CIS Newsletter

No. 155
August 2002

CIS Newsletter celebrates 14 years & still going strong! Bringing news to over 130 countries in the CIS Network and beyond!

Contents

1. Editorial

2. News from around the World - Australia, Canada, European Commission, Hong Kong, Ireland, Philippines, Switzerland, UK, USA

3. Titles you may have missed.....

4. OSHE Websites to explore

5. Diary of Events

Editorial

Dear CIS Colleagues

The unequal world of occupational safety and health information continues to thrive, with many people still not able to access some of the truly useful sources of information which are available electronically via the Internet. The dream for many is to have useful, accessible information easily and quickly available. For those who do have access there are growing problems..... I am certain that I am not alone by wanting information to be no more than 3 clicks away and not have to wait for pdfs to reveal themselves. Do other people share my dismay at:

- the variety of formats even on one web, in which information is presented.
Why so many?..... my preference is for html.

- the enormous lengths of some web site names - URLs (only to find someone has decide to relocate it elsewhere)... some governments are determined to give us all RSI as we key in the longer and longer URLs

- the distinctly un-useful logos and fancy graphics which clutter the screen

- the homepages which are so "busy" that it can be a problem just to see what site really contains

- oh for some sites to have "real" information people who index the content in such a way that the data is easy to find......e.g. I know of one well known organisation that has manage to hide at least 17 newsletters in its website.....!

There are only so many hours in a day and the time consuming efforts people have to make worldwide to get to that nugget of information must be helping to add to the stress today's workforce is suffering from.

My research for new topics such as bioterrorism, protecting building environments from airborne chemical, biological or radiological attacks, women's health in the workplace seems to show that the US Government, their Agencies and linked US organisations are way out in front of other countries in offering easy to find and up-to-date topical information.

An ever increasing number of CIS newsletters are delivered by email - well over 100 individuals/organisations receive the emailed version. Many of the e-mailed recipients are those working in the wider OSHE field but who are NOT CIS Members. Last month I mentioned that the CIS Newsletter is also on a number of web sites, e.g.. Australian National Occupational Health and Safety Commission, CIOP in Poland etc.

Now, you can also get it on via your editor's website www.sheilapantry.com to which we will be shortly adding the back numbers for 2002.

As always many thanks to those who have very kindly sent information .... and to those who have not sent any - I look forward to receiving your news item as soon as possible.

Best wishes to you and your colleagues.

Sheila Pantry, OBE
85 The Meadows, Todwick, Sheffield S26 1JG, UK
Tel: +441909 771024
Fax: +441909 772829
Email sp@sheilapantry.com
www.oshworld.com
www.sheilapantry.com
www.shebuyersguide.com

CIS NETWORK OF NATIONAL INFORMATION CENTRES.........
WORKING TOGETHER AND HELPING EACH OTHER....

News from around the OSHE World

News from Hong Kong

Major Safety and Health Expo 2003 in Hong Kong...

18-20 March 2003 Safety and Health Expo 2003, Convention Centre, Hong Kong, SAR organised by the Occupational Safety and Health Council.

As a concurrent event, the Occupational Safety and Health Council is proud to host the SafeCom-12 to share experience on injury prevention and control. As an added value, participants of the SafeCom-12 have the opportunity to join the Safety & Health Expo 2003 consisting of workshops, presentations on occupational safety & health during 18-20.3.2003; and a large scale exhibition providing latest information on a wide range of products and services in the field of safety & health from 18-20.3.2003.

Expo-Conference and SafComm12 are now calling for abstracts and the deadline for submission is 2 October 2002. Also European Companies may wish to showcase their products and services in the Exhibition.

Contact: Tracy Chan, Publicity Officer, Occupational Safety and Health Council, 19/F, China United Centre, 28 Marble Road, North Point, Hong Kong SAR, China | Tel: +852 2116 5672 | Fax: +852 2739 9779 | Email: tracy@oshc.org.hk | www.oshc.org.hk

News from the ILO

ILO says HIV/AIDS impact on African development "underestimated" - major policy shift urgently needed

The economic and social impact of HIV/AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa is far more severe than previously thought and will seriously undermine the development prospects of affected countries, the International Labour Organisation (ILO) says in a new analysis just released.

ILO experts told the XIV International AIDS Conference meeting in Barcelona that previous attempts by economists to measure the costs of HIV/AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa "are likely to be significant underestimates of the social and economic value of the losses of human capital that are being experienced".

"The epidemic affects social and economic life in ways we have never seen before", said Franklyn Lisk, Director of the ILO's Global Programme on HIV/AIDS and the World of Work. "The main socio-economic impact of HIV/AIDS is its decimation of the labour force and the level and allocation of savings and investment. This portends a huge humanitarian disaster with dire economic and social consequences".

A new study by the ILO* launched at the Conference shows that across all occupational sectors in sub-Saharan Africa it is becoming more and more difficult to replace skilled as well as unskilled labour lost to HIV/AIDS. The study also found that as AIDS affects public and private sector workers who provide essential services, many countries are increasingly unable to find the resources badly needed to sustain even current levels of economic development. "Decades of gains in development, training, skills and education are being lost forever", Mr. Lisk said. "The belief that these losses can be replenished from a vast pool of unemployed or underemployed labour is a fallacy."

* Desmond Cohen, "Human capital and the HIV epidemic in sub-Saharan Africa", ILO/AIDS Working Paper 2 ISBN-92-2-113238-2

www.ilo.org/public/english/bureau/inf/pr/index.htm

UNAIDS estimates that annual per capita income of half the countries of sub-Saharan Africa is falling by 0.5-1.2 per cent, and that GDP in the hardest hit countries may decline by 8 per cent by 2010.

ILO London Office
Tel: + 44 20 78286401
Fax: + 44 20 7233 5925
Email: ipu@ilo-london.org.uk

News from Nayab Sultan

CIS Friends will be delighted to know that Nayab Sultan is getting married on Saturday, 10 August 2002 to Rubina Mughal who is a pharmacist. We wish them a wonderful wedding day and much happiness and good health in their future together.

Email: nmsultan@hotmail.com

News from Philippines

8th National Occupational Safety and Health (NOSH) Congress. "Globalization and Occupational Safety and Health: A Call for Inclusion not Exclusion". 23-24 October 2002, Occupational Safety and Health Center Quezon City, Philippines

OBJECTIVE:

Globalisation has enabled a more rapid transfer of technological knowledge throughout the world. As a result, new work processes and changing modes of production have improved the quality of life of our workers. Conversely, the misapplication of such technology has given rise to hazards threatening safety and health as in the case of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) caused by chemical exposure. This congress aims to provide a venue for exchange of views and experiences on new trends and policies on occupational safety and health.

BACKGROUND:

The National Safety and Health (NOSH) Congress is a biennial activity spearheaded by the Occupational Safety and Health Center (OSHC), an attached agency of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). Now on its 8th year, the NOSH Congress aims to promote occupational safety and health of client to the broadest spectrum of concerned sectors of government, management, labor, non-governmental organizations, and the academe. It also serves as a vehicle to improve working conditions and enhance productivity and industrial harmony.

PROGRAMME INFORMATION

The Congress will have plenary sessions at the start and end of the program.

Keynote and messages will be delivered at the first plenary session. It will break-up into sessions tackling the sub-themes of the Congress. A portion of the OSHC facility will be devoted to posters tackling OSH topics to enable participants to display and discuss their work informally. Winners of the on-the-spot painting contest for college art students and local amateur painters will be announced at the end of the Congress.

CALL FOR PAPERS:

A. FOR ORAL AND POSTER PRESENTATION

You are invited to submit a paper abstract with the author’s name, address, organization, phone/fax/e-mail number. Abstracts of papers should be received at the OSHC or post-marked on or before August 30, 2002. Selected authors/presenters will be notified on or before September 13, 2002. Accepted abstracts will be reproduced as submitted. Please submit in MS Office, Arial Font on or before October 2, 2002. For poster presentation, it should be placed on a 1 meter by 1 meter paper and mounted on a 3 ft. x 5 ft. panel board. Selected authors/presenters are entitled to full registration in the Congress. Airfare, accommodations and other expenses are not included. Acceptance of the paper is solely at the discretion of the Congress organizers.

B. FOR FILM/VIDEO PRESENTATION

A brief write-up on the topic, target audience and objectives must accompany the video/film. These materials should be received at the OSHC on or before August 30, 2002. Selected film/video presenters will be notified on or before September 13, 2002. The video presentation must be in the VHS format.

FOCUS OF THE 8th NOSH CONGRESS

OSH Problems

PRE-CONGRESS ACTIVITY

An On-the-Spot Painting Contest will be conducted on October 5, 2002 at the Occupational Safety and Health Center, Diliman, Quezon City. The painting competition is open to students of selected art schools and universities and other amateur artists.

CONGRESS FEE:

P 1,200.00 per participant for cost of Congress materials. Accommodation is not included. Cheque and other payments should be made payable to OSHC.

ORGANIZING COMMITTEE

Executive Director Dr. Dulce P. Estrella-Gust Deputy Executive Director Agnes M. Tecson

English is the Official Language

For more information:
The Congress Secretariat, Occupational Safety and Health Center North Avenue corner Agham Road, Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines
Tel: +632 928 6690, + 632 928-6755, + 632 929-6036
Fax: + 632 929 6030
Email: oshcenter@oshc.dole.gov.ph
www.oshc.dole.gov.ph

Make my day ...

Send some news....to your Editor sp@sheilapantry.com

News from the UK

Tackling work-related violence is good for business says new HSE guidance for small firms

Taking simple steps to tackle work-related violence can help small and medium-sized businesses reduce the risks and improve efficiency and profitability. That is the message of a set of case studies for owners and managers of small and medium sized businesses published by the UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

"Work-related violence: managing the risk in smaller businesses" contains 10 case studies which offer examples of how some businesses have reduced the risk of violence to staff. These show that there are many ways of tackling the problem of violence at work and that effective measures do not have to be expensive.

There are 1.3 million attacks on workers each year. Work-related violence has a high cost for employees and the businesses they work for through sickness absence, staff turnover, higher insurance premiums and compensation payments. Employees may suffer not only physical injuries, but also anxiety and stress. Smaller businesses can be particularly badly affected because of lower profit margins.

A pizza delivery service, convenience store, drugs drop-in centre and a night club are among the businesses in the guidance. The key risks for pizza delivery staff are assaults, hoax orders, theft of cash from their vehicle and payment disputes. As part of good practice, the staff in this business were trained not to react to abuse and not to resist robbery. By having a larger shop window surveillance could be increased and delivery bikes could be parked in sight of the shop.

Although the situations and risks may vary, many of the responses and solutions identified in the case studies will be relevant to businesses in different sectors.

The new case study guidance is intended to build on and illustrate the existing guidance published by HSE. A general guidance leaflet "Violence at work, a guide for employers", INDG69(rev), is available free from HSE Books. Specific priced guidance is also available from HSE Books for the following sectors: health services, education, retail, and banks/building societies.

Copies of Work-related violence: managing the risk in smaller businesses HSG 229, ISBN 0-7176-2358-0, price GBP £9.50 can be ordered online at www.hsebooks.co.uk or are available from HSE Books, PO Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk, CO10 2WA, UK Tel: +44 1787-881165 or Fax: +44 1787-313995.

News from the UK

Britain's work-related fatalities down, but still not acceptable says HSC Chairman.

Provisional statistics for the year 2001/2002 indicate a decrease of 15 per cent in the number of fatal injuries among Britain's workers, with 249 deaths compared to 292 in 2000/01. The rate of fatal injury dropped from 1.03 to 0.88 per 100,000 workers over the same period.

The number of fatal injuries to employees fell from 213 to 204, while fatal injuries to the self-employed fell from 79 to 45. A breakdown of the figures is available at www.hse.gov.uk/statistics

Of the 249 fatalities, 79 occurred in the construction industry and 39 in agriculture. In terms of type of fatality, 68 deaths were due to falls from height, 43 from moving or flying objects, and 40 from moving vehicles.

HSE information and press releases can be accessed on the Internet www.hse.gov.uk

Titles you may have missed

A new 2002 revision to The International Rigging and Lifting Handbook is now available

This pocket size comprehensive booklet is based on good practice emphasising legislative requirement, definitions, principles, user examination, proper selection of equipment and a safe approach to lifting. It meets the requirements for the provision of written instructions, and is also regarded as an industry standard handbook. Used extensively in the oil and gas and construction industries throughout the world, it is nevertheless generic and applicable to a wide range of industries.

Available in several languages. UK English edition dated 2002. Dates of other language editions are US English (2001), Portuguese (2001), Russian (1999), Spanish (1999). (This Handbook is used by UK Health and Safety inspectors as a reference document.)

ISBN: 1904021050. 200 Pages/2002
Price: £15.00 (GB Pounds) or $24.00 (US Dollars) or 24.00 Euros

Rigging and Lifting Collection

In addition to the Handbook, the Rigging and Lifting Collection includes:

Rigging and Lifting is part of the "Safety Awareness Collection" which also covers Working at Height, Crane Operations and Cargo Handling, Manual Handling, Falls and Falling Objects and Injuries to Fingers and Hands. Details of the Safety Awareness Collection, including pocketbooks, risk assessment cards, videos, posters and teaching documents, can be found at www.tssonline.net/NSL%20Cat%20landscape.pdf

Alternatively, contact: Technical Standards Services Ltd., 3 Bury Mead Road, Hitchin, Herts., SG5 1RT, UK. Tel: +44 1462 453211. Fax: +44 1462 457714. Email: sales@techstandards.co.uk

Guidance on the UK and European Health and Safety Legislation

The Labour Research Department (LRD) has published an updated guide to health and safety law. The booklet, which is primarily aimed at trade union safety representatives - gives a comprehensive outline of UK health and safety law, and explains recent guidance and legislation.

In addition, the guide provides details of proposed new health and safety laws, and the progress of various European Directives - for example, on the control of exposure to asbestos and noise.

Copies of 'Health and safety law 2002', ISBN 1-900544-71-7, are available, price £4.95 to individuals, or £10.00 for employers and commercial organisations, from the Labour Research Department, 78 Blackfriars Road, London SE1 8HF, UK Tel: +44 (0)20 7928 3649 Fax: +1 (0)20 7928 0621 Email: info@lrd.org.uk

The Biocides Business: Regulation, Safety and Applications

Biocides are products which control harmful organisms by chemical or biological means. They protect health, improve product performance and prevent spoilage and are increasingly important in modern life, as consumers demand safe, long lasting and effective products from cosmetics to paints, and from drinking water to swimming pools.

The Biocides Business describes the regulatory controls and the safety assessments in the EU, the USA, Japan and other key markets, within a commercial, political and socio-economic context.

The Biocides Business: Regulations, Safety and Applications
edited Derek J Knight and Mel A Cooke
Wiley-VCH, 2002 ISBN 3 527 303669

Code of Practice Rider-operated lift trucks: operator training and Supplementary Guidance

Published by Health and Safety Authority, 10 Hogan Place, Dublin 2, Ireland
Tel: +353 1 662 0400 Fax: +353 1 662 0411
2002 36 pages Euros 2.00. Also on web site www.hsa.ie

Rehabilitation and retention: the workplace experience

Rehabilitation and retention: what works is what matters, is a summary of the main research report - Rehabilitation and retention: the workplace experience - and there is a companion document - Rehabilitation and retention: case studies. They are based on the results of a survey of safety representatives from the TUC Safety Rep 2000 database, and interviews with managers, occupational health staff, trade unionists, individual employees and consultants at nine companies and organisations. It could not have been completed without their interest in and commitment to the principle of rehabilitation - keeping people in work rather than seeing them lose their jobs because of ill health, injury or disability.

Contact: Owen Tudor, Trades Union Congress, Congress House, Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3LS, UK
Tel: +44 20 7467 1325 or otudor@tuc.org.uk
Web: www.tuc.org.uk

Reducing ill-health and accidents in motor vehicle repair.

Outlines: the main causes of accidents in motor vehicle repair; manual handling; plant and equipment and fire and explosion. Includes a checklist of measures that need to be taken to reduce accidents and a do's and don'ts page which can also be used as a poster covering: slips and trips; falls; transport, fire and explosion; plant and equipment; electrical safety and isocyanate-based paints. References to relevant publications are given.

HSE, 2002. (INDG356) Single copies free from HSE Books. Also available in packs of 10 at ISBN 071762336X; £5.00 for 1 pack; £4.00 for 2-4 packs; £3.00 for 5-9 packs; £2.00 for 10-49 packs; 31.50 for 50 or more packs. www.hse.gov.uk

Survey of use of occupational health support.

Pilkington, A., Graham, M.K. and others. Health and Safety Executive and Institute of Occupational Medicine
HSE Books, 2002. (Contract research report 445/2002) ISBN 0717623947 £20.00

Contract research reports are also available free of charge on the HSE website at: www.hse.gov.uk/research/crr_htm

Company health and safety information: A study of the provision of health and safety information in the annual reports of the top UK companies.

Peebles, L., Kupper, A. and others. Health and Safety Executive and System Concepts Ltd. HSE Books, 2002.(Contract research report 446/2002) ISBN 0717623963 £15.00 Contract research reports are also available free of charge on the HSE website at: www.hse.gov.uk/research/crr_htm

Details the findings of a research project to investigate the quality and quantity of health and safety information found in the annual reports of the top UK companies. At present, publicly listed companies are not legally required to include health and safety matters in their annual reports. The current Health and Safety Commission (HSC) Strategy Statement, however, contains an action point which focuses on public reporting of health and safety by larger companies. The aim is to promote the reporting of health and safety information in company annual reports and to provide guidance that would allow reporting of such information to a common standard.

Perceptions of health and safety in Malta.

Ward, E. Health and Safety Executive and Peak Ogilvy & Mather
HSE Books, 2002. (Contract research report 444/20002) ISBN 0717623939 £35.00 Contract research reports are also available free of charge on the website at: www.hse.gov.uk/research/crr_htm

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) was selected to assist the Maltese Occupational Health and Safety Authority (OHSA) to meet their obligations under EU law prior to EU accession. HSE has the Irish Health and Safety Authority (HSA) as a partner in what is called the "Twinning Project". HSE commissioned a market research project provide basic data on health and safety in Malta, to determine levels of awareness and perceptions of health and safety issues, and to provide an analysis of the media and other communications opportunities in Malta. Underpins the development of a communications strategy for OHSA.

Wellness in the Workplace pocket guide

With much anticipation, the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) is proud to introduce the 12th addition to its collection of pocket guides. This guide provides practical steps and program suggestions for workplace health and wellness programs. You will be able to create a wellness program or integrate one or more initiatives into your existing framework.

WELLNESS IN THE WORKPLACE pocket guide provides information on:

Guide topics include:

To preview and order a copy of the guide, please go to CCOHS website for products and services at www.ccohs.ca/products/publications/wellness.html

News from the USA

The American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) 2002 Catalog of publications became available recently.

News from Canada

IAPA is on the move!

Effective July 31st, 2002 Industrial Accident Prevention Association (IAPA) Toronto Head Office address will be:

207 Queen's Quay Avenue West, Suite 550
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
M5J 2Y3

The telephone and fax numbers will remain the same as will all other contact information:
Tel: +1 416 506-8888 Fax: + 1 416 506-9610
www.iapa.ca

IAPA’s Vision is.... A WORLD WHERE RISKS ARE CONTROLLED BECAUSE EVERYONE BELIEVES THAT SUFFERING AND LOSS ARE MORALLY, SOCIALLY, AND ECONOMICALLY UNACCEPTABLE.

News from the UK

Institute of Primary Care & Public Health and the RCN Development Centre

The South Bank University is celebrating 30 years of engagement in primary care, public health and nursing development in London and its associated boroughs, and launched on 23rd July 2002 of the Institute of Primary Care & Public Health and the RCN Development Centre within the University's Faculty of Health. Two new prestigious centres will help to meet London's health and social needs

The launch held at the University's Southwark campus and was attended by the Minister for Health, the Right Honourable John Hutton, and Dr. Beverly Malone, General Secretary of the Royal College for Nursing (RCN).

The University has a long-standing reputation for professional education, research and practice development in the fields of primary care, public health, nursing, the allied health professions and social work.

The Institute of Primary Care and Public Health will act as a focus for health care research, practice development and education.

The RCN Development Centre was formed as the focus of a partnership between the RCN Institute and South Bank University, and is now firmly established within the University's Faculty of Health. The aim of the RCN Development Centre is to deliver and develop leading edge programmes underpinned by innovative research and practice development.

News from the TUC

TUC responds to European Safety Strategy

The Trades Union Congress (TUC) is calling for new directives on upper limb disorders (ULDs) to be included in the European Commission's (EC's) new strategy on health and safety at work. The strategy sets out how health and safety standards in Europe can be improved between 2002 and 2006. The TUC wants the EC to tackle the problem of ULDs by extending the scope of the existing Directives on Manual Handling and Display Screen Equipment. In addition, the TUC is calling on the EC to set European-wide targets for the reduction of fatal and serious work-related injuries and illness.

Remember ......... European Safety Week 14th - 18th October 2002

News from Ireland

'SalvusOne' Training Programme

Free* Trial Installation..... The fun and innovative tool on CD-ROM for refresher training in the workplace! Aids in the reduction of Accidents and Waste.

SalvusOne is based on the proven Bingo game concept. From the CD-ROM, a topic for promotion during the week/month in question is chosen e.g. 'Stress in the Workplace', with information notices, handouts, questions and answers, etc. on the topic clearly displayed and distributed throughout the workplace. Each employee is distributed with one Bingo Card.

Each day 'Numbers' are chosen and the employee 'marks' their Bingo Cards during break times or at home. When a full line, house, etc. has been achieved, the employee must return the completed card and answer Questions on the selected Topic, together with Performing a Task.

* Special Offer

In advance of this year's European Safety Week (14th - 18th October), we are offering companies the opportunity to install and run SalvusOne On-Site, Free of Charge for a limited trial period so that the benefits of this unique programme can be seen. Following this trial the Programme can either be purchased or returned to J. Duff & Associates Ltd.

For further information on this unique programme, please feel free to view our website: www.jdasafety.com/salvusone.asp

J. Duff & Associates Ltd. - Engineering & Safety Consultants
Crocsilla, Laytown, Co. Meath, Ireland
E: info@salvusone.com or jduffandassoc@eircom.net
Tel: +353 41 9828755
Fax: +353 41 9847758

News from International Sources

OSH-ROM.... a premier source OSH information

OSH-ROM is one of the world's oldest health and safety collection of information. Started in 1986, by Sheila Pantry and SilverPlatter Information it brings together six complementary bibliographic databases covering critical international occupational health and safety information. OSH-ROM is a unique and vital resource for information concerning occupational health and safety, hazardous incidents, and the handling of dangerous materials. The individual databases contain over 1.2 million citations from over 5000 journals and 100,000 monographs and technical reports.

These comprehensive databases of bibliographic references and cover international health and safety, chemical toxicology, environmental health, safety engineering, biotechnology, biohazards, workers' compensation and workplace disability issues. They are constantly picking up new trends, results of research and new legislation.

The databases are:

SOFTWARE

All the products are based on the powerful SilverPlatter's WinSPIRS or WebSPIRS software which will give the user quick and easy access to a wealth of important publications. The user can download data and print out required full text documents as well as cross search the database with other titles which use the same software.

It is also possible to network CD-ROMs to enable simultaneous access by multiple users in an organisation. Users will be able to use their own personal computers to give authoritative and validated answers to questions on all aspects of health, safety, environment and fire.

The SilverPlatter powerful software enables the databases in OSH-ROM to be searched either separately or together. These databases provide references to thousands of reports, journal articles, guidance and advice publications, press releases, all appropriate legislation, all appropriate interpretations of legislation, research papers, appropriate governmental papers, codes of practice, circulars, reports, monographs, statistics, annual reports, conference proceedings, audio visual items are covered in a wide range of subjects.

For a free 30 day trial of OSH-ROM contact distributors:

SAFETY and CHEMICAL SERVICES LTD (SCS)
Broad Oak Enterprise Village, Broad Oak Road, Sittingbourne, Kent ME9 8AQ, UK | Tel: +44 (0)1795 435 899 | Fax: +44 (0)1795 435 901

OVID TECHNOLOGIES
Merlin House, 20 Belmont Terrace, Chiswick, London W4 5UG, UK | Tel: +44 (0)208 585 6400 | Fax: +44 (0)208 585 6640 | E-mail: info@silverplatter.com | web: www.silverplatter.com

News from the USA

Protecting Workers' Families: a research agenda

This report from the Workers' Family Protection Task Force represents the Task's Force's commentary on the NIOSH Report, identifies gaps in the current knowledge about take-home exposures and related health effects, and provides a prioritized agenda for Federally sponsored research. The principal objective of the Task Force was to develop a research agenda to address the health hazards posed by take-home exposures, including identifying future threats.

The final section of the report is devoted to legal and policy considerations.

US National Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
Protecting Workers' Families: a research agenda.
DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 2002-113 2002. 11 pages
Available from: US NIOSH, Publications Dissemination, 4676 Columbia Parkway, Cincinnati, OH 45226 1998, USA | Tel: +1 800356 4674 | Fax: +1 513 533 8573 | Email: pubstaft@cdc.gov | www.cdc.gov/niosh

News from the ILO

A future without child labour: The World of Work

The latest edition of the International Labour Office (ILO) magazine The World of Work main focus is child labour which remains a massive problem. Child labour continues to be a global phenomenon - no country or region is immune. Ten years after launching a worldwide campaign the ILO has launched a comprehensive new look at the problem. The findings are cause for concern; despite significant progress in efforts to abolish child labour, the report* says that alarming number of children remain trapped in its worst form. In many developed countries, agriculture is also the sector most children work. Other articles include:
New research shows workplace violence threatens health services worldwide
Workers' Memorial Day ceremony focuses on emergency workers, firefighters

New ILO Guidelines on Occupational Safety and Health Systems - ILO-OSH

* A future without Child Labour: Global Report under the Follow-up..., ISBN 92 2 1124169 2002 also available www.ilo.org/declaration and also from the ILO Office, 4 route des Morillons, CH 1211 Geneva 22, Switzerland

**ILO-OSH, contact SafeWork, ILO, 4 route des Morillons, CH 1211 Geneva 22, Switzerland
Tel: 41 22 799 6715 | Fax: +41 22 799 6878 | Email: safework@ilo.org | www.ilo.org/safework

World of Work, June 2002 available from: ILO, Department of Communications, 4 route des Morillons, CH 1211 Geneva 22, Switzerland | Tel: 41 22 799 7912 | Fax: +41 22 799 8577

News from the European Commission

First pan-European campaign to combat work-related stress

With 28% of employees in the European Union (EU) reporting that they are affected by work-related stress; Women appear to be suffering slightly more than men; Common causes include lack of job security and control and work overload and over 50% of absenteeism has its roots in work-related stress. The problem is thought to cost the EU at least €20 billion a year in lost time and health costs. A major campaign to combat work-related stress - the second biggest occupational health problem in the European Union after back pain was recently launched by the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work. The initiative, which forms the heart of the Agency's annual European Week for Safety and Health at Work, will be the first EU-wide campaign to tackle work-related stress, a problem that is estimated to affect over 40 million employees in the EU. Other diseases and conditions associated with this issue include musculoskeletal disorders and mental health problems. The campaign, which is being backed by all Member States, the European Commission and Parliament, trade unions and employers federations will run until October and end with the European Week for Safety and Health at Work.

Comprehensive information packs in all 11 EU languages, posters, leaflets and a multilingual website at http://osha.europa.eu/ew2002/. Contact: European Agency for Safety and Health at Work, Gran Via 33,E-48009 Bilbao, Spain | email: information@osha.eu.int | Fax: +34 94 479 4383.

News from South Africa

Safety Management reports.....

The latest edition of Safety Management June 2002 contains a number of topical subjects including:

Contact: Safety Management, NOSA, 508 Proes Street, Arcadia 0083, Box 26434 Arcadia, Pretoria 0007 South Africa, E-mail: worksafe@nosa.co.za

News from Canada

"Health @ Work" recent edition

The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety have just published Issue 6 of "Health @ Work" (Santé @u travail) Health @ Work is an informative (but "light") e-bulletin written by CCOHS staff which is sent approximately every 8 weeks. This e-bulletin contains information on workplace health promotion, the latest news from Canadian Health Network News (CHN), information from fellow associate partners, announcements, and tid-bits such as useful web site addresses, conference notices, and other interesting material.

The Canadian Health Network (CHN) is a collaboration between major health organizations across Canada and Health Canada to provide an electronic gateway to credible, practical health information. Built on the diverse expertise of non-governmental health organizations in the public sector and the federal government, the CHN focuses on providing Internet-based information on health promotion and disease prevention to Canadians. CHN's mission is to support Canadians in making informed choices about their health, by providing access to multiple sources of credible and practical e-health information.

CHN's vision is to become "Your preferred choice in Canada for helpful, e-health information you can trust." The Web site (www.canadian-health-network.ca) features 26 Health Centres focused on major health topics and population groups, supported by links to more than 11,000 Internet-based resources from health organizations across the country. The CHN home page features timely and informative articles on various health topics and highlights key resources.

CCOHS is the official Workplace Health Affiliate Partner of the CHN. In this role, CCOHS develops and maintains the CHN Workplace Health Centre by selecting and cataloguing English and French resources and preparing content such as Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs). To date, over 400 English and 200 French resources are available through the CHN Workplace Health Centre. CCOHS also fosters a growing network of organizations involved in workplace health and wellness issues. CCOHS actively promotes the Workplace Health Centre and CHN to this network and other audiences

Other contents in the latest edition included a Feature Article: Seeking Sun Safety at Work this Summer! Plus Resources for sun safety, and also the Spotlight on: Workplace Health, Safety and Compensation Commission of Newfoundland and Labrador (WHSCC)

Your news, suggestions, comments and CONTRIBUTIONS are Welcome!!
Please send to Jan Chappel at JanC@ccohs.ca or call Tel: + 1 905 572-2981 x4468, or

To view and search the past e-mails or e-bulletins on the Internet, please go to the WH-ST list serve archives at www.ccohs.ca/wh-st.html

UK Industry losing millions without work-life balance

Britain's bosses don't worry about absenteeism and staff turnover costs - but only because they're not in the picture.

Employers are oblivious to the £370m workplace stress costs industry each year. Only one quarter (28%) realise just how much stress is really hitting the bottom line, according to research carried out by the Department of Trade and Industry's (DTI) Work-Life Balance Campaign1

The survey also shows there is widespread ignorance about how much it costs when an employee leaves. Only 1 in 5 (22%) of those surveyed knew it costs a business more than £3,000 each time someone leaves3.

The findings reveal:

The findings back-up previous Government research showing British employees are five times more likely to be offered stress counselling than preventive work-life balance policies, such as childcare advice4. This latest research echoes those findings:

Commenting on the findings, Alan Johnson, Minister of State for Employment Relations, said: "It's a real concern that so many employers don't know how much stress and absenteeism is costing them. Businesses need to be smarter when it comes to beating these common problems. Work-life balance policies such as flexible working, job sharing and employee benefits don't require a huge cash investment - just a fresh approach. Employers have to start to realise that prevention is better, and cheaper, than cure."

Further information about the DTI Work-Life Balance Campaign can be found on www.dti.gov.uk/work-lifebalance.

News from Australia

Australian National OHS Strategy

On 24 May 2002, the Workplace Relations Ministers’ Council (WRMC) endorsed the release of The National OHS Strategy 2002–2012. The Strategy is a landmark development signifying the commitment of all Australian governments, as well as the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Australian Council of Trade Unions, to work co-operatively on national priorities for improving OHS and to achieve minimum national targets for reducing the incidence of workplace deaths and injuries.

The Strategy was developed by the members of the National Occupational Health and Safety Commission (NOHSC) and reflects their agreement to share responsibility for continuously improving Australia's performance in work-related health and safety.

Next Steps

NOHSC is leading the development of Action Plans for each of the five National Priorities identified in the Strategy. These Action Plans are the first in a series of three-year national action plans and will be implemented during the first year of operation of the Strategy. The Action Plans will be presented to WRMC for endorsement at its November 2002 meeting.

Further References

The National OHS Strategy replaces NOHSC’s National OHS Improvement Framework. Information on the Framework is available on the NOHSC web site.
National statistic on workers’ compensation is available through NOHSC’s Online Statistics Interactive database (NOSI) at http://nosi.ascc.gov.au
Information on the Comparative Performance Monitoring project can be found.

News from USA

Laborers' Health and Safety Fund of North America says

CHEMICALS CAN CAUSE HEARING LOSS

Most Laborers have some noise exposure on the job and know about the dangers of hearing loss. But from a recent NIOSH conference we learned that chemical exposures can also cause hearing loss. Chemicals known to cause hearing loss (called “ototoxics”) include:

These chemicals can damage the nervous system, including the auditory nerve which allows us to hear. If you are exposed to hazardous levels of noise and these chemicals, it can increase your chances of hearing loss.

What You Can Do

Employers using these chemicals may ant to start a hearing conservation program sooner (e.g., at lower levels of noise exposure) than is required by OSHA
www.lhsfna.org

OSHE Web sites to surf......

July 2002

Even if you cannot attend these events - write and ask for details....they may help you organise a similar event in your country

Anthrax USA
www.osha.gov/SLTC/bioterrorism/anthrax
US Occupational Safety and Health Administration web pages gives details of anthrax in the workplace, risk reduction matrix, workplace risk pyramid and further guidance.

Chemical Safety UK
www.cia.org.uk
The Chemical Industries Association website contains new, information, details of the CIA, membership details, responsible care and also information about the chemical industry

Chemical Safety UK
www.sourcerer.co.uk
Sourcerer is the gateway to the Chemical Industry of the United Kingdom. Sourcerer will guide you quickly to the chemical products and services available from the UK and to the companies who can supply what you a wealth of information including a Chemical Directory of companies, products, services, Code of Conduct, The Sourcerer Concise Chemical Index which lists over 100,000 chemicals and services. News and links to affiliated trade associations.

Compressed Gases USA
www.cganet.com
The Compressed Gas Association develops and publishes technical information, standards, recommendations for safe and environmentally responsible practices in the manufacture, storage, transportation, distribution and use of industrial gases.

Emergency Response USA
www.rand.org/publications/CF/CF176
Rand Science and Technology publication on "Protecting Emergency Responders - lessons learned from terrorist attacks" full text report is available. It covers a number of topics including: terrorists incidents, performance and availability of personal protective equipment, information and training, site management for personal protection, recommendations, guidelines, cost and safety management.

Eye Safety   USA
www.cdc.gov/niosh/eyesafe.html
US National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health Eye Safety emergency response and disaster recovery site gives a range of useful advice including: minimum necessary eye protection, guidelines, eye hazards, four points to eye safety. types of eye protection, eye safety for prescription lens wearers, first aid for eye injuries and further information resources. Site also available in Spanish.

First Aid   UK
www.firstaidcafe.co.uk
First Aid Cafe offer general information, links to over 500 sites, general first aid for the public, for employers and workplace first aiders, first aid training providers.

Law: Worldwide SWITZERLAND
www.ilo.org/public/english/protection/safework/cis/legosh/index.htm
International Labour Organisation CIS Database of legislative texts on OSH - LEGOSH. The Database of Legislative Texts on Occupational Safety and Health (LEGOSH) that is presented here consists of references to more than 3500 (as of 2001) laws, regulations and international legal instruments dealing with OSH matters in approximately 140 countries and international organizations. References to the ILO's OSH-related Conventions are of course also included.

These legal texts are classified according to two main criteria:
Jurisdiction (country, lower-level jurisdiction [state, province, etc.] or international organization)

Subject categories
The database is presented in static HTML files. The Index lists countries, provinces and international organizations, with hyperlinks to further (country, province, organization) index files. In these second level indexes, individual titles are organized by subject category and linked to their description. In addition, within the scope of a country with lower-level jurisdictions, the subject category lists of these jurisdictions and federal legislation are interlinked.

Within each subject category, further sorting is chronological, with the most recent legal texts listed first. Titles in bold face are the major texts (laws, decrees etc.), while those printed with normal lettering are subsidiary pieces of legislation. Useful starting point for those seeking legislation in other countries.

Respirators   USA
www.cdc.gov/niosh/npptl/topics/respirators
US National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health respirators web site contains a range of guidance and advice including fact sheets for workers in secondary response and other supporting bodies. suggested respirator cleaning and sanitation procedures, respirator selection and NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards. There are links to US Occupational Safety and Health Administration OSHA web sites containing respiratory protection, standards, training and reference materials.

Skin Cancer and Sunlight CANADA
www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/diseases/skin_cancer.html
Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety web site offers guidance and advice in format of questions and answers on skin cancer and sunlight and sun safety.

Skin Cancer and Sunlight CANADA
www.dermatology.ca
Canadian Dermatology Association website gives details on facts about sun exposure and preventing skin cancer. Also available in French.

For Your Forward Planning... October is...

1 October - International Day of Older Persons www.un.org/esa/socdev/ageing

First Monday of October - World Habitat Day www.unchs.org/whd

4-10 October - World Space Week www.spaceweek.org

5 October - World Teachers' Day www.unesco.org/new/en/education/themes/education-building-blocks/teacher-education/advocacy/world-teachers-day

10 October - World Mental Health Day www.wfmh.org/00WorldMentalHealthDay.htm

Second Wednesday of October - International Day for Natural Disaster Reduction www.unisdr.org

16 October - World Food Day www.fao.org/wfd

17 October - International Day for the Eradication of Poverty www.undp.org/equatorinitiative/secondary/eradication_of_poverty.htm

24 October - United Nations Day www.un.org/av/special

24-30 October - Disarmament Week www.un.org/depts/dhl/disarmament

* End of October (dates vary in each EU country - in the UK 14 October) - European Week of Health & Safety at Work http://osha.europa.eu/ew2002/

DIARY OF EVENTS

Even if you cannot attend these events – write and ask for details –
They may help you organise a similar events in your country!

3-5 September 2002 - Fire 2002
Excel Exhibition Centre, Docklands, London, UK
Contact: Lesley Stevenson, UK. Tel: +44 (0) 1737 855 451 | Email: lesleystevenson@uk.dmgworldmedia.com

10-13 September 2002 - Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) Conference and Exhibition 2002
Harrogate, Yorkshire, UK
Contact: CIEH Events Division, London, UK. | Tel: +44 (0) 20 7928 6006 | www.cieh.org

24 September 2002 - Legionella management and risk assessment
Rubens Hotel, Buckingham Palace Road, London, UK
Contact: Sally Turner, Croner Training, 12-18 Grosvenor Gardens, London SW1W 0DH, UK | Tel: +44 0845 120 9604 | Fax:+ 44( 0)20 7730 5083 | Email: sally.turner@cronertraining.co.uk | www.cronertraining.co.uk

30 September- 1 October 2002 - 2nd Annual Behavioural Safety Symposium includes 5 international speakers, 2 International Master Classes, 8 Case Studies
Sandton Crowne Plaza, Sandton, South Africa.
Contact: Conference Administrator, Institute for International Research, P O Box 2353, Parklands 2121, South Africa | Tel: +27 11 880 6000 | Fax: +27 11 880 8260

October 2002 - European Week for Safety and Health at Work
Europe. Contact the Agency's partner responsible for organising the European Week in your country to find out exact dates
Contact: European Agency for Safety and Health at Work, Bilbao, Spain | http://osha.europa.eu
UK: Health and Safety Executive | Tel: 08701 545500 | Email: hseinformationservices@natbrit.com

15-16 October 2002 SHE 2002:Safety Health & Environment (SHE) Solutions 2002 Exhibition and Conference
SHE Solutions is the most important national exhibition for UK safety and health practitioners and is the sister event of Safety and Health Expo, the largest safety and health exhibition in Europe. SHE Solutions features hundreds if new product innovations and services from world class companies and hosts a comprehensive educational programme designed to keep everyone with an interest in safety, health and the environment topics up-to-date. The show times are Tuesday 15 October 2002 09.30 -17.00 and Wednesday 16 October 2002 09.30 - 16.00.

16-18 October 2002 - Arbeitsshutz Aktuell 2002 - Safe Products by Means of Market Surveillance: experiences and prospects in Europe and the European Union accession countries.
Messe Berlin, Germany
Contact: Hinte GmbH, Germany | Tel: +49 721 931 33 730| Fax: +49 721 931 33 810 | www.arbeitsschutz-aktuell.de

26-27 October 2002 - Worker Training in a New Era: Responding to New Threats.
Radisson Hotel, 20 West Baltimore Street, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
Contact: Mary L Doyle, John Hopkins, ERC, 615 N Wolfe St, Room W7041, Baltimore, MD 21205-2179, USA. |Tel: +1 410 955 0423 | Fax :+1 410 614 4986 | Email: mdoyle@jhsph.edu | www.jhsph.edu/ERC/NewThreats.html

26-29 November 2002 - Pollutec 2002.
Lyon, France.
Contact: James Samuel, Reed Exhibition Companies, UK | Tel: +44 (0) 20 8910 7876 | www.pollutec.com

1-4 December 2002 - 6th International Mesothelioma Conference:
Recent Advances in Mesothelioma
Perth, Western Australia
Contact: Email: branigam@cyllene.uwa.edu.au | www.imig.org

3-5 December 2002 - Online Information 2002
Olympia Grand Hall, London UK
Contact: Learned Information Europe Ltd | Tel: +44 (0)1932 730 732 | Fax: +44 (0) 9132 779 085 | Email: switorski@imark.co.uk | web: www.online-information.co.uk

2003

January 2003 - Behaviour-Based Safety Seminar
Dublin, Ireland
Contact: Julie Barber, Behavioural Science Technology International, UK | Tel: +44(0) 1344 455 090 | Email: jmbarber@bstsolutions.com | www.bstsolutions.com

18-20 March 2003 - Safety and Health Expo 2003 includes a 2 day conference and 3 day exhibition
Hong Kong Convention Centre, Hong Kong, SAR, China
Contact: Tracy Chan, Publicity Officer, Occupational Safety and Health Council, 19/F, China United Centre, 28 Marble Road, North Point, Hong Kong SAR, China | Tel: +852 2116 5672 | Fax: 852 2739 9779 | Email: tracy@oshc.org.hk | www.oshc.org.hk

16-20 November 2003 - 41st International Meeting : the International Association of Forensic Toxicologists
Hilton-on-the-Park, Wellington Parade, East Melbourne, Australia
Contact: Congress Secretariat, National Institute of Forensic Science, Australia | Tel: +61 3 9459 4299 | Email: olaf@vifp.monash.edu.au | www.tiaft.org/tiaft2003

Make my day ...

Send some news....to your Editor sp@sheilapantry.com