News from around the World

News Archive

May 2007

European Week for Safety and Health at Work 2007 theme "Lighten the Load", 22-26 October 2007

This year's campaign slogan is 'Lighten the Load' and is dedicated to musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs).

The EU-OSHA website is going to be updated on a regular basis along the year and provides general information on MSDs in 22 languages.

Back disorders are the most common form of ill-health disorders at work, both across Europe and in the UK. They affect 1.0 million people in Great Britain alone each year. Problems include joint injuries, repetitive strain injuries, including work-related neck and upper limb disorders, and lower back pain. Raising awareness, prevention and management are all key factors in reducing MSDs.

The UK Health and Safety Executive has extensive information on MSDs as well as tools, case studies and advice to workers and employers on its dedicated MSD webpages. It also ran a 2006 Better Backs campaign - Visit the campaign.

An HSE campaign website will be launched soon, featuring:

• How to get involved in Euroweek 2007
• Campaign Action Pack downloads
• Events near you
• Good Practice Awards opportunities

www.hse.gov.uk/campaigns

UK Directors consult on directors' duties

Top bosses' organisation the Institute of Directors (IoD) has launched a consultation on new guidance spelling out the safety role of company directors. The initiative, at the request of the Health and Safety Commission (HSC), is being overseen by a nine-person steering group, with Bud Hudspith of Unite representing the TUC.

IoD says in 2001 HSC issued guidance for directors, but says following a re-examination of the issue last year, 'the Commission determined that new guidance was needed to build on the progress made since the earlier publication, to do more to get the health and safety message over at board level.'

Geoffrey Podger, chief executive of the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), flagged up the new IoD guidance in a speech to the Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) conference on 28 March. He said through the guidance, HSE with the IoD was reaching out to boards and directors to secure their commitment to ensure successful health and safety performance. In parallel with this process, TUC and unions are continuing their campaign for new legally binding safety duties on company directors.

Directors' Duties on Health and Safety at Work - A public consultation by the Institute of Directors. Responses should be made online, by email or post by Friday 22 June 2007. Written responses to HS Consultation 2007, Policy Unit, Institute of Directors, 116 Pall Mall, London, SW1Y 5ED, UK.

The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) Society of Occupational Health Nursing Forum and Society of Occupational Medicine joint conference and exhibition
Collaboration... the way forward for Occupational Health 3-4 December 2007 - City Hall, Cardiff, UK

The focus of the conference is 'Partnership and Collaboration' between health care professionals working in the field of occupational health and/or others who have successfully worked in partnership with OH services e.g. GPs, Practice and Community Nurses, Physiotherapists and Counsellors.

The RCN are calling for papers, which demonstrate how these groups work together to improve the health of workers and/or have reduced the incidence of work related ill health.

The Government's health, work and well-being strategy is high on the agenda and the occupational health professional's role in supporting this will be addressed, with topics such as absenteeism, 'Welfare Reform' and other current workplace health issues.

Contact: Priya Tekchandani, Conference and Events Organiser, The Royal College of Nursing, 20 Cavendish Square, London, UK | Tel: +44 (0) 207 647 3581 | Fax: +44 (0) 207 647 3411 | Email: occupationalhealth@rcn.org.uk | www.rcn.org.uk

Don't be out of date with your information instead keep up-to-date with the latest Health, Safety and Fire information easily and cost effectively

Sheila Pantry Associates Ltd. publish a number of health, safety, environment and fire electronic services that contain authoritative and validated information from well-known organisations around the world such as the Health and Safety Executive, European Agency for Health and Safety at Work, ILO Health and Safety Centre, Geneva, US National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Fire Service College and UK Forensic Science Service

These services are constantly updated, contain both full text and bibliographic information have been transferred onto new, easy-to-use software and host platform. All services are available for a 15-day free trial.

The following services are long-established and are used worldwide by a wide variety of individuals, OSH practitioners, consultancies, organisations, universities, researchers and lecturers:

• Fireinf (previously Fire, Emergency and Preparedness)
• OSH UPDATE
• IRISH OSH UPDATE (includes content of OSH Ireland)

Contact Sheila Pantry Associates Ltd. for free trials for all services that are cost effective. Why pay more for information? For a 15 DAY FREE - NO OBLIGATION TRIAL contact: Sheila Pantry Associates Ltd | Tel: +44 (0) 1909 771024 | Fax: +44 (0) 1909 772829 | email: sp@sheilapantry.com | or fill in the Interest form www.sheilapantry.com/interest.html

FORS - Forensic Bibliographic Database

The Forensic Science Service® FORS® database is multidisciplinary and covers literature relevant to the examination of evidential materials, analytical methods and the presentation and interpretation of findings.

The database coverage includes drugs and toxicology, forensic biology, DNA, forensic chemistry, forensic medicine and pathology, digital evidence, computer crime, documents and firearms examination, arson investigation, image processing, fingerprints, safety, quality and management aspects of running a forensic science service.

In addition, the database covers techniques and problems that are also encountered in many analytical laboratories, especially toxicology and body fluid identification. It is an invaluable source of information not only for forensic scientists but also for other professionals involved in crime investigation and the provision of expert testimony to the courts.

The database routinely scans a core list of about 150 journals published worldwide, together with a series of abstracting and bibliographic services. Over 1,900 different sources are included. Since September 1996 all records added to the database have included an abstract.

The database includes a Thesaurus of more than 10,000 controlled vocabulary terms used to index the FORS records.

FORS contains data from 1976 to date with some earlier material also included where relevant. Over 70,000 records - updated on CD-ROM quarterly (January, April, July, October) and via the Internet on a weekly basis.

FORSight: the Forensic Abstract Journal is published and printed monthly and also available electronically as a pdf. Contains relevant forensic and fire related records with extensive abstracts.

Cost GBP 275 per year

Contact: Information Services, The Forensic Science Service, 109 Lambeth Road, London SE1 7LP, UK | Tel: +44 (0)20 7230 3331 | Fax: +44 (0)20 7230 6702 | Email: info.services.enquiry.desk@fss.pnn.police.uk

Eurofound Annual Report 2006

The annual report for 2006 highlights Eurofound's achievements: it raised its profile, it received positive acknowledgement of its work from both European Union (EU) and national-level stakeholders and it contributed more effectively to the EU's legislative processes.

In 2006, Eurofound launched the Network of European Observatories (NEO), held the third Foundation Forum and presented the first findings of the European Working Conditions Survey and the Establishment Survey on Working Time.

In total, Eurofound published 168 English-language publications, which contributed to the 40% increase in user sessions on its websites. Press activities reached some 36 million people, almost 500 visitors came to the Foundation, and Eurofound experts contributed to around 120 external events. More than 3,500 policy-makers, social partners, advisors, and experts participated at the 90 meetings that Eurofound organised.

Download the report at www.eurofound.europa.eu/publications/htmlfiles/ef0717.htm

FIREINF keeps you up-to-date with fire and fire emergency and preparedness information from worldwide sources

FireINF, arguably the world's premier collection of related validated, authoritative information is the source for you - because it aims to help all those seeking such information. Emphasis is on all aspects of fire, emergency and preparedness management principles, fire risk assessment, practices and research.

One way to quickly gain access to this collection of fire legislation, guidance and advice that is up-to-date and relevant is to take a 15-day free trial of FireINF that is focused, affordable and easy to use.

Much time is spent these days searching the Internet for validated and authoritative information often resulting in out-of date sources. In this fast moving world it is essential to have quick access to validated, authoritative and constantly updated information collections. The ones brought together and maintained by information specialists is one sure way of getting good quality data.

Lecturers and students alike will find FireINF useful in their work.

As new research and new ways of working, with the attendant alterations in products, services and technology developments means that no-one, especially those responsible for fire, emergencies and preparedness in workplaces of all kinds, should be without the latest information. FireINF will keep you updated.

Searchers should also be aware that the myth abounding in the world that everything is published on the Internet and is free is just not true! Many of the information sources in FireINF are not published on the Internet.

Published by Sheila Pantry Associates Ltd. since 1997 (previous title Fire Worldwide), using the powerful Head Software International software it is accessible via the Internet Service for those who need access to a one-stop shop information source.

FireINF is the premier collection of validated, authoritative information and contains two major collections - the Full Text Collection containing thousands of pages of full text information and The Bibliographic Collection that has 7 databases which contain over 262, 000 records to journal articles, guidance and advice, circulars, reports, conference proceedings, research reports, statistics and codes of practice from worldwide sources, all of which may be easily accessed. For those organisations that do not subscribe to a range of journals/magazines this is one way of ensuring that the latest news, developments and trends are available. One of the databases - from the British Standards Institution - contains references to over 3800 fire and fire related standards.

Why not take a FREE 15-DAY TRIAL OF FireINF now? Send your request

Contact: Sheila Pantry Associates Ltd, Sheffield S26 1JG, UK | Tel: +44 (0) 1909 771024 | Fax: +44 (0) 1909 772829 | Email: sp@sheilapantry.com | www.sheilapantry.com | www.oshworld.com | www.shebuyersguide.com | www.oshupdate.com | www.fireinf.com

BOHS to run a series of Webinars in June: no need to leave your desk to attend!

The British Occupational Hygiene Society (BOHS) has three Webinars lined up for June, covering a range of hot topics widely relevant to occupational health professionals. All can be booked on-line for just £30 (£20 for members of BOHS) which includes all phone charges from within the UK.

6 June 2007: An Introduction to Control Banding presented by Andrew Garrod, an HSE Specialist Inspector and Member of the Faculty of Occupational Hygiene. The event will invite consideration of a number of scenarios, many in occupational hygiene, involving hazard banding, risk banding, control banding and other bandings applied in a regulatory context, which involve scientific and 'political' decisions. A recent application of Control Banding involved identifying appropriate, precautionary approaches to the control of welding fume. The discussion will include a brief resume of banding the hazard, assessing the risk, and selecting the right control band.

21 June 2007: Latex Allergy presented by Chris Packham of EnviroDerm Services and Chair of BOHS's Hazardous Substances Special Interest Group. Latex allergy continues to exercise many people, particularly in those working environments where thin, single-use gloves have to be worn. Whilst there have been problems with allergic reactions to natural rubber latex gloves, both in health care and some other occupational sectors, is this still a significant problem and should we really be looking at alternatives to natural rubber latex? Chris will review the evidence that is now available so that those responsible for deciding which glove material to select can make their decisions based on real facts.

25 June 2007: What is REACH and the impacts for Occupational Hygiene presented by Chris Money of ExxonMobil and BOHS member. This Webinar will review the key changes that REACH brings for the chemical industry and how the new responsibilities that are being placed on chemical manufacturers and importers will, in turn, affect all groups who supply, purchase and use chemicals. In particular, the Webinar will discuss some of the major changes that will take place to the structure and content of safety data sheets and how these, by virtue of their comprehensiveness and transparency, can be expected to affect the practice of occupational hygiene.

All three Webinars take place at 15.00 (British Summer Time) and will last for approximately one hour.

What is a Webinar? Simply a live, web-based tutorial with voice communication by a conventional conference telephone call. All you need to take part is a computer with a (preferably) broadband connection, and a phone. Participants log onto a specific website to see the visual presentation and listen to the commentary over the phone, and can ask questions and debate issues throughout.

For full programme details and to book your place, go to the Event Calendar on the BOHS website. The link to the Webinar website and the conference call telephone number are provided directly to those who have registered.

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

US NIOSH releases "Future Directions for the NIOSH Fire Fighter Fatality Investigation and Prevention Program (FFFIPP)" and also some new publications

In 2006, the USA National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) sought stakeholder input on the NIOSH Fire Fighter Fatality Investigation and Prevention Program (FFFIPP) at a public meeting and through a public docket, and conducted a national survey of U.S. fire departments. NIOSH undertook these efforts to ensure that the program was meeting stakeholders' needs and to seek input on ways to increase the impact of the program on fire fighter safety and health.

NIOSH has identified future directions for the FFFIPP based on this stakeholder input and survey results.

NIOSH has released the following new publications:

• Technology News 521, "Development of a Mobile Manipulator to Reduce Lifting Accidents" [DHHS (NIOSH) Pub. No. 2007-111] www.cdc.gov/niosh/mining/works/coversheet199.html
• "Truck Driver Occupational Safety and Health-2003 Conference Report and Selective Literature Review" [DHHS (NIOSH) Pub. No. 2007-120] www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2007-120

NIOSH Health Hazard Evaluation Reports

The Service Sector

• Work stress. NIOSH responded to a request from management and union representatives to evaluate work in a 911 emergency response and dispatch center. NIOSH recommended improving supervisory training, enhancing working relationships among different groups of employees, and further evaluation of job satisfaction. www.cdc.gov/niosh/hhe/reports/pdfs/1997-0137-3026.pdf.
• Polychlorinated biphenyls and metals exposure. NIOSH responded to a request from employees at a facility that recycles transformers. NIOSH recommended changes to engineering and work processes and providing personal protective equipment. www.cdc.gov/niosh/hhe/reports/pdfs/2006-0006-3039.pdf.

The Manufacturing Sector

• Chemical exposures. NIOSH responded to a union request to evaluate various exposures at a plant manufacturing steel bars and coils. NIOSH recommended engineering improvements, hearing conservation and other medical surveillance programs, and other changes to better protect the health of employees. www.cdc.gov/niosh/hhe/reports/pdfs/2003-0175-3033.pdf.
• Sudden hearing loss. NIOSH responded to an employee request to investigate the occurrence of sudden hearing loss in one ear among three employees. NIOSH did not identify any workplace exposure that could explain the sudden hearing loss, which was more likely viral in origin. www.cdc.gov/niosh/hhe/reports/pdfs/2005-0188-3038.pdf.

The Health Care and Social Assistance Sector

• Indoor environmental quality. NIOSH responded to a union request to evaluate concerns at a medical center and methadone clinic. NIOSH recommended improving ventilation to correct identified deficiencies and implementing a violence prevention program. www.cdc.gov/niosh/hhe/reports/pdfs/2003-0205-3032.pdf

Employers and Trade Unions Pledge to Fight Harassment and violence at work

The European social partners (ETUC, BUSINESSEUROPE, CEEP and UEAPME) have signed a framework agreement on harassment and violence at work. The agreement aims to prevent and, where necessary, manage problems of bullying, sexual harassment and physical violence at the workplace. Companies in Europe will have to adopt a policy of zero-tolerance towards such behaviour and draw up procedures to deal with cases of harassment and violence where they occur. Data suggests that one in 20 workers (5%) reports being exposed to bullying and/or harassment each year.

Vladimir Špidla, Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities, who was present at the signing of the agreement in Brussels, said: "Social Europe has made an important step forward today. The existing tools for protecting workers' health and safety have been completed by a social partners' agreement against violence and harassment at the workplace. This is further proof of the success of social dialogue in producing concrete results for workers and employers in Europe."

The European agreement condemns all forms of harassment and violence and refers to the employer's duty to protect workers against these situations. Companies will need to set out procedures to follow when cases of harassment or violence arise. These can include an informal stage involving a person trusted by management and the workforce. Complaints should be investigated and dealt with quickly. The principles of dignity, confidentiality, impartiality and fair treatment need to be respected. The agreement underlines that appropriate measures will be taken against the perpetrator, including disciplinary action up to dismissal, while the victim will receive support with reintegration, if needed.

The social partners have been negotiating on this issue for 10 months, following a consultation by the European Commission in 2005. The final text agreed upon in December 2006 was approved by the decision-making bodies of the European social partner organisations and signed today by the Secretaries-General of the four organisations. It will now be implemented by the national social partners in all EU Member States over a period of three years. This is the third "autonomous" framework agreement of the social partners, following those on telework (2002) and work-related stress (2004). This agreement was part of the social partners' work programme for 2006-2008.

IP/07/569