CIS Newsletter
No. 179
August 2004
CIS Newsletter celebrates 16 years & still going strong! Bringing news to over 135 countries in the CIS Network
Contents
- Editorial
- CIS Annual Meeting, Workshops and Visits
- CIS and the future....
- News from around the World - Belgium, China, France, Germany, Ireland, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Russia, Tunisia, ILO, Spain, UK, USA
- OSHE web sites
- Diary of Events
Editorial
Dear CIS Colleagues
The CIS Annual Meeting, Workshops and Visits are being held in Brussels, Belgium from Wednesday 15 to Saturday 18 September 2004. To be hosted by Prevent, Rue Gachard 88, Bte 4, Brussels 1050, Belgium. See detailed notes below.
News items from around the world abound in this large edition - giving details of lots of very diverse products, services, publications, reviews and events that are happening.
There is never a better time for OSH information people - there are so many ways that services to users can be improved. So much is happening in the OSH world that it needs Information Centres and Staff to watch closely and alert users about new trends, technologies and hazards.
My thanks to all the contributors to this edition of your Newsletter - all news however small is most welcomed.
If you are planning any publications, conferences, 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! It is amazing how much the CIS Newsletter content gets re-used around the world.
You know I welcome ideas for inclusion in the future editions of this Newsletter. Let me know if there are any areas you would wish to see covered in future.
Remember the back issues of the CIS Newsletter are available at the click of the mouse on www.sheilapantry.com/cis. Please note that my new email.
Best wishes to you and your colleagues.
Sheila Pantry, OBE
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 AND COLLABORATING OSH CENTRES.....
WORKING TOGETHER AND HELPING EACH OTHER....
IMPORTANT REQUEST
CIS Meeting 2004, Brussels, Belgium
You should have had your invitation letter from Geneva CIS HQ.
Please let CIS and Sheila Pantry know:
- if you attending the Annual meeting
- if you intend to make a presentation
- if you are attending the Workshops
- if you are going on the visits - states which ones.
CIS Annual Meeting, Workshop and visits 15-18 September 2004 - start making your travel arrangements now.... countdown
The outline programme for the CIS 2004 Annual Meeting, Workshops and visits of CIS Centres is as follows:
Wednesday 15 September 2004
10.30 am Visit to the European Parliament
2.30 pm Visit to the TUTB - Trades Union European Trade Union Technical Bureau for Health and Safety, Bld du Roi Albert 22 5 bte 5, B-1210 Brussels
If you intend to go on these visits urgently inform Veronqiue de Broeck at Prevent so that she knows the numbers involved. Tel: +32 2 643 4444 | Fax:+32 2 643 4440 | Email: V.Debroeck@prevent.be
Thursday 16 September 2004 - Workshop to be held at Prevent, Rue Gachard 88 BTE 4, B- 1050 Brussels
Please come and make your ideas known at this Workshop.... we need your input
Aim of the workshop is to help CIS National and Collaborating Centres Focus on promoting occupational safety and health (OSH ) priorities. The main activities of the workshop include:
- What are the key OSH messages
- Targeted audiences - local, national, regional and international
- How do we (CIS members) become more influential?
The One day Workshop will have 4 sessions:
10.00 |
Welcome and Introduction Sheila Pantry |
10.10 - 11.30 |
Session 1 What are the key OSH messages |
10.10 - 10.15 |
Short introduction (VA) |
10.15 - 11.00 |
Break out groups (at least 2) |
11.00 - 11.30 |
Feedback and conclusions |
11.30 - 11.45 |
Short break |
11.45 - 13.00 |
Session 2 Targeted audiences - local, national, regional and international |
11.45 - 11.50 |
Short introduction (BS) |
11.50 - 12.35 |
Break out groups (at least 2) |
12.35 - 13.00 |
Feedback and conclusions |
13.00 - 13.45 |
Short lunch break |
13.45 - 15.00 |
Session 3 How do we (CIS members) become more influential? |
13.45 - 13.50 |
Short introduction (IL) |
13.50 - 14.35 |
Break out groups (at least 2) |
14.35 - 15.00 |
Feedback and conclusions |
15.00 - 16.00 |
Session 4 Setting the priorities and Action planning |
15.00 - 15.30 |
Summary of conclusions of the 3 workshops |
15.30 - 15.45 |
Open forum - have we missed anything? |
15.45 - 16.00 |
Conclusions |
Friday & Saturday 17 - 18 September 2004
Annual CIS Meeting, Prevent, Brussels
The meeting will be hosted by the Belgian CIS National Centre, PREVENT (Institut pour la prévention, la protection et le bien-être au travail), and we take this occasion to thank them for their offer and help.
The CIS Annual Meeting intends to give to the members of the network of CIS Centres the opportunity to share their experiences in OSH information management and to reinforce the collaboration among themselves.
We look forward to seeing a large number of CIS Centres represented in Brussels.
ARE YOU ATTENDING? IMPORTANT NOTE AND URGENT REQUEST
Please inform CIS HQ, Geneva URGENTLY and also Sheila Pantry if you intend to be at the meeting. It is very important that the numbers attending are known as soon as possible.
If it is not possible to attend there will be a full report in the CIS Newsletter October 2004 edition.
You are also reminded to send in your annual report to Geneva.
HOTELS
Some hotels in the centre of Brussels near the Grand Place are as follows. You can book via the Internet and there is usually a reduction in costs, and the Friday and Saturday night rates are even cheaper.
1. Novotel Brussels off Grand Place
120, rue du Marché Aux Herbes1000 Brussels, Belgium | Tel: +32 2 514 3333 | Fax: +32 2 511
7723 | Email : H1030@accor-hotels.com
|
www.novotel.com/novotel/fichehotel/gb/nov/1030/fiche_hotel.shtml
| Hotel manager : Mr Fonck Yves
2. Novotel Brussels Centre Tour Noire
Rue de la Vierge Noire 321000 Brussels, Belgium | Tel: +32 2 505 5050 | Fax: +32 2 505
5000 | Email: H2122@accor-hotels.com
|
www.novotel.com/novotel/fichehotel/gb/nov/2122/fiche_hotel.shtml
3. IBIS Brussels off Grand Place
Grasmarkt 100100, Rue du Marché aux Herbes 1000 Brussels, Belgium | Tel: (+32) 2/5144040 |
Fax: (+32) 2/5145067 | To make a reservation
www.ibishotel.com/ibis/index.html
|
www.ibishotel.com/ibis/fichehotel/gb/ibi/1046/fiche_hotel.shtml
| Manager's name : Mr. Thomas DUBAERE
A list of hotels that may be of interest can be found on www.hotelclub.net/SearchResults.asp?id=538
Maps of Brussels see www.trabel.com/brussels-mapslist.htm
The Grand Place - centre of Brussels area is the most interesting area - great food - cafes and restaurants, shopping and historical interest.
Please note that Prevent is located about 30 minutes walk from Brussels city centre/Grand Place area or a tram journey that will involve a change of trams. Alternatively, a number of people could share a taxi to get to Prevent.
CIS Network..........
WORKING TOGETHER AND HELPING EACH OTHER....
But ... for the future........
The world has moved on in the past 5 years since the advent of the Internet and the advances in IT
What do you want from the Network?
What should the future CIS strategy include?
What do you need for your work that perhaps CIS and the network could provide?
What do you want to see on the ILO and CIS web sites that is not already covered?
What about Training?
Regional Meetings?
Let the CIS HQ know... and come and discuss at this year AGM of the CIS Network
Make sure you have 15-18 September 2004 is in your Diary!
News from around the world......
News from the European Foundation
The Foundation's Administrative Board approves the new four-year work programme 2005-2008: Supporting Europe in realising the Lisbon objectives
More and better employment, work-life balance, industrial relations and partnership, and social cohesion are the four key themes identified as priority areas for the Foundation's work over the next four years, as outlined in the new four-year work programme which was approved by the Foundation's Administrative Board on 9 July last. The programme underlines the importance of a comprehensive and integrated approach to these policy issues, underpinned by an effective communication strategy with the Foundation's key audiences across Europe. The Foundation's detailed work programme is approved on an annual basis by the Foundation's Administrative Board.
'The drive to make Europe the most competitive, knowledge-based economy in the world, to increase employment rates and improve the quality of employment, to stimulate innovation and entrepreneurship, while promoting social cohesion and inclusion - in short, realising the objectives of the Lisbon strategy - is the leitmotif of the programme,' says Willy Buschak, the Foundation's acting Director. 'This is the eighth four-year programme of the Foundation and we are very happy to have reached consensus with our new, enlarged Administrative Board, now including representatives from all 25 EU Member States.'
The Foundation's four-year programme looks ahead to the opportunities and challenges facing the new European Union. The Foundation aims to channel knowledge from its monitoring activities and other research into understanding the challenges, supporting change in society and the economy, and providing its stakeholders with the information necessary for managing change.
More information is available on www.eurofound.europa.eu
For further information, contact John Hurley, Information Liaison Officer | telephone +353-1-204 3209 | Email joh@eurofound.eu.int
Europe's social partners first to sign up to 'Building in Safety' campaign charter
Europe's social partners in the construction industry, FIEC and EFBWW, representing over 80 unions and federations across the continent, have signed the new 'Building in Safety' campaign charter, launched by the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work.
The campaign charter, which is part of the Agency's 2004 European Week on Safety and Health at Work (18-22 October 2004), aimed this year at construction work, commits signatories to contribute to the campaign and to improve safety and health standards in the sector via training, information and other initiatives. In return for their commitment, signatories will receive a 'building in safety' certificate from the Agency.
Both European Social Partners - the European Construction Industry Federation (FIEC) and the Federation of European Federation of Building and Woodworkers (EFBWW) - were the first to sign the charter at the official launch of the Agency's European Week in Dublin on 30 April 2004. The FIEC currently represents 32 national federation members in 25 countries, while the EFBWW has 50 affiliated unions in 17 countries, representing over 2 million workers.
Peter Andrews, the FIEC Vice President responsible for social affairs says: "For us, the key objective is to ensure that this campaign reaches the widest possible audience. This new charter is an important means of increasing individual commitment to health and safety initiatives on-site and we see this as a continued part of our efforts to achieve real progress across the European construction industry".
Harrie Beijen, General Secretary of the EFBWW, comments: "The life and health of every construction worker can be better protected by joint efforts of all parties concerned; governments, clients, architects, engineers, contractors and workers. We can learn from one another and set specific benchmarks for specific problems. If this European campaign can encourage this then we have already won a lot".
"Having FIEC and EFBWW as the first signatories to our campaign charter not only demonstrates their strong commitment to raising safety and health standards in construction but will also encourage others to follow their lead," adds Hans-Horst Konkolewsky, Director of the Agency. "Our common goal is to reduce the appalling human and economic costs of occupational accidents and ill-health in construction, so we need everyone with a stake in the industry, from building firms to architects and engineers, to get involved and to sign up."
To sign the online charter, and for further information about the Agency's 2004 European Week, visit: http://ew2004.osha.eu. Registration takes just five minutes. The web site also provides information on how to improve safety and health standards, including good practice examples and related links.
European Agency for Safety and Health at Work, Gran Via 33, E-48009 Bilbao, Spain | email: information@osha.eu.int | fax: +34 94 479 4383.
European Week for Safety and Health at Work which will take place on 18-22 October 2004 is an information campaign designed to raise awareness and promote activities to make Europe a safe and healthy place to work. It is coordinated by the European Agency and will be run in the Member States, accession, EFTA and candidate countries. The Week is aimed at the workplace and all safety and health institutions and organisations, trade unions, companies, managers, employees and safety representatives are invited to take part and organise their own activities. These can include special audits and risk assessment activities in the workplace, organising training, distributing information material, launching a new workplace policy, suggestion schemes, encouraging participation of employees and their representatives or linking-up with other organisations, businesses or sub contractors to carry out activities in partnership. The slogan of EW2004 is 'Building in Safety'.
FIEC:
email: info@fiec.org
website: www.fiec.org
EFBWW:
email: info@efbh.be
website: www.efbww.org
The EU Commission and industry agree to launch a strategic partnership to test the workability of REACH
As an integral part of the Commission's Interim Strategy for REACH, the EU Commission and the European industry have agreed to launch a Strategic Partnership to test REACH in practice.
The Interim Strategy was set up immediately after the adoption on 29 October 2003 of the Commission's proposal for new chemicals legislation, REACH (Registration, Evaluation and Authorisation of Chemicals) and will continue until the Regulation enters into force. The Interim Strategy aims at preparing all actors, the Commission, Member States and industry for the practical application of REACH.
In the context of its Interim Strategy, the Commission had invited proposals for Strategic Partnerships between the Commission, the Member States and the industry.
Cefic, the European Chemical Industry Council, made a proposal to the Commission for a comprehensive, EU wide exercise, a Strategic Partnership on REACH Testing (SPORT). The Commission has now agreed a joint paper with the industry outlining SPORT. The document can be downloaded from the Cefic's website www.cefic.org
SPORT provides an opportunity to test the workability of the REACH proposal, and to identify solutions where problems are found. It supplements the work of the Commission on the REACH Implementation Projects (RIPs), and will provide input to the development of cost-efficient implementation solutions. From the industry's side, the exercise will involve manufacturers/importers as well as downstream users, and it will be facilitated by independent consultants. A Steering Committee consisting of the main actors will manage SPORT.
As SPORT sets out to simulate as realistically as possible the implementation of REACH by the main actors, it requires sufficient time to be completed. The aim is to publish a final report in mid 2005. However, interim findings will be reported as they become available.
Alain Perroy, Director General of Cefic, said: "We support the political objectives of REACH and since the very beginning we have made proposals to ensure REACH will deliver benefits for health and the environment in the most effective manner. SPORT is another contribution of the EU industry to contribute to a workable REACH for all parties concerned. Cefic therefore welcomes the opportunity to collaborate with the Commission."
Cefic is also involved in another project with respect to REACH, i.e. further work on impact assessment. The work is carried out in collaboration with other stakeholders under the Commission's umbrella. The two projects have different objectives and deliverables and are running separately.
European Commissioner for health and consumer protection, David Byrne, set out his vision this week for achieving a healthier and more competitive Europe.
The reflection paper "Enabling good health for all" (213 KB) outlines his view of the key principles that ought to guide the development of EU health policy over the coming years. These include the role of good health as a driver of economic growth and the urgency of addressing health inequalities both between member states and within them.
The paper proposes a new direction for health policy: to shift from treating ill-health only to pro-actively promoting good health. It also pinpoints the need to ensure that health must be at the centre of all policy-making.
Making health a shared responsibility of the public, national governments and the EU is at the heart of the Commission's paper.
Public bodies, interest groups and individual citizens are invited to contribute to the reflection process by sending their views 15 October 2004 to the following address: Reflection-health-strategy@cec.eu.int
Further information: health strategy. Click here for press release.....
and here for the full text of the Commissioner's speech:
Promoting quality of work in the European Union
The Bilbao-based European Agency for Safety and Health at Work launches its 2003 Annual Report and a CD-ROM with all publications released in 2002-2003.
The addition of new Web features and online publications has established the Agency as Europe's premier online portal of occupational safety and health (OSH) information, according to the Agency's 2003 annual report.
Other 2003 achievements highlighted in the report include:
- The Agency's European week on dangerous substances at work - the largest campaign of its kind, spanning over 30 European countries, including all EU Member States and candidate and acceding countries.
- New reports on gender inequalities in OSH and assistance schemes for small and medium-sized enterprises, as well as factsheets to help various industries, such as the fisheries sector, address their safety and health problems.
- The first steps towards establishing a 'risk observatory' to identify and monitor emerging risks at work, such as psychosocial stress.
- Initiatives to strengthen the prevention culture by mainstreaming OSH into education and training and to establish it as a key pillar of corporate social responsibility.
- The creation and expansion of special web features on subjects such as OSH and disability. Over 1.7 million people visited the Agency's website http://osha.europa.eu in 2003, a two-fold increase on the previous year.
- The funding of 40 new projects to promote higher standards of OSH among Europe's 19 million SMEs through training, information activities and the provision of effective good practice. An independent assessment of the first year of the SME funding scheme, 2001-02, found that more than 500,000 SMEs had benefited from the 51 Agency-supported projects.
- The distribution of more than 4 million copies of Agency publications, the majority in all official EU languages.
During the year, the EU-funded Agency also prepared itself to accommodate enlargement as cost-effectively as possible. 'With the arrival of 10 new Member States in May 2004, the Agency will be able to offer an unrivalled pool of OSH expertise and knowledge,' say Christa Schweng, the Chairperson, and Hans-Horst Konkolewsky, the Director, in the report's opening statement.
The report's publication coincides with the launch of a special CD-ROM edition of all the Agency's 2002-3 publications.
European Agency for Safety and Health at Work, Gran Via 33, E-48009 Bilbao, Spain | email: information@osha.eu.int | fax: +34 94 479 4383.
The Annual report in EN and summaries in the 20 EU languages can be downloaded from: http://osha.europa.eu/publications/annual_report/index_en.htm
In addition to the Annual Report and the summaries, the Agency has produced a CD-ROM of Agency information and publications. Copies of the Annual Report, catalogue number TE-AB-04-001-EN-C, and of the Agency Information CD-ROM, TE-49-02-854-EN-Z can be ordered from the European Publications Office www.publications.eu and its sales offices.
EurOhse2004: helping you to keep ahead with health, safety, fire and construction standards: conference
Following on the successful 2003 EurOHSE conference held in London November 2003, Angel Business Communications - publisher of EurOhs: European Occupational Health and Safety Magazine and newsletter and Sheila Pantry Associates Ltd are now organising the EurOhse2004 conference to be held on 10 and 11 November 2004 at the Royal National Hotel, Russell Square, in London, UK.
The conference programme looks further at the 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 and this year EUROHSE 2004 Conference: Health in the Workplace looks at different aspects.
EurOHSE 2004 conference will provide key points for future activities for all those responsible for securing good standards of health and safety in the workplace, and excellent networking opportunities. The two-day conference will have sessions on:
- European actions and initiatives
- Fitness for Work including drug and alcohol and stress
- 2004 European Year of Construction including fire safety and behavioural safety
- Preparedness and business continuity including the REACH programme
A number of eminent speakers with backgrounds in government, industry, research and education have agreed to speak. They include:
- Paul Glynn, European Commission for the Working Environment, Brussels, Belgium
- Jan Blok, Dutch Labour Inspectorate and International Association of Labour Inspection
- Laurence Vogel, Trade Union Technical Bureau, Brussels, Belgium
- Elizabeth Gyngell, Health and Safety Executive, UK
- Ava Fine, A2 Consulting, UK
- Carole Spiers, Carole Spiers Group International
- Philip White, Health and Safety Executive, Head of Construction
- Dennis Davis, OBE - International Committee for the Prevention and Extinction of Fire (CTIF) and HM Chief Inspector of Fire Services, Scotland
- Dr Tim Marsh, Co-founder and Managing Director, Ryder-Marsh International
- Axel Wenblad, Senior Vice President, Skanska, Sweden
- Les Moseley, Coventry University, Centre for Disaster Management, UK
- Lena Perenius, Director of Cefic with responsibility for Cefic activities in health, safety and the environment, Brussels, Belgium
- Lawrence Waterman, Chairman of Sypol and President of the Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH), UK
Chairmen are Professor Peter Waterhouse, Dr Brian Kellard and John Howard - Director of RoSPA.
Opportunities for networking and hearing the latest information. Bookings have already been made. It is the major conference of 2004! There will also be a small exhibition.
We look forward to seeing you in London in November.
For fuller details regarding the speakers and their topics see www.eurohse2004.com
To Book contact: Mary Meadows, Office and Logistics Manager, European Occupational Health and Safety Magazine (EurOhs), Angel Business Communications Ltd, 34 Warwick Road, Kenilworth CV8 1HE, Warwickshire, UK | Tel: +44 (0) 1926 512424 | Fax: +44 (0) 1926 512948 | Email: mary@angelbc.co.uk | For fuller details see www.eurohse2004.com
News from Russia
New OSH information centre opened in Astana, Kazakhstan
The Minister of Labour and Social Protection of the Population Ms Gulzhana Karagusova witnessed the signing of a protocol of cooperation between the Kazakh OSH Centre and ILOs international network of OSH centres (CIS). On the part of Kazakhstan the protocol was signed by the Head of the Kazakh OSH Centre, Chief Labour Inspector, Mr Bisakajev.
The new OSH centre was officially opened on 25 June 2004 in a ceremony attended by the Minister, the social partners and all 16 Kazakh regional Principal Inspectors. The Minister and the CLI were interviewed by the media, both stressing the need for improved working conditions and the significance of the Kazakh centre, which now is able to provide enterprises, experts and the social partners with international OSH information. The centre, the ceremony and interviews were shown in Kazakh and Russian on the national Kazkakh and the Astana TV. Several newspapers carried stories of the occasion.
The signing ceremony was the highlight of a five-day OSH seminar and was followed by a session on OSH resources in the Internet and the use of the web to collect OSH information with the Principal labour inspectors from all regions.
The centre received the printed ILO OSH Encyclopaedia and the latest ILO-Moscow OSH publications.
News from China
Professor Su Chuangrong from the China CIS Centre -the National Centre for International Exchange and Cooperation on Work Safety brought a delegation of 10 industrialists to Europe visiting a number of organisations including the CIS Headquarters in Geneva, the UK Government Office of the Deputy Prime Minister Fire Rescue and Service Directorate where they heard about the work of the Directorate and the campaigns to improve fire safety in workplaces and elsewhere.
They also visit the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) in Leicestershire to hear how Institution is organised and works with its members who are Health and Safety Managers in industry, commerce and educational sectors. See www.iosh.co.uk for further details.
News from the USA
If books could kill...
We are worrying about the wrong things, says Laura Lee in 100 Most Dangerous Things in Everyday Life and What You Can Do About Them. The most dangerous threats are right under our noses. ... Candles. Screwdrivers. Teddy bears. Books. Books?
Here's Lee's warning....
Books are an often overlooked hazard, sending more people to the emergency rooms than many common sports. In case you were looking for an excuse to put down that copy of Tolstoy's War and Peace, here it is: in the United Kingdom more people are hurt by books (2,707 a year) than by training weights (1,884), trampolines (1,902) or cricket balls and bats (1,174).
Lest you think only British books are hazardous, you should know that 10,683 U.S. citizens lose their battles with what the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System categorizes as "books, magazines, albums or scrapbooks" in an average year, and another 1,490 are clobbered by magazine racks or bookends. What are so many people doing wrong?
"From working with books for many years," said Karen Miller of the American Library Association, "I could offer up things like broken toes when books fall, losing one's balance when reaching for books and repetitive stress from shelving them. Magazines could also be dangerous if the staples are loose and scrape the skin."
The heft of books is a special problem. Back injuries from moving overloaded boxes of books are common. Heavy schoolbags also are a concern.
In 2003, a Hong Kong schoolboy was killed when his heavy book bag pulled him over the railing of his high-rise apartment....
Second-hand book use can also be hazardous to your health. Researchers in Bogota, Colombia, tested the book dust in twelve libraries and ran skin tests on fifty-seven librarians. About 12 percent of the librarians had allergic reactions to the book dust, but the doctors found no evidence of common allergens. This led researchers to conclude that new respiratory allergens may be lurking and evolving in the stacks.
Book exposure may even get you high. Mycologist (fungus doctor) Dr. R.J. Hay, of Guy's Hospital in London, reported to a British medical journal, the Lancet, that various fungi that feed on the pages of old books could be a source of hallucinogenic spores.
"The source of inspiration for many great literary figures may have been nothing more than a quick sniff of the bouquet of moldy books," wrote Hay.
© Copyright 2003 St. Petersburg Times. All rights reserved
www.sptimes.com/2004/07/05/Floridian/If_books_could_kill___.shtml
Ageing and occupational risks
How to protect workers' health throughout their working life?
Paris, Friday 1st October 2004 from 9 am to 4.30 pm.
A European discussion workshop organised by Eurogip, in conjunction with the occupational risks department of the French National Health Insurance Fund for Employees (CNAMTS) and the National Research and Safety Institute (INRS) Ageing of the population and longer working lives represent a new challenge for the working world now facing all the European Union member states. The objective of this discussion workshop is to encourage the exchange of information and experience at the European level between all the relevant players - government, social partners, industrial doctors, safety managers, human resource managers, etc. - concerning the strategies implemented and the actions taken to meet this challenge.
At an initial round table meeting, a review will be made of the systems planned in the EU countries, at the national level or at the level of industrial sectors.
A second round table meeting will target the specific actions taken by enterprises, with regard to work organisation and risk prevention in particular.
Each round table meeting will be followed by discussions with the participants. Isabelle LELEUEUROGIP55 rue de la Fédération75015 Paris | Phone: +33 0 1 40 56 30 40 | Fax: +33 0 1 40 56 36 66 | To subscribe free of charge to our INFOMAIL, newsletter on occupational risks in Europe, please visit our website: www.eurogip.fr.
PUBLISHING: Open access
A letter from 3 academic staff at Southampton University, arguing that publishers are already beginning to bow to pressure from the research community to allow authors to make their articles freely available on the web.
Independent, p. 32, 14 July 2004
News from the UK
Too many welders unaware of carcinogenic chemical
According to a recent survey, 35% of welders remain unaware of the fact that most anti-spatter sprays contain dichloromethane, a carcinogenic, health-damaging chemical. The survey, carried out on behalf of Stevens Industrial Services, suggests that many welders are unknowingly putting their own health at risk by working with the toxic chemical.
Even more concerning is the fact that these results also revealed that, of the 65% of welders who are aware of the harmful effects of dichloromethane, almost half continue to use anti-spatter products that contain the chemical. Most welders who continue to work with dichloromethane based products, take health and safety precautions. 15% use facemasks, 8% rely on extractor fans and 4% merely turn their face away from the spray. However, as many as 8% of those questioned take no measures at all to combat the effects of this category three carcinogen, which has also been proven to cause damage to the blood, the nervous system and the liver.
"I am shocked and disappointed that industry is being so lax about this," stated Graham Stevens, managing director of Stevens Industrial Services. "The dangers of dichloromethane are evident on the product's label, so there is no excuse. The best precaution for use of this chemical, in my view, is to simply stop using it altogether."
42% of welders aware of treatments containing the dichloromethane, have stopped using all anti-spatter products. Instead they are using more time-consuming methods of removing weld spatter, such as scraping, sanding and grinding. 23% now use spatter control products that do not contain the chemical. "It is understandable that welders continue to use dichloromethane based anti spatters," explained Stevens, whose company supplies 'The Works' range of dichloromethane free spatter control products. "Up until recently these have been the only kind of effective anti-spatter. Many welders are yet to realise that the market now offers anti-spatter sprays that are completely safe to use and even more effective than those based on dichloromethane."
Contact: Graham Stevens - Stevens Industrial Services, Unit 4, Littleburn Industrial Estate, Langley Moor, Durham, DH7 8JE, UK | Tel: +44 (0) 191 378 1786 | Fax: +44 (0) 191 378 2190 | Email: sales@theworks-works.com | www.theworks-works.com
FREE 30 DAY TRIAL OF FIRE WORLDWIDE: the world's premier collection of fire information that is focused and affordable
FIRE Worldwide, published by Sheila Pantry Associates Ltd., using the powerful SilverPlatter software is available for standalone use on CD-ROM or is accessible via the Internet Service.
Fire Worldwide is a premier collection of validated, authoritative information and contains two major collections - the Full Text Collection and the Bibliographic Collection.
The Full text Collection has 4 major databases containing thousands of pages of full text documents, which are continually being added to, thus updating the existing wide-ranging source of critical fire information. The collection contains all appropriate European and UK legislation for fire and fire related industry - many hundreds of documents. In addition a range of fire and fire related documents from organisations such as:
- UK Government ODPM Fire and Rescue Directorate
- US National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health
- UK Health and Safety Executive
- Ireland Department of the Environment Fire Safety
- UK Fire Protection Association
- World Fire Statistics Bureau
- CTIF - The International Committee for the Prevention and Extinction of Fire
The Bibliographic Collection has 7 databases which contain over 235,000 records to journal articles, guidance and advice, circulars, reports, conference proceedings, research reports, statistics and codes of practice from worldwide sources.
For those organisations that do not subscribe to a range of journals/magazines this is one way of ensuring that the latest news, developments and trends are known.
One of the databases - from the British Standards Institution contains references to over 2900 fire and fire related standards.
We are committed to maintaining and expanding Fire Worldwide, which is arguably the world's best collection for fire and fire related information.
George Collins, Chairman of the Executive Council of the Institute of Fire Prevention Officers says, "This collection of information is extremely valuable for those working in today's risk based fire industry who need up-to-date consultation, guidance and advice"
Used by organisations and fire brigades in the UK and around the worldwide, Fire Worldwide is set to expand still further! For full details of this product, please check out the list of contents of Fire Worldwide on www.sheilapantry.com or why not take a FREE 30-DAY TRIAL OF FIRE WORLDWIDE now? Send your request for either an Internet or CD-ROM trial now.
- A 30-day trial free of charge means that, in the case of CD-ROMs, you will be sent the database you have requested for evaluation over a period of 30 days. If you decide to keep the database, Sheila Pantry Associates Ltd will invoice you.
- If you decide that you do not wish to purchase the database, simply return it to Sheila Pantry Associates Ltd and there will be no charge.
- In the case of Internet trials, access will be timed out after 30 days.
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 | www.sheilapantry.com | www.oshworld.com | www.shebuyersguide.com
News from the UK
Health and Safety Executive (HSE) publishes new guidance on accident investigation
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has published new guidance on how to investigate accidents and incidents, including near misses. The guidance, which was prepared in consultation with industry, unions and health and safety professional bodies, is intended as a first step in introducing organisations to the benefits of carrying out investigations and the methods by which accidents should be recorded, investigated and the findings acted upon.
The guidance is aimed primarily at small to medium sized enterprises (SMEs) where it is often difficult to build up an expertise in investigating, although larger organisations may also find it helpful.
No previous expertise is needed to use the workbook and guidance notes that take the user step-by-step through the investigating process from start to finish and includes worked examples and blank template forms for accident analysis.
The four steps featured in the guidance are:
- the gathering of information;
- the analysing of information;
- identifying risk control measures;
- and the action plan and its implementation.
Jonathan Russell of HSE's enforcement policy branch, said: "To have one accident is bad enough, but to have a further accident because lessons were not learnt is inexcusable. HSE believes that the best people to make workplaces safer are the staff and managers who work in them. By producing this guidance we aim to provide a tool for them to find out what went wrong, learn lessons and take action to reduce, or hopefully prevent, accidents in the future."
Copies of 'Investigating accidents and incidents - a workbook for employers, unions, safety representatives and safety professionals' (HSE Ref. HSG245) are available from HSE Books, PO Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA UK (Tel: +44 (0)1787-881165 Fax: +44 ( 0) 1787-313995). ISBN 0 7176 2827 2, price £9.50.
FOCUS Smoking in Western Europe Survey June 2004
You are almost certainly aware of recent news reports in the UK outlining the risk of passive smoking to people in the workplace. But how are smoking issues impacting on European Union (EU) neighbours? We recently undertook some research to investigate. Here are the results.
Methodology
A brief questionnaire was sent to Smoke Free's partners in the UK, Holland, Germany, Norway and Sweden to gain an understanding of some of the key issues surrounding smoking demographics and policies within each country. Part of the reason for this was to understand how the varying levels of legislation had impacted on each market place and what it means for work and public places.
Give up? Nein danke
The Dutch and Germans are by far the biggest smokers with over 30 per cent of the adult population partaking of the habit. The Scandinavian neighbours of Sweden and Norway show an interesting difference though, only 19 per cent of Swedes smoking in comparison to 26 per cent of the Norwegians. The UK seems to be mid-way with an average of 27 per cent.
Young women on the increase
The split between the sexes is an interesting one, whilst in all countries the majority of smokers are still male (varying from 2 per cent to 7 per cent more than the females), there is a demographic shift taking place. In every instance the percentage of males smoking is on the decline with less younger male smokers taking up the habit. In comparison young females (typically 15 to 25) is the only growth sector and that's consistent across the geographies. It seems that social pressures and social group is a large factor in this.
Policy? What policy?
The amount of companies with a formal smoking policy, and what that means for employees, varies wildly. For example, in Germany it's estimated that only 10 per cent of companies have a smoking policy and of those 50 per cent allow smoking anywhere in the building. Contrast this with Sweden (with the lowest amount of adult smokers) where legislation has been in place since 1993 obliging all companies to have a policy and ensuring that you'll find no smoking in the office environment except in designated smoking areas.
Where next?
Across Europe, varying degrees of legislation have been brought in over the last 14 years. For example in Norway it's now forbidden to smoke in all public places including restaurants, bars and discos (essentially anywhere serving food or drink). Sweden will follow suit next year although areas like shopping malls, airports, hospitals and cinemas are already covered by legislation. The UK government is still considering the breadth of legislation and is no doubt keenly observing the implications and lessons learnt from other EU neighbours and particularly the recently introduced legislation in Ireland.
Who's got it right?
Smoking is still very much on the agenda. The implications and impact of smoking in public places or the workplace is very much defined by the legislative small print.
Perhaps this is best illustrated by what's experienced in Sweden and Ireland. Since 1993 tobacco legislation in Sweden has meant that employers have a responsibility to protect non-smokers from the hazards of passive smoking. The legislation works well because it states what should be achieved but not how it should be achieved, giving each workplace the opportunity of identifying the best solution for them and their employees. Because of this smoking at work is now seen by the Swedish government as a non-issue.
Ireland, on the other hand, has just introduced legislation dictating that all permanent enclosed structures of either a workplace or public nature are to be non-smoking. The result? Well tents, marquees, train carriages and even old buses aren't deemed permanent structures...so you can guess how people are circumventing the new regulations!
One constant that remains across seemingly all countries is that smoking is an issue. Legislation is such that in most countries there are very real alternatives to outright bans in working environments that can keep all parties happy as well as ensuring that those all-important informal communications networks continue unhindered. The alternatives include taking a more balanced approach to the issue and developing effective policies that allow both smokers and non-smokers to get the most from their workplaces without either being inconvenienced or endangered.
Contact: Bernard Crouch, Smoke Free Systems, St James House, Kensington Square, London W8 5HD, UK | Tel: + 44 (0)20 7795 8133 | Email: bernard.crouch@smokefreesystems.com | www.smokefreesystems.com
Just published: Brochure BG Research of the HVBG, Germany
This brochure presents the activities of the three Institutes (BIA, BGAG and BGFA) operated und funded by the Hauptverband der gewerblichen Berufsgenossenschaften (HVBG, Federation of institutions for statutory accident insurance and prevention), and the ways in which extra-mural research is funded.
The wide range of disciplines and the strict orientation towards the needs of the BGs ensure that the research subjects are addressed in an interdisciplinary und practical fashion. The brochure can be ordered in German and in English by Heinrich.Giesler@hvbg.de
www.dguv.de/content/research/brochure
National Eczema Week 18-25 September 2004: 'Itching 9 to 5 - working with eczema'
The National Eczema Society is strengthening resources for safety officers managing employees with work-related contact dermatitis.
'Contact dermatitis - have I got it? How do I deal with it?' and 'Contact dermatitis - an employers guide' are new booklets being launched to coincide with September's National Eczema Week, themed 'Itching 9 to 5 - working with eczema'.
Around 375,000 working days are lost in the UK each year due to skin disease[1] and, having seen a threefold increase in the prevalence of eczema in the last 30 years[2], the National Eczema Society's helpline is experiencing an unprecedented level of demand for its services, receiving over 30,000 calls last year alone from sufferers and their families seeking advice and support.
National Eczema Society Chief Executive Margaret Cox said: "The booklets have been devised to help safety officers help employees manage contact dermatitis at work. There is also practical advice for employers such as providing soap substitutes and allowing time out for applying emollients.
"Contact dermatitis is becoming increasingly common and the feedback we've had from many safety officers is that more information is needed to guide employers and to help individuals manage the condition on a day to day basis."
National Eczema Week aims to raise the profile of the condition and the Society so that more people with eczema know how to access help, information and support. A specialist phone day giving the public access to a dermatology specialist on the Society's Helpline - 0870 241 3604 - will be held on Saturday September 25 (note: it is not possible to diagnose or prescribe over the telephone).
'Contact dermatitis - have I got it? How do I deal with it?' covers all aspects of occupational contact dermatitis from diagnosis to treatment and prevention. To order a free copy call 0870 241 3604 or Email: helpline@eczema.org
To obtain copies of 'Contact dermatitis - an employers guide' Tel: +44 (0) 207 561 8235.
For further information about membership or services please write to the National Eczema Society, Hill House, Highgate Hill London N19 5NA, UK | Tel: +44 (0) 207 281 3553 | Fax: +44 (0) 207 281 6395 | www.eczema.org
The National Eczema Society runs an information service for people affected by eczema. Tel: 0870 241 3604 Monday to Friday between 8am - 8pm or email helpline@eczema.org
References
Restriction of the Use of Certain Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment
In its response to the Public Consultation on the Restriction of the Use of Certain Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment (RoHS) submitted on 5 July, Eucomed, the European Medical Technology Industry Association, explains why medical technology should continue to be exempted from the scope of the RoHS Directive. Eucomed stresses that the priority should be to ensure that medical devices and equipment are reliable and safe, both for patients and healthcare professionals. The introduction of new medical technology excluding all the hazardous substances identified by the European Commission in RoHS would at the very least require five years.
"We fully support the aims and objectives of this Directive and are keen that medical technology is seen to be environmentally friendly. But our absolute priority must remain to guarantee the quality and safety of patient care", commented Maurice Wagner, Director General of Eucomed.
Indeed, medical devices and equipment used to date are well understood and reliable. A switch from well understood technology to technology for which there is less experience should not be undertaken without a risk management exercise based on adequate data. Because of their importance in terms of public health, and patient and user safety, medical devices and equipment should be allowed sufficient time for reliable data to become available from which informed assessments can be made, before switching to new materials or manufacturing processes.
Medical technology can have long development times, and to ensure compliance with the Medical Device Directive (93/42/EC) there must be adequate data (possibly including clinical evidence) to demonstrate it is safe. Eucomed has estimated that as a minimum, an extension of the exemption from the RoHS Directive of at least five additional years should be granted for medical technology.
The use of certain banned substances is still essential today in the medical world, as for example lead shielding, optical glass or heavy metals needed for Computed Tomography (CT) detectors to effectively stop X-rays. There are also special applications for some banned materials in cryostats of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) devices.
The medical technology industry's role is to provide solutions for the maintenance and enhancement of health as well as critical therapies for life-threatening diseases. The industry's primary responsibility is to the patient, and there is total commitment to manufacture only therapeutically effective products in which the risks to patients are minimized and to use the most appropriate materials in doing so.
Eucomed, Place St. Lambert 14 B 1200 Woluwe St Lambert - Belgium | Tel: +32 2 775.92.39 | Fax:+32 2 771.39.09 | Email: eucomed@eucomed.be
RESEARCH
HSE publishes results of research into structural deterioration of ageing tractor safety cabs
Tractor safety cabs keep farmers safe, but greater care and preventative maintenance is needed to prolong the life of the tractor cab says a new report issued by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
Carried out by the Silsoe Research Institute, the research looks at the effects on tractor safety cabs that have been in service for many years. The potential risk of serious injury posed to agricultural tractor drivers by rollover incidents has been widely recognised for 40 years. To protect drivers, legislation was introduced in the UK requiring all new tractors sold after 1 September 1970 to be fitted with a rollover protective structure (ROPS) to prevent the operator from being crushed should the tractor overturn.
This requirement, and the later Agriculture (Tractor Cabs) Regulations 1974, has been outstandingly successful in terms of improving the standard of safety. In the decade before the Regulations came into force, annual deaths each year due to tractor rollovers were in double figures, typically in excess of 30 with a peak of over 50 deaths in 1966.
Since their introduction, the number of fatalities has fallen to low single figures. Last year's characteristic figure showed that there were just two deaths due to tractor rollover incidents. The deaths today generally occur with tractors that do not have a safety cab or roll bar fitted.
Given this, HSE wanted to determine whether safety cabs that had been in service for a number of years would be likely to still provide the intended degree of protection and commissioned the research with the Silsoe Research Institute. This involved a detailed survey of around 400 used tractors manufactured between 1970 and 1990.
Of the 400, seven tractors were subject to intense examinations including partial dismantling to assess their structural condition. Five of these tractors were then selected for a recognised structural testing procedure to determine if they were still capable of providing the intended degree of rollover protection.
This work demonstrated that:
- the extent of corrosion varied due to age, cab type, and use, maintenance and storage history;
- four cab structures passed the test, one failed;
- three of the five tested were short of mounting bolts or experienced bolt failure during testing.
The conclusions reached were:
- the integrity of tractor safety cabs is weakened by corrosion;
- this corrosion is accelerated by lack of care, including a lack of preventative maintenance;
- some safety cabs had been repaired: this is prohibited, i.e. the cabs would lose their ' Approved' status;
- some cabs had not been correctly re-installed following removal for vehicle maintenance.
In order to improve safety cab/ROPS longevity and, ultimately, the protection they provide to the driver in the event of a rollover incident, HSE advises tractor owners and operators that they should:
- regularly check the cab, and cab bracket mounting bolts will combine with moisture torque and condition, especially after instances of cab removal. Remember that most Q-cab mounting brackets bolt both to the cab and to the tractor chassis;
- rectify poor cab sealing and water leaks from doors, windows, roof hatches. Also be aware of the risk of water/moisture ingress that can result from roof drainage and air conditioning systems;
- keep the cab as clean as possible, especially the interior. Granular fertilisers, slurry or farmyard manure will combine with moisture and cause accelerated corrosion;
- remove mud and other moisture-retaining debris from external traps and ledges on the cab;
- if surface corrosion develops on the cab treat it sooner rather than later and remember it may be hidden by floor mats or cab cladding.
Copies of the full report entitled 'Structural deterioration of tractor safety cabs with age' RR251, price £25, ISBN 0 7176 2873 6 are available from HSE Books, PO Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk, CO10 2WA, UK | Tel: +44 (0)1787 881 165 | Fax: +44 (0)1787 313 995 | www.hsebooks.co.uk
HSE's research reports are also available on the HSE website at www.hse.gov.uk/research/rrhtm/index.htm
Europe HazMat Data: For First Response, Transportation, Storage, and Security, 2nd Edition Richard P. Pohanish
HazMat Data, 2nd Edition provides a detailed reference for emergency responders and people who transport chemicals. Considering the events of September 11, the book, by well known writer Richard P. Pohanish, is especially oriented toward first responder and emergency management personnel. Additions to this new Second Edition include Spanish language synonyms for all entries, and an increased overall number of synonyms.
New to this edition is information on chemical warfare (CW) agents and Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) -nerve gasses, blister agents/vesicants, "blood agents," choking/pulmonary agents, and crowd-control agents (tear gasses, pepper sprays, etc.) - that might be used as weapons of terrorism.
It clearly explains symptoms of exposure and appropriate treatment for the exposure when available, and describes what to do in an emergency situation. The book also gives the US National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) hazard classifications, as well as chemical hazard class information. HazMat Data covers nearly 1450 hazardous chemicals found in the workplace and frequently transported in bulk.
Instructions on how to use the book, which weighs in at 2.85 kg. are also given to enable the user to get the best of the data. Newly updated, The HazMat Data, 2nd Edition provides a comprehensive, up-to-date summary of this vital information.
HazMat Data: For First Response, Transportation, Storage, and Security, 2nd Edition
Richard P. Pohanish
Wiley
ISBN: 0-471-27328-7
Hardcover
1263 pages
March 2004
£147.00 / Euros 208.40
Available from: John Wiley and Sons Ltd, Distribution Centre, 1 Oldlands Way, Bognor Regis, West Sussex PO22 9SA, UK | Tel: +44 (0)1243 843291 | Fax: +44 (0) 1243 843302 | Email: cs-books@wiley.co.uk | www.wileyeurope.com
News from Tunisia
The April 2004 edition of SST from the Institut de Santé et de Sécurité au Travail in Tunisia contains a 16 page Dossier: La silicose: une maladie d'actualité and other studies.
The Institute, established in 1990, also known as TOSHI - the Tunisian Occupational Safety and Health Institute has a web site in French, English and Arabic www.isst.nat.tn. The institute undertakes a range of activities including research, training and providing information and guidance.
It is the National Centre for ILO CIS Network of Health and Safety Information Centres and also a World Heath Organisation collaborating centre. To order a subscription to Occupational Health and Safety (review SST) contact: TOSHI- 5, Bd Mustapha Khaznadar-1007 Tunis- Tunisie | Tel: +216 71561 636 | Fax: +261 71 571 902 | Email: Analy.isst@email.ati.tn | www.isst.nat.tn
News from the USA
New DVD on Workplace Violence Offers Resources, Recommendations for Safety Measures on the Job
A new training and educational DVD from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) provides employers, employees, safety professionals, and others with recommendations and resources for preventing work-related homicides and assaults.
Violence on the Job discusses practical measures for identifying risk factors for violence at work, and taking strategic action to keep employees safe. It is based on extensive NIOSH research, supplemented with information from other authoritative sources.
Homicide in the workplace is the third leading cause of job-related fatalities, and the second leading cause of job-related fatalities for women. Each week in the U.S., 17 employees on average are murdered at work, and 33,000 on average are assaulted. Factors that place workers at risk for violence in the workplace include interacting with the public, exchanging money, delivering services or goods, working late at night or during early morning hours, working alone, guarding valuables or property, and dealing with violent people or volatile situations.
"The DVD format offers exciting new capabilities as an engaging, interactive, and effective tool for safety and health education in the workplace," said NIOSH Director John Howard, M.D.
Included in the new DVD are:
- A 21-minute training and education program designed to engage a wide variety of workplace audiences.
- A bonus video on a program in New York State for preventing workplace violence in state drug treatment facilities. The case study includes discussions by a labor representative and a management representative who were instrumental in developing and implementing the program.
- The Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA) guidelines for preventing workplace violence in health care workplaces, late-night retail settings, and taxicab services.
- Access to additional materials and resources on preventing workplace violence.
Violence on the Job, DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 2004-100d, can be downloaded or viewed as streaming video on the NIOSH Web site at www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/video/violence.html. Copies can be ordered at no charge from the toll-free NIOSH information number, 1-800-35-NIOSH. For additional information about NIOSH recommendations for preventing workplace violence, visit the NIOSH web page at www.cdc.gov/niosh/injury/traumaviolence.html
Voluntary Guidance Issued for Workplace Use of Anthrax-Spore Detection Systems
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), including participation by NIOSH, issued voluntary guidelines on June 4, 2004 for employers using autonomous detection systems (ADS) to detect, in approximate real-time, the release of airborne Bacillus anthracis spores in their workplaces.
The guidelines provide recommendations to help employers work with local public health and responder agencies in planning strategic response efforts for protecting employees if the anthrax-causing spores are detected in air samples during ADS monitoring. The guidance was published in "Responding to Detection of Aerosolized Bacillus anthracis by Autonomous Detection Systems in the Workplace" in CDC's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report: Recommendations and Reports, 53(RR07); 1-12.
The report is available on line from www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/rr5307a1.htm. The voluntary guidance is part of CDC's ongoing effort to help strengthen emergency preparedness.
Prevention of Musculoskeletal disorders for children and adolescents working in agriculture: conference proceedings
Agriculture is one of the few industries in which children and adolescents are considered an integral component of the workforce. They perform physically demanding jobs that are typically designed for adults. This new report is the result of a national conference held in 2002 that discussed the research needs regarding the prevention of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs).
Prevention of Musculoskeletal disorders for children and adolescents working in agriculture: conference proceedings. NIOSH DHSS (NIOSH) Publication No. 2004-119 June 2004 42 pages
Tel: 1-800-35-NIOSH (1-800-356-4674) | Outside the U.S. + 1 513-533-8328 | Fax: +1 513 533 8573 | Email: Pubstaft@cdc.gov | www.cdc.gov/niosh
News from France
Facts and Figures from Institut National de Recherche et de Sécurité (INRS)
The latest report 2003 from Institut National de Recherche et de Sécurité (INRS) shows a range of activities, partnerships, transversal and institutional projects, and the EVICS project "Virtual environment for the design of safe systems", research and studies, information and training.
It gives the year in brief, the work with partners across Europe and internationally.
A beautifully presented report - a joy to read with all the main topics highlighted. A useful list of contact details of the Divisions and Department and their Managers, Executive Committee Members and the Managing Team.
During 2003 an new web site was launched that is modern and attractive, in French and English.
Copies of Facts and Figures 2003 in English and French from:
Institut National de Recherche et de Sécurité (INRS) pour la prévention des accidents du
travail et des maladies professionnelle
Paris Centre 30 rue Olivier Noyer 75680 Paris Cedex 14, France | Tel: (33) (0)1 40 44 30 00 | Fax: (33) (0)1 40 44 30 99 | www.inrs.fr
Lorraine Centre Avenue de Bourgogne - B.P. 27 54501 Vandoeuvre Cedex, France | Tel: (33) (0)3 83 50 20 00 | Fax: (33) (0)3 83 50 20 97
OSHFE web sites to explore
LUXEMBOURG
VERY IMPORTANT NEWS>>>
European Commission strategy for nanotechnology: implications for OSH Actions: Public health Luxembourg
www.cordis.lu/nanotechnology/src/communication.htm
The European Commission has adopted an European Union (EU) strategy to help Europe become
world leader in the rapidly developing field of nanotechnology, the science of the
infinitely small. The Communication, Towards a European strategy for nanotechnology
ftp://ftp.cordis.lu/pub/nanotechnology/docs/nano_com_en.pdf
provides a series of recommendations and initiatives on how to strengthen European
research and development (R&D) in the field and help turn nanotechnologies into
commercially viable products for the benefit of society. Key actions include boosting R&D
investment and infrastructure, improving training for research personnel, enhancing
technology transfer in Europe and its financing, taking into account the impact of
nanotechnology on society and increasing international co-operation towards a responsible
approach to nanotechnology R&D globally. Scientific investigation and assessment of
possible health or environmental risks associated with nanotechnology need to accompany
the R&D and technological progress. Some dedicated studies are underway to assess the
potential risks, which are also examined within FP6 IPs and NEs projects in the field of
nanotechnology. In particular, nanoparticles might behave in unexpected ways due to their
small size. They may present special challenges, for example, in terms of production,
disposal, handling, storage and transport.
UK
Asbestos Register UK
www.prospect.org.uk/healthandsafety/asbestosregister
Trade Union Congress UK backed site makes it possible to check whether a building they are
about to work in has an asbestos register. Tradesmen can access the site through a PC or a
WAP phone and discover any dangers before they enter the building rather than risking
disturbing dangerous asbestos fibres.
Department of Trade and Industry UK
www.dti.gov.uk/industries/telecoms/mobile_phones_health_environment.html
Department of Trade and Industry UK gives details on mobile phones, health and the
environment. Discusses the findings of the Stewart Report which is the result of the
Independent Expert Group work.
Mobile Telecommunications and Health Research (MTHR) UK
www.mthr.org.uk
Mobile Telecommunications and Health Research (MTHR) UK was set up following the Stewart
Report of the Independent Expert Group work to look into the possible health impacts of
mobile telecommunications. Funded by industry and the Government gives details of research
studies.
Health and Safety Executive: Managing back pain at work UK
www.hse.gov.uk/msd/backpain/index.htm
Health and Safety Executive (HSE) web page on the prevention and management of back pain
in the workplace. Back disorders are the most common form of ill health at work. Tackling
back pain needs good management and a partnership approach, with employers, workers and
others such as safety representatives all having roles to play.
National Eczema Society UK
www.eczema.org
UK National Eczema Society is strengthening resources for health and safety managers and
officers managing employees with work-related contact dermatitis. Services include advice,
guidance, publications and Helpline information service for people affected by eczema. The
National Eczema Week aims to raise the profile of the condition and the Society so that
more people with eczema know how to access help, information and support.
Pesticides Campaign Group UK
www.pesticidelibrary.org
Pesticides Campaign Group UK pesticide research database cites over 6,000 articles,
reports and books relating to the health and environmental effects of pesticides, and
alternatives to their use. The resource is searchable and includes a photographic
database. Useful for those concerned about pesticides and safer ways to do the job,
whether they work in agriculture, horticulture, pest control or encounter pesticides in
any other job.
Skin Care Campaign (SCC) UK
www.skincarecampaign.org
Skin Care Campaign (SCC) is an umbrella organisation representing the interests of all
people with skin diseases in the UK. Established in 1992, it is a subsidiary of the
National Eczema Society, a registered charity. Gives details of skin conditions,
information, news, publications, FAQs, training and links.
USA
Center for Biological and Environmental Nanotechnology (CBEN) USA
http://cben.rice.edu
The Center for Biological and Environmental Nanotechnology (CBEN) is a National Science
Foundation (NSF) funded centre at Rice University USA. Aiming to transform nanoscience
into a field with the impact of a modern-day polymer science, CBEN focuses on research at
the interface between "dry" nanomaterials and aqueous media such as biology and the
environment, developing the nanoscience workforce of the future, and transferring
discoveries to industry.
Scientific, public, and governmental interest in the health and environmental effects of
nanomaterials has grown significantly since 2003. This web page is designed to provide a
set of resources to help those interested keep up to date on this subject.
National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) - Nanotechnology USA
www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/nanotech
National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health NIOSH nanotechnology pages. The past
decade has seen intense interest in developing technologies based on the unique behavior
of nanometer-scale (nanoscale) structures, devices and systems, leading to the rapidly
expanding and highly diverse field of nanotechnology. Nanotechnology is somewhat loosely
defined, although in general terms it covers engineered structures, devices and systems
that have a length scale of 1 - 100 nanometers. Workers within nanotechnology-related
industries have the potential to be exposed to uniquely engineered materials with novel
sizes, shapes and physical and chemical properties, at levels far exceeding ambient
concentrations. To understand the impact of these exposures on health, and how best to
devise appropriate exposure monitoring and control strategies, much research is still
needed. Until a clearer picture emerges, the limited evidence available would suggest
caution when potential exposures to nanoparticles may occur. The web pages give links,
resources, guidance and advice.
Diary of Events
The events listed may serve also to inspire similar ones to be organised in your country. October 2004 is Health and safety month for Europe - with 25 Member States organizing their own special events.........
6-8 September 2004 - Ship-shaping health and safety - NSS 2004
University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, Uk
Contact: IOSH, The Grange, Highfield Drive, Wigston, Leicestershire LE18 1NN UK | Tel +44
(0)116 257 3100 | Fax: +44 (0)116 257 3101 | Email:
claire.palmer@iosh.co.uk
| www.iosh.co.uk
12-15 September 2004 - 3rd Conference on Molecular Mechanisms of Metal Toxicity and
Carcinogenesis
NIOSH Morganstown, W. Va, USA
Contact: Xianglin Shi, National Institute for Occupational safety and Health, USA | Email:
xshi@cdc.gov
15-17 September 2004 - Effective intervention and Sector Dialogue in Occupational
Safety and Health
Hotel Okura Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Contact: Logistics and registration, Congrex Holland, P.O. Box 302, 1000 AH Amsterdam, The
Netherlands| Tel: +31 20 504 0200 | Fax: +31 20 504 0225 | Email:
arbo2004@congrex.nl |
www.arboportaal.nl
1 October 2004 - Ageing and occupational risks How to protect workers' health
throughout their working life? European discussion workshop organised by Eurogip, in
conjunction with the occupational risks department of the French National Health Insurance
Fund for Employees (CNAMTS) and the National Research and Safety Institute (INRS)
France
Contact: Isabelle Leleu, EUROGIP, 55 rue de la Fédération, 75015 Paris, France | Tel: +33
0 1 40 56 30 40 | Fax: +33 0 1 40 56 36 66 |
www.eurogip.fr
3-5 October 2004 - Alert on Reducing Occupational Exposure to Hazardous Drugs to
Healthcare: Covering Theory to Practice
San Antonio, Texas, USA
Contact:
www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/hazdrug
12-14 October 2004 - Managing Health and Safety
Earls Court, UK
Contact: Safety and Health Practitioner, UK | Tel: +44 (0) 870 429 5308 | Email:
webmaster@ctsnet.co.uk
13 October 2004 - Managing Workplace Exposure to Biological Agents: the role of
occupational hygiene
Vauxhall Motors Sports and Social Club, Ellesmere Port, UK
Contact: BOHS, Suite 2, Georgian House, Great Northern Road, Derby, DE1 1LT, UK | Tel: +44
(0) 1332 298101 | Email: anthea@bohs.org
| www.bohs.org
13 October 2004 - Hand Arm Vibration - an introduction: HSL one day course
Cedar Court Hotel, Wakefield (just off junction 39 of the M1)
Contact: Health and Safety Laboratory, Sheffield, UK| Tel: +44 (0) 1142 892027 | Email:
training@hsl.gov.uk | www.hsl.gov.uk
23 November 2004 - Occupational Asthma -HSL a one-day course
Cedar Court Hotel, Wakefield (just off junction 39 of the M1)
Contact: Health and Safety Laboratory, Sheffield, UK | Tel: +44 (0) 1142 892027 | Email:
training@hsl.gov.uk | www.hsl.gov.uk
30 November - 3 December 2004 - Pollutec 2004
Lyon, France
Contact: Pollutec, 70 rue Rivay, 92532 Levallois-Perret Cedex, France | Tel: +33 (0)1 47
56 21 24 | Fax: +33 (0) 147 56 21 20 |
www.pollutec.com
Make my day......
Send Your news to your Editor sp@sheilapantry.com