CIS Newsletter

No. 166
July 2003

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

Contents

  1. Editorial
  2. Raymond-Pierre Bodin
  3. News from Russia
  4. Don't fall for it... SLIC Campaign
  5. Working with VDUs
  6. Titles to note...
  7. OSH news from the USA
  8. Making Health and Safety a cornerstone of a civilised society
  9. OSH-ROM - the best way to keep up-to-date
  10. News from around the world
  11. OSHE web sites to explore
  12. Diary of Events

Editorial

Dear CIS Colleagues

Time marches on and there are more challenges in our workplaces for everyone to tackle. Look at the various news items in this edition - you can see how efforts are being made worldwide. Read about:

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! And please share this newsletter with others.

Sadly, I have to report the untimely death of Raymond-Pierre Bodin, Director of the European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions in Dublin Ireland. CIS Members will remember Raymond-Pierre's warm welcome at the E-OSHE Conference held after the 2000 CIS meeting in Dublin. CIS Members send their condolences to his family and to colleagues at the Foundation.

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?

Finally please note the very important EurOhse2003 conference to be held in London UK, on 4 and 5 November 2003 - click onto www.eurohse2003.com for details. The conference looks Forward and the speakers from around the world will be addressing the future of health and safety. Book now and be in the vanguard!

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....

Raymond-Pierre Bodin, RIP

It is with deep sadness that the Foundation announces that its esteemed Director Raymond-Pierre Bodin passed away suddenly at his home in Sandycove, Co. Dublin. Our thoughts and sympathy are with his wife Edwige and children.

Raymond Pierre Bodin was born in France in 1948. A doctor in sociology, his full and brilliant career spanned the different worlds of civil service, university, private enterprise and, finally, a European Union organisation. His early career was at the Ministry of Labour. Then in 1974 he turned his talents to academic life as professor of social psychology and sociology of labour at the Pierre Mendès-France University in Grenoble. In 1989, he became managing director of Eurotec Manducher (part of the Klöckner group), then Human resources Director of Klöckner Automotive. In 1996 he was appointed senior vice-president of human resources at Rhône-Poulenc Rorer (now Aventis Pharma).

His abiding passion for better living and working conditions for all citizens, as well as a deep interest in European-level affairs led him to seek the challenging post of Director of the Dublin-based European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions, a post he took up in May 2000.

During his three years at the Foundation, Raymond-Pierre Bodin devoted himself with energy and conviction to the task of developing the Foundation's role in promoting the European social debate. He was committed to the idea that the Foundation had a vital role to play in achieving a better life and better work in Europe. He gained the respect of all who worked with him and served as an inspirational figurehead for the Foundation as it moved into the new millennium.

While at the Foundation, Raymond-Pierre Bodin continued to chair the Agence Nationale pour l'Emploi (France), as well as serving as an expert at the International Labour Office.

His colleagues mourn his sudden and untimely death and extend their deepest sympathy to his family and friends.

Raymond-Pierre Bodin, Requiescat In Pace.

C'est avec une immense tristesse que la Fondation annonce le décès soudain de son Directeur, Raymond-Pierre Bodin, ce week-end dans sa maison de Sandycove à Dublin. Toutes nos pensées et sympathies vont à sa femme Edwige et à ses enfants.

Raymond-Pierre Bodin est né en France en 1948. Docteur en sociologie, son intense et brillante carrière s'est déroulée au sein de l'administration publique française, l'entreprise privée, l'université et finalement de la fonction publique européenne. Raymond-Pierre Bodin a commencé son parcours professionnel au Ministère du Travail. En 1974, il a rejoint l'université Pierre Mendés France de Grenoble en tant que professeur de psychologie sociale et de sociologie du travail. En 1989, il devînt directeur d'Eurotec Manducher (Groupe Klöckner) puis directeur des ressources humaines de Klöckner Automotive. En 1996, il fut nommé vice-président des ressources humaines de Rhône-Poulenc Rorer (désormais Aventis Pharma).

Sa constante passion pour l'amélioration des conditions de vie et de travail de tous, combinée à son engagement profond pour l'intégration européenne l'a amené - en mai 2000 - à relever le défi que représentait la direction de la Fondation Européenne pour l'Amélioration des Conditions de Vie et de Travail établie à Dublin.

Durant ces trois années passées à la Fondation, Raymond-Pierre Bodin s'est investi avec énergie et conviction dans la mission qu'il s'était fixée de développer le rôle de la Fondation dans la promotion du débat social européen. Il était un avocat convaincu du rôle que la Fondation a à jouer dans la concrétisation d'une meilleure qualité de vie et de travail en Europe. Il a su gagner le respect de tous ceux qui travaillaient avec lui.

Il fut un modèle d'inspiration pour la Fondation lors de son entrée dans le nouveau millénaire.

Tout en étant directeur de la Fondation, Raymond-Pierre Bodin a continué à présider le Conseil d'Administration de l'Agence Nationale pour l'Emploi en France et à participer en tant qu'expert aux activités du Bureau International du Travail.

Ses collègues portent le deuil de son décès soudain et prématuré et expriment leurs plus profondes condoléances à sa famille et à ses amis.

News from Russia..... The problems of occupational safety and health to go to the top of priorities

The 3rd All Russian meeting "Problems of occupational safety and health on the contemporary stage of labour relations' development and the ways of resolving them" was organized in Moscow on the 20 and 21 May 2003.

The participants were representatives of the Federal authorities of the legislative and executive power, organs of state supervision and control, authorities of executive power of the Russian Federation's subjects, workers and employers associations, scientific establishments, specialists in the occupational safety and health form large companies and forms.

The delegations from the International Labour Organisation, Republics of Belarus, Kazakhstan and Ukraine also took part in the Meeting. The total number of participants was over 520 persons.

The comprehensive report on the issues of the Meeting was Presented by Mr Valery A Yanvariov - First Vice-Minister for Labour and Social Development of the Russian Federation.

Mrs Pauline Barrett-Reid - Director of the Moscow sub-Regional ILO Office said " The present state of worldwide occupational health and safety is of deep concern to the ILO. 2 million workers die annually at work and over 160 million workers suffer from work-related diseases. That is why the ILO declared 28 April as World Day of Safety and Health at Work - and this date would be commemorated annually." She also said that this ILO call had broad and massive response in Russia, However, to achieve visible results there is much to be done in the future.

The presentation by Mr V.N. Mostovoy, Vice-Chairman of the Ukraine State Committee on the supervision of health and safety aroused great interest at the meeting. He stressed in particular, the initiative of the Russian Ministry of Labour to invite to the event colleagues from Ukraine and other countries of the Concord of the Independent States to participate, offering them the opportunity to exchange experiences and to outline opportunities for closer cooperation in the sphere of protection of lives and health of the working people in the respective countries.

As a result, the 3rd All Russian Meeting adopted draft recommendations, which, after appropriate revision would be issued separately by the respective countries.

The participants in the Meeting agreed that a properly co-ordinated State system for managing of safety and health at work would provide the opportunity for raising awareness and activities in order to secure life and health in the worker.

Everyone in the Russian Federation should be involved in this action:

Report of the meeting from Mr Todradze
CIS National Centre in Russia
All Russian Centre for Occupational Safety (VCOT)
Email: vcot@mintrud.ru

DON'T FALL FOR IT

'Don't Fall For It', is a European Union campaign on falls from height in construction. The European Commission's Senior Labour Inspectors' Committee (SLIC) has agreed to undertake this campaign on falls from height risks in the construction industry in 2003, supported by the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work. The campaign features two inspection initiatives, the first started in June and then in September. All Member States will be participating in the campaign.

Falls from height remain the single biggest cause of death, disability and injury in construction, accounting for 37 fatalities (which is 47% of all fatalities) and 1425 major injuries (which is 30% of all major injuries) in 2001/2. Across all industries, falls from height accounted for 74 deaths and 5,286 major injuries in 2001/2.

In the last five years, from 1997 to 2002, 211 workers have died and 8418 workers have sustained major injuries from falls from height in the construction industry.

Working Safely at Height

Falls from heights are the most common cause of injuries and death in the construction industry. Approximately 40% of accidents in the construction industry involve falls. These falls can occur from:

Falls are primarily the result of the choice of equipment and how it is used. Such choices are often made at the beginning of the construction process, when the building is being designed or later, when the work is being prepared.

Before starting construction work, the dangers of building should be considered by those who:

First it must be established how risks can be eliminated by the correct working methods. Attention must then be devoted to the measures that must still be taken to deal with any remaining risks. Finally, a decision has to be taken on what personal protection equipment is required.

This system is mandatory under European Directives. It involves cataloguing the dangers and evaluating the risks. All Member States of the European Union have made it part of their national legislation. It applies to all dangers, including that of falls from heights.

Prevention

Once the dangers are known, the necessary measures must be taken to reduce risks to a minimum. General protection measures come before personal protection. Personal protective equipment (PPE) should be the last resort and used only where other methods are not sufficient

For example, a safe barrier or scaffolding should be installed rather than using a ladder or a safety harness. If such general measures are impossible, steps must be taken to ensure that the consequences of any fall are limited as far as possible. This approach to prevention must be kept in mind throughout the building process, whenever a decision is taken.

Choice, maintenance, and use of equipment

When selecting work equipment, it should be noted that equipment to ensure safety when working at height may be used only in accordance with the requirements of the equipment and for the purpose for which it is intended.

Equipment must be maintained in such a way that safety is not jeopardised, and there should be regular checks to ensure that the correct safety measures have been taken and that they remain in place and are being used in the right way.

A regular check of equipment should be carried out to ensure that it is still in good condition. This applies to equipment such as ladders, stairways, work platforms (mobile and stationery), scaffolding, guard-rails, and safety nets, as well as personal protective equipment.

Co-ordination

Health and safety matters must be co-ordinated on all building sites. It is important that the principal contractor appreciates from the outset that he has obligations in this field. Health and safety must be taken into consideration in the selection of contractors and subcontractors. All those responsible must be fully aware of obligations regarding the health and safety of workers on the site. There must be cooperation, and systematic attention must be paid to prevention, safe working methods and the use and maintenance of safety equipment of all kinds. Good co-ordination can ensure that this is done properly.

(NB The following will make a useful leaflet for your Centre to publish - Editor)

Checklist: Prevention of falls from height

If any answer is 'No', prevention action is needed before starting the work.

Measures include:

More information about the SLIC Campaign on Construction can be found on the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work web site

http://ec.europa.eu/social/main.jsp?catId=153&langId=en&intPageId=685

What's happening in the UK.....

Since the beginning of April of this year, six construction workers have died after falling from height. Falls from height remain the single biggest cause of death, disability and injury in construction in Great Britain, accounting for almost half of all deaths and nearly a third of major injuries in 2001/2. In the last five years 211 workers have died and 8418 workers have sustained major injuries from falls from height.

'Don't Fall For It' is a major Europe-wide campaign aimed at reducing falls from height in construction. Through nation-wide site inspections and with the national advertising campaign the HSE aims to assist industry in focusing on preventing falls from height.

The 'Don't Fall For It' advertisements asks 'Which white van will you be leaving in today?' and shows an injured worker who has fallen from height leaving the site in an ambulance. The advertisement will appear on billboards and in national newspapers and trade publications throughout the month of June. People working in the construction industry interested in finding out more can call 08457 181819 for a 'Falls From Height Action Pack' that includes the free Height Safe video and a poster.

1. Falls from height remain the single biggest cause of death, disability and injury in construction, accounting for 37 fatalities (which is 47% of all fatalities) and 1425 major injuries (which is 30% of all major injuries) in 2001/2. Across all industries, falls from height accounted for 74 deaths and 5,286 major injuries in 2001/2.

2. In the last five years, from 1997 to 2002, 211 workers have died and 8418 workers have sustained major injuries from falls from height in the construction industry.

3. Falls from height, transport and welfare issues are construction priorities that form part of the Revitalising Health and Safety Campaign. Revitalising Health and Safety, published in June 2000, is a Government and Health and Safety Commission (HSC) initiative that sets targets for the nation to reduce work-related deaths, ill health and injury in Great Britain. More details about Revitalising Health and Safety can be found on the HSE website on www.hse.gov.uk/revitalising/index.htm

4. The construction industry has committed to a step change in performance. This was demonstrated through setting challenging Revitalising targets and adopting action plans at the Construction Safety Summit, which took place on 27 February 2001. The construction industry set the following Revitalising targets for improvement. To reduce:

REVISED HSE GUIDANCE ON WORKING WITH VDUs

Stress, visual discomfort, as well as aches and pains in the hands, wrists, arms or shoulders are just some of the problems that people who use visual display units (VDUs) incorrectly can suffer from. A new edition of the popular guidance book Working with VDUs has been published by the UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

Over five million people in Britain use VDUs for a significant part of their work. If good working practices are not followed, VDU workers can end up with a variety of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) or other health problems. However all these problems can be prevented by good workplace and job design and by using the equipment and workstation in the right way.

In 2001/02 around 1.1 million people in Great Britain suffered from MSDs caused or made worse by work, and an estimated 12.3 million working days were lost due to work-related MSDs. On average each sufferer took 19.4 days off.

Working with VDUs gives revised practical advice on working with a mouse, taking into account the latest research results. The main points are to adopt a good posture, placing the mouse close so it can be used with a relaxed arm and straight wrist; to support the arm, for example on the desk surface; and to take frequent breaks and try to limit the time spent using the mouse. If users still find gripping the mouse awkward, the advice is to try a different sized or shaped mouse, or another device such as a trackball. The revised booklet also recommends using a docking station when working with a portable computer in an office environment.

The booklet was last revised in 1998. The changes bring it up to date, and complete a fully revised package of HSE guidance on VDU work.

Two priced HSE guidance booklets on VDU work were published on International Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) Awareness Day 2003 (28 February). The law on VDUs: an easy guide is aimed at small businesses and contains illustrated, practical advice on avoiding risk from using ordinary office computers, while Work with display screen equipment discusses the issues in full technical and legal detail and is aimed at large firms and health and safety professionals.

Single copies of Working with VDUs (INDG36 rev2) are available free from HSE Books, PO Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk, CO10 2WA, UK tel: +44 (0)1787 881165 or fax: +44 (0) 1787 313995. This booklet is also available in priced packs of 10, ISBN 0-7176-2222-3.

Copies of Work with display screen equipment (L26), ISBN 0-7176-2582-6, price £8.95, and The law on VDUs: an easy guide HSG90, ISBN 0-7176-2602-4, price £8.50, are also available from HSE Books.

Additional copies of the VDU workstation checklist (which is included in both the above publications) can also be ordered from HSE Books, ISBN 0-7162-2617-2, price £5.00 for a pack of five, with price reductions on a sliding scale for larger orders.

MAKE MY DAY............... PLEASE SEND YOUR NEWS.... YOUR EDITOR

Titles to note.........

Personal Injury Awards in EU and EFTA Countries

edited by Marjorie Holmes and David McIntosh
Published by Kluwer Law International 2003 ISBN: 9041120092
List Price: $189.00 Euro Price: 175.00 Hardcover
633 pages - unusual index - Gives details under country and then the subject, but also includes an alphabetical subject listing A-Z

The contributors are from leading legal personal injury lawyers in all of the European Union Member States and other jurisdictions. Following the success of the previous two reports relating to 'Personal Injury Awards in EU and EFTA Countries' the editors have undertaken some further research to produce a third edition. The report provides a guide to an understanding of the personal injury awards system in both the European Union (EU) and European Free Trading Area (EFTA), and looks at the changes that have taken place over the past 12 years. The research compares the levels of compensation awarded to individuals within the member states and sets out recommendations from the experts for future procedures.

The Editors have used schedules, tables, graphs and commentary in the report to demonstrate our findings of each country's method of calculation and the compensation levels which could be expected by two types of hypothetical victim. The information provides a comparison of levels of compensation awarded for personal injury in each of these member countries. As yet, no provision has been made for harmonization of levels of awards n the EC and there are no draft directives or intended draft directives aimed at bringing about uniformity. Research shows that compensation awards vary considerably from country to country, which has an obvious bearing on legal advice to clients concerning where claims should be heard.

Levels of award everywhere are influenced by the age and financial status of the injured party, but such factors are weighted differently in each country. In addition, awards for any one type of injury vary between jurisdictions. In order to offer a client the best possible advice on where to sue; a lawyer must be able to compare the levels of awards in the various countries.

Large discrepancies between Italian and French awards are revealed as a consequence of the tragic Mont Blanc tunnel fire: Italian awards in fatal cases, depending on the personal status of the victim, are 3-4 times higher than the equivalent French awards.

The text covers 20 jurisdictions, including a separate section on Scotland. It looks in detail at the methods of calculation in each member state by reference to schedules, tables, graphs and commentary on each country's system and the compensation levels which could be expected by two types of hypothetical victim. Potential awards to a married male doctor with two children are compared with those to an unmarried female legal secretary for 14 types of injury in each of these countries.

For example, an unmarried female legal secretary with an injury that results in blindness will collect 610,469 in Italy, which is the largest award for that injury in the EU, and 100,000 in Austria, which is one of the smallest. If the legal secretary died, she would be worth 140 times more in Italy than in England.

In striving for improvement the Editors have added:

League table for awards

Heading the league table of awards for injuries is Switzerland with payments in excess of GBP1 million for the more serious injuries.

In the EU, Ireland is still at the top of the league for pain and suffering awards (although Italy is catching up). In the midfield are France, Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands, Luxembourg and Sweden. At the bottom of the league are Austria, Finland, Denmark, Portugal and Spain.

MDI and TDI: Safety, Health and the Environment: a source book and practical guide

edited by D. C. Allport, D. S. Gilbert, and S. M. Outterside. ISBN: 0-471-95812-3 Wiley Publishers Hardcover 460 pages 2003

Many thousands of workers worldwide are involved in the production of polyurethanes and other polymers which are used in a wide diversity of applications. The chemical MDI and TDI play an important part in this process as reactive intermediaries. They are produced at a high rate of four million tonnes per annum. This requires close attention to working practices in their transportation, storage, use and disposal.

MDI and TDI are polymer building blocks with a wide range of applications in industry. Both are used in large quantities and can be found in a wide variety of industries and applications. As their use will often involve large numbers of workers they are also subject to stringent health and safety regulations. This book covers all the important topics concerning MDI and TDI and provides comprehensive coverage on the health and environmental science associated with these. Considering the risk management of both substances this is the first book to offer comprehensive discussion of health and environmental issues and includes:

Addressing their use throughout industry this title presents an essential source of information for occupational physicians, industrial hygiene professionals, polyurethane producers, environmental scientists, chemical analysts and regulators.

The Polyurethanes Book

David Randall and Steve Lee (Editors) ISBN: 0-470-85041-8 Hardcover
494 pages March 2003
£100.00 / Euros 155.00

Since the first Polyurethanes book was published in 1987, and reprinted with updates in 1990, the world of polyurethanes has changed dramatically. This edition has been completely re-structured, re-written and enlarged by approximately 50%. It provides a greater focus on the whole range of components used to produce polyurethanes, a more detailed analysis of environmental issues and extended views on the applications for polyurethanes. As with the previous editions, this book provides a comprehensive survey of these remarkable materials, again presented in a readable manner, and continues to provide both an easily-understood introduction for those with limited knowledge of chemistry as well as detailed coverage for the more chemically minded.

Both books are published by John Wiley Publishers

OSH News from the USA

NIOSH eNews July 2003 Volume 1, Number 3 www.cdc.gov/niosh/enews has been issued and contains a wide range of topics, news, research and events.

Contents are:

Click onto www.cdc.gov/niosh/enews

Printer Friendly Version www.cdc.gov/niosh/enews/pdfs/enewsv1n3.pdf

To subscribe, click www.cdc.gov/niosh/enews/subnioshenews.html

New personal dust monitors

NIOSH is teaming with the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA), industry, and labour to accelerate testing and validation of new personal dust monitors to measure individual miners' exposures to coal dust in underground coal mines. "These Personal Dust Monitors appear to hold the key to achieving renewed progress in the battle against Black Lung," U.S. Mine Safety and Health Administrator Dave Lauriski said June 24.

Following successful laboratory tests, NIOSH and MSHA will complete in-mine tests of prototype dust monitors at mines in Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Alabama, and Utah over the next several months. Contingent on a positive NIOSH and MSHA assessment of those tests, the agencies will commit $150,000 each toward the purchase of production prototype monitors, and then will work with the manufacturer, the coal industry, and miners' representatives to use the production prototypes at coal mining operations throughout the U.S. This teamwork with NIOSH and others will help MSHA formulate new requirements for monitoring dust exposures in order to prevent coal workers' pneumoconiosis (black lung disease). "NIOSH is pleased to be a part of this effort that advances 21st Century technology to protect miners from devastating black lung disease," said NIOSH Director John Howard. More information about NIOSH mining safety and health research is available on the NIOSH web page at www.cdc.gov/niosh/mining/default.htm

Operation 'Roar': NIOSH Marshals Science, Legwork to Prevent Job-Related Asthma

In workplaces as diverse as industrial plants and school buildings, using techniques that range from traditional "shoe leather epidemiology" to high-tech laboratory sciences, NIOSH is pursuing studies that will help prevent work-related asthma. The efforts are part of a strategic research program, "Research on Occupational Asthma Reduction" or ROAR, in which NIOSH is co-ordinating and synthesising its field and laboratory investigations to better recognise, evaluate, control, and monitor work-related risk factors that can cause or exacerbate asthma.

The current phase of NIOSH research under "ROAR" focuses on three areas where new data will help scientists better determine the prevalence and severity of occupational asthma, and better define exposure-response relationships in workplaces-critical steps for designing good preventive measures: understanding workplace exacerbation of asthma, investigating asthma in the non-industrial work environment, and advancing medical monitoring for workers exposed to diisocyanates. For more information on preventing work-related asthma and COPD, visit the NORA website at

www.cdc.gov/niosh/nora/pastnora.html

NIOSH Videos on the web

NIOSH has posted videos showcasing the NIOSH Mining training and education video programs. This resource is designed to be a working accessory for employers, human resource managers, occupational health and safety professionals, workers, educators and others. These programs combine authoritative information with an easy-to-understand, viewer friendly presentation. Videos are available in two formats: a downloadable Flash Video and RealMedia Streaming Video. For more information on these NIOSHvideos, visit the NIOSH website www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/video

To receive NIOSH documents or more information about occupational safety and health topics, contact NIOSH: 1-800-35-NIOSH Fax: +1 513 533-8573 Email: pubstaft@cdc.gov or visit the NIOSH Web site at www.cdc.gov/niosh

The newsletter is published monthly via email by the NIOSH to form members of the public health community as well as interested members of the general public of Institute related news, new publications, and updates on existing programs and initiatives.

HSE PUBLISHES RESEARCH ON FALLS FROM HEIGHT

New research report Falls from height Prevention and risk control effectiveness identifying the underlying factors for falls from height in the workplace and the most effective ways of controlling them has been published by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

The research report provides:

UK accident data on falls from height from 1996/97 to 2000/01 was analysed by BOMEL Limited and confirmed that construction and agriculture had the highest frequency of falls from height accidents. The research draws upon consultation in workshops with key stakeholders in these industries to obtain a consensus view on the key issues relating to falls from height and the measures available to prevent and control risks.

The research then goes on to identify and compare the effectiveness of alternative measures to prevent and control the risk of falls from height in order that effort can be targeted most appropriately.

Some of the key issues highlighted are:

Copies of Falls from height Prevention and risk control effectiveness RR116, price £50.00, ISBN 0 7176 22221 5 are available from HSE Books, PO Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk, CO10 2WA, UK Tel: +44 (0)1787 881165, Fax +44 (0)1787 313995. HSE's research reports are available on the HSE website at: www.hse.gov.uk/research/index.htm

MAKING HEALTH AND SAFETY A CORNERSTONE OF A CIVILISED SOCIETY

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has called on everyone involved in the world of work to give it their views on health and safety for the next 10 years. Each year injuries and ill health caused by work result in 40 million days off, with effects in terms of personal suffering and lost productivity. Now the HSE is seeking views on its strategy for the years ahead by publishing 'Strategic Thinking work in progress'.

HSE deputy director general Kate Timms said, "Health and safety is seen by some as a closed book, but the continuing toll of death, injury and ill health tells a different story. 'Strategic Thinking work in progress' represents a new departure for HSE in sharing and seeking comment on HSE's strategy development process at an early stage.

"The paper asks big questions about the future of the health and safety system - If HSE is to maximise its effectiveness in reducing occupational ill health, death and injury it must not spread its resources too thinly. If we are to concentrate resources on key areas for improvement, some tough choices need to be made as to where the resources are taken from."

"The Health and Safety Commission strategy for 2001-2004 includes the major initiatives of Revitalising Health and Safety and Securing Health Together. These have taken us in the right direction. We now need to build on these for the future."

'Strategic Thinking work in progress' emerges from close discussion between the Health and Safety Commission and the Executive. Comments will contribute to a draft strategic plan for 2004-10, which will be published as a consultation document in the early autumn. The paper suggests 5 big issues that present the most significant opportunities and threats to occupational health and safety over the next 10 years:

Copies of 'Strategic Thinking work in progress' can be accessed online at: www.hse.gov.uk/consult/live.htm. Alternatively they can be ordered from HSE strategy, Strategy and Intelligence Division, 8NW, Rose Court, 2 Southwark Bridge, London, SE1 9HS, UK or email: sid.consult@hse.gsi.gov.uk
The closing date for responses is 13th August 2003.

OSH-ROM: THE BEST WAY TO KEEP UP WITH THE WORLD'S HEALTH, SAFETY, CHEMICAL INFORMATION SOURCES

OSH-ROM is one of the world's oldest collections of health and safety 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..

OSH-ROM is one of the world's oldest collections of health and safety 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.

RILOSH Ryerson International Labour Occupational Safety and Health Index is produced by the Ryerson Technical University Library, Toronto, Canada, and is included in OSH-ROM by Sheila Pantry Associates Ltd. RILOSH is a comprehensive database of bibliographic references and covers international as well as Canadian and American health and safety, chemical toxicology, environmental health, safety engineering, biotechnology, biohazards, workers' compensation and workplace disability information. Other major databases are:

HSELINE from the UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE) Information Service. HSELINE is long established - started in 1977 and its records go back over over many decades - recording OSH developments.

CISDOC from the International Occupational Safety and Health Information Centre (CIS) of the ILO - covering the outputs from over 130 National Centres worldwide.

Well known to CIS Members

MHIDAS the Major Hazard Incident Data Service, created by AEA Technology Plc on behalf of the Major Hazards Assessment Unit of the UK Health and Safety Executive

MEDLINE Advanced OEM Subset: Occupational and Environmental Medicine a subset of the US. National Library of Medicine's (NLM) MEDLINE database

NIOSHTIC and NIOSHTIC2 from the US National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) recording the US NIOSH research work and staff papers.

30 DAY FREE TRIALS

OSHROM available on a 30 day free trial - via the Internet or on CD-ROM Why not try these for yourself and check out the contents of these exciting sources of information against your own workplace/academic needs.

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Telephone:.............................................................................

Fax........................................................................................

Email:..............................................................................

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

Notice of change in OSHE book distribution

On 30 June 2003, on the retirement of Donald Hughes, H & H Scientific Consultants Ltd will cease to publish and distribute books. The principal distributorships are being transferred to Safchem Services.

From 1 July 2003, orders and enquiries relating to publications should be sent to:

Safchem Services
Attn Stephen Beach
The Farthings
Meesden
Buntingford
Herts SG9 0BA, UK
Tel: +44 (0) 1279 778971

HHSC Ltd has been running for over 21 interesting years. The Directors, Dr Donald Hughes and Rev Angela Hughes, thank all customers for their support in the past and trust that Stephen Beach at Safchem Services will receive continued support as he takes over.

Dr Donald Hughes
E-mail: d.hughes@hhsc.co.uk
Tel: +44 (0) 113 268 7189 | Fax: +44 (0) 113 268 7191
H & H Scientific Consultants Ltd (Publishers)
Established 1982. PO Box 27, Leeds LS17 8QP, UK.

News from around the OSH world.............

New Australian NOHSC Chairman Announced

The Governor-General has appointed Mr Jerry Ellis as Chairman of the National Occupational Health and Safety Commission. Mr Ellis' appointment is for a three year term commencing 20 March 2003.

The Governor-General also appointed Mr Richard Marles (ACTU), Mr Peter Henneken (Queensland) and Mr John Lloyd (Department of Employment and Workplace Relations) as Commission members. These appointments commenced on 20 March 2003 and will end on 20 February 2004.

Flying healthily? Transmission of infectious diseases on aircraft

In view of the current interest in the transmission of infectious diseases, an expert from the RAF Centre of Aviation Medicine will be speaking at the forthcoming conference on Air Quality in Passenger Aircraft, to be held at the Royal Aeronautical Society, London, UK on 16th and 17th October 2003.

Wing Commander Martin Connor's presentation will outline recent advances and current understanding of the issues involved, with particular reference to SARS and the transportation of patients with infectious diseases.

His presentation will be part of a two-day conference that will also present important new information from recent studies of cabin air quality, including a three-year, multi-nation investigation. It will give delegates a clear picture of the work being done around the world by governments, aircraft manufacturers and airlines. Most importantly, the conference will set out solutions for improving technology and providing a safe and healthy cabin environment for passengers and crew. Closing presentations will outline the proposed aviation Standard for air quality.

The conference is being sponsored by the European Commission and the Royal Aeronautical Society Aviation Medicine Group, and organised by BRE Aviation (Co-ordinator of CabinAir).

For more information on Air Quality in Passenger Aircraft: providing a safe and comfortable cabin environment - at the Royal Aeronautical Society, 4 Hamilton Place, London W1, on 16-17 October 2003 - contact BRE Events, Tel +44 (0)1923 664766 Fax +44 (0)1923 664790, e-mail: events@bre.co.uk or visit the website at www.bre.co.uk/aviation

27 - 30 October 2003 A+A 2003 in Düsseldorf: Aspects of prevention and safety in the workplace as key themes

The A+A trade fair takes place in Düsseldorf on a two-year cycle and is not only the world-leading trade show for health and safety at work, safety at work and occupational health, but this year aspects of prevention and safety in the workplace are also key themes.

Fire and explosion protection are just as important as employee protection. Prevention plays a critical role, as will be demonstrated by over 1300 exhibitors with their displays. There will be a particular focus on preventative fire protection as well as effective extinguishers and extinguishing methods. The industry will also take the opportunity to present protective equipment for fire fighters and rescuers, as well as showing that modern fire alarm systems and risk management systems are important elements in prevention.

Fire protection begins before the building starts
Preventative fire protection is a fundamental cornerstone of any fire protection plan, and anyone flying in to A+A will have the opportunity to see this when they arrive at Düsseldorf's airport. Lessons were learnt from the fire disaster in 1996, as was demonstrated effectively by a recent fire in a vehicle in the car park below the main terminal on April 24th 2003.

The Alarm Information Management System specially developed for the rebuilding of the airport worked as planned. Smoke alarms detected the fire and reported it to the airport fire service, the sprinkler system in the affected area worked without a hitch. Fire doors closed, escape routes opened and lighting systems encouraged the evacuation of the danger zone. Safe evacuation and rescue routes are the order of the day for building planning not just for airports and are thus also a theme of A+A.

Risk management: Personal protection and workplace safety
In addition to the safety of people, the protection of production plant and goods is an important aspect of fire protection and risk management. For this reason the product catalogue for A+A has been comprehensively revised, in order to place an emphasis not only on individual safety but also to underline the theme of workplace security.

According to the organisation for electrical engineering and the electric industry (Zentralverbandes Elektrotechnik- und Elektronikindustrie (ZVEI) e. V.) 40% of all companies affected by a large fire in the chemical industry, for instance, went bankrupt. Another 30% could not recover economically and ceased trading after two to three years. In the communications industry not even one in four companies would survive, if a fire were to disable their entire information and communication technology for just one day.

A+A-Theme: Modern fire alarm systems and extinguishing methods
A current trend which will be clearly visible is the introduction of the CAFS extinguisher system, (The Compressed Air Foam System), an air foam held under pressure. Not only will stationary systems which are based upon this new concept be shown, but also the first portable fire extinguishers.

Rescuers wear high-tech
Fire fighting is a job with a high risk potential and so as well as the newest extinguishing technology it also demands appropriate protective clothing. Much development work has been happening in recent years. Whereas cotton fabrics predominated in fire fighting clothing in the past, high tech fabrics have taken over more recently. Similar fabrics are used as those which are used for Formula 1 drivers and again, examples of these and other materials will be on shown at A+A.

So for manufacturers, A+A 2003 is an important date in the diary in order to demonstrate high quality products and development expertise.

For further information about the trade fair, the congress as well as press releases and photos visit the website www.AplusA-online.de.

UK Press Contact:-
Geoff Mead
Tel/Fax: 01209 861147
E-mail: geoffmead50@aol.com

OSHE Web sites to explore

BELGIUM

European Centre for Ecotoxicology and Toxicology of Chemicals
www.ecetoc.org
European Centre for Ecotoxicology and Toxicology of Chemicals was established in 1978 as a scientific non-commercial association by 50 top companies with interests in the manufacturer and use of chemicals. ECETOC acts as an independent, peer-reviewed technical resource to all concerned with identification of research needs and provision of scientific rational for the assessment of the health effects and environment impact. Partner to organisations such as the World Health Organisation - WHO, the International Programme on Chemical Safety-IPCS, and the European Commission. ECETOC works closely with its partners to establish a scientific foundation for the development of legislation in chemicals.

GERMANY

Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
www.baua.de/info/index.htm
Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health offers selected information on a number fields of safety and health, e.g. noise/vibrations, work-related diseases, occupational health protection etc..

NETHERLANDS

Dutch Labour Inspectorate
www.arbeidsinspectie.nl
Dutch Labour Inspectorate covers the work, latest information and other links.

TNO Work and Employment
www.arbeid.tno.nl/homepage.html
TNO Work and Employment covers research and consultancy, publications and other information.

SWITZERLAND

International Programme on the Elimination of Child Labour: IPEC
www.ilo.org/childlabour
Child trafficking is one of the worst forms of child labour. International Labour Office ILO efforts through International Programme on the Elimination of Child Labour: IPEC to tackle child trafficking and provide a healthier, safer world for children everywhere. June 12 2003 is World Day against Child Labour. Site contains details of the programme, links and diary of events.

World Health Organization: air quality and health
www.euro.who.int/en/what-we-do/health-topics/environmental-health/air-quality
World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe on air quality and health. Contains details of scientific evidence, publications, news and events and related links.

UK

Health and Safety Executive Fire Index
www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/flamindx.htm
The UK Health and Safety Executive is concerned with process fire precautions, such as working with flammable substances. A number of leaflets, in full text, concerning fire, explosions, and also construction site fire safety. 

Health and Safety Executive Fire and Explosions
www.hse.gov.uk/lau/lacs
The UK Health and Safety Executive Local Authorities Enforcement Liaison Committee - HELA Fire and Explosions pages contain a number of publications on fire safety.

Health and Safety Executive Hazardous Substances
www.hse.gov.uk/lau/lacs
The UK Health and Safety Executive Local Authorities Enforcement Liaison Committee - HELA Hazardous Substances pages contains a circular on polychlorinated biphenyls in fires.

Men's Health Forum MHF
www.menshealthforum.org.uk
The Men's Health Forum, which was founded in 1994, is an independent body that works with a wide range of individuals and organisations to improve men's health in England and Wales. Now well-established with an active membership MHF work for the development of health services that meet men's needs and to enable men to change their risk-taking behaviours. The members, partners, staff and executive officers bring a wealth of experience in healthcare, media, business and grassroots activity. Site gives statistics, details of projects, links and other sources of information.

National Community Fire Safety Centre Toolbox
www.firesafetytoolbox.org.uk/ncfsc/default.htm
Office of the Deputy Prime Minister - ODPM is behind the National Community Fire Safety Toolbox, designed as a practical resource for professionals and covering a range of key issues, with guidance, facts and figure, examples of good practice and contact networks, based on national research as first-hand experiences from the fire brigades.

Office of the Deputy Prime Minister - Fire Kills
http://firekills.direct.gov.uk
Office of the Deputy Prime Minister - Fire Kills website covers the Arson Control Forum, campaigns, fire safety, the Fire Service, Fire Health and Safety Directorate, Fire Research Division including statistics, Her Majesty's Fire Service Inspectorate and links to other UK Government Departments - Health and Safety Executive and the Department of Trade and Industry.

USA

American Society for Industrial Security
www.asisonline.org
American Society for Industrial Security locates security specialists and provides the Crises Response Resources link to find information.

Environmental Protection Agency EPA Indoor air quality :Tools for schools
www.epa.gov/iaq/schools
Environmental Protection Agency EPA Indoor air quality Tools for schools, Fact Sheet and other publications including managing asthma in schools.

Environmental Protection Agency EPA Indoor air quality : Buildings
www.epa.gov/iaq/largebldgs/baqtoc.html
Environmental Protection Agency EPA Indoor air quality for building owners and facility managers. Provides practical suggestions on preventing, identifying, and resolving indoor air quality IAQ problems in public and commercial buildings. Includes Building Assessment Survey and Evaluation Study; Ventilation and air quality in offices and more.

Environmental Protection Agency EPA Indoor air quality : Buildings handbook
www.epa.gov/iaq/hbhp/index.html
Environmental Protection Agency EPA Indoor air quality for building owners and facility managers. Provides practical suggestions on preventing, identifying, and resolving indoor air quality IAQ problems in public and commercial buildings. Includes Building Assessment Survey and Evaluation Study; Ventilation and air quality in offices and more.

Facilities Standards for the Public Buildings Service
www.epa.gov/iaq/largebldgs/baqtoc.html
Facilities Standards for the Public Buildings Service includes fire protection, electric safety and security.

HC Information Resources Inc
www.hcinfo.com/ldfaq.htm
HC Information Resources Inc frequently asked pages covers a wide range of information on Legionnaires' disease - the what, how, when, precautions, advice, publications, seminars and training.

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health NIOSH Filtration and Air Cleaning Systems to protect building environments
www.cdc.gov/niosh
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health publication Filtration and Air Cleaning Systems to protect building environments from airborne chemical, biological, or radiological attacks. Covers filtration and air-cleaning principles, recommendations regarding filter and sorbent selection, operations, upgrade and maintenance.

Department of Homeland Security Preparedness and Prevention
www.fema.gov/plan
Department of Homeland Security extensive web site on preparedness and prevention, disasters and emergencies, response and recovery.

Diary of Events

10-11 September 2003 - RoSPA Scotland 2003 Safety and Health at Work Congress
Hilton Hotel, Glasgow, UK
Contact: Customer Services, Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, Edgbaston Park, 353 Bristol Road, Birmingham B5 7ST, UK | Tel: +44 (0) 121 248 2000 | Fax: + 44 (0)121 248 2001 | Email: sales@rospa.com | www.rospa.com

22-24 September 2003 - International Fishing Industry Safety and Health Conference (IFISH II)
The second International Fishing Industry Safety and Health Conference (IFISH) will be held in Sitka, Alaska on September 22-24, 2003. IFISH is an opportunity to learn the latest developments in commercial fishing safety and injury prevention research, help build an international fishing safety coalition and promote action to prevent injury in the commercial fishing industry. A stimulating program will include keynote speakers, the presentation of scientific papers and posters, and workshops. To learn about the conference, visit the IFISH II website www.uaf.edu/seagrant/amsea/ifish

16-17 October 2003 - Flying Healthily? Transmission of infectious diseases on aircraft.
Conference on Air Quality in Passenger Aircraft. The conference is being sponsored by the European Commission and the Royal Aeronautical Society Aviation Medicine Group, and organised by BRE Aviation (Co-ordinator of CabinAir).
Royal Aeronautical Society, London, UK
Contact: BRE Events, UK | Tel: +44 (0) 1923 664 766 | Fax: +44 (0) 1923 664 790 | Email: events@bre.co.uk | www.bre.co.uk/aviation

27- 30 October 2003 - A+A2003: Aspects of prevention and safety in the workplace.
Dusseldorf, Germany
Contact: Geoff Mead, UK | Tel/Fax: +44 (0) 1209 861147 | Email: geoffmead50@aol.com

10-11 November 2003 - RoSPA National Home Safety Congress: Reducing Home Accidents - What works?
Imperial Hotel, Torquay, UK
Contact: Customer Services, Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, Edgbaston Park, 353 Bristol Road, Birmingham B5 7ST, UK | Tel: +44 (0) 121 248 2000 | Fax: +44 (0)121 248 2001 | Email: sales@rospa.com | www.rospa.com

11-14 November 2003 - Weldex 2003: The International Welding, Joining, Cutting and Fabrication Exhibition
National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham, UK
Contact: Weldex 2003 | Tel: +44 (0) 1322 660070 | Fax: +44 (0)1322 616 354 | www.weldexpo.com

13 November 2003 - CIEH Seminar on Stress Awareness
London, UK
Contact: S. Gannon, Chartered Institute of Environmental Health, London, UK | Tel: +44 (0) 20 7928 6006 | Email: s.gannon@chgl.com | www.cieh.org/events

13-15 November 2003 National Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Conference
The first National Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Conference will be held in November 13-15, 2003 in Arlington, Virginia, USA. The goal of the conference is to provide scientific and societal background concerning COPD to further education, awareness, and improved care in the United States. The conference will provide an opportunity to meet and to actively participate in state-of-the-art workshops, lectures, and meetings. For more information, visit the conference website
www.uscopd.com/index_confer.html

30-31 January 2004 Joint OSH Strategy for the enlarged Europe Conference Brussels Belgium
The European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) in co-operation with the European Trade Union Technical Bureau for Health and Safety (TUTB) is holding this conference, which will include parallel workshops on selected topics. The Plenary sessions will be in English, French, German, Polish and Czech, and the Workshops in English and French.
The conference will be held at the ITUH Building, Bd du Roi Albert II, 5 B-1210 Brussels.
Contact: Viktor Kema, TUTB, Bd du Roi Albert II, 5 B-1210 Brussels, Belgium | Tel: +32 2 224 04 49 | Fax: +32 2 224 05 61 | Email: vkempa@etuc.org

1-3 March 2004 - RoSPA National Road Safety Congress 2004: Protecting vulnerable road users
Cardiff City Hall, Cardiff, UK
Contact: Customer Services, Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, Edgbaston Park, 353 Bristol Road, Birmingham B5 7ST, UK | Tel: +44 (0) 121 248 2000 | Fax:+ 44 (0)121 248 2001 | Email: sales@rospa.com | www.rospa.com