CIS Newsletter

No. 225
June 2008

CIS Newsletter celebrates 20 years & still going strong!
Bringing news to over 145 countries in the CIS Network!

Contents

  1. Editorial - Meeting and training session of CIS Members in London, 10-11 September 2008 all are welcome...
  2. News from the ILO - 12 June 2008 World day
  3. News from around the World - Belgium, Canada, European Agency, Finland, Korea, Netherlands, Pakistan, Switzerland, Tunisia, UK and the USA
  4. OSHE websites to explore
  5. Diary of Events

Editorial

Dear CIS Colleagues

We wish every success for the forthcoming Congress that takes place in Seoul, Korea between 29 June and 2 July 2008. The Annual CIS Meeting will also take place and best greetings are sent to everyone attending.

As usual you can see there is a wealth of news in this edition of the CIS newsletter.

The London meeting is gathering momentum... a group of CIS members wish to meet up on 10-11 September 2008, in Central London, UK and are organising a Meeting of the CIS Members' Network. Everyone is very welcome.

A number of members have already indicated that they will be attending - please let me know as soon as possible if you intend to come this meeting.

The aim of this 2-day meeting that will include a training session on organizing campaigns, events and publicity for CIS Centres so that ideas can be shared and either used collectively or individually in each country. The main message for this 50th anniversary is raise the profile of Occupational safety and health information worldwide and especially the role of the CIS Centres. The programme will include an exchange of information from members.

See below for full details.

Everyone is invited - we each are paying our own travel, accommodation and meals as we always do. CIS network should benefit from this meeting enormously.

Don't forget a very important date that is ahead of us - the celebration of the 50th Anniversary in 2009 of the formation of CIS! We need to plan for this important event - please start to think about this major event and how news of CIS and its activities can be broadcasted around the World. We will not get such a chance for another 50 years!!!!!

Make my day and send your news... It is amazing how much the CIS Newsletter content gets re-used around the world. Take advantage of free publicity! Remember you can see CIS Newsletter on the web site www.sheilapantry.com/cis where back issues are stored now for over 6 years.

Some of you may have changed your email number and addresses in recent months, please let CIS Headquarters know your new email/address and also let me know as well - otherwise you will not get the CIS Newsletter or other news.

Remember >>>>

Use the CIS Logo on your web site and publications!

Remember the motto of all publicity people... tell them, tell them and tell them again... so take every opportunity to give publicity to "Health and Safety at work"...

Thriving in 2008... Keep promoting and telling the World at large that CIS and its network exists!

Hope you promote the 12 June 2008 World Day against Child Labour - see details below.

Will you be Surviving in 2008?... perhaps you will if you make efforts in promotion, publicity and telling the World that CIS and its network exists! Each month I get news of information centres and libraries that are being closed down!

All good wishes to you, your families 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
www.oshupdate.com
www.fireinf.com

Please consider the environment before printing this Newsletter

Feel free to use this Newsletter on your own web site/pages/e-news

Important Latest News for CIS Members

Meeting and training course for CIS Members will be held on Wednesday and Thursday, 10 and 11 September 2008 at the Imperial Hotel, Russell Square, Central London

The aim of the meeting is to enable CIS members to:

The Draft Agenda

The following draft agenda is a first stab of what we can/want do - but please do send in other topics...

  1. What we should be doing to celebrate the CIS 50th anniversary in 2009 collectively and in our own countries
  2. Share best promotion and publicity practices in each of our countries - examples of successes
  3. Build on ideas that we have discussed over the years and which are captured in the report I wrote that can be accessed on www.sheilapantry.com/cis/other/wp01.html
  4. Use of the 50th anniversary of CIS to make people worldwide aware of the available validated and authoritative health and safety information centres, services, guidance and advice that CIS network members hold or have access to.
  5. Have an updating exchange of news from those attending
  6. Any other business topics

Everyone is invited - we each are paying our own travel, accommodation and meals as we always do when attending CIS Meetings.
CIS network MEMBERS should benefit from this meeting enormously.

Please note that you will NOT receive any official invitation from CIS HQ because this meeting is an informal meeting, organised by CIS members for CIS Members.

A number of members have already indicated that they wish to attend this meeting.

If you are attending this September 2008 meeting please send your name, organisation, address and all up-to-date contact details including email number to:

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

Hotel accommodation prices have been sorted and will be sent to all delegates. If you are going to this meeting then contact details are above.

The location of the meeting is central London and easy access from all airports - Heathrow, Gatwick, London City, Stanstead and the new St. Pancras International Train Station. See www.imperialhotels.co.uk. Details of travel to the Imperial Hotel will be forward to delegates.

News from the ILO

12 June 2008 - The World Day against Child Labour

This year the World Day against Child Labour will be marked around the world on 12 June 2008 with activities to raise awareness that Education is the right response to child labour.

Child labour - a barrier to education

The International Labour Office (ILO) has estimated that some 165 million children between the ages of 5 and 14 are involved in child labour. Many of these children work long hours, often in dangerous conditions.

Child labour is closely associated with poverty. Many poor families are unable to afford school fees or other school costs. The family may depend on the contribution that a working child makes to the household's income, and place more importance on that than on education. And when a family has to make a choice between sending either a boy or girl to school, it is often the girl who loses out.

More than ever today, children need a good quality education and training if they are to acquire the skills necessary to succeed in the labour market. However, in many countries the schools which are accessible to the poor families are under-resourced and inadequate. Poor facilities, over-sized classes, and lack of trained teachers lead to low standards of education.

In the Millennium Development Goals the United Nations and the broader international community set targets of ensuring that by 2015 all boys and girls complete a full course of primary education and that there is gender parity in education.

These targets cannot be met unless the factors that generate child labour and prevent poor families from sending children to school are addressed. Among the most important steps required are:

The right to education occupies a central place in human rights and is essential for the exercise of other human rights and development. It provides a means through which economically and socially excluded children and youth can lift themselves out of poverty. When children who have had the benefits of education grow up, they are more likely to choose to send their own children to school.

Investing in education is also a sound economic decision. A recent ILO study found that the elimination of child labour and its replacement by universal education would yield major economic benefits in addition to the social benefits. Globally benefits exceed costs by a ratio of more than 6 to 1.

Hundreds of millions of girls and boys throughout the world are engaged in work that deprives them of adequate education, health, leisure and basic freedoms, violating their rights. Of these children, more than half are exposed to the worst forms of child labour such as work in hazardous environments, slavery, or other forms of forced labour, illicit activities such as drug trafficking and prostitution, as well as involvement in armed conflict.

The ILO launched the first World Day Against Child Labour in 2002 as a way to highlight the plight of these children. The day, which is observed on June 12th, is intended to serve as a catalyst for the growing worldwide movement against child labour, reflected in the huge number of ratifications of ILO Convention No. 182 on the worst forms of child labour and ILO Convention No. 138 on the minimum age for employment.

The World Day Against Child Labour provides and opportunity to gain further support of individual governments and that of the ILO social partners, civil society and others, including schools, youth and women's groups as well as the media, in the campaign against child labour.

Join the ILO on World Day against Child Labour

The ILO look forward to a World Day that is widely supported by governments, employers and workers organizations, UN agencies, and all those concerned with tackling child labour and promoting education. You and your organisation is invited to be part of the World Day. Join us and add your voice to the worldwide movement against child labour. For more information contact ipec@ilo.org

For full details: www.ilo.org/ipec/Campaignandadvocacy/WDACL/2008/lang--en/index.htm

If you need further information on child labour check validated and authoritative information sources...

More information on child labour - not only from Europe but around the World, can be found by checking out the OSH UPDATE electronic collection of information sources. Seekers will find a wealth of authoritative and validated advice from these global sources. Full text documents and references on best practices, case studies, journal articles, reports, advice and guidance, legislation and much more are in OSH UPDATE.

Another database of information from the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) has been added to the collection - making a total of 18 databases in OSH UPDATE. And at no extra cost!

Why not try OSH UPDATE for yourself? Take a 15 day free trial to a collection of over 800,000 sources of authoritative and validated information. The cost of a year's subscription is GBP275.00. Why be without quality OSH information?

Sheila Pantry Associates Ltd. publish a number of health, safety, environment and fire electronic services / products that contain information from well-known worldwide organisations. These services, that are regularly updated, contain both full text and bibliographic information.
All services are available for a 15-day free trial.

News from Belgium

International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC)

On the 1st of May, millions of working people across the world join together to celebrate the achievements of more than a century of trade unionism. The high principles of equality, justice, human dignity and peace which have found expression through the trade union movement are just as relevant today as they were when working men and women first came together to fight for their rights at work. These principles gave rise to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and ILO Convention 87 in 1948. But the fundamental rights enshrined in these celebrated instruments are far from reality for much of humanity.

For most of the world's people, decent work is but a distant dream. Millions of children are at work instead of school, workers are deprived of their fundamental rights and subject to exploitation by unscrupulous employers and repressive regimes, and inequality is growing within and between countries as a small minority accumulates incalculable wealth at the expense of others.

Not for many decades have the failings of global governance by "market solutions" been more apparent. Contagion continues to spread through world financial markets, with working women and men bearing the brunt of the unwillingness of governments to face up to the need for financial regulation. 100 million people more than last year do not have enough to eat as the global food crisis grows by day, threatening the very fabric of societies and fuelled by the legacy of decades of damaging policies at the world level. Action on climate change, perhaps the greatest test of human history, is feeble compared to the magnitude of the challenge. And the United Nations MDGs, goals which the global community set for itself, are far from being reached.
The means to deal with all these challenges exist, but the political will to resist the powerful interests that stand in the way of progress is lacking. Trade unions everywhere are confronting these interests, campaigning to put social concerns and sustainable development at the centre, rather than the margins, of policy. We demand a fundamental change to global governance, putting decent work at the core of a new globalisation and making the global institutions respond to the real needs of people instead of following the erroneous policies of the past.

On 7 October 2008, the World Day for Decent Work, trade unions across the world will join together to issue a global call for rights at work. We will bring to the fore the great traditions of solidarity which have been the mainstay of trade unionism since its earliest days, and which are essential to solving the problems which confront the world today. We will show how decent work is central to ending poverty and ensuring equality for all men and women, and demonstrate our abiding commitment to solidarity with the marginalised and the dispossessed. We remain steadfast in our quest for a better world and renew our commitment to bring this about through united action of working people from every corner of the planet.

The ITUC represents 168 million workers in 155 countries and territories and has 311 national affiliates. Website: www.ituc-csi.org

News from around the World

News from Canada

CCOHS' New Guide A Pocketful of Office Safety

The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) has released a pocket guide dealing with office-specific health & safety issues. Although offices may be considered to be relatively clean, safe and risk free, office workers account for a significant number of workers' compensation claims in Canada. The Office Health & Safety Guide shows workers, HR professionals and health and safety representatives how to identify hazards in an office and keep workers safe.

The illustrated, spiral-bound handbook covers the basic rules of workplace health and safety, including tips for new employees and supervisors as well as how to design and implement health and safety policies and programs. Information is provided on workplace inspections, task analysis, safety procedures, accident investigations, and emergency preparedness. The guide offers an introduction to office ergonomics and explains chemical hazards, indoor air quality, and the dangers of mould, slips, trips, falls and other common hazards that can affect office workers.

The Office Health & Safety Guide is 142 pages of clear-language text, charts, diagrams and checklists. It can be used to get a health and safety program started or to enhance existing training and education programs.

CCOHS publications are unique in that they are developed by experts in the field, and reviewed by representatives from labour, employers and government to ensure the content and approach are unbiased and credible.

More information about the Office Health & Safety Guide is available on the CCOHS website: www.ccohs.ca/products/publications/officeHS.html

Contact: Eleanor Westwood, Manager of Communications, Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) | Tel: +1 (905) 572-2981, Ext. 4408 | Email: eleanorw@ccohs.ca | www.ccohs.ca

More News from Canada

New E-course to Help Prevent Hearing Loss From Workplace Noise

The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) has developed an e-course that offers practical guidance to help reduce or eliminate noise exposure in the workplace and prevent hearing loss.

The Preventing Hearing Loss from Workplace Noise e-course is an introduction to noise control, but focuses on how to prevent hearing loss by reducing or eliminating noise exposure. It is geared to anyone working in a potentially noisy setting - workers, managers, supervisors, health & safety staff and committee members, as well as human resources and disability management personnel.

The one-hour course describes how noise can damage hearing, when noise levels are hazardous, how to develop a hearing loss prevention program, which hearing protectors are appropriate for which settings and how to use them, as well as specific ways to control workplace noise exposure. The course also features case studies, quizzes, an "ask a question" option and a final exam.

All e-courses by CCOHS are available in English and French. They are developed by experts in the field and reviewed by labour, employer and government representatives.

More information about the courses, pricing and how to register is available on the CCOHS website: www.ccohs.ca/products/courses/prevent_hearing_loss

Contact: Eleanor Westwood, Manager of Communications, Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety | Tel: +1 (905) 572-2981, Ext. 4408 | Email: eleanorw@ccohs.ca | www.ccohs.ca

Even more News from Canada

E-Courses Offer Guidance on Transportation of Dangerous Goods

The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) has developed four e-courses for those with responsibilities for the transportation of dangerous goods. The courses are intended for those who handle, offer for transport, transport, or import dangerous goods in Canada, or who are responsible for dangerous goods activities. The courses provide detailed descriptions of the requirements of the Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG) Act and Regulations, as well as practical information on compliance and safe practices.

Every day, products designated as dangerous goods are imported into Canada and shipped from one point to another within Canada by way of our highways, railways, airports and harbours. When preparing goods for shipment and during the course of transportation there is potential for mishaps and resulting harm to human life and the environment. It is critical that everyone responsible for and involved in transporting dangerous goods know how to work safely and according to the requirements of the TDG Act and Regulations.

CCOHS' TDG courses were developed to meet the specific needs of the various jobs and roles of those who handle, ship, carry or receive dangerous goods. They are Transportation of Dangerous Goods; TDG: An Overview; TDG for Carriers; and TDG for Consignors/Consignees.

Transportation of Dangerous Goods, comprised of eight modules, is the most comprehensive course of the four. It is designed for managers, supervisors, business owners - anyone responsible to ensure that all work involving dangerous goods is properly done, and who need to understand the TDG requirements for all job functions.

TDG: An Overview provides a general description of TDG and helps promote awareness and good practice in all aspects of the transportation of dangerous goods. It is intended for managers, workers and others who should know about TDG, but are not responsible for TDG activities.

TDG for Carriers covers topics specific to those who transport dangerous goods, and/or load and unload shipments.

TDG for Consignors/Consignees is intended for shippers and receivers of dangerous goods in the TDG system.

All of the TDG courses reflect Amendment 6 to the TDG Regulations published in the Canada Gazette on February 20, 2008. As with all CCOHS e-courses, participants can contact CCOHS subject specialists to ask specific questions that may arise. There are quizzes throughout and a certificate of completion is issued upon passing the exam.

CCOHS courses are unique in that they are developed by experts in the field, and reviewed by representatives from labour, employers and government to ensure the content and approach are unbiased and credible. Courses are available in English and French.

More information about the courses, pricing and how to register is available on the CCOHS website: www.ccohs.ca/products/courses/course_listing.html

Contact: Eleanor Westwood, Manager of Communications, Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety | Tel: +1 (905) 572-2981, Ext. 4408 | Email: eleanorw@ccohs.ca | www.ccohs.ca

News from the European Agency

At last year's special meeting at the 2007 A+A joint network session held in Germany, the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work agreed to bring together on their website a single entry point (SEP) giving details of various occupational safety and health (OSH) network organisations and details of their strategies. This has now been completed - go to http://osha.europa.eu/organisations you can now find information and direct links. These give details

Under the subheading networks and professional organisations links to homepages have been included.

This new SEP will also be announced in the Agency's next edition of OSHmail that has now more than 37,000 subscribers - however, naturally the Agency aims for more!

To make the newsletter and the EU-OSHA products known to an as large as possible audience, the Agency would be grateful if you could pass on the below email to as many interested readers in your network you could think of...

"In OSHmail we can support you in announcing, promoting and making your national events, conferences and important developments known to a large audience - as a text item or included in the list of news and latest events at the right side of the newsletter - simply send us an email with the information and relevant links. We have also started on presenting OSH networks and professional organisation as a loose series in OSHmail. If you have not been included, yet, watch out for future editions.

Free subscription to Agency e-mail newsletter: http://osha.europa.eu/oshmail

Contact: Sabine Sommer, Network Manager, Network Secretariat, European Agency for Safety and Health at Work, Gran Vía,33 / E-48009 Bilbao | Tel.:+34 944 794 360 | Fax:+34 944 794 383 | Email: sommer@osha.europa.eu | http://osha.europa.eu

Free subscription to Agency e-mail newsletter: http://osha.europa.eu/oshmail

News from KOREA

2008 Seoul World Congress

The Preliminary Programme is ready in English and will be printed and distributed by 5 May 2008 in French, Spanish and German.

This Congress is very different from previous ones, because it will include an OSH Summit (also called Forum on Prevention), where 50 high-level decision-makers will discuss OSH as a basic human right and as a means for economic and social development and growth. The Congress will also comprise a Plenary session with the release of the OSH status in the world as well as Technical sessions, in particular on OSH strategies and programmes for the future and OSH Management systems.

Regional meetings (Europe, Africa, Americas, Arab States and Asia-Pacific) will further explore OSH issues at a regional level through cafe-style meetings. Due to the large number of attendees expected from the Asia-Pacific region, two meetings will be organized for that region in a more traditional way.

The World Congress also offers interesting features during the 48 planned symposia split over three days: Informal economy and OSH, Gender mainstreaming and OSH, ILO-WHO action towards the elimination of asbestos-related diseases, Migrant Workers and OSH, Vulnerable Workers and OSH, The prevention of major accidents, OSH management in the construction industry, Chemical control banding in risk communication systems, Tackling HIV/AIDS through workplace actions, nanotechnology, the research gap in OSH, Adapting work to demographic change, Training for workers with low language and literacy skills, Transportability of OSH credentials, Supply chains and S&H management, a holistic approach to safer and healthier workplaces. communication et coopération internationale et sous-régionale en SST en Afrique francophone.

Other features include Poster sessions and Speakers' Corner, as well as the International Film and Multimedia Festival.

The Closing ceremony will feature a keynote speech from Jeff A. McNeely, Chief Scientist at the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) rue Mauverney, 28 1196 Gland, Switzerland | Tel: +41 22 999 0284 | Fax: +41 22 999 0025

Mr. McNeely will make the link between OSH and environmental concerns in the world.

News from Pakistan

Saeed Awan writes:

I am sharing the PDF version of our annual report for the year 2007. The printed copy will also be available. As you can see we have focussed our attention in promoting OSH in organised and informal sectors like surgical instruments manufacturing and debating the new trends for labour inspection.

We are also increasingly focusing on establishing model OSH workshops in several sectors to demonstrate low cost measures for improving OSH in small-scale manufacturing and services sector. This step is also aimed at eliminating hazardous child labour and boosting safe youth employment in these sectors. We shall present our experiences in this area in our next annual report.

The report covers the following: An Introduction to The Centre for the Improvement of Working Conditions & Environment (CIWCE), was established in Lahore by the Directorate of Labour Welfare Punjab, assisted by ILO/UNDP, at a total cost of Rs.33.38 million including a foreign exchange component of Rs. 11.5 million (in the form of equipment, expert services and training of professional staff of the Centre). The construction of building started in 1985 and was completed in 1988, when the Centre became operational.

It is a pioneering institution in Pakistan with professionally trained staff, modern laboratories and facilities for assisting the industry in combating safety, health and environmental problems at the workplaces. The total number of staff working at CIWC&E is 33, which include hygienists, safety, engineers, chemists, technicians and secretarial staff.

The principal aim of this Centre is to combat the safety, health and working environment hazards in the industries in Punjab, and to create awareness and change the attitudes of the employers/workers regarding safety, health and working environment.

Sphere of Activities of the CIWCE

The 96 page Annual Report of CIWCE & IRI, Lahore, Pakistan for 2007 is available from

Saeed Awan, Director, Centre for the Improvement of Working Conditions and Environment, Township (Near Chandni Chowk), Lahore-PAKISTAN | Tel: +92-42-9262145 | Fax: +92-42-9262146 | Email: saeed.awan3@gmail.com

News from Switzerland

The ILO Library in Geneva

The ILO Library in Geneva, working together with ILO information centres around the world, has created a Global Information Network to disseminate and provide access to ILO knowledge.

This site provides addresses of information centres in ILO offices in the country or territory, or in the surrounding region. It also provides the addresses of depository libraries for ILO publications in each country or territory listed.

www.ilo.org/dyn/depolib/depolib_screens.main_page_uk

News from the UK

Re-launch of NEBOSH's International General Certificate

One of the World's most successful International Safety qualifications has been re-launched and updated.

The NEBOSH International Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety was first offered in 2005 and has grown steadily in popularity.

"Nearly 3,000 students took the qualification in 2007 with one of our 40 accredited course providers in approaching 80 countries around the globe" commented Stuart Naylor, NEBOSH's International Manager. He continued "The re-launched International Certificate is now divided into two taught units, in common with our UK based version. This means the students can choose to take the whole qualification, or just take one part of it, to meet their exact requirements. It also provides a stepping stone for safety professionals on to the International Diploma course."

NEBOSH Chief Executive Teresa Budworth explained: "We are committed to expanding our range of qualifications, to meet the needs of global industries. The move to "unitise" our International Certificate leaves the way open to develop a range of International specialised safety qualifications; the first of which will be a Certificate in Construction Safety. With the rapid expansion of iconic construction projects across the Middle and Far East, the success of the new qualification seems assured."

Founded in 1979, the National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health is an independent awarding body attracting 25,000 candidates each year. NEBOSH qualifications are respected by employers in all sectors of business and provide the global benchmark for qualifications in occupational health and safety.

For further information please contact:

Julia Whiting, NEBOSH, UK | Tel: + 44 (0)116 263 4724 | Email: julia.whiting@nebosh.org.uk | www.nebosh.org.uk

News from the UK

Institute of Acoustics' Award for Promoting Acoustics to the Public

Now in its fourth year, the Institute of Acoustics' Award for Promoting Acoustics to the Public was created to recognise those who are already doing exceptional public engagement work in raising awareness of acoustics and to encourage activity to create a greater public awareness.

The Institute of Acoustics is inviting nominations for its 2008 Award from innovative individuals or companies who have done outstanding work in promoting acoustics to the general public, either through a single piece of exceptional work over the previous year or in respect of sustained long-term activity.

Colin English, President of the Institute of Acoustics explains: "Examples of any work towards promoting acoustics to the public could be articles for the non-acoustic press, media work on TV or radio, work with schools to promote acoustics or perhaps exhibitions, demonstrations and lectures or even authored web pages. The Institute would particularly welcome applications which demonstrate a pro-active engagement with the public; instances where the applicant has initiated and developed new activities, rather than simply responding to opportunities provided by others. Innovative and ground-breaking engagements are particularly welcome. The winner's work must be shown to have benefited the public in the British Isles "

In the case of nominations for companies, it is necessary to show that the public engagement has gone above and beyond what might be expected to be the usual activities of company.

Colin English again: "Acoustics is a fascinating subject which has a fundamental impact on many aspects of our lives, but more needs to be done to raise awareness of the importance of acoustics amongst schoolchildren or students, public bodies, legislators and industry and the general public as a whole. This greater awareness can benefit us all. There is also strong demand for acousticians and promoting acoustics can also help encourage more people to study and follow careers in acoustics."

Previous recipients of the award are Bronwen Bird (2005), formerly of Techniquest, for her work in developing a large number of unique and innovative science exhibits and educational programmes through musical acoustics; Wendy Sadler (2006), Director of Science Made Simple who through her work has encouraged young people to think more about the science of sound; and David Sharp (2007) from the Open University for his work with schools as well as public lectures to older audiences and his media work including contributions to BBC's "Coast" programmes.

The closing date for submissions is 30 June 2008, but the award will only be made to a worthy recipient. Nominations may be made by third parties or by the individual or company concerned, in either case with documented evidence of the work involved and should be addressed to the President of the Institute of Acoustics at 77A St. Peter's Street, St. Albans, Hertfordshire, AL1 3BN. The individual or company nominated need not be a member of the Institute. Nominations forms are available from the Institute of Acoustics website at www.ioa.org.uk/medals-and-awards or by contacting Judy Edrich, Publicity & Information Manager, Institute of Acoustics, 77A St Peter's Street, St Albans, Herts AL1 3BN, UK | Tel: +44 (0)1727 848195 | Fax: +44(0)1727 850553 | Email: judy.edrich@ioa.org.uk | www.ioa.org.uk

The Institute of Acoustics is the UK's professional body for those working in acoustics, noise and vibration. It was formed in 1974 from the amalgamation of the Acoustics Group of the Institute of Physics and the British Acoustical Society (a daughter society of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers). The Institute of Acoustics is a nominated body of the Engineering Council, offering registration at Chartered and Incorporated Engineer levels.

The Institute has some 3,000 members from a rich diversity of backgrounds, with engineers, scientists, educators, lawyers, occupational hygienists, architects and environmental health officers among their number. This multidisciplinary culture provides a productive environment for cross-fertilisation of ideas and initiatives. The range of interests of members within the world of acoustics is equally wide, embracing such aspects as aerodynamics, architectural acoustics, building acoustics, electroacoustics, engineering dynamics, noise and vibration, hearing, speech, underwater acoustics, together with a variety of environmental aspects. The lively nature of the Institute is demonstrated by the breadth of its learned society programmes. For more information please visit our site at www.ioa.org.uk

News from the UK

Reminder... HSC/HSE merger

The Health and Safety Commission (HSC) and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) were originally established as part of the 'Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974' as two separate Non Departmental Public Bodies. From 1 April 2008 there is a single national regulatory body responsible for promoting the cause of better health and safety at work.

The 'new' HSE will retain its independence, reflecting the interests of employers, employees and local authorities.

There is no change in health and safety requirements, how they are enforced or how stakeholders relate to the health and safety regulator - no health and safety protections will be removed.

www.hse.gov.uk/aboutus/people.htm

News from the UK

Scriptographic Training For Polish Workers

Scriptographic Publications has launched a new Polish language version of its successful health and safety training booklet 'Introduction to Health and Safety at Work for Everyone.' The title was launched in English at the end of last year as a health and safety primer, and has been produced in Polish following persistent requests from many industrial sectors.

The 16 page booklet explains the basics of health and safety such as fire safety, slips trips and falls, safety signs, manual handling and hazardous substances, which together comprise the most frequent issues in employee claims and litigation. The subjects are presented with straightforward text and illustrations in a way that is easy to understand and remember, and a simple test at the back of the booklet will confirm that messages have been absorbed and act as a record of training given.

Scriptographic Publications now has three Polish language titles which also cover manual handling and fork truck safety. The Polish range joins an established catalogue of more than 200 health and safety and personal development training booklets, posters and other materials which have been used in the training of millions of workers over the past 25 years. The highly effective style is also available in an eLearning format that facilitates additional comprehension testing and record keeping.

Scriptographic Publications supplies many leading UK companies as well as public authorities, national health trusts and police forces and are used by health and safety, HR and training managers to meet their training obligations in the most cost effective way.

Samples are available from 0800 028 5670 or sales@scriptographic.co.uk

Michael Whitcroft, Scriptographic Publications Ltd, The Tramshed, Beehive Yard, Walcot Street, Bath BA1 5BB | Tel: 08701 609 220 | Email: michaelwhitcroft@scriptographic.co.uk

News from the USA

ASHRAE Launches Dues Program for Developing Countries

To encourage membership outside North America, ASHRAE has launched a program that provides a decreased dues structure option for individuals residing in countries categorized as developing countries by the World Bank List of Economies statistics. The program opens June 1 for new members qualifying for full Member or Associate Member grades. Existing members who are eligible can apply on their membership renewal date for 2009 memberships effective July 1. For more information, visit www.ashrae.org/members.

The program is applicable to more than 100 countries defined by the World Bank as low-income or lower-middle-income. "By offering more affordable dues to members in developing countries, ASHRAE is expanding its reach into countries that can contribute to and benefit from the technology and information sharing in the Society," Kent Peterson, ASHRAE president, said. "This will help in creating a worldwide best practices databank of innovative and successful technologies that can serve the HVAC&R community." The cost of the new program is $90 (USD) per year with benefits to include electronic-only monthly access to the ASHRAE Journal and ASHRAE Insights, and the annual ASHRAE Handbook in CD format. Members in eligible countries also can pay the full membership price of $165 (USD) and receive full benefits (ASHRAE Journal and Handbook in print).

The program is part of ASHRAE's strategic plan, which calls for reaching global goals through increased membership. This reduced fee structure ensures that ASHRAE membership is fiscally feasible for potential members worldwide. A shift in membership benefits for this dues structure enables ASHRAE to offer this program while allowing the Society to remain financially healthy, ensuring many years of continued service to its diverse membership worldwide, according to Peterson.

ASHRAE, founded in 1894, is an international organization of some 50,000 persons. ASHRAE fulfills its mission of advancing heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration to serve humanity and promote a sustainable world through research, standards writing, publishing and continuing education.

More News from USA from NIOSH

Spanish versions of the following NIOSH publications and Web pages are now available

Four New Health Hazard Evaluation Reports are now available

Manufacturing Sector: Evaluation of potential ergonomic hazards

The HHE program responded to a management request at a cabinet mill and assembly plant. The request concerned potential musculoskeletal hazards resulting from job tasks. The investigators found that workers use high force, awkward postures, and repetitive motions, all of which increase their risk for developing musculoskeletal disorders. Most of the reported injuries were musculoskeletal disorders involving the upper extremities. HHE program investigators recommended that managers provide adjustable tables and carts to reduce the physical stresses that employees endure during work practices. Investigators also recommended that the facility consider improving tool design to reduce vibration and to decrease the force required to handle and operate tools effectively. The final report is available at www.cdc.gov/niosh/hhe/reports/pdfs/2007-0038-3057.pdf.

Construction Sector: Evaluations of exposure to respirable silica and noise

The HHE program responded to a union request at three roofing companies. The request concerned workers' exposure to dust and noise during saw cutting of cement roofing tiles. Testing showed that workers were overexposed to silica and noise during saw cutting of cement roofing tiles. Most of the roofers had normal lung function, but lung function decreased with increased years of performing dry-cutting of cement roofing tiles. HHE program investigators recommended that managers implement engineering controls and work practice controls to reduce airborne silica levels. Recommendations were also made regarding implementing mandatory respiratory protection programs and hearing conservation programs. The final reports are available at:

News from the USA

ARTBA is pleased to announce the availability of two books to help you communicate better with Spanish speaking workers!

Spanish-English Dictionary for Construction

Increasing numbers of Spanish speaking workers in construction has created communication difficulties affecting both productivity and safety. Help eliminate this problem at your site! The Spanish-English pocket size dictionary includes over 1,400 words and terms that are used on the jobsite everyday.

Spanish-English Construction Communication

The Spanish-English Construction Communication book is the perfect companion to the Spanish-English Dictionary. This book includes advanced terms and eleven chapters including communication, safety and overcoming language barriers. Thousands of words are broken into lists of safety terms, related slang and common sentences related to each phase of construction. This book is a great learning and study tool for both workers and supervisors!

Go to www.artba.org and click ARTBA Store;
Fax order to Christy Woodall at +1 202 289 4437;
Call Christy at: 1-888-821-9653, extension 308; or
Mail to: ARTBA, 1219 28th St., NW, Wash., DC 20007, USA for the Attention: Christy Woodall

OSH BRIEF

Irja Laamanen from Finland sent the following note:

This looks quite nice and helpful for those who have not experience in professional writing. It is a skill that should be developed.

Announcement: A Practical Report Writing Toolkit for Development Professionals

"At last there is a clear, simple toolkit on report writing skills for people working in international development." Dr. Christine Hogan Author of 'Facilitating Multicultural Groups'.

Sorry for this brief interruption to your day! We'd just like to announce a new resource for development professionals that just might help you and your team turn out more effective progress and evaluation reports and save you time, stress and funds. The Reporting Skills and Professional Writing Handbook (2nd Edition) is a self-study programme based on the best of 10 years' experience working with INGOs, NGOs, Gos and IOs over hundreds of training courses. It's available on CD-ROM for convenient desktop study, and, for larger organisations, the Trainer Edition is supported by a complete Training Pack.

There's a free download of the first module (Professional Writing and the Writing Process) at www.reportingskills.org (requires sign-up) or you can get all the info in one document.

OSH BRIEF

From the Netherlands

Ton Spee writes:

Together with my colleague Gerda van Thienen and I compiled a literature review entitled: "Health effects of construction materials and construction products". Originally it was written for for occupational physicians working for the construction industry, but we also published it in the Dutch Journal of Applied Occupational Sciences. Here is the web link to the paper on health affects of construction materials: www.ohici.nl/pdf/health_effects_of_construction_materials.pdf

Contact: Ton Spee | Email: spee@arbouw.nl

OSH BRIEF

From Switzerland

The Latest edition of the ILO Magazine World of Work contains articles such as Better business: multinationals and decent; Contrcats in the cleaning industry; Child Labour - and ILO partnerships with industry.

You will notices of new publications.

www.ilo.org/publications

OSH BRIEF

From Tunisia

The latest edition of SST Sante et de Securite au Travail - April edition contains an 18 page special feature on Le Travail a la chaleur: pour une ambiance de travail adequate. Also contains other articles and information.

For further details contact: Institut de sante et de securite au travail (ISST), 5 bd. Mustapha Khaznadar, 1007, Tunis, Tunisa | Tel: +216 71 561 636 | Fax: +21 71 571 902 | Email: analy.isst@email.ati.tn | www.isst.nat.tn

News from the ITUC

ITUC Supports Re-election of Juan Somavia to Lead ILO

The International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) on the 24 April 2008 expressed its support for the candidacy of Juan Somavia to serve a further mandate as Director General of the International Labour Organisation.

"In his time at the head of the ILO, Director General Somavia has led it with energy and purpose and has made its decent work agenda a common objective of the international system as a whole. The current international financial and economic crisis threatens the well-being and interests of workers everywhere. It requires a determined and cohesive response from the multilateral system, with the ILO in the lead. Juan Somavia can contribute uniquely to making that happen, and to delivering on the goal of decent work", said ITUC General Secretary Guy Ryder.

First elected in 1998 and re-elected in 2004, Mr Somavia will complete his second mandate in March 2009. The election of the Director General, by the ILO Governing Body, will take place at its November 2008 session with votes being cast by its titular members - 28 governments, 14 trade unions and 14 employers. All the trade union representatives are affiliates of the ITUC.

The ITUC represents 168 million workers in 155 countries and territories and has 311 national affiliates.

News from the UK

OSH-ROM ceases publication... don't despair let OSH UPDATE help you

Colleagues will wish to know that OVID is ceasing to publish OSH-ROM. I would like to inform you of the following that should help your health and safety information seekers.

I created OSH - ROM the collection of 8 databases published by OVID and formerly SilverPlatter some years ago when I was Head of Information Services at the UK Government Health and Safety Executive.

You may be interested in OSH UPDATE www.oshupdate.com created some three years ago and now contains 18 databases e.g. includes HSELINE, NIOSHTICS and NIOSHTICS2, RILOSH, CISDOC, European Agency for Safety and Health at work, and many others. These databases are bibliographic, full text and also link to URLs where possible.

OSH UPDATE does not include Medline or MHIDAS in it.

As you know Medline Online is of course, free of charge - Go direct to U.S. National Library of Medicine www.nlm.nih.gov databases includes e.g. over 17 million citations from MEDLINE and other life science journals for biomedical articles back to the 1950s and PubMed includes links to full text articles and other related resources.

OSH UPDATE includes over 800,000 records, many thousands of these are also full text documents or links to full text.

During 2007 24,152 new bibliographic records containing 3,387 links to full text and 1,811 full text documents containing 42,724 pages were added. It is hoped to progress in the same way in 2008. We continuously update OSH UPDATE as new data is published.

In these days of tight budgets you might find the price of OSH UPDATE attractive.

You can also supply your IP logon range should you wish.

If you would like to have a 15 day free trial please let me know or click onto www.sheilapantry.com/interest.html

Sheila Pantry OBE BA FCLIP
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

OSHE web sites to explore...

Also look in www.oshworld.com/links.html for hundreds of links to authoritative and validated web sites... constantly updated.

UL International (UK)   UK
www.ul.com/uk
UL International provides testing and certification solutions. The services and marks support access and acceptance in the major world markets. A household name in the United States, UL is one of the most recognised conformity assessment providers in the world. Solutions support your business during the complete product development cycle, from design to production, ensuring consistent compliance with all technical and safety requirements and accelerating market access.

USA

US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Coping with a Disaster or Traumatic Event   USA
http://emergency.cdc.gov/mentalhealth
US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advice on coping with a disaster or traumatic event. The effects of a disaster, terrorist attack, or other public health emergency can be long-lasting, and the resulting trauma can reverberate even with those not directly affected by the disaster. The information provides general strategies for promoting mental health and resilience. These strategies were developed by various organizations based on experiences in prior disasters.

US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Floods   USA
http://emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/floods
US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) information on floods. During a flood and its aftermath, there are some basic facts to remember that will help protect your personal health and safety. Key facts about hurricane and flood recovery, food and water safety, cleanup, sanitation and hygiene, when the power goes out, carbon monoxide poisoning; animals and insects, re-entering your flooded home, cleanup of flood water, mold after a disaster, precautions and electrical hazards. Worker safety after a flood. Links to other information.

US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Wildfires smoke   USA
http://emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/wildfires
US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) information on smoke from wildfires - a mixture of gases and fine particles from burning trees and other plant materials. Smoke can hurt your eyes, irritate your respiratory system, and worsen chronic heart and lung diseases. Know whether you are at risk and protect yourself.

US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Worker safety during fire cleanup   USA
http://emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/wildfires/cleanupworkers.asp
US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Worker safety during fire cleanup. Workers face hazards even after fires are extinguished. In addition to a smoldering or new fire, dangers include: electrical hazards, carbon monoxide poisoning, musculoskeletal hazards, heavy equipment, extreme heat and cold, unstable structures, hazardous materials, fire, confined spaces, worker fatigue and respiratory hazards. Workers and volunteers should be advised of and should follow proper safety precautions.

US National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health   NIOSH: Disaster Site Management   USA
www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/emres/sitemgt.html
US National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health disaster site guidance and advice. Background and recommendations for improving safety management at large-scale disaster sites. Covers natural and manmade disasters, including terrorism.

US National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health   NIOSH: Guidance for supervisors at Disaster Rescue Sites   USA
www.cdc.gov/niosh/emhaz2.html
US National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health NIOSH suggested Guidance for supervisors at Disaster Rescue Sites. Disaster sites pose a multitude of health and safety concerns. The hazards and exposures are a function of the unstable nature of the site, the potential of hazardous substances being present and the type of work being performed. An accurate assessment of all hazards may not be possible because they may not be immediately obvious or identifiable. Rescue personnel may be selecting protective measures based on limited information. In addition to the hazards of direct exposure, workers are also subject to dangers posed by the unstable physical environment, the stress of working in protective clothing, and the emotional trauma of the situation.

Diary of Events

If you have a seminar, conference or exhibition that you would like to promote - please send details to your Editor. Also look in www.oshworld.com/diary.html

You may also be inspired to organise something similar in your country

4-6 June 2008 - The III International Conference on Health and Safety at Work
Bilbao, Spain
Contact: Technical Office: Pool Bureau Alda. Mazarredo, 39 2ºC, 48009 Bilbao, Spain | Tel: +34 94 423 52 11 | Fax: +34 94 423 04 87 | Email: info@congresswork.org | www.congresswork.org

8-11 June 2008 - Reid Technique of Investigative Interviewing
Hyatt Regency Dubai, UAE
Contact: Lariza Sanchez, Precept Management Consultancy | Tel: +968 24497123 | Fax: +968 24497222 | Mobile: +968 99312451 | Email: precept@omantel.net.om or precept@preceptmanagement.com | www.preceptmanagement.com/consultants/precept/4_Day_Reid_Technique_of_Investigative_Interviewing2008.pdf

9-12 June 2008 - American Society of Safety Engineers "SAFETY 2008" Professional Development Conference and Exposition
Las Vegas, NV., USA
Contact: www.asse.org

9-13 June 2008 - 20th International Conference on Epidemiology in Occupational Health (EPICOH-2008) (9-11 June) and 10th International Symposium on Neurobehavioural Methods and Effects in Environmental and Occupational Health (NEUREOH-2008) (11-13 June)
Organised by the Central American Institute for Studies on Toxic Substances, Universidad Nacional (IRET-UNA), Heredia, Costa Rica, in collaboration with the International Commission of Occupational Health (ICOH)
Costa Rica
Contact: Jennifer Crowe, MPH - Conference Secretary, EPICOH-NEUREOH 2008 | RET PO Box 86 - 3000, Heredia, Costa Rica | Tel: (+506) 853-5957 (+506) 277-3429 | Fax: (+506) 277-3583 | Email: info@epicoh-neureoh2008.com and jencrowe7@hotmail.com | www.epicoh-neureoh2008.com

10-13 June 2008 Second international course on Seafarers' occupational risks and health examinations
Bergen, Norway
Contact: Gunilla Rasi, NIVA, Topeliuksenkatu 41 a A, FIN-00250 Helsinki, FINLAND | Tel: +358 30 474 2498 | Email: gunilla.rasi@ttl.fi | www.niva.org

11 June 2008 - The 54th FABIG Technical Meeting "Asset Integrity and Hazard Management of Ageing Installations"
London, UK
Contact: Julia Hodge, FABIG, UK | Tel: +44 (0)1344 636 546 | Email fabig@steel-sci.com | www.fabig.com/events

11-18 June 2008 - 12th US/North American Mine Ventilation Symposium
Reno, NV., USA
Contact: www.unr.edu/ventsymp2008

12-14 June 2008 - A workshop on cardiovascular disorders and return to work - In connection with the Nordic Congress of Cardiac Prevention and Rehabilitation
Hämeenlinna, Finland
Contact: Gunilla Rasi, NIVA, Topeliuksenkatu 41 a A, FIN-00250 Helsinki, FINLAND | Tel: +358 30 474 2498 | Email: gunilla.rasi@ttl.fi | www.niva.org

15-17 June 2008 - Occupational Health and Safety Research in Action: Method, Results and Applications
Jointly organised by the Canadian Association for Research on Work and Health (CARWH) and the Réseau de recherche en santé et en sécurité du travail du Québec (RRSSTQ)
École de Technologie Supérieure, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Contact: Susan Stock MD MSc FRCPC, Institut national de santé publique du Québec, 190 rue Crémazie est Montréal (Québec) H2P 1E2, Canada | Tél: +1 514-864-1600 ext. 3206 | Secrétaire (Stéphanie Larose): ext. 3250 | Fax: +1 514-864-7646 | Email: susan.stock@inspq.qc.ca | Conference Coordinator at: carwh-rrsstq@etsmtl.ca

18-19 June, 2008 - 2e Congrès francophone sur les troubles musculo-squelettiques: de la recherche à l'action
Hilton Montreal Bonaventure Hotel, Montréal, Québec, Canada
Contact: IRSST, 505, blvd. De Maisonneuve West, 15th floor, Montréal, Québec, Canada, H3A 3C2 | Tel: + 1 514 288-1551 | Fax: + 1 514 288-7636 | Email: TMS2008@irsst.qc.ca | www.irsst.qc.ca

29 June - 4 July 2008 - XVIIIth World Congress on Safety and Health at Work: A Societal Responsibility
Organized by the International Labour Organization (ILO), the International Social Security Association (ISSA) and the Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency
Seoul, Korea
Contact: Congress Secretariat, Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency, 34-4 Gusan-dong, Bupyeong-gu, Incheon, Republic of Korea. | Tel: +82 32 5100 740/748/749. | Fax: +82 32 512 8482 | Email: safety2008@kosha.net | www.safety2008korea.org

7-9 July 2008 - Managing Maritime Emergencies: Identifying risk, planning and managing emergencies, crisis communication
Lloyd's Maritime Academy Training Suite, London, UK
Contact: Marianna Christodoulou, Informa | Email: marianna.christodoulou@informa.com | www.lloydsmaritimeacademy.com/lm1029

14-17 July 2008 - 2nd International Conference on Applied Human Factors and Ergonomics
Jointly organized with the 12th International Conference on Human Aspects of Advanced Manufacturing (HAAMAHA)
Las Vegas, NV, USA
Contact: Mr. Waldemar Karwowski, University of Central Florida, United States | Email: wkarwowski@gmail.com | www.aei2008.org

18-20 July 2008 - Hazards 2008: 19th National Hazards Conference
Keele University, Staffordshire, UK
Contact: Hazards 2008, GMHC, Windrush, Millennium Centre, 70 Alexandria Road, Manchester M16 7WD, UK | Tel: +44 (0)161 636 7558 | Email: hazconf@gmhazards.org.uk | www.hazardscampaign.org.uk
Readers may also wish to take a free trial of OSH UPDATE: www.sheilapantry.com/interest.html

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