercial premises and workplaces in the UK, and signifies a major step change in current fire safety legislation. Fire Risk Assessments will replace the existing fire certificates issued annually by the fire brigade. Employers or commercial building owners must now take responsibility for seeking out expert advice to complete their own fire risk assessment. Dr Kirby continues: "There is an urgent need to make sure that businesses are correctly educated in the details of this new legislation, and ensure that a robust and adequate fire safety management programme is introduced and maintained. Despite the risk of prosecution we are still finding that many businesses are putting themselves in jeopardy through a basic lack of understanding of what constitutes as compliance. Even with all the right physical measures in place, if a company cannot produce the authorised documentation to verify that work has been completed, they leave themselves wide open to prosecution." A properly conducted assessment will benefit a business, in terms of both satisfying the legal requirements relating to the safety of employees, and providing a safer overall environment that reduces the risk of fire damaging or destroying the business." (1) Corus Fire Engineering conducted a survey across 958 businesses based in England and Wales. Scottish authorities are developing similar fire safety legislation and supporting guidance for Scotland separately. The new rules are expected to come into force in October 2006 at the earliest. (2) Fire claims in commercial properties are on the increase. According to statistics issued by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, whilst the number of fires may be falling, the overall financial effect of any occurring is becoming more serious - figures for 2005 are approaching £800 million in property loss alone, with loss of business being considerably more. Corus Fire Engineering (CFE) has more than 20 years' experience of fire engineering research and design. They offer a comprehensive and reliable Fire Risk Assessment service which is backed up by a wealth of experience in both life and property fire safety. All CFE assessors have significant fire safety experience gained from either a fire authority or fire insurance background ensuring that fire risk assessment is completed to the highest possible standards with a service that is comprehensive and on hand with advice. Each Fire Risk Assessment is thoroughly tailored to the needs of the business or premises and will ensure that all potential fire risks are accounted for and, where required, expertly advised to ensure necessary investment is well spent. Corus Fire Engineering will undertake the necessary liaison with the Fire Authority in order for your company to comply with its legal obligation. The Department of Communities and Local Government has developed a set of 11 guidance documents to provide practical advice on how to comply with the new legislation available at: www.communities.gov.uk/fire/firesafety/firesafetylaw/aboutguides EurOhse2006 Masterclass on Training of Business Continuity Teams to be held on Tuesday, 6 February 2007, Imperial Hotel, Russell Square, London... read on for more details about other Masterclasses EurOHSE Masterclass on Training of Business Continuity Teams on Tuesday, 6 February 2007 at the Imperial Hotel, Russell Square, London. The Masterclass aims to show what is needed to train Business Continuity Management Teams. It builds on existing knowledge and skills in Business Continuity Management that should be in place within the framework of managing health and safety at work. Learning Objectives
The Masterclass is aimed at: OSH managers, directors and others responsible for Business Continuity Management Teams, risk managers and emergency and business continuity planners in industry, commerce and local and central government. Presenter John Sharp is recognised world-wide for the contributions he has made to Business Continuity Management. In 2004 he was made an Honorary Fellow of the Business Continuity Institute and at the 2004 BCM Awards in London was given a special award for his outstanding contribution to the industry. In 2005 John was elected to the US BCM Hall of Fame for the work he has done to raise the professionalism of BCM across the world. In addition to his work with clients John supports the Continuity Forum, an educational and development body, as their Policy and Development Director. From 1997 until 2004 he was the Chief Executive Officer of the Business Continuity Institute where he was responsible for delivering services to members through-out the world and working with all facets of industry, commerce and government to enhance the understanding and commitment to business continuity as a key management discipline. John is a regular speaker and chair at conferences in the UK and abroad and has lectured at the Universities of Cranfield, Nottingham and Coventry. He is a part time course director at the UK government's Emergency Planning College. In addition he is the author of many articles on Business Continuity Management. He has considerable experience of dealing with the media and has provided input to newspaper articles, radio, television and educational films. EurOhse 2006/7 Masterclasses will provide key points for future activities for all those responsible for securing good standards of health and safety in the workplace, and excellent networking opportunities. The Trainers are all very experienced and the first four Masterclasses will be held in November 2006 and two more in February 2007 at the Imperial Hotel, Russell Square London, details as follows: Monday, 6 November 2006 Tuesday 7 November 2006 Wednesday 8 November 2006 Thursday 9 November 2006 Tuesday 6 February 2007 Wednesday 7 February 2007 Places will be limited for these interactive Masterclasses ... Bookings have already started - make sure that you book early. SPECIAL REGISTRATION OFFER If you register for 2 Masterclass events you will receive a 10%
discount. Payment must be received prior to the event. Delegates are responsible for making hotel bookings. The organisers reserve the right to alter the content of the programme. Payment can be made online via our secure World Pay system, payment can be made by cheque or you can request an invoice to be sent to you. This booking includes admission to the Masterclass and lunch/coffee for the day. For further details regarding the content of the Masterclasses contact the programme organiser Sheila Pantry at Tel: +44 (0) 1909 771024 or Email: sp@sheilapantry.com For further details regarding booking a place contact EurOhse 2006, Office and Logistics Manager, European Occupational Health and Safety Magazine (EurOhs), Angel Business Communications Ltd, Unit 6, Bow Court, Fletchworth Gate, Burnsall Road, Coventry CV5 6SP, UK | Tel: +44 (0) 1926 512424 | Fax: +44 (0) 1926 512948 | Email: jesse@angelbc.co.uk | www.eurohse2006.com Flavourings-Related Lung Disease Subject of new NIOSH Topic PageA new US National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Topic Page provides a resource for findings and recommendations by NIOSH to reduce the risk of severe obstructive lung disease (bronchiolitis obliterans) associated with occupational exposures to flavourings. Bronchiolitis obliterans is a serious, irreversible lung disease whose symptoms include cough and shortness of breath on exertion. The topic page provides background on NIOSH's extensive research into this occupational disease, outlines the symptoms associated with and treatment for bronchiolitis obliterans, and discusses recommended control measures for reducing job-related exposures to flavourings. Also on the page are links to key NIOSH resources and reports stemming from its research. See the Topic Page at www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/flavorings. The page includes an email address for providing feedback and receiving updates of information, Flavorings@cdc.gov. Award for US National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Education and Information Division (EID) Paul A. Schulte, PhDPaul A. Schulte, PhD, Director of the Education and Information Division, US National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received the 2006 Kammer Merit in Authorship Award for his study "Characterizing the burden of occupational injury and disease" from the American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine (ACOEM). The Award recognizes outstanding articles published in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine. The literature review (J Occup Environ Med 2005 Jun; 47(6):607-622) provided a comprehensive characterization of the burden incurred by occupational injury and disease. Schulte found that while the magnitude of occupational disease and injury burden is significant, it is underestimated, and there is a need for an integrated approach to address these underestimates. International Trade Unions Welcome ILO Child Labour DebateThe international trade union movement today welcomed the holding of a key debate at the International Labour Organisation's Annual Conference, as a key moment for the international community to examine progress in eliminating child labour and ensuring that every child goes to school. Governments, employers and trade unions are discussing the ILO report "The end of child labour: Within Reach" at the Conference. The report sets out results in implementing ILO Child Labour Conventions, and identifies a number of key challenges for the coming years. "This debate will we hope be a real turning point, bringing the entire international community to a comprehensive commitment to get the tens of millions of child labourers out of work and into school" said Willy Thys, General Secretary of the World Confederation of Labour. The report sets a target for the elimination of the "Worst Forms" of child labour, under ILO Convention 182, by the year 2016, and includes figures indicating a major reduction of children suffering the worst forms of exploitation. It also sets out some future reference points for international action, including strengthening the "Worldwide Movement" against child labour and building further cooperation with trade unions and employers. Trade unions are concerned nevertheless that some may seek to use the ILO report as a justification for focusing on the most egregious forms of child labour, while not tackling the broader problems of insufficient provision of quality education, and poor regulation of labour markets. Such an approach risks merely moving children from very hazardous to less hazardous work, while avoiding tackling the fundamental reasons that children end up in work instead of school. Therefore, the ILO Convention 138 on Minimum Age for Employment must always remain the benchmark for policy and for action. "We are calling for clear commitment to free, universal, relevant compulsory education, publicly provided and of high quality. Fulltime education provided by qualified/properly trained teachers will break the cycle of poverty by leading to gainful decent jobs. But to really make a difference, education must be inclusive and reach out to disadvantaged groups such as the poor, girls, ethnic minorities, migrants, rural communities, handicapped and AIDS-affected children", said Fred van Leeuwen, General Secretary of Education International, stressing that "the universal right to education is not negotiable". "Along with education, the other major issue is decent jobs for adults" said ICFTU General Secretary Guy Ryder. "Where adults in the household have decent jobs, the pressure to allow children to fall out of school and into work is removed. So action on child labour must always be linked to other labour rights, especially those concerning discrimination, forced labour and freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining for better incomes and decent working conditions", he added. Unions will also be using the Geneva meeting to highlight the work being done by trade unions around the world aimed at eliminating child labour, including community mobilisation for education, action to change the policies of the International Monetary Fund, World Bank and other institutions, agreements with employers, rehabilitation of child labourers, cooperation programmes with the ILO and other groups, and organising adult workers to improve household incomes and combat poverty. Action on the most common forms of child exploitation, in particular in agriculture and domestic service, also features high on the union agenda. Annals of Occupational Hygiene paper selected for OUP centenary collectionOxford University Press (OUP) has celebrated its 100 years of publishing by picking 100 papers, from the scores of thousands published in its 180 journals over the years, that have made "a significant impact in a particular field, that had changed perceptions, were the most highly cited articles, or that were recognised as simply outstanding pieces of research." A paper from the June 2000 edition of the British Occupational Hygiene Society (BOHS) scientific journal, Annals of Occupational Hygiene, has been selected. Entitled 'The quantitative risks of mesothelioma and lung cancer in relation to asbestos exposure', this paper is still being downloaded from the Annals website over 100 times in most months, despite being over five years' old, and has had many citations. The full text can be downloaded free from the Annals website, http://annhyg.oupjournals.org. The authors, John T Hodgson and Andrew Darnton, are delighted to have been included and proud to be in esteemed company: amongst the other papers is one from 1950 by Alan Turing, often called the father of modern computer science, on whether a computer could replicate the brain; and the first publication of a limerick by AE Housman. The complete list of all 100 papers selected is at www.oxfordjournals.org/news/centenary. The 'Annals of Occupational Hygiene' has been BOHS's research journal for 46 years, and is now one of the world's longest-standing and leading publications in the field. It's available both on-line as well as in hard copy. The on-line edition allows browsing or free-text searching of the 2,900 or so items that have been published since 1972. BOHS was formed in 1953 and its aim is simple: to help to reduce work-related ill-health. With members from within industry, health, education and research, it is by far the biggest hygiene society in Europe, and has been strengthened by its merger in April 2003 with the British Institute of Occupational Hygienists. The Faculty of Occupational Hygiene within BOHS plays a vital role in developing and maintaining the professional standards of hygienists, and is recognised internationally as a major professional examination and qualification body. Contact: Anthea Page, Communications Officer, BOHS, 5/6 Melbourne Court, Millennium Way, Pride Park, Derby, DE24 8LZ, UK | Tel: +44 (0)1332 250701 | Email: anthea@bohs.org | www.bohs.org NIOSH's National Personal Protection Technology Laboratory new technology for sensorsThe US US National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) National Personal Protection Technology Laboratory has completed a key phase of a project to develop new technology that will incorporate sensors into air-purifying respirator filter cartridges. The sensors are intended to provide a low-cost electronic system that will alert the user when 90 percent of a cartridge's capacity has been consumed, signaling the need to replace the cartridge. In the completed phase, researchers constructed a cartridge simulation device that accomodates sensors, and successfully evaluated the simulator against criteria used by NIOSH to test respirators for certification. Over the next six months, the laboratory will place sensors in the simulator and test them to determine if they function as expected. If those tests are successful, NIOSH will distribute sensors to eight respirator manufacturer companies that volunteered to pursue this collaborative research with NIOSH in response to a public notice in 2004. The manufacturers will integrate the sensors into their own cartridges, and return the integrated systems to NIOSH for testing and evaluation. For more information, contact Jay Snyder at JSnyder@cdc.gov. IOSH Middle East Branch becomes a realityIOSH (Institution of Occupational Safety and Health) is continuing to influence a safer world of work by launching a new virtual branch in the Middle East. The new branch was officially launched in Dubai on 1 June 2006 by IOSH President Neil Budworth at a special seminar, with speakers from regional governments, the oil, gas and construction industries. The launch is a welcome one for the region, particularly given the keen interest in health and safety issues in the Middle East. Commenting on the launch, Neil Budworth said: "The launch of a Middle East Branch is a big step for IOSH. It is a rapidly developing area which is benefiting from significant local and international investment. This presents many challenges for the health and safety profession, and a new branch can only help practitioners in the region to meet these challenges. "For IOSH, this is a major development because it gives us our fourth international branch, and geographically our largest. Given the dynamism, energy and enthusiasm of members in the region, I hope that the interest and proactive nature of members will continue. I hope they will develop significant profile for their branch, and for IOSH, in the region." The new branch will help members in the Middle East to link up and support each other and to share information. It will also be seeking to address legal complications surrounding health and safety in the region, and to raise awareness of the role of practitioners and of health and safety. Emma Ross, interim head of international affairs at IOSH, said: "The new branch has been set up as a virtual branch due to the wide geographical area it covers, and it will operate through cross-regional contact and co-operation. The formation of a Middle East Branch is the result of many years hard work." The Middle East Branch is planning to arrange informal meetings, and as the branch develops, countries within the region may choose to become formal sub-sections, known as districts, within the branch structure. More information on the new branch and the launch event can be obtained by contacting Jacoba Slee, IOSH international affairs officer | Tel: +44 (0)116 257 3208 | Email: jacoba.slee@iosh.co.uk Alternatively, visit www.iosh.co.uk/branches Institution of Occupational Safety and Health Cefic encourages structured follow-up of High Level Group on Energy recommendationsThe High Level Group on Competitiveness, Energy and the Environment (HLG), which held its second meeting on 2 June 2006, enabled a better understanding of the needs to improve energy markets, access to competitive energy, energy efficiency and the Emissions Trading Scheme. Cefic now encourages a structured follow-up. Theo Walthie, Member of the High Level Group and Chairman of Cefic's Energy, HSE and Logistics Programme, proposed an initiative on energy efficiency that was adopted by the HLG. The initiative aims to set up a scheme of best practice sharing between all industry sectors to the benefit of SMEs. "More work needs to be done on the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS)", Theo Walthie says. "Lessons learnt from the first trading period now need to be taken into account for the second phase (2008-2012). We must reduce the complexity (e.g. by excluding SMEs) and limit the impact on power prices. These electricity price increases damage the chemical industry and we cannot wait until 2013 for a solution". Cefic highlighted the importance of project-based mechanisms (JI/CDM*) to help the EU meet the Kyoto commitments. The EU could take leadership with regard to effective technology and workable administration. The European chemical industry looks forward to offering technology solutions to other regions of the world. * Project-based mechanisms are available to signature countries to the Kyoto Protocol to assist them in accomplishing their commitments and to promote sustainable development: Joint Implementation Projects and Clean Development Mechanisms (JI/CDM). These mechanisms are based around the development of emission reduction projects in other developed or developing countries. HSE get free and easy with publications... in 2007The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) confirms that it has made an 'in principle' decision to make almost all its priced publications available free online from Spring 2007. This is welcomed by many people - including your Editor. TUC head of safety Hugh Robertson said: 'Unions have been campaigning for this for some time, and it is great news for those safety reps with internet access.' He added: 'At last representatives will have access to the official approved codes of practice (ACoPs) and guidance they need to enable them to do their job properly. We will be talking to the HSE about ways of ensuring those safety reps who do not have access to the web can get copies. Nevertheless this news will be welcomed by the trade unions. The HSE has now joined the ranks of most other government regulators in giving the public access to the regulations and guidance directly relevant to their work.' The HSE Accident Book and the Health and Safety Law poster will remain as priced publications. Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prevention National Research and Response Agenda MeetingThe US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the State of Maine will co-host a Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prevention National Research and Response Agenda Meeting July 12-13, 2006 in Portland, Maine. The meeting will focus on both surveillance and communication issues for both emergency-related and non-emergency related carbon monoxide poisoning prevention. For more information, contact Scott Damon at SDamon@cdc.gov. |