News from around the World

News Archive

February 2012

FABIG event covering 'Best Practice in Fire and Explosion Modelling' on the 21 and 22 March 2012 in Aberdeen, London and via webcast

The meeting will cover "Best Practice in Fire and Explosion Modelling" and will be a half day event held on Wednesday the 21st of March 2012 in Aberdeen and on Thursday the 22nd of March in London and via webcast (registering for the webcast also enables subsequent access to a video recording of the event for 2 weeks).

The programme comprises the following presentations:

• Development of Geometry Models for Explosion Pressure Analysis and Sensitivity of Results to Completeness - A Case Study
  Bob Brewerton - Gexcon
• Development of a Response Surface Approach for Probabilistic Explosion Modelling for Large FPSOs and FLNG
  Viken Chinien - DNV
• Fire and Explosion Modelling - Bridging the Gaps Between Academic Research and Industrial Needs
  Jennifer Wen - Kingston University
• Hydrocarbon Fires: Understand the Hazard, Manage the Risk
  Andrew Nelson - MMI Engineering
• On the Understanding of Standard Fire Loads and the Implementation for Simulation Purpose
  Geir Berge - Petrell

The meeting will start with registration and lunch at 12.40 and the presentations will take place between 13.40 and 16.55.

Members of most engineering institutions can count FABIG Technical Meetings as Continuing Professional Development (CPD). Attendance certificates are issued to delegates upon request.

You can find more information and register for the event online at the FABIG website at www.fabig.com/events. Attendance is free of charge for FABIG members and £350 + VAT per person for non members. For non members, the fee to attend the live webcast is £200 + VAT per person.

For more information regarding registration, please contact Lis Oliver by email at fabig@steel-sci.com or by phone at +44 (0) 1344 636 537.

We are looking forward to seeing you at the meeting.

Guillaume Vannier
FABIG Project Manager

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Risk of driving on cannabis: Brake responds to report

A report by the British Medical Journal published on 10 February 2012 shows drivers who smoke cannabis within three hours of getting behind the wheel double the risk of a serious crash www.bmj.com/content/344/bmj.e595

In the UK, 18% of people killed in road crashes have traces of illegal drugs in their blood, with cannabis the most common [1]. In a recent survey by Brake and Direct Line one in nine young drivers (11%) admitted driving on illegal drugs [2].

Currently, there is no law in the UK against driving with illegal drugs in your body, meaning police have to prove impairment. This makes it difficult for the police to test and prosecute drivers who risk lives by drug driving and means low conviction rates compared to drink driving [3].

UK Road Safety Minister Mike Penning has confirmed the government intends to introduce a new drug-driving offence. He recently announced a panel of experts will advise on the technicalities of introducing the new offence, including whether it is possible to set limits equivalent to the drink drive limit. The government is also in the process of introducing drug screening devices into police stations.

Julie Townsend, Brake deputy chief executive, said: "Tackling drug driving should be a top priority. This report highlights the danger posed by drivers who have smoked cannabis and adds weight to Brake's calls for widespread testing and prosecution of drivers who selfishly risk lives by taking illegal drugs and driving. Brake supports bereaved and seriously injured victims of road crashes and knows too well the horrifying devastation caused by drug drivers. We are pleased the government has expressed commitment to tackling drug driving; we now need urgent action to bring in this desperately needed change in the law - taking a tough, zero tolerance stance - and roadside screening devices to create a strong deterrent against this heinous and highly dangerous behaviour."

Brake's calls for government action

Brake is urging the UK government to move swiftly to create a law with a zero tolerance approach, making it illegal to drive on any amount of illegal drugs. Evidence shows a range of illegal drugs affect the skills, coordination and judgment required for driving, [4] so it is fair to assume that drivers with these drugs in their system are impaired.

Brake is also urging the government to push through type approval for roadside drug screening devices, similar to alcohol breathalysers, enabling widespread enforcement checks and a significant deterrent.

For the past decade, successive governments have promised to tackle the scourge of drug driving but failed to make inroads. Drug driving laws and roadside testing equipment work in other countries including Germany, Australia and Finland so there is no reason to delay in the UK.

End notes:

1. The incidence of drugs and alcohol in road accident fatalities, Transport Research Laboratory
2. Direct Line Report on Safe Driving 2009 - 2011 PART SIX Young drivers, Brake and Direct Line, 2011
3. Criminal statistics annual report 2009 Sup V6, by the Ministry for Justice, 2011
4. See http://think.direct.gov.uk/drug-driving.html

Road crashes are not accidents; the use of the term 'accident' undermines work to reduce road risk and causes insult to families whose lives have been torn apart by selfish drivers who take risks on roads.

NEBOSH qualification for the process industries - suitable for a global market

NEBOSH is showcasing an introductory health, safety and environmental qualification for people working anywhere in the world in the process industries

The NEBOSH Health, Safety and Environment for the Process Industries qualification has been developed for people who work in the chemical process industries. People who are process operators, technicians and line supervisors.

"Safety, health and environmental know-how is a must-have for anyone working in these major hazard industries," said NEBOSH Chief Executive Teresa Budworth. "Process operators, technicians and line supervisors must all be competent in these areas on order to ensure compliance."

The qualification is being promoted at the 10th American Society of Safety Engineers - Middle East Chapter (ASSE-MEC) conference in Bahrain, which is taking place between 20 & 22 February.

"International demand for our qualifications has grown rapidly in recent years," said Teresa Budworth. "We're now finding that employers across the world, particularly those from hazardous sectors such as the process industries, want their people to understand health, safety and environmental practices far better so that they can raise standards, demonstrate competence and win more business."

The NEBOSH Safety, Health and Environment for the Process Industries qualification covers general workplace safety, looking at issues such as risk assessment and control; fire, electrical and transport safety; manual handling and hazardous substances.

It also deals with process safety including common risks and controls; containment; plant integrity and emergency response, as well as environmental management such as control of emissions and environmental risk assessments.

Further information about this qualification can be found at www.nebosh.org.uk/process.

The National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health (NEBOSH) was formed in 1979 and is an independent examining board and awarding body with charitable status. NEBOSH offers a comprehensive range of globally-recognised, vocationally-related qualifications designed to meet the health, safety, environmental and risk management needs of all places of work in both the private and public sectors.

Courses leading to NEBOSH qualifications attract around 35,000 candidates annually and are offered by over 500 course providers around the world. NEBOSH examinations have been taken in over 100 countries. NEBOSH qualifications are recognised by the relevant professional membership bodies including the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH), the International Institute of Risk and Safety Management (IIRSM) and the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA).

Contact: Julia Whiting, Communications and Marketing Manager, NEBOSH | Tel: + 44 (0)116 263 4724 | Mob: +44 (0)7850 204072 | Email: julia.whiting@nebosh.org.uk

Communication on the safe use of chemicals

By the date set in the Classification, Labelling and Packaging (CLP) Regulation, the European Chemicals Agency submitted to the European Commission its study on communication of information on the safe use of chemicals to the general public.

The study provides insights on how to further improve hazard communication to EU citizens. It highlights the following key points:

• Awareness amongst the general public of the new international hazard labels which appear on the packaging of chemical substances is mostly low but consumers rarely purchase these chemicals, the labels are relatively new and awareness will surely grow. However, work is needed at national, industry and EU level both to raise awareness and, crucially, understanding of what the labels mean.
• The perception of hazardousness varies between countries as well as between specific sub-groups of the general public. Awareness-raising activities therefore need to address national hazard perception patterns as well as the differing approaches to hazards exhibited by specific audiences such as families, single households, workers, school children, etc.
• Most people make their choices on the safe use and storage of household chemical products on the basis of their acquaintance with the product as well as other emotional drivers which rely more on experience than on information found on the package. Awareness-raising activities therefore also need to take into account these emotional and experience-based drivers.
• A further analysis of the impact of the hazard labels on EU citizens' behaviour and understanding could be useful after 2015 - the date by which new labels must have replaced the old ones on all chemical mixtures like paint and glues for example.

Additional information on product packaging

• Industry should be encouraged to bring product appearance and packaging more in line with the hazard information on labels, making use of behavioural drivers to amplify the label's message, thereby promoting the appropriate safety behaviour in consumers.
• Changes to the CLP labels themselves are not recommended as it is more beneficial to allow the public to get used to the new system - now in use globally - steadily improving their overall understanding of the hazards posed by chemicals and encouraging a safer use of household chemicals in particular.

According to Article 34 of the CLP Regulation, the European Commission will, on the basis of the study, submit a report to the European Parliament and the European Council in order to, if justified, present a legislative proposal to amend the Regulation.

Further Information: https://echa.europa.eu/view-article/-/journal_content/title/communication-on-the-safe-use-of-chemicals

Excessive working time causes depression: new study from Finland and the UK

A new study has concluded that working long hours - regardless of job stress or satisfaction - increases the risk of depression. Researchers at the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health and University College London followed nearly 2,000 middle-aged British civil servants for almost six years. The researchers examined the civil servants' working hours, whether or not they were depressed or had risk factors for depression to begin with, and whether they had any major depressive episodes over time. In workers with no psychological illness, the rate of a major depressive episode was 2.43 times higher for those who worked more than 11 hours per day compared with employees who worked 7 to 8 hours a day. This association held true even after researchers accounted for other depression risk factors, including socio-demographic factors, smoking, alcohol use, having chronic physical disease, job strain and work-related social support.

'Although occasionally working overtime may have benefits for the individual and society, it is important to recognise that working excessive hours is also associated with an increased risk of major depression,' said study author Marianna Virtanen, an epidemiologist at the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health.

TUC working hours expert Paul Sellers, writing in the union body's Touchstone blog, said the research forms part of a large scale study that has been running for more than 20 years, 'making it one of the most reliable sources for studying working time and health.' He added 'earlier research from the same source found a worrying 60 per cent increase in the risk of contracting heart disease amongst those working overtime.' He criticised both the government and the business lobby group CBI for their continued opposition to a strengthening the Working Time Directive. He said: 'There is obviously a serious risk here and yet the state and business leaders oppose taking action to protect people - simply scandalous!'

More information: https://www.tuc.org.uk/workplace-issues/working-time/excessive-working-time-causes-depression/

Work cancer kills two an hour round the clock

Cancers caused by the jobs we do kill once person in the UK every 30 minutes around the clock, a TUC report has revealed. 'Occupational cancer - a workplace guide' says the prevention of workplace cancer has a much lower profile in the workplace than preventing injuries, 'despite the fact that only 220 to 250 workers die each year as a result of an immediate injury as opposed to the 15,000 to 18,000 that die from cancer.' TUC is calling for greater efforts to prevent cancers, through removing the cause from the workplace, better standards and enforcement and greater union involvement in finding solutions.

The guide notes: 'Trade unions have been at the forefront of the campaign against the use of carcinogens in the workplace. Many substances that employers once claimed were safe have only been recognised as dangerous because unions highlighted the fact that workers were dying as a result of exposure, or because unions have campaigned for their ban or control.' According to TUC: 'Following pressure from unions, a large number of employers have managed to substitute cancer-causing chemicals with safer ones. Examples include trichloroethylene as a cleaner for metal, cancer-causing inks in printing, and formaldehyde and insulating foams in furniture.'

In an accompanying guide to the number of occupational cancers, TUC warns that a failure by the authorities to show the same sort of resolve will have tragic consequences, and warns that government safety cuts will kill. 'What we do today will have a major impact, but it will not be seen for perhaps 20 or even 40 years,' the statistics guide notes. 'By cutting regulation and enforcement it is not only fatalities from injuries that will go up, it is also future deaths from cancer.'

More information: https://www.tuc.org.uk/workplace-issues/risks-newsletter/risks-2012/risks-542-11-february-2012#tuc-20614-2

Countdown starts for new European Healthy Workplaces Campaign

European Agency for Safety and Health at Work EU-OSHA's next Healthy Workplaces Campaign 2012-2013 'Working together for risk prevention' starts on 18 April 2012 and focuses on the twin concepts of management leadership and worker participation in occupational safety and health.

www.healthy-workplaces.eu/en

Upcoming ECETOC Targeted Risk Assessment version 3 and associated workshop

Since its launch in 2004, the European Centre for Ecotoxicology and Toxicology of Chemicals (ECETOC) Targeted Risk Assessment Tool has proved to be an overwhelming success and the new version 3 will be released in the coming weeks along with updated user guides to reflect the changes. At the same time, ECHA has signalled its intent to update its Chesar CSA/ES tool. In this respect, updates to the worker and consumer tools are being developed in close co-operation with ECHA, who intend to incorporate the two human health components of the TRA into the new Chesar version 2.

In addition to these two components, a spreadsheet implementation of EUSES is included in the integrated part of the TRA to facilitate environmental assessments. The integrated part of the TRA is also being updated. These new versions are currently being tested against the TRAv2 and other exposure models.

In order to explain TRAv3 and update users on the difference between TRAv2 and TRAv3, ECETOC is organising a workshop to be held in Brussels on 3 May 2012.

The workshop is likely to prove very popular so the available places will be issued on a first come - first served basis. Further details on the TRA Tool can be found at www.ecetoc.org/tra.

Contact: Ian Cummings, Communications, Media and Web Manager, ECETOC (European Centre for Ecotoxicology and Toxicology of Chemicals), 4 avenue E. Van Nieuwenhuyse, B-1160 Brussels | Tel: 32 2 663 38 17 | Fax: 32 2 675 36 25 | Email: ian.cummings@ecetoc.org | www.ecetoc.org

The European Transport Safety Council (ETSC) has launched a final call for entries in its third annual work related road safety awards

The awards are an important element of the Preventing Road Accidents and Injuries for the Safety of Employees (PRAISE) project are open to organisations of all sizes and types.

With regards to the awards, Antonio Avenoso, ETSC Executive Director said: "I hope this award will motivate employers to take on the challenge and reap the benefits of managing road safety as an integral part of their working practice. Introducing road safety measures makes good business sense, particularly in a tough economic climate when employers should want to cut the costs of collisions in their vehicle fleets".

Criteria for selecting the PRAISE Award winners, which should be demonstrated in your application form:

• Evidence that a 'process' has taken place including risk assessments, formal structures, policies, etc.
• Innovative approach to work related road safety focusing on concrete actions and initiatives.
• Target setting: Showing safety performance targets and how they are monitored?
• Evidence for the business case including return on investment and economic effect.
• Indicators are set up to collect and monitor data on all collisions, material damage and casualties.
• Evidence of Safety impact: including crash rates, casualty reductions, etc.
• Approach to management and staff involvement including role of CEO and responsibility for initiatives.

Full details as to how to apply - http://etsc.eu/PRAISE-award.php or from: ellen.townsend@etsc.eu

Conference on REACH & CLP Enforcement, 1 March 2012, Brussels

The Conference, organised by the European Commission, will gather authorities and stakeholders from all REACH and CLP sectors.

Enforcement and competent authorities, companies - particularly small and medium enterprises (SME), industry associations, workers associations, non-governmental organisations (NGO), importers and only representatives (OR) and non-EU country representatives are invited to discuss how REACH and CLP are being enforced in the EU. Enforcement helps to achieve the objectives of these regulations and fosters an equal playing field for companies on the EU market.

The Conference will focus on enforcement activities and on identifying good practices from both Member States' authorities and stakeholders. Members of ECHA's Forum (the Member State enforcement authorities' network) will present their activities. More information about Forum activities.

The conference takes place in Brussels (Charlemagne building, 170 Rue de la Loi, 1049 Brussels, Belgium).

The number of participants is limited. In case of overbooking, the information provided in the registration form will be used for gathering a balanced representation to maximise the value of the conference.

The conference will be interpreted (EN-FR-DE) and web-streamed on the Commission Webcast Portal

The conference is free of charge.

US NIOSH Science Blog

Frostbite, hypothermia, trench foot, and chilblains are all illnesses and injuries caused by cold stress. Those working outside or in areas that are poorly insulated or without heat may be at risk for cold stress. Read more about cold stress at work, including prevention measures, on the NIOSH Science Blog.

We've updated our blogging software. You will notice that the appearance of the NIOSH Science Blog has changed. The new software will make the blog more user-friendly. The blog's URL has also changed: http://blogs.cdc.gov/niosh-science-blog. We hope that the new software improves your experience. As always, we welcome your feedback and thank you for reading.

Ergonoma journal January 2012 issue has just been published

Ergonoma Journal is read by over 40,000 managers, concerned by ergonomics, usability, health and wellness at work in 43 countries of Europe.

In order to allow you to discover it (and we hope you will subscribe to the paper version) and read it right now, here is the link to the electronic version on the web: www.ergonoma.com/index.php/eng/news/1148/63/In-pink-last-summer-in-green-dotted-with-flowers-this-winter/d,journal.htm

You can also forward this mail to your colleagues and associates so that they can also read Ergonoma Journal

Patrick Le Martin, AMT Europe Ergonoma, 32 Morsans, 28800 Neuvy en Dunois France | Tel +332.37.44.04.60 | Fax +332.37.44.04.50 | patrick@ergonoma.com | www.ergonoma.com

Incident Live 2012, 12-13 June 2012 Millbrook Proving Ground, Bedford, UK

The first show in which suppliers will be able to demonstrate their products. The interactive, hands-on event will appeal to all of the emergency services (public, industrial and military alike) Incident Live will transform emergency services procurement forever.

The two day event, scheduled for 12-13 June 2012 and hosted at the Millbrook Proving Ground in Bedfordshire, will enable operators from all of the emergency services (civilian and military alike) to personally experience the new vehicles and products targeted at operators. There are two themes to the show. These are initial response, which focuses on the vehicles needed to get rapidly to an incident, and at the scene where the focus moves to the actual equipment operators require. This includes lighting and scene protection (visual and critical), rescue equipment (specialist access, fire fighting and cutting equipment for example), protective clothing and life-saving medical intervention to deal with various incidents. In the external exhibition zone visiting delegates will be able to experience something completely different to all the other events they have previously attended.

From test driving the latest fast response vehicles to witnessing advanced new cutting tools, right through to simulated real-life disasters, service professionals will be able to experience first-hand the capabilities of the latest solutions. The inside zone, resembling a more traditional exhibition will allow companies to display their products in a world class setting.

Heralding a new and invigorating way of exhibiting 'Incident Live' will immediately set new standards within our sector. The emergency services in the UK are coming under increasing pressure to deliver world class levels of operational delivery whilst at the same time being placed under severe budgetary pressure. Taking advantage of new technologies and products is one way in which that issue can be solved. Making the right product choice however is a complex and difficult task.

Exhibitions are a good way to examine new products that could lead to increases in operational capacity and delivery whilst also having the chance to share experiences with colleagues and interact in regard to the best possible solutions. One thing has always been missing from the current standard exhibition's though - the ability of operators to really experience and assess first-hand, in real-life the capability of the latest equipment. That is until now! Click on the link above to view the event brochure.

More information: www.incidentlive.com

ITUC Backs Guy Ryder to Lead ILO

The International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) has announced its backing for ILO Deputy Director General Guy Ryder to succeed Juan Somavia as Director General of the tripartite UN body in the election for the post in May.

"The world is facing its greatest employment crisis since the 1930s, and the ILO's role in the international arena is absolutely crucial. Guy Ryder has all the qualities and experience needed to lead the ILO in ensuring decent jobs and social justice are at the heart of the global response," said ITUC General Secretary Sharan Burrow. "His experience of the ILO, commitment to its values, knowledge of the role and content of labour standards, the supervisory system, labour market institutions, social dialogue and employment policies make him the candidate of merit."

Prior to his current position, Ryder's ILO experience included serving as Head of the organisation's Workers' Activities Bureau, and as chief of the Director General's office. In 2002 he was elected General Secretary of the ICFTU, and led the process of unification of the international trade movement culminating in the creation of the ITUC in 2006. He served as ITUC General Secretary until returning to the ILO in 2010.

"Unification of the international trade union movement was an enormously complex process. Guy's success in directing that transformation demonstrates his extraordinary leadership capacity, something which is essential to taking the ILO forward," said Burrow.

ITUC affiliates around the world are lobbying to support his candidacy in the election, which will take place at the ILO Governing Body meeting in late May. Twenty-eight government delegates and 14 delegates, each from employer organisations and trade unions, will vote in the election.

The ITUC represents 175 million workers in 153 countries and territories and has 308 national affiliates.

Website: www.ituc-csi.org and https://www.youtube.com/user/ITUCCSI

Asthma is a serious illness, affecting about three million people in Canada

It can affect your overall quality of life and if not managed, can be life-threatening, cause permanent disability, and even lead to death. Work-related asthma - asthma caused by exposure to an agent in the workplace - is the most common occupational respiratory disorder in industrialized countries. It can greatly affect an individual's ability to work. Early, accurate diagnosis and treatment, plus changes in the workplace, can make a difference to the well-being of patients and their co-workers.

To help reduce the high financial and human health costs of work-related asthma, the Ontario Lung Association in collaboration with Ontario Thoracic Society Provider Education Program, McMaster University, the Occupational Health Clinics for Ontario Workers, and Health & Safety Ontario are providing workers, employers and primary care healthcare providers with up-to-date guideline-based education on work-related asthma through a two-part webinar series. Free webinars demystify work-related asthma.

The webinars will be presented by Dr. Michael Pysklywec, Occupational Health Physician, and Michelle Tew, Occupational Health Nurse, Occupational Health Clinics for Ontario Workers Inc., and each event will run 90 minutes long.

Work-Related Asthma: Breathe Easier - Part 1

Wednesday, February 22, 2012 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm EST

This first webinar focuses on recognition and management of work-related asthma in the worker/patient.

• Awareness of work-related asthma, including identifying characteristics and workplace agents
• Management of symptoms
• How to seek support for affected workers

Work-Related Asthma: Breathe Easier - Part 2

Wednesday, March 21, 2012 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm EST

The second webinar focuses on recognition and management of work-related asthma in the workplace.

• Identification, reduction or prevention of workplace exposures
• Return-to-work issues and case studies

Case studies will highlight key points and allow participants to apply lessons learned. Access to numerous free resources will also be provided. Attendees of these webinars will qualify for continuing education points.

www.ccohs.ca/products/webinars

Join NIOSH and partners for the 2012 Isocyanates Conferences

US NIOSH and partners invite you to register and/or submit papers for Isocyanates and Health: Past, Present and Future, November 1-2 2012 in Bethesda, Maryland, USA.

See a personal invitation from Dr. James Lockey, scientific chair, at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Smv3Mo2yAgQ

More information on the conference or call for papers is available at http://secure.cirpd.org/isocyanates2012/content/home.cfm

New Surface and Dermal Sampling Document Available from ASTM

An ASTM International Special Technical Publication on surface and dermal sampling is now available at www.astm.org/DIGITAL_LIBRARY/STP/SOURCE_PAGES/STP1533.htm. This monograph contains twenty peer-reviewed papers discussing sampling techniques, analytical measurement technologies, reference materials, standardization, occupational hygiene, decontamination methods, and quality assurance. These papers constitute two-thirds of the presentations that were given at the 2010 ASTM-sponsored symposium on surface and dermal sampling in San Antonio, Texas. Kevin Ashley of NIOSH and Michael Brisson of the Savannah River Site, South Carolina, co-organized the symposium and also served as guest editors of this publication.

New Meth Monitoring Methods for Law Enforcement

Three newly approved sampling and analytical methods (9106, 9109, 9111) for the determination of methamphetamines on surfaces have been posted on the NIOSH Manual of Analytical Methods at www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2003-154/new.html.

These methods provide tools that law enforcement officers can employ to detect the presence of surface methamphetamine contamination in suspected clandestine meth lab sites and may also be used to assess whether such areas are safe for human reoccupation.

The theme for the 28 April 2012 World Day for Safety and Health at Work is Green jobs: promoting safety and health in a green economy

The ILO celebrates the World Day for Safety and Health at Work on the 28 April 2012 to promote the prevention of occupational accidents and diseases globally. It is an awareness-raising campaign intended to focus international attention on emerging trends in the field of occupational safety and health and on the magnitude of work-related injuries, diseases and fatalities worldwide.

28 April is also a day in which the world's trade union movement holds its International Commemoration Day for Dead and Injured Workers to honour the memory of victims of occupational accidents and diseases and organize worldwide mobilizations and campaigns on this date.

The celebration of the World Day for Safety and Health at Work is an integral part of the Global Strategy on Occupational Safety and Health of the ILO and promotes the creation of a global preventative safety and health culture involving all stakeholders. In many parts of the world, national authorities, trade unions, employers' organizations and safety and health practitioners organize activities to celebrate this date. We invite you to join us in celebrating this significant day and share with us the activities you organise.

www.ilo.org/safework/events/safeday/lang--en/index.htm

See also for the UK: www.sheilapantry.com/memorial

Protect New Workers

A new publication entitled New to the job: six steps to protect new workers published by the UK Health and Safety Executive states that workers are as likely to have an accident in the first six months at a workplace as during the whole of the rest of their working life. The extra risk arises due to: lack of experience working in a new industry or workplace; lack of familiarity with the job and the work environment; reluctance to raise concerns (or not knowing how to); and eagerness to impress workmates and managers.

This means workers new to a site may not recognise hazards as a potential source of danger; may not understand 'obvious' rules for use of equipment; may be unfamiliar with site layout - especially where site hazards may change from day to day; and may ignore warning signs and rules, or cut corners.

www.hse.gov.uk/diversity/new-to-the-job.htm

Occupational Safety in Transport (OSIT) Conference, Queensland, Australia September 2012

The OSIT Conference is a multi-disciplinary event featuring representatives from road and transport safety, aviation and watercraft, fleets, safety culture and management, construction safety and associated fields, which we believe provides an excellent progression from and follow-up to the 2009 NIOSH Global Conference on Occupational Road Safety (www.virtualriskmanager.net/niosh).

Themes for the OSIT event are planned to cover topics such as:

• Organisational Safety Culture and Management Systems
• Organisational and Industry Transport Risks
• Use of Technologies
• Interventions and Program Strategies and Evaluation
• Data-driven Interventions and Evaluations

Designed to encourage a strong program of both industry and academic presentations, keynote speakers are being drawn from around the globe.

According to Darren Wishart, Chair of the Occupational Safety in Transport Organising Committee the following types of people should attend:

• Fleet managers/coordinators
• Workplace health and safety officers
• Researchers and practitioners
• Policy and process developers
• Engineers
• Vehicle manufacturers
• Local and State government representatives

Key dates:

• Call for Abstracts and event sponsors open - October 2011
• Abstracts due - 13 February 2012
• Registrations Open - 5 March 2012
• Authors advised of abstract acceptance - 19 March 2012
• Early bird registration (and presenter) closes - 14 June 2012
• Standard registration closes - 7 September 2012
• 20-21 September 2012 - OSIT Conference, Crowne Plaza Gold Coast, Queensland Australia.

For more information, and to participate, please look at the following website:

http://ositconference.com

EDMA and Eucomed to establish European Industry Federation

EDMA, the European Diagnostic Manufacturers Association, and Eucomed, the European medical technology industry association, are pleased to announce that their respective members have decided to join forces under the umbrella of a European industry federation.

Uniting the experience and expertise of the two Brussels based industry associations (representing the In Vitro Diagnostics and the medical technology industry), this move aims to enhance the recognition of their joint membership at European level. Speaking with one voice, the federation will be uniquely positioned to address common issues of interest and provide stakeholders with a comprehensive view on the latest technological advances and value-based innovations.

The creation of a European industry federation builds on the longstanding relationship between the two associations and aims to form the basis for even greater cooperation in the future, so as to ensure the place of IVDs and medical technology at the forefront of twenty-first century healthcare and healthcare policy.

To accomplish this goal, the two associations are seeking to employ a joint Chief Executive to head the federation and drive forward future activities by defining a new organisational strategy. The associations will remain organised as two separate and distinct legal entities. The industry federation's membership is open to other European associations operating in the medical industry.

After the departure of EDMA Director General Philippe Jacon in October 2011, EDMA is currently being led by Dr. Volker Oeding ad interim. Luciano Cattani is Chief Executive ad interim of Eucomed since January 17, taking over the role from John Wilkinson.

"We have come together today to further strengthen the ties between our associations and to enhance the effectiveness of the healthcare industry by providing our joint contribution to public health and research policies in Europe," EDMA President Dr. Jürgen Schulze explained. He further pointed out that "this relationship will take our coordination, collaboration and alignment of information and policies on mutually important issues to a new level."

As priority issues for the federation, the two associations have identified, inter alia, the need to further their close cooperation with regulators and policy makers on the upcoming revision of the legal framework for medical devices, which needs to be adapted to the specifics of new and emerging technologies.

"Establishing a European industry federation makes perfect sense not only to our members but also to the outside world. Being able to speak with one industry voice increases the clarity for our stakeholders and enables the federation to more effectively drive value-based innovation in the industry, which in turn will lead to more sustainable healthcare systems," says Eucomed Chairman Guy Lebeau.

About EDMA

EDMA, the European Diagnostic Manufacturers Association, represents national associations and major companies engaged in the research, development, manufacture or distribution of In Vitro Diagnostic (IVD) tests in Europe. Through its membership, EDMA represents in total more than 500 companies across Europe. The mission of EDMA is to raise awareness of the importance, usefulness and added value that diagnostic information can provide to healthcare. For this purpose, EDMA cooperates with European institutions, patients groups, trade associations, health professionals and academia to support an appropriate regulatory system, to work towards a realistic economic environment for healthcare in Europe and to be an effective voice in globalisation. For more information visit www.edma-ivd.eu

About Eucomed

Eucomed is the European medical technology industry association. Its mission is to make modern, innovative and reliable medical technology available to more people. Eucomed represents directly and indirectly 22,500 designers, manufacturers and suppliers of medical technology used in the diagnosis, prevention, treatment and amelioration of disease and disability. Small and medium sized companies make up more than 80% of this sector. The European medical technology industry generates annual sales of €95 billion, invests some €7.5 billion in R&D and employs around 500,000 highly skilled workers. For more information visit www.eucomed.org and www.reforminghealthcare.eu

EDMA: Miriam Gargesi, Public Affairs & Communications Director | Tel: +32 (0)2 777 02 79 | Mobile: +32 (0)473 504352 | Email: m.gargesi@edma-ivd.eu

Eucomed: Ingmar de Gooijer, Director Communications | Tel: +32 (0)2 775 92 24 | Mobile: +32 (0)492 97 14 70 | Email: ingmar.degooijer@eucomed.org

News from Canada: Chemical Labelling Software Ensures Compliance with WHMIS & OSHA Regulations

The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) has developed a web-based tool to help employers and suppliers label their chemical products, in compliance with Canadian and American workplace labelling regulations.

CANLabel will address many of the challenges employers and suppliers face when creating compliant supplier and workplace labels in Canada and the United States. This software will assist employers and suppliers to create labels that meet the requirements of Canada's Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS), and the United States' Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Hazard Communication Standard. The software was created with the new Globally Harmonized System (GHS) for the Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) in mind, as it is expected that both WHMIS and OSHA will be aligning their systems with the GHS.

Features of the software include:

• Hazard assessments drive phrase options
• Translates standard phrases to Canadian French and Latin American Spanish
• Customizable phrases
• Compatibility with off-the-shelf adhesive stationary
• Multiple label sizes

"Labels on containers of hazardous chemical products act as the first warning for workers. Awareness of the hazards and the necessary precautions is critical to workers being able to safely handle hazardous materials," says Lorraine Davison, Manager Chemical Services at the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS). "An upcoming challenge for chemical manufacturers, suppliers and employers will be conforming to the changes required by the new GHS system," she says.

CCOHS is offering a complimentary 90-minute webinar, Going Global-GHS and Labelling, on how to prepare labels that meet current requirements under WHMIS and OSHA while starting to transition to GHS. The webinar will take place Tuesday, January 31, 2012 from 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM EST.

More information about CANLabel is available on the CCOHS Web site.

Contact:

Eleanor Westwood, Manager - Communications, Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) | Tel: (905) 572-2981, Ext. 4408 | Email: eleanorw@ccohs.ca | www.ccohs.ca

or

Jennifer Miconi-Howse, Communications Officer, Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) | Tel: (905) 572-2981, Ext. 4241 | Email: jenmh@ccohs.ca | www.ccohs.ca

Eurofound at the Opening Conference at the 2012 European Year of Active Ageing and Solidarity between Generations EYAA2012

The labour market shortfall caused by the decline in Europe s population and workforce will not be offset by increasing immigration levels nor by higher fertility and productivity rates, delegates will be told at the Opening Conference of the 2012 European Year of Active Ageing and Solidarity between Generations in Copenhagen on 18 January. The only way forward, according to Eurofound, the EU-agency charged with providing European social policymakers with comparative socio-economic research data and findings, is more active and inclusive employment policies - as well as a change to the general mind-set - to extend working life.

Europeans are living longer than ever before, on average ten years more than in 1960. The increased life span is great news, particularly if accompanied by more years in good health. But it also poses many questions for individuals, their families and social security: How long do I need to work? Can I afford to retire? Does society recognise my contribution in providing care and volunteering?

If current levels of productivity and pensions are to be maintained, more people will have to work for longer. When workers grow older, the positive elements of work often retain their importance, but for many it becomes more difficult to do their jobs.

Research from Eurofound provides some good news: the proportion of workers in the EU27 who think they will be able to do their current job at the age of 60 has risen marginally from 57% in 2000 to 59% in 2010. Also, over the past five years, work beyond retirement has become more common in almost all Member States. Currently, around 10% of 65-69-year-olds are employed in the EU27, compared to 8.7% five years ago.

The continual decline in physically demanding work, as well as improvement in health, will contribute to increasing employment rates for older workers in the future. There is no macro-level evidence that older workers sacrificing jobs would benefit the young. There are, however, a number of issues to overcome in relation to the retention and re-employment of older workers, among which updated skills inflexibility versus experience is one, and the short payback time for the human capital investment is another.

To tackle these challenges, European policymakers are increasingly recognising the role of older people in society, both as economic and social providers of resources and users of services. On 18 January 2012 in Copenhagen, at the launch event of the 2012 under the current Danish Presidency of the European Union, Eurofound will present its latest research which explores the impact of an ageing society and workforce.

During the course of 2012, Eurofound will bring you more data, research findings and policy-pointers on demographic change, older workers, working conditions, care responsibilities and youth employment, providing you with insights into developments at EU, national and company levels.

Links:

• http://us1.campaign-archive1.com/?u=46441f70124bed066f0803c16&id=96469c8760&e=22d1aca965
• www.eurofound.europa.eu
• www.eurofound.europa.eu/europeanyear2012/index.htm

For further information, contact Mons Martensson, Media Manager, Eurofound, Loughlinstown House, Wyattville Road, Dublin, Ireland D18 | Tel: +353-1-204 3124 | Mobile: +353-876-593 507 | Email: mma@eurofound.europa.eu

2nd International Wellbeing at Work Conference in Manchester, UK, 21-23 May 2012

The theme for our conference is Making the Case for Wellbeing at Work. We aim to build on the success of the first conference in Helsinki 2010 and provide an environment where research, best practice and innovation can be shared amongst interested researchers, employers, Trade Unions and policy makers from all relevant subject areas.

The Conference will be held at the stunning Lowry Centre at Salford Quays in Manchester, which houses many of Lowry's industrial masterpieces as well as providing exceptional conference facilities.

Exhibitors

If you are interested in exhibiting, please email wellbeing2012@hsl.gov.uk

Co-Chairs of the Organising Committee: Dr Andrew Curran and Professor David Fishwick

Innovative solutions to safety and health risks in the construction, healthcare and HORECA sectors from the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work

One conclusion from the EU-OSHA economic incentives project is that incentives schemes should not only reward past results of good OSH management (such as accident numbers in experience rating), but should also reward specific prevention efforts that aim to reduce future accidents and ill-health.

Experts from the economic incentives project therefore suggested the development of compilations of innovative and evidence-based preventive solutions, starting with the three sectors construction, health care and HORECA (hotels, restaurants, catering).

The preventive measures from these compilations are worth promoting in their own right, as well as being applied in economic incentives schemes. These preventive solutions can be used as a basis for incentive-providing organisations to develop their own incentive scheme, adapted to the specific situation in their sector and country.

Innovative solutions to safety and health risks in the construction, healthcare and HORECA sectors
European Agency for Safety and Health at Work, 21 December 2011, 223 pages, TE3111006, ISSN 1831-9351, ISBN 9789291917303, DOI: 10.2802/8768

http://osha.europa.eu/en/publications/reports/innovative-solutions-OSHrisks/view

7th International Conference on Safety of Industrial Automated Systems (SIAS), 11-12 October 2012 in Montréal, Canada

The event is organized by the Institut de recherche Robert-Sauvé en santé et en sécurité du travail (IRSST).

The SIAS provides a unique opportunity for taking stock of advances that have been made in knowledge of industrial machine safety and analytical methods, while providing a clearer understanding of human/machine interactions.

For more information: www.irsst.qc.ca/en/sias2012.html

Do you want to keep up-to-date and find out where and when OSH and Fire conferences and courses are taking place around the world?

Then go to www.oshworld.com/diary.html that is constantly updated.

OSHWORLD Diary of Events is intended as a guide to the wide range of Health, Safety, Fire, Chemical, Environment events, conferences, seminars, training courses and other related activities worldwide, and includes validated Internet links to further information.

If you cannot attend these events the organisers are usually willing to let you have papers and other information, if you contact them.

If you are organising an event please send details to E-mail: sp@sheilapantry.com

To see events which have passed, go to the Events Archive.

Annual Management Plan and Work Programme from the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work

EU-OSHA fully recognises its responsibility and role in contributing to the aim of creating a smart, sustainable and inclusive economy with high levels of employment, productivity and social cohesion.

Better working conditions is one of the key contributions to reducing health inequalities and promoting a healthy and active ageing population.

In 2012 a new EU policy document on occupational safety and health is expected. It is important to make sure that EU-OSHA is prepared to play its full part in achieving the policy objectives for Europe. Therefore the Agency aims at preparing its own new strategy in 2012.

https://osha.europa.eu/en/publications/work_programmes/strategy2009-2013/view