CIS Newsletter

No. 164
May 2003

CIS Newsletter celebrates 15 years & still going strong! Bringing news to over 135 countries in the CIS Network

Contents

1. Editorial

2. CIS Meeting details

3. News from around the World - Europe, Australia, Canada, Ireland, Japan, Korea, Poland, Romania, UK, USA.

4. Web sites to explore

5. Diary of Events

Editorial

Dear CIS Colleagues

The 2003 CIS Annual Meeting is almost here. Starting week beginning 19 May 2003 in London, UK. It is good to hear from CIS colleagues who have already indicated that they are coming to London for the CIS annual Meeting, workshops, visits and talks. So far 35 colleagues have notified of their intention to come, for example from Finland, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Lebanon, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Russia, USA, Canada, Egypt, Japan, Netherlands, Romania, Korea, Tunisia, UK and Switzerland. Please will you let Emmert Clevenstine and myself know that you are planning to come to London please do so as soon as possible.

See below for the programme - please will you indicate if you wish to book the visits especially so that I can let the host organisations know the numbers to expect.

This month's Newsletter contains more details of the CIS Meeting and repeat of information in case some people missed the previous editions.

REMEMBER THE MEETING IS NOW at the time of writing 8 May ONLY 11 days AWAY! And time flies by very quickly!!!!

Also remember to send to Geneva HQ any items which you wish to have placed on the agenda. If you wish to give a presentation please let CIS HQ and myself know so we can ensure the programme runs smoothly. You should send as soon possible any items you wish to have discussed. Also remember to send your annual reports in early.

If, sadly you are not able to attend, I will report back in the June edition the latest news - it looks to be an interesting week. As usual many thanks to all the contributors to this edition of your Newsletter - all news however small is most welcomed. If you are planning any publications, seminars or training courses, then please send your details to me so that we can share your efforts with others. Don't forget to send me your latest news!

Over 100 individuals and organisations have let me know that wish to receive the Newsletter by email....if you wish to join just let me know and I will send it. CIS newsletters can be found on www.sheilapantry.com click onto CIS Newsletters!

Perhaps your own website will want to link to them?

Best wishes to you and your colleagues.
Sheila Pantry, OBE

Sheila Pantry Associates Ltd, 85 The Meadows, Todwick, Sheffield S26 1JG, UK
Tel: +44 1909 771024
Fax: +44 1909 772829
Email: sp@sheilapantry.com
www.oshworld.com
www.sheilapantry.com
www.shebuyersguide.com

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

CIS Annual Meeting 2003, Workshops and talks

CIS activities during the week

NB Changes taking place all the time >>>>> read this script please

Monday 19 May 2003 and Tuesday 20 May 2003

Safety and Health Expo 2003 and RoSPA Conference - National Exhibition Centre, Halls 10, 11 and 12, Birmingham, UK

www.safety-health-expo.co.uk

For details of the CONGRESS see www.rospa.com

This is a mega sized expo show - well worth a visit and covering:

Instructions to get the National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham

1. The Euston Train Station is about 10 minutes walk from the Imperial Hotel, Russell Square, London

2. The Ticket Office is on the Concourse at the Station.

3. Cost of Day Return Tickets

To get a cheap day return you must travel after 09.30 in the morning

There are two train services are as follows - both operating from Euston Station to Birmingham National Exhibition Centre:

  1. Faster trains are the Virgin Train Service takes about 1 hour 10 minutes and the cost is Sterling £35.00 return ticket
  2. The Silverlink Train Service takes about 1 hour 45 minutes and the cost is Sterling £19.00 return ticket
  3. Take the train to Birmingham New Street Station and then transfer to the local train which runs into the National Exhibition Centre

Tuesday, 20 May 2003 @ 14.30

Visit to the British Library, St Pancras

For those not wishing to go to Birmingham, an alternative visit has being arranged to the British Library. Details as follows:

Meet Sheila Pantry at 14.00 in the Reception at the Imperial Hotel, Russell Square to walk to the British Library. Or go direct to the Reception at the British Library and be ready for 14.20 when our Guide will meet us.

There will be an opportunity to hear about the services offered and see the wonderful British Library, which is one of the world's most technological advanced national and international information services and research facilities.

It is also a splendid building.... SO do not miss this opportunity. BUT BOOKING WITH SHEILA PANTRY IS ESSENTIAL BECAUSE TO GAIN THE MAXIMUM BENEFIT GROUPS ARE RESTRICTED TO 15 PERSON. I HAVE BOOKED ONE GROUP TO-DATE BUT CAN BOOK ANOTHER GROUP IF NUMBERS ARE LARGER .... BUT I NEED TO KNOW BEFORE......SO BOOKING ESSENTIAL

NB >>>>> LAST DATE FOR BOOKING the visit to the BRITISH LIBRARY IS 9 MAY 2003 <<<<<

send email : sp@sheilapantry.com or Tel: +44 1909 771024 or Fax: +44 1909 772829

Wednesday 21 May 2003

At the Imperial Hotel, Russell Square, London

Two workshops will be held:

Wednesday 21 May 2003 Morning:
Creating the electronic OSH information and knowledge service and centre.
Introduced by Sheila Pantry and Peter Griffiths, UK Government Home Office, Director of Information Services and based on their best selling new book "Creating a successful e-information service" see web site for details www.sheilapantry.com/books

There will be various other presentations and discussions.

To be successful, OSH managers constantly need to reassess the effectiveness of their information services and to ascertain whether they are really delivering the services needed by their users. In doing so it is now essential to take on board the opportunities afforded by new technology. An information service is no longer necessarily defined by the restrictions of a particular physical location or specific opening hours.

For anyone wishing to establish an electronic information/knowledge service, whatever the type or size of organization they work in, and is equally essential for those wishing to convert an existing traditional service into an e-information service. Ideas and examples of how an e-information service can be created, maintained and marketed in a cost effective way. Key issues covered include:

Wednesday 21 May 2003 Afternoon
Creating the successful OSH Publicity Campaign involving inspectors,
Workshop 2. Promotion and Publicity Ideas for CIS Centres
This will have short presentations about 20 minutes each (IS that long enough for you or do you want 30 minutes - just let me know

  1. Vern Anderson NIOSH
    • how NIOSH have started to get their messages out in different ways
    • evaluating NIOSH information dissemination via the web, via links to industry sectors e.g. construction industry
    • recognising Spanish language speakers need to get information
    • also web site pages
    • via exhibitions, seminars and training courses
    • revamping web site
    • Toll Free number
    • links and sponsorships
  2. Irja Laamanen FIOH
    • how FIOH promotes the FIOH Information Centre, both inside FIOH and outside
    • what is done, any special successes
    • any information training courses - how you promote these
  3. Sheila Pantry
    • ideas which have been used and which have made impact regarding awareness of OSH products, web sites, brochures
    • using press releases, journals, newsletters etc
    • "paid for promotion"
    • free promotion - ideas and successes
    • linking with groups, associations etc

Then BREAKOUT INTO GROUPS and for the delegates to think about a "topical subject" and make a PR plan - we did something similar a few years ago - but the newer technologies are helping to get messages out in various ways.

Also when we have the HSE on Thursday 22 May 2003 I have asked them to do a session on how they organise Campaigns etc so that will be complementary to our workshops.

There will be various presentations and discussions. The participants should be able to draw up their own campaigns after this workshop and also after the visit to HSE the next day.

Wednesday Evening 18.00 - 19.30
There will be a get-together "Reception" sponsored by Sheila Pantry Associates Ltd held in the Atrium at the Imperial Hotel starting at 18.00. Rest of the evening free.

Thursday 22 May 2003 morning

09.30-13.00
Please note that the staff of HSE are coming to the Imperial Hotel instead of a visit to the UK Health and Safety Executive offices.
A number of presentations will be given by HSE staff and will complement the workshops held the previous day. HSE is the National CIS Centre.

Buffet Lunch, kindly provided by HSE will be served after the morning meeting.

Thursday 22 May 2003 afternoon

14.00 - 17.00
Back at the Imperial Hotel, Caesar Room, London the 2003 CIS Annual Meeting will start. Please let Emmert Clevenstine or Sheila Pantry know if you wish to give a short (10 minutes) presentation.

Thursday evening - Free for late night shopping, theatre, music, eating or just enjoying London!

Friday 23 May 2002 09.30 - 15.00

The 2003 CIS Annual Meeting will continue.

During this time there will be two presentations:

  1. Roger Bibbings MBE will talk about the role and activities of the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA). RoSPA has been in existence for over 80 years and is instrumental through its many activities in being a major "mover and shaker" in the UK OSH scene. CIS Centre staff will be interest to pick up ideas about how RoSPA has been successful.
  2. Sara Lumley, Representative from NEBOSH - the National Examining Board for Occupational Safety and Health will be introducing the new International Certificate or Occupational Safety and Health.

London Hotel Accommodation for CIS Meeting..... To help you....

1. Arrangements have been made with the Imperial London Hotels Ltd regarding hotel bookings which people must booked themselves.

2. The Imperial Group offer the following hotels - all in the Russell Square location.

A 10% reduction of the usual price has been arranged - see details below.

If CIS members wish to share twin rooms then this of course will cut the costs again.

Imperial Hotel £65.70 single £87.30 twin room (£43.65 each if sharing) with Full English Breakfast. Ask for a quiet room looking over the Courtyard.

President Hotel £67.00 single £89.00 twin room (£44.50 each if sharing) with Full English Breakfast.

Royal National Hotel £66.00 £85.00 twin room (£42.50 each if sharing) with CONTINENTAL Breakfast ONLY

Bedford Hotel £71.00 single £94.00 twin room (£47.00 each if sharing) with Full English Breakfast.

Tavistock Hotel £61.00 single £81.00 twin room (£40.50 each if sharing) with Full English Breakfast.

All the above Hotels have ensuite bathrooms and showers, TV and Radio

There is also
County Hotel £39.00 single £50.00 twin room (£25.00 each if sharing) with Full English Breakfast.
NOTE Without private bathrooms.

Contact: Reservations Manager, Imperial Hotel, Russell Square, London WC1B 5BB | Tel: +44 20 7278 7871 | Fax: +44 20 7837 4653 | email: info@imperialhotels.co.uk | www.imperialhotels.co.uk for further details of the hotels, map etc.

NB When making the booking mention the CIS Meeting being held in the Imperial Hotel arranged by Sheila Pantry and ensure that you have the discounted prices. Please note that Sheila cannot make your bookings - you will have to make your own reservation using credit card or other deposit.

Overlooking some of London's most beautiful garden squares The Imperial Hotels have bars, coffee shops, Internet cafes and all are within walking distance of major attractions such as the British Museum, Covent Garden, Theatreland, Oxford Street - for shopping, Piccadilly Circus, Trafalgar Square and the National and Portrait Galleries.

The Imperial hotels are surrounded by a wide choice of cafes, bars, and restaurants to suit all tastes.

There are of course 100s of hotels and other guest accommodation in London, remember that London is very, very busy in the morning rush hour and public transport is very crowded and can add to your travel costs.

European Green Week, 2-5 June 2003

Business leader, policy maker, representative of an NGO and local and regional, authorities, teachers, scientists and young people, can now register on-line at:

http://ec.europa.eu/environment/greenweek

for the 2003 edition of Green Week that will take place 2-5 June 2003!

Green Week 2003 intends bringing people together to debate, as a follow-up to the World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg on key environmental issues of sustainable consumption and production, renewable energy & climate change and water.

News from the UK…… Occupational Exposure Limits updated

The UK Health and Safety Commission (HSC) has approved an updated list of Occupational Exposure Standards (OESs) and Maximum Exposure Limits (MELs). These will be formally published in May in the 2003 supplement to the Health and Safety Executive's (HSE's) list of OELs in Occupational Exposure Limits 2002 (EH40/2002).The revisions include:

Employers have a duty under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002 to control workplace exposures to hazardous substances. HSC sets MELs and OESs to help them do this. The 2003 Supplement will detail changes to some of the MELs and OESs listed in EH40/2002. Both documents are complementary and will need to be read together.

The withdrawal of the OESs happened after HSC's Advisory Committee on Toxic Substances (ACTS) concluded that they were not scientifically robust and were therefore inadequate to protect.

News from Poland

The 2nd Research and Training Conference on Hospital Occupational Safety

The 2nd Research and Training Conference on Hospital Occupational Safety was held in Warsaw at 6th and 7th of March. The conference was organised by Abacus – Medical Promotion Agency in cooperation with Head Sanitary Inspector Office, Central Institute for Labour Protection, Institute for Occupational Health and Institute of Hygiene.

In past years, issues related to the generally understood safety of patient being traded in hospital have been often discussed. Unfortunately the occupational safety of medical personnel is often disregarded in this context. However, it is sometimes assumed that the patient view of a safe hospital environment is also a safe working environment for medical personnel. This notion is not always right. There are no doubts that only medical personnel following the occupational safety procedures can assure truly professional care of the treated patients.

The provision of hospital safety, that of patient and personnel, depend on medical staffs’ understanding and knowledge of duties, rights and hazards.

The role of employer, being responsible for proper personnel education and for providing adequate work conditions, is crucial in this respect. This is where the idea of launching the education program entitled “Hospital Occupational Safety” is originating. The program is performed in cooperation with Research Institutes involved in scientific investigations in the field and responsible for preparation of the occupational safety guidelines and Head Sanitary Inspector Office in the form of series of training conferences.

The highlighted topics of this meeting were as follows:

The conference organiser is planning to come back to these issues during the coming meetings planed to be held in year 2003. Especially as far as both organisation, functioning of operation suite (June 2003), prophylactic, fighting the hospital infections (November 2003) are concern. The detail information can be found on our web site: www.abacus.edu.pl

News from Australia

Australian OHS Regulation for the 21st Century
21 - 22 July 2003, ANA Hotel Gold Coast, Queensland.

Invitation to attend

The National Occupational Health and Safety Commission and the National Research Centre for OHS Regulation are pleased to announce the Conference on Australian OHS Regulation for the 21st Century.

Over 30 years ago, in July 1972, the Robens Report, Safety and Health at Work, was presented to the Parliament of the United Kingdom. The Report had a profound effect on OHS policy making in Australia and resulted in widespread legislative change from the traditional prescriptive model to a more “self-regulatory” regime. Since that time significant changes have occurred to the economy, the organisation of work and the nature of employment which have important implications for OHS and the quality of working life. In the context of these changes, this Conference will examine whether current OHS regulation has outlived its usefulness, and if so, what should replace it?

The Conference will bring together leading Australian and overseas researchers, stakeholders and regulators to:

Who should attend?

www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au

Contact: Julie Hill, A/g Team Leader, Data Analysis and Research Coordination, National Occupational Health & Safety Commission | Phone: 61 2 6279 1161 | Fax: 61 2 6279 1038 | email: julie.hill@nohsc.gov.au

Make my Day...... Please send some news....

Your Editor

MAKING EUROPE A BETTER PLACE TO LIVE AND WORK

London Tube Lecture on Health at Work

As more and more British companies realise the importance of a holistic approach to caring for their workforce, London Underground has become a benchmark organisation.

This year's London Underground (LU) Lecture at the Faculty of Occupational Medicine will focus on Future Perspectives of Occupational Health in the Changing World of Work.

The lecture will be given at the Faculty Annual Scientific Meeting by Professor Jorma Rantanen, Director General of the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health and President of ICOH on 8 May 2003. LU's Head of Occupational Health, Dr. Olivia Carlton said: "We are delighted to sponsor the Faculty Lecture for the second year. The Tube carries over three million people a day and is vital to the economy and lifestyle of the capital. TheTube staff are equally vital assets.

"London Underground has long realised the benefits of a sustained and integrated approach to the health and wellbeing of the many thousands who help keep London moving every day."

LU's Occupational Health department offers services including medical advice, a specialist counselling and trauma unit, drug and alcohol advice and treatment and physiotherapy.

News from Romania

Alexandru Darabont was the General Director of the National Institute for Research and Development on Occupational Safety in Romania and the chairman of the ICSPM-CS Certification Body. He died in September 2002.

Alexandru Darabont played a major role in building the Institute's reputation and his whole research focused on safety at work. Born in Petrosani, he was educated at the local high school and graduated the Petrosani Technical University in 1959; obtained the title of Doctor of Science at the Bucharest Politechnical Institute. He was a professor at the Petrosani University and at the Bucharest Politechnical Institute. Alexandru Darbont wrote more that 120 scientific articles and 15 books published by printing houses in Romania and abroad. He attended specialized courses in France and Germany.

New Director General of the Romanian Institute is Andrei Serban Stanescu who was born in Bucharest, graduated the Bucharest Politechnical Institute in 1970 and has worked as a scientific researcher in the National Institute for Research and Development on Occupational Safety since 1972. He was the head of Laboratory of Mechanical Risks and starting from 2002 General Director of the Institute. Andrei Serban Stanescu has developed over 100 research works and articles in the area of machine safety, trying to develop practical methods in risk prevention. He is also the Chairman of the Standard Technical Committee CT 223 - Machine Safety. Now he plans to devote particular interest in safety and health at work management.

We look forward to welcoming Andrei Serban Stanescu and Maria Purcherea to the 2003 CIS meeting.

SHEILA PANTRY ASSOCIATES LTD

Offers the following products, using SilverPlatter WinSPIRS or WebSPIRS software. Available on CD-ROM and via the Internet. All are updated quarterly.

ENVIRONMENT PLUS
Do you need up-to-date environment and integrated pollution prevention control (IPPC) information? Looking for essential environment and IPPC legislation and guidance? Need to meet ISO 14001 requirements? Don't look any further! It's all on ENVIRONMENT PLUS.

FIRE WORLDWIDE
Aimed at everyone in the fire industry internationally with the emphasis on all aspects of fire management principles, practices and research. Used worldwide. Fire Worldwide is the World's premier collection of validated, authoritative information and contains two major collections - the Full Text Collection and the Bibliographic Collection.

OSH-IRELAND
has become the essential OSH source for organisations and practitioners seeking up-to-date information on all aspects of health and safety. OSH-IRELAND is published with the co-operation of the Health and Safety Authority, Ireland and other organisations. Includes RoSPA's. extensive bibliographic database of records to a wide range of journal articles, guidance and advice from worldwide organisations.

FREE TRIALS
All the above products are available on a 30 day free trial.

Also check out the following websites:

www.oshworld.com
keeps you up-to-date with what the rest of the world is doing. FREE OF CHARGE and no membership is needed.

www.shebuyersguide.com
Safety, Health and Environment (SHE) Buyer's Guide Web Service......

www.sheilapantry.com
website gives you a range of information. It also gives samples the content of the databases.

Contact: Sheila Pantry Associates Ltd, 85 The Meadows, Todwick, Sheffield S26 1JG, UK | Tel: +44 (0)1909 771024 | Fax: +44 (0)1909 772829 | email: sp@sheilapantry.com

Web sites to explore

If you have a favourite web site send me details...

>>> check out www.oshworld.com

SWITZERLAND

International Labour Office ILO: Guidelines on Occupational Safety and Health Management Systems ILO-OSH 2001    SWITZERLAND
www.ilo.org/public/english/support/publ/online.htm
International Labour Office ILO: Guidelines on Occupational Safety and Health Management Systems that you can read it under the heading occupational safety and health scroll down on the list and order it or otherwise purchase it online at www.ilo.org/publns or from Publications Bureau, ILO, CH-1211 Geneva 22, Switzerland

World Health Organisation WHO: SARS infection    SWITZERLAND
www.who.int/csr/sars/casedefinition/en
World Health Organisation (WHO) website describes the epidemiology of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome SARS, monitors the magnitude and the spread of this disease, in order to provide advice on prevention and control. The case definitions for global surveillance are subject to limitations because of the rapidly evolving nature of this illness. They are based on current understanding of the clinical features of SARS and the available epidemiological data, and may be revised as new information accumulates. Summarises what is currently known about the clinical features of SARS. Countries may need to adapt case definitions depending on their own disease situation. Retrospective surveillance is not expected.

World Health Organisation WHO: SARS symptoms and Q&A    SWITZERLAND
www.who.int/csr/sars/sarsfaq/en
World Health Organisation (WHO) website describes the symptoms of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome SARS and gives questions and answers.

UK

UK Department of Health: Travel advice    UK
www.doh.gov.uk/traveladvice/emerg.htm
Department of Health site offer travel advice for those going to or returning from areas that may be affected by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARs)

Department of Health (DH) Emergency Planning Co-ordination Unit (EPCU)    UK
www.doh.gov.uk/epcu/cbr/response/introph.htm

Health and Safety Executive: Workplace fire safety    UK
www.hse.gov.uk
Contains a wide range of guidance and advice such as advice on all aspects of workplace health and also workplace fire safety.

London Prepared UK
www.londonprepared.gov.uk
London Prepared site with preparation, prevention and emergency information for Londoners and businesses in London.

Medical Services Overseas    UK
www.mso-uk.com
Medical Services Overseas health solutions for companies operating in the developing world

Office of Government Commerce    UK
www.ogc.gov.uk/sdtoolkit/reference/tools/techniq.html
The Office of Government Commerce has developed some 'successful delivery toolkits' including the Business Continuity Management Assessment.

Public Health Laboratory Service PHLS: SARs    UK
www.hpa.org.uk/infections/topics_az/SARS/menu.htm
Public Health Laboratory Service and Health Protection Agency has issued guidance on Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS)

Public Health Laboratory Service PHLS: SARs and educational institutions    UK
www.phls.co.uk/topics_az/SARS/boarding_schools.htm
Public Health Laboratory Service and Health Protection Agency has produced guidance on Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARs) for schools and other educational institutions which should cover any queries you have. However, employers in the education sector do have a duty of care to their employees, and should keep them informed of any risks from SARS and the steps they are taking to address these. The Health and Safety Executive have issued its own supplementary advice for education.

Public Health Laboratory Service PHLS: SARs and Health Care Workers    UK
www.hpa.org.uk/infections/topics_az/SARS/Guidelines.htm
Public Health Laboratory Service and Health Protection Agency has issued some guidance for Health Care Workers which covers managing Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) cases, sampling suspected individuals, and infection control etc.

USA

American Society for Industrial Security    USA
www.asisonline.org
American Society for Industrial Security information relating to terrorism and building security.

Department of Homeland Security    USA
www.dhs.gov/dhspublic
US Department of Homeland Security has information on emergencies and disasters, threats and protection.

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Chemical Emergency Preparedness and Prevention   USA
www.epa.gov/emergencies/content/preparing.htm
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Chemical Emergency Preparedness and Prevention web site includes risk management plans, emergency planning, laws and regulations, general chemical information and much more.

Mesothelioma Information and Resource Group MIRG    USA
www.mirg.org
MIRG, the Mesothelioma Information and Resource Group aims at providing comprehensive information to victims of mesothelioma and their families. Mesothelioma is a terminal cancer of the lung and abdomen, and it requires more specialized treatment than other cancers of the lung.

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health NIOSH: Preparedness Collection   USA
www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/emres/business.html
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has a large number of subject topic areas, and have brought together NIOSH information such as: emergency response; disaster site management; chemical safety including the material safety datasheets (MSDS); Manual of Analytical Methods (NMAM); Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards; International Chemical Safety Cards (IPCS) ;Irradiated mail plus other preparedness links.

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Anthrax in the Workplace Risk Reduction Matrix   USA
www.osha.gov/SLTC/etools/anthrax/index.html
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Anthrax in the Workplace Risk Reduction Matrix has advice for employers in assessing risks, suggestions for protective equipment and safe work practices, and information relating to terrorism and the OSHA Anthrax E-Tool provides information on anthrax, including its potential impact on the workforce, and development and implementation of emergency action plans.

Public Health Emergency: Preparedness and Response   USA
www.bt.cdc.gov
Public Health Emergency site gives facts and resources on chemical, biological, radiological and other emergency situations.

Small Business Emergency Preparedness and Response   Occupational Safety and Health Administration   OSHA   USA
www.osha.gov/dcsp/smallbusiness
Small Business Emergency Preparedness and Response Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) site details basic steps to handle emergencies in the workplace, including accidental releases of toxic gases, chemical spills, fires, explosions, and bodily harm and trauma caused workplace violence.

SARS News:

International round up on Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome from Medical Services Overseas, including:

This report is provided free of charge.

Dr Andrew Dickson
Medical Services Overseas UK
Health solutions for companies operating in the developing world

www.mso-uk.com

Request from Korea.....

Jinyoung Kwon, Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency asks me to introduce some good Dictionary, Glossary, Definitions, Thesaurus on occupational safety and health (OSH)... here are some. If you know of others please send details to me and I will put them in future Newsletters.....

International Occupational Safety and Health Information Centre
CIS Thesaurus. 2001 (In English, French and Spanish.)
On CD-ROM
From: CIS/ SafeWork, International Occupational Safety and Health Information Centre, International Labour Office, CH 1211 Geneva 22, Switzerland

International Occupational Safety and Health Information Centre
Occupational Safety and Health Glossary: word and expressions use in safety and health at work: English, French, German, Spanish and Russian. 1993 ISBN 9290160020 491 pages
From: CIS/ SafeWork, International Occupational Safety and Health Information Centre, International Labour Office CH 1211 Geneva 22, Switzerland

National Occupational Health and Safety Commission -
Australian Occupational Health and Safety Thesaurus: Guidelines.
Hierarchical Structure of Preferred Terms. Alphabetical List of Preferred Terms and Non-Preferred Terms. 2nd edition August 2000
ISBN 0642 432643

Contact: Julie Hill, A/g Team Leader, Data Analysis and Research Coordination National Occupational Health & Safety Commission | Phone: 61 2 6279 1161 | Fax: 61 2 6279 1038 | email: julie.hill@nohsc.gov.au

News from Korea

KOSHA 18001

Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency (KOSHA) assists workplaces with training and technical guidance to establish self-regulated occupational safety and health management system (OSH-MS)

A certificate and a plaque of " KOSHA 18001 " is awarded to a workplace that has conducted an excellent performance of safety and health. The management should include in the management strategy a self-regulated occupational health and safety policy. The OSH-MS requires that both the management and the employee should actively participate in the program. The employee observes safety guidelines and the management evaluates regularly how well safety and health action plan has been achieved and further takes a proper measure to have the result incorporated in the action plan.

Contact: KOSHA, 34-4, Gusan-dong, Bupyung-gu, Incheon, 403-711, Korea | Tel: +82-32-5100-749 | Fax: +82-32-502-1656 | Contact email : koshanet@kosha.net or cissys@kosha.net for more information | www.kosha.or.kr

News from Canada

INFO IRSST Latest update contains:

www.irsst.qc.ca/media/documents/en/InfoIrsst/Archives/InfoIRSST_v01n2.htm

Pleasant reading!

Jacques Blain, IRSST, Informathèque, 11ième étage, 505, de Maisonneuve Ouest, Montéal, P.Québec, Canada H3A-3C2 | www.irsst.qc.ca | Email to: blain.jacques@irsst.qc.ca

OSHmail: Electronic newsletter from the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work

contact: oshmail@OSHA.EU.INT

News from USA

NIOSH Launches eNews!

On behalf of everybody here at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), I am very pleased to launch the inaugural edition of the NIOSH eNews.

eNews is designed to be a direct communications link between NIOSH and the occupational safety and health community both here in the U.S. and around the world. eNews will enable you will know exactly what's going on here at NIOSH and will allow NIOSH to receive your input on our performance. Whether your interest is occupational injury and illness surveillance, research, intervention or education, eNews aims at keeping you connected to everything that NIOSH is doing.

eNews subscribers will get a monthly update on what's new at NIOSH-featured articles, just-released publications, current and upcoming projects, future conferences, and much more will be in the eNews. If news breaks between monthly newsletters, we'll send out a FLASH report to get the information out to you quickly. Once your email address is connected to NIOSH, you'll automatically get NIOSH eNews every month. No need to access the NIOSH website-all you have to do is open your email!

The NIOSH eNews is a start-up project and it will undoubtedly evolve with time, but only if you-the subscriber-get involved. Whether you're cabled or flying wireless, eNews is for you-so take ownership and tell us what you'd like to see! Send your ideas to nioshenews@cdc.gov

John Howard Director

New on DVD: Ways to Reduce Job-Related Stress

Working With Stress is the first NIOSH training and educational program on the topic of workplace stress. The program, available on DVD and VHS, describes workplace factors that can create or exacerbate worker stress and suggests practical measures for reducing job-related stress through changes in work organization. Working With Stress is designed to serve as a resource for employers, managers, occupational health and safety professionals, workers, and educators. To date, over 4,000 copies have been requested.

The Working With Stress DVD and VHS are companion pieces to the 1999 NIOSH document, 
Stress...At Work. Nearly 92,000 copies of Stress...At Work have been distributed.

You can visit the program's website at: www.cdc.gov/niosh/video/stressdvd1002.html

NIOSH Flags an Unexpected Hazard

One of NIOSH's great strengths is its ability to apply strong scientific research to help identify emerging or previously unsuspected health hazards in the workplace. As a recent example, in May 2000, NIOSH began investigating 8 suspected cases of bronchiolitis obliterans at a popcorn factory in Joplin, Missouri. Bronchiolitis obliterans is a rare, severe lung disease characterized by cough, dyspnea on exertion, and airways obstruction. Four of these workers have been placed on lung transplant lists. Those affected work in either the area of the plant where the popcorn's butter flavoring was mixed or where the popcorn was packaged.

NIOSH based these conclusions on several evaluations at the Joplin plant. Worker assessments revealed that, based on national data, current workers had two to three times the expected rates of respiratory symptoms and self-reports of physician diagnoses of asthma or chronic bronchitis; the rate of obstruction on spirometry was 3.3 times higher than expected. Measurements of the air concentrations of dust and some of the ingredients of butter flavoring, including diacetyl, showed that workers who spend more time in areas with higher air concentrations of the ingredients of butter flavoring were more likely to have abnormal airflow. Laboratory experiments showed that rats that breathed high concentrations of vapors from the butter flavoring developed significant airway damage to their lungs. NIOSH is not aware of any evidence to suggest a hazard to consumers in the preparation and consumption of microwave popcorn.

Since the beginning of the Joplin investigation, NIOSH has opened health hazard investigations at five additional popcorn producing plants: 2 in Nebraska, and one each in Iowa, Illinois, and Ohio. Further research is needed to conclusively identify the cause and the circumstances under which the risk occurs. These efforts will enable the development of guidelines for safe occupational use of flavorings by all companies..

European Agency launches new Facts 21 Safety and health online: a step-by-step guide to accessing good practice information on the web

This two page Fact Sheet shows how to get hold of information about good practice in occupational safety and health via the Agency comprehensive network of websites

Contact : European Agency for Safety and Health at Work, Gran Via 33, E-48009 Bilbao - Spain | Tel: + 34 94 479 4360 | Fax: + 34 94 479 4383 | email: information@osha.eu.int | http://osha.europa.eu/en/publications/factsheets/21/view

News from Japan

The latest annual report, 2002 is now published by Japan Industrial Safety and Health Association (JISHA) and shows a wide range of activities:

Contact: International Cooperation Division, Japan Industrial Safety and Health Association (JISHA), 5-35-1 Shiba, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-0014 Japan | Email: kokusai@jisha.or.jp | Tel & Fax: +81-3-3454-4596

MAKING EUROPE A BETTER PLACE TO LIVE AND WORK

The work of the European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions, the Dublin-based EU-agency, has significantly increased its role as a forum for constructive discussion and debate in the socio-economic field at European level by focusing on a smaller number of significant research projects and increased cross-disciplinary analysis of its findings. This is according to the Foundation's Annual Report 2002 which was published today.

'The Foundation's work has contributed more efficiently to the EU social policy agenda in 2002, in particular to equal opportunities for men and women, financial participation and temporary agency work,' says Raymond-Pierre Bodin, the Foundation's Director. 'We still, however, see a strong need to link the Foundation's analysis of living conditions to both the changing nature of employment, work organisation, and working conditions and to the modernisation of social protection and social welfare services.'

Striking the right balance between the need to create a welfare system that looks after the people of Europe and the ability to pay for it, formed the basis for discussions at the first Foundation Forum on 'Challenges to the European social model', which took place in Dublin in August 2002. The event gathered 14 ministers from the EU and candidate countries as well as high-level socio-economic policy actors and thinkers in Europe, and was the first of a series of events every second year contributing to the improvement of living and working conditions in Europe.

In 2002, monitoring activities have been incorporated into each core area of the Foundation's work, marking a shift in the balance between monitoring activities and strategic research. Also, 2002 saw concerted efforts to consolidate and present Foundation research on specific topics in a user-friendly format, drawing on existing Foundation research and providing an overview of work on specific themes linked to the EU social policy agenda. Three Foundation papers have been presented to date, entitled: Quality of work and employment in Europe, Access to employment for vulnerable groups and Quality of women's work and employment. In 2003, Foundation papers under the themes of 'Managing diversity', 'Supporting social inclusion' and 'Examining the changing use of time' will be published.

The new tool for monitoring and reporting on living conditions and quality of life throughout Europe was developed during 2002. The new survey, to be carried out in 2003, will focus on employment, economic resources, family life, community life, health and education. The relationships between these areas will be another important aspect. Access to, and quality of, social provisions such as health care will also be a key topic. This monitoring and reporting instrument is being progressively extended to the candidate countries.

The Annual Report 2002 is available on www.eurofound.europa.eu/publications/htmlfiles/ef0318.htm

Contact: The European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions, please contact Mr. Måns Mårtensson, press officer, at tel: +353-1-204 3124 | mobile: +353-876-593 507 | e-mail: press.officer@eurofound.eu.in

Keep up with news from the European Foundation in our newsroom at www.eurofound.europa.eu/press/releases

Major OSHE Conference in London November 2003

EurOHSE2003 Conference takes place on the 4-5 November 2003 and the venue for the conference is the Royal National Hotel, Russell Square, London, UK.

EurOHSE2003 Conference looks at the major themes of the European Commission's "Adapting to change in work and society: a new Community Strategy on health and safety at work 2002-2006" Focusing in on the European Commission's thrust and initiatives towards a healthier and safer European work place.

Eminent speakers with backgrounds in government, industry, research and education will discuss future ways of working and training, the need for risk assessment for all aspects of everyday work life, corporate killing, fire safety, managing road risks, fitness for work, researching for tomorrow's workplace, enabling the disabled in the workplace and the roles of the social partners in securing a healthier and safer workplace.

Speakers include:

To request further details contact

Mary Meadows, Angel Business Communications Ltd, 34 Warwick Road, Kenilworth, Warwickshire, CV8 1HE UK | Tel: +44 (0) 1926 512424 | Fax: +44 (0) 1926 512948 | email: info@angelbc.co.uk | See www.eurohse2003.com

Bookings have already started..... make sure you make an early bird reservation and save money.

DIARY OF EVENTS

If you have a conference, seminar or training course you wish to advertise please send details. The following events may help you decide to offer a similar event in your country.

19-22 May 2003 - Strengthening the Team Approach: RoSPA's Safety and Health at Work Congress and Expo 2003
National Exhibition Centre Birmingham, UK
Contact: for the Congress -The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, Edgbaston Park, 353 Bristol Road, Birmingham B5 7ST, UK | Tel: +44 0870 777 2171 | Fax:+ 44 (0) 121 248 2115 | www.rospa.com

19-22 May 2003 - Safety and Health Expo 2003 plus IFSEC and Security Solutions 2002: International Fire Expo 2003; ACPO 2003 - The International Police Conference and Exhibition; The Facilities Show 2003
Halls 10, 11 and 12 National Exhibition Centre Birmingham, UK
Contact: for the Expo - | Tel: +44 0870 429 4328 | www.safety-health-expo.co.uk

18-21 May 2003 - 2003 NFPA World Safety Conference and Exposition
Dallas Convention Center, Texas, USA
Contact: NFPA | Tel: +1 617 984 7310 | www.nfpa.org/conference

3-4 June 2003 - WaterSafe: a new era in water rescue
Ocean Village, Southampton, UK
Contact: Michelle Plumb | Tel: +44 (0) 1737 855 424 | Fax:+ 44 (0)1737 855 418 | Email: michellleplumb@uk.dmgworldmedia.com | www.dmgworldmedia.com

17 June 2003 - Basic Toxicology: Module 5
Atlantic Suite, Manchester Airport, UK
Contact: Chemical Hazards Communication Society - CHCS, UK | Fax: +44 (0)7000 790 338 | Email: chcs@chcs.org.uk | www.chcs.org.uk

18 June 2003 - Advanced Toxicology: Module 11
Atlantic Suite, Manchester Airport, UK
Contact: Chemical Hazards Communication Society - CHCS, UK | Fax: +44 (0)7000 790 338 | Email: chcs@chcs.org.uk | www.chcs.org.uk

23-24 June 2003 - NORA 2003: Working Partnerships Research into Practice
Hilton Crystal City, Washington, DC, USA
Contact: Roger Rosa, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), 4676 Columbia Parkway, Cincinnati, OH 45226, USA | Tel:+1 202 305 7856 | www.cdc.gov/niosh/exhibits.html

29 June - 3 July 2003 - 8th International Congress on Noise as a Public Health problem
Rotterdam, The Netherlands
Contact: ICBEN 2003 Secretariat, PO Box 1558, 6501 BN Nijmegen, The Netherlands | Tel: +31 24 3234471 | Fax: +31 24 3601159 | Email: icben2003@congres.net

24-29 August 2003 - XVth Triennial Congress of the International Ergonomics Association - Ergonomics in the Digital Age
Seoul, Korea
Contact: Secretariat IEA 2003, Kangnam P.O. Box 467, Seoul, 135-646, Korea | Tel: +82 2 552 9350 |Fax: +82 2 552 8325 | Email: info@iea2003.org

2-4 September 2003 - International Symposium of the ISSA International Section on Prevention of Occupational Risks in Agriculture
Bled, Slovenia
Contact: ISSA, General Secretariat, 4 route des Morillons, Case postale 1, 1211 Geneva 22, Switzerland | Tel: +41 22 799 66 17 | Fax: +41 22 799 85 09 | Email: issa@ilo.org | www.issa.int

5-12 September 2003 - 91st Annual Congress and Expo of the National Safety Council
Chicago, IL., USA.
Contact: Hilda Koskiewicz, National Safety Council, USA | Tel: +1 630 775 2037 | Email: koskiew@nsc.org | www.congress.nsc.org

15-18 September 2003 - Managing safely: a four-day course leading to the IOSH 'Managing Safely' Certificate
Rubens Hotel, 39 Buckingham Palace Road, London SW1W 0PS, UK
Contact: Customer Services, Croner Training, 12-18 Grosvenor Gardens, London SW1W 0DH, UK | Tel: +44 0845 120 9602 | Fax:+ 44 (0)20 7259 0283 | Email: services@cronertraining.co.uk | www.cronertraining.co.uk

3-5 October 2003 - International Symposium of the ISSA International Section on Education and Training in the Field of Prevention of Accidents
Quebec City, Canada.
Contact: ISSA, General Secretariat, 4 route des Morillons, Case postale 1, 1211 Geneva 22, Switzerland | Tel: +41 22 799 66 17 | Fax: +41 22 799 85 09 | Email: issa@ilo.org | www.issa.int

19-22 October 2003 - All-Ireland Cancer Conference (with experts from around the world)
Rochestown Park Hotel, Cork, Ireland
Contact: Nicola Meenan, Conference Partners Ltd, 96 Haddington Road, Dublin 4, Ireland | Tel: +353 1 6677188 | Fax:+ 353 1 6643701 | Email: nmeenan@conferencepartners.ie

28-30 October 2003 - 3rd National Occupational Injury Research Symposium (NOIRS)
Pittsburgh, USA
Contact: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), 4676 Columbia Parkway, Cincinnati, OH 45226, USA | Tel:+1 513 533 8328 | Email: pubstaft@cdc.gov | www.cdc.gov/niosh/noirs/noirsmain.html