CIS Newsletter

No. 259
April 2011

CIS Newsletter celebrates 23 years & still going strong!
Bringing news from Members to Members in over 154 countries in the CIS Network!

The CIS Newsletter is a monthly newsletter for the International Labour Organisation (ILO) International Occupational Health and Safety Information Centres and is edited by Sheila Pantry OBE from the UK. The CIS Newsletter is NOT an official publication of the ILO but a newsletter containing information from Members in CIS Centres and other sources and is intended to be shared by anyone who finds the data contained useful. Users are free to use and reuse the data in these newsletters.

Contents

  1. Editorial
  2. 28 April 2011 - Workers Memorial Day
  3. Condolences to Japan and New Zealand
  4. Roman Litvyakov
  5. News, Events and ideas from around the World from Canada, China, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Israel, Japan, Macedonia, Spain, Switzerland, Turkey, UK, and USA to name a few!
  6. New Major Accidents and Incidents database for OSH UPDATE
  7. New e-courses, videos and CCTV footage
  8. OSHE websites to explore
  9. Diary of Events

CIS Members' links:

Editorial

Dear Colleagues

Spring - my favourite season has arrived in the Northern Hemisphere bringing fresh hope for the year ahead.

You will, no doubt, will be planning for the 28 April 2011 - World Day of Safety and Health. The slogan for the World Day in 2011 - is OSH management system: A tool for continual improvementwww.ilo.org/safework/events/safeday/lang--en/index.htm

For other ideas for publicity and promotion see also CIS Working Party 1 - Publicity, promotion and communication strategy: www.sheilapantry.com/cis/other/wp01.html

Don't forget to continuously promote CIS and the Network!

There is much to look forward to in our OSH World in 2011!

Roman Litvyakov [litvyakov@ilo.org] was appointed on a short term contract in the position of Senior Information Specialist, and he is busy already on a number of activities - see below for details about him.

Meanwhile, as usual the CIS Newsletter contains a roundup of information received from many parts of the OSH World - for which many thanks.

Some interest already on the Good News that the New database on Major Hazard Accidents and Incidents which was launched in February 2011 and included in OSH UPDATE - thus making 20 database. See www.oshupdate.com - for a trial contact www.sheilapantry.com/interest.html

Please send your news - Whatever you are planning - any publications, conferences, seminars or training courses, then please send the 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.

Remember that whilst there is so much occupational safety and health information around the world not all will be trustworthy. Make sure that any information that you use is validated and authoritative and up-to-date.

USE IT OR LOSE IT!

Don't forget to continuously promote CIS and the Network!

Do add the CIS logo on the front page of your website would be a good first start. (Checked recently and only a few CIS Centres websites have the logo or links to CIS website).

Please do add the CIS logo on all your publications.

Any views you have on CIS and its work please send into CIS HQ - to Roman Litvyakov litvyakov@ilo.org and Seiji Machida machida@ilo.org

I am still making BIG PLEA to find out where all the missing people from CIS Centres are now... we need to know when people are leaving their jobs and very importantly who is going to take over!!! PLEASE HELP!

Will you be Surviving in 2011?... perhaps you will if you make efforts in promotion, publicity and telling the World that CIS and its network exists!

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

28 April 2011 - World Day for Safety and Health at Work

OSH management system: A tool for continual improvement

Partners:

Since 2003, the International Labour Organization (ILO) observes the World Day for Safety and Health at Work on the 28 of April. This global awareness-raising campaign is intended to focus international attention on emerging trends in the field of occupational safety and health and raise consciousness on the magnitude of work-related injuries, diseases and fatalities worldwide.

The celebration of the annual World Day for Safety and Health at Work is an integral part of the Global Strategy on Occupational Safety and Health: Conclusions adopted by the International Labour Conference at its 91st Session, 2003 for the promotion of a global preventative safety and health culture. It is a key element of the ILO's Programme on Safety and Health at Work and the Environment. Capitalizing on its traditional strengths of tripartism and social dialogue, the ILO stresses the prevention

www.ilo.org/safework/events/safeday/lang--en/index.htm

For other ideas for publicity and promotion see also CIS Working Party 1 - Publicity, promotion and communication strategy: www.sheilapantry.com/cis/other/wp01.html

In the UK a website has been created listing Memorials to UK workers - for details see: www.sheilapantry.com/memorial

Condolences to our CIS Centres in New Zealand and Japan

It is with profound sadness that the CIS Network learn about the tragic loss of human lives, numerous injuries and human suffering caused by the devastating earthquake in Christchurch, New Zealand and the tsunami and earthquake in Japan.

On behalf of CIS colleagues worldwide we would like to express our condolences to the people of Japan and New Zealand especially to the families of the victims and those, who are affected by this tragic disaster.

Roman Litvyakov

Roman Litvyakov was born in Saint Petersburg, Russia in 1967. He graduated from the Leningrad Institute of Fine Mechanic and Optic in 1989, Information Technology and Computers Facility. He started his career at the State Optical Research Institute as a specialist on image processing. In 1995-2006 he was working at the St. Petersburg Institute of Industrial Safety, Labour Protection and Social Partnership.

In 1997 he established the CIS Collaborating Centre in Saint-Petersburg and headed it. Since 1997 he participates in CIS life. He was a leader of the Electronic version of the Encyclopaedia in Russian language Project. Then he participated in creation of the CIS Product "CIS Bookshelf" in English and French languages.

Roman joined the ILO in 2006. He worked on the Moscow ILO NW OSH Russia Project as Coordinator (office in Saint Petersburg). In 2008-2010 he was working in the ILO Moscow office for Eastern Europe and Central Asia as a Regional OSH Coordinator.

Roman has created several ILO OSH training courses on OSH (OSH Management system, Economic and OSH, Social Partnership, Risk Assessment) and he has been working also as an OSH trainer and has travelled over many countries of the region in this role.

From 1 February 2011 he is on secondment to ILO CIS HQ in Geneva and was appointed on a short term contract in the position of Senior Information Specialist. He is a knowledgeable IT and OSH specialist.

News from around the World

News from Canada

Experimental analysis of tools used for estimating risk associated with industrial machines

The IRSST (Institut de recherché Robert-Sauvé en santé et en sécurité du travail) has published a new study which analyzed a selected sample of thirty one risk estimation tools associated with industrial machines.

Researchers chosen and analyzed systematically the tools in order to characterize the similarities and differences based on equivalence scales for the parameters. This approach was used to analyze different tools using common benchmarks. The results show that the structure of the tools and terminology used in the tools can potentially lead to biased or incorrect risk estimations. The factors that designers and users of risk estimation tools should consider include:

Moreover, in this report, the differences in results when using different machine safety risk estimation tools applied to the same hazardous situations were studied and investigated. As such, the influence of the types of risk estimation parameters used in the tools, the construction or architecture of the tools, the influence of the number of levels for each parameter and the influence of the number of risk levels on the results when applying each tool to hazardous situations were studied. Consequently, 31 risk estimation tools have been selected based on predefined criteria and compared in estimating the risk level associated with 20 hazardous situations. The results show a large difference between the tools in evaluating the same situation.

To download the document: www.irsst.qc.ca/en/-irsst-publication-experimental-analysis-of-tools-used-estimating-risk-associated-with-industrial-machines-r-684.html

News from China

First International Symposium on Mine Safety Science and Engineering - Beijing, China - October 26-29, 2011

First call for papers

The First International Symposium on Mine Safety Science and Engineering (ISMSSE2011) will be held in Beijing on October 26-29, 2011. The symposium is authorized by the State Administration of Work Safety and is sponsored by China Academy of Safety Science & Technology (CASST), China University of Mining & Technology (Beijing) (CUMTB), McGill University (Canada) and University of Wollongong (Australia) with participation from several other universities from round the world, research institutes, professional associations and large enterprises. An exhibition of the latest technologies in mine safety will be held during the symposium.

The symposium papers will be collected in a volume and published online by Elsevier in Engineering Procedia (indexed by EI). Selected and peer reviewed papers will be published in Safety Science Journal of Elsevier (indexed by SCI) in the form of a special issue.

Hosting Organizations

Director of Organization Committee

Sun Huashan
Vice-director of the State Administration of Work Safety
President of China Association of Work Safety

Members of committee include academicians, leaders of universities, institutes, associations and large enterprises

Director of Academy Committee

Zhou Shining, Academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering

Members of committee include academicians, famous experts of universities, research institutes, associations and large enterprises

Symposium Chair

He Xueqiu
China Academy of Safety Science & Technology

Co-chairs

Topics:

Safety science theory, engineering and technology as related to:

International Symposium Language:

English (including symposium language and paper publication)

Important Dates

Registration Fees

The symposium registration fees include paper publication online (for Authors), symposium proceedings welcome reception, lunches, banquet and coffee breaks.

Author (Chinese)

2800 RMB

Author (Foreign)

USD 500

Delegates (Chinese)

1500 RMB

Delegates (Foreign)

USD 260

Secretary-General

Secretariat

For more information, please contact:

Conference website: HHH | www.chinasafety.ac.cn/ismsse2011 | Telephones: +86-10-84911521-805 | +86-10-82375620 | Email: ismsse2011@chinasafety.ac.cn | ismsse2011@163.com

News from Finland

International Forum on Occupational Health and Safety: Policies, Profiles and Services: 20-22 June 2011, Hanasaari Cultural Centre, Espoo, Finland

The International Forum on Occupational Health and Safety: Policies, Profiles and Services, to be held on 20-22 June 2011 in Espoo, Finland, will examine approaches to decent work and consider solutions to occupational safety and health issues that achieve world-wide sustainable well-being.

www.ttl.fi/en/international/conferences/ohs_forum_2011/Pages/default.aspx

News from Ireland

Eurofound publishes its new Foundation Focus 'Work and health: a difficult relationship?': Working longer requires better working

The improvement of working conditions throughout a worker's career is a necessary condition to enable workers to continue to work for as long as possible. But what constitutes good working conditions, and what is required to allow older workers to remain in work? The new Foundation Focus explores the complex relationship between work and health, and asks European social policymakers what they will do to tackle the challenges of work and health, and an ageing society.

The new Foundation Focus provides insights and new research data and findings on the increasing levels of stress and work intensity. It finds that work-related stress is on the increase as a result of complex organisational decision-making, and it explores the effects of high work demands on health, especially in relation to cardiovascular diseases and mental health problems. It argues that stress is not caused by work alone, but by conflicting demands on people, both in their working and non-working lives.

For Europeans, work intensity has increased over the past 20 years - more workers work at high speed, work to tight deadlines, or have their pace of work driven by more demands. In the EU27, nearly 60% of workers say that that they have to work at very high speed for at least a quarter of their working time. By reducing the physical strain of work as well as the stress caused by the intensity of work, workers are more likely to stay in their jobs longer.

The Foundation Focus also offers a snapshot of workers' attitudes towards ageing and training in the workplace, taken from the latest edition of the European Working Conditions Survey (EWCS 2010). They show that the percentage of workers in the EU27 that think they will be able to do their current job at the age of 60 has risen marginally from 57% in 2000 to 59% in 2010. There are, however, big differences between countries: over 70% of workers in the Netherlands and Germany feel able to do their job at 60, compared to only 26% of workers in Slovenia. This percentage of workers thinking they will be able to do their job at age 60 closely corresponds to the actual percentage of older workers in the respective workforce. Out of the ten Member States with the lowest percentage of workers expecting to be able to do their job at age 60, seven Member States are also in the bottom ten in terms of the proportion of workers aged 50 and older in the workforce.

Several good practice examples of how companies and organisation deal with work and health, and an ageing work force, form part of the publication. Among them are MOL, the Hungarian oil and gas group, which has integrated employee health as part of the company's management philosophy, the NHS and their programme to deal with mental health issues of their workforce and the Belgian Federation for Hospital Institutions and their innovative efforts to retain older workers in the health care sector.

The new Foundation Focus is available at www.eurofound.europa.eu/publications/htmlfiles/ef1117.htm

For further information, contact Måns Mårtensson, media manager, on email, telephone: +353-1-204 3124, and mobile: +353-876-593 507.

The European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions (Eurofound) is a tripartite EU body, whose role is to provide key actors in social policymaking with findings, knowledge and advice drawn from comparative research. Eurofound was established by Council Regulation EEC No 1365/75 of 26 May 1975 and is located in Dublin, Ireland.

Now you can follow Eurofound on Twitter, become a 'fan' of Eurofound on Facebook and subscribe to Eurofound's channel on YouTube. You can also register for regular news and information from Eurofound including the new Eurofound Observer, and subscribe to newsfeeds via RSS.

Mailing address: Eurofound, Loughlinstown House, Wyattville Road, Dublin, Ireland D18

News from Israel

Israel Shreibman writes:

The Israel Institute for Occupational Safety and Hygiene (IIOSH) Director has retired, and I have been appointed as the acting director of the Institute.

Israel Shreibman, Acting Director, Israel Institute for Occupational Safety and Hygiene (IIOSH), P.O. Box 1122, Tel Aviv 61010, Israel | Tel: + 972 35266430 | Mobile: + 972 523861238 | Email: Israel@osh.org.il | www.osh.org.il

Congratulations to Israel from all Colleagues at CIS Centres!

DID YOU KNOW? MHAID: New database on Major Accidents and Incidents is being added into OSH UPDATE!

Essential occupational health and safety information source! OSH UPDATE is here to help - easy to use and very subscription friendly - why pay more?

OSH UPDATE - arguably one of the world's best collections of full text and bibliographic health and safety information is continuously updated as new data is published

Don't make health and safety decisions without consulting the world's authoritative and validated guidance and advice that is found within OSH UPDATE. www.oshupdate.com

Why not take a FREE NO OBLIGATION TRIAL FOR 15 DAY OF OSH UPDATE now?

Send your request at www.sheilapantry.com/interest.html

News from Macedonia

Dear Colleagues,

Below is the link to the short web info about recently organized OSH MS Conference in Macedonia.

OSH MS Conference

Below is the link to the MOSHA's web page for the World Congress in Istanbul (only on Macedonian language). As you may know, our plan is to bring 50 OSH Specialists to the World Congress.

http://svetskikongres.mzzpr.org.mk

Ljupco Kocovski, ILO/CIS center coordinator, Macedonian Occupational Safety and Health Association, 29 Noemvri 50, 1000 Skopje, Republic of Macedonia | Tel/Fax: ++ 389 (0)2 2774 868 | Cell: ++389 (0)75 432 051 | www.mzzpr.org.mk

News from Spain

European Agency for Safety and Health at Work: Safety and Health at Work - Workplace violence and harassment on the increase in Europe

Third party violence and harassment affect from 5% to 20% of European workers according to EU-OSHA's new report 'Workplace Violence and Harassment: a European Picture'. In many European countries there is still not enough recognition of workplace violence, with few specific initiatives dealing with the issue.

Press release: http://osha.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/workplace-violence-and-harassment-on-the-increase-in-europe-1

Full report 'Workplace Violence and Harassment: a European Picture' (English): http://osha.europa.eu/en/publications/reports/violence-harassment-TERO09010ENC/view

Section on Stress: http://osha.europa.eu/en/topics/stress

EU agencies - the way ahead

From 31 January to 3 February 2011 the European Agencies host an exhibition at the EU Parliament in Brussels to show their impact on the lives of Europe's 500 million citizens. The EU Agencies are involved in many and varied activities: improving health, safety and the environment; safeguarding freedom, justice and security; supporting education, business and innovation; and developing transport and satellite infrastructure. Today the agencies play a key role in the implementation of EU policies and are making a valuable contribution to EU 2020 strategic objectives.

EU Agencies - The way ahead

Learn more about the Agencies of the European Union

Safe maintenance in practice - read our latest report collecting successful solutions

The new EU-OSHA report "Safe maintenance in practice" provides information on successful initiatives in the workplace, illustrating how safety and health risks associated with maintenance can be managed. Many companies, insurers and authorities have successfully developed solutions to improve safety and health during maintenance.

The new approaches presented in this report demonstrate clearly that good occupational safety and health (OSH) management practices are at the heart of reliable and safe maintenance. All initiatives are also individually displayed in our case-studies database to offer you a more convenient illustration.

Read the report and the related factsheet (summary of the report)

Access the case studies database on maintenance

News from Switzerland

Guidelines for synthetic nanomaterials

Synthetic nanomaterials are taking on increasing importance in our daily lives. Information about their properties within production and processing chains are of great importance in establishing the necessary risk and safety procedures and protective measures.

It is in this context that the Swiss government's department for Working Conditions/Chemicals and Occupational Health has recently published the Safety data sheet "Guidelines for synthetic nanomaterials".

On the one hand, it will enable the processing industry and business in general to recognise potential hazards during the production and manufacturing processes. At the same time, it will provide the necessary basis to evaluate potential dangers to health and the environment in the finished products.

This document is available in German, French, Italian and English.

Nanoimpact Website: www.nanoimpactnet.eu

News from the UK

Clean up your act: wood dust exposure: video

The UK Health and Safety Executive has released a wood dust exposure video Clean your act up that demonstrates the high exposures you can get sweeping up and blowing down compared to using a vacuum cleaner with HEPA filters.

www.hse.gov.uk/woodworking/wood-dust-exposure.htm

News from the UK

International Firex - Tuesday 17th May and Wednesday 18th May 2011, The Toute Suite, National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham, UK

The FPA will be running two special seminars at International Firex aimed directly at fire and security specialists within the insurance industry and FPA members. Each session aims to attract up to 100 delegates. In addition Fire Risk Management (FRM) is teaming up as a media partner with UBM to publish the official seminar guide for International Firex 2011 - The guide will outline the broad range of show seminars being staged by UBM's Learning Zone, FIA, ASFP, LPCB and the FPA. A rate card is attached for your information

News from the UK

New UK online directory to increase confidence in health and safety advice

A new online directory to help businesses find a health and safety consultant that they can trust to give sensible, expert advice launches today (21 March).

More than 1,600 highly qualified consultants in the UK have signed up to the online Occupational Safety and Health Consultants Register (OSHCR). It has been created to increase employers' confidence that they are receiving good quality, proportionate health and safety advice should they need external help.

Before consultants can join the register they must prove they can meet strict eligibility criteria. Each must belong to a professional body, have a degree-level qualification, at least two years' experience and have demonstrated a commitment to continuing their professional development.

Many employers do not need external consultants to help them comply with their legal obligations. The register is aimed at those businesses that want extra support from a trusted source - and will make it easy to find a local consultant with relevant industry and topic expertise.

Chris Grayling, the Employment Minister, said:

"We have launched an official Occupational Safety and Health Consultants Register for those health and safety practitioners who are properly accredited to one of the professional bodies in the industry. Those who do not have the requisite expertise and experience will be excluded from the register, making it easier for employers to access reliable, reputable advice."

OSHCR has been established by a number of professional bodies representing general safety and occupational health consultants, with support from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) in response to the Government-commissioned Common Sense Common Safety report into Britain's health and safety system, which called for improved competence in health and safety advice.

The register is now freely accessible and searchable at www.oshcr.org

The register covers England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Health and Safety is devolved in Northern Ireland but the Northern Ireland regulators HSENI have joined the UK-wide scheme.

HSE supported a number of participating professional bodies and other stakeholders as they established OSHCR Ltd as a not-for-profit company. The members of OSHCR Ltd are:

HSE is currently administering the register; the intention is that once it is up and running, the professional bodies will take this over.

The register, which is voluntary, is open to individuals who provide commercial advice on general health and safety management issues and who have achieved at least one of the following:

In addition, all consultants wishing to join the register will be asked to declare that they will:

The Government-commissioned report on the UK health and safety system, Common Sense Common Safety, was published on 15 October 2010. OSHCR meets several of the report's aspirations for improved competence in external health and safety advice

Contacts:

News from the USA

NIOSH Research Leadership Reflected in New Nanotechnology Book

NIOSH Director John Howard, M.D., and NIOSH Senior Scientist Vladimir Murashov, Ph.D., are the co-editors of a new technical book, Nanotechnology Standards, published by Springer Science + Business Media, LLC.

The book is described as the first comprehensive collection of state-of-the-art reviews of twenty-first century nanotechnology standards development written by an international team of experts representing both the international standards development community and the nanosciences community.

Dr. Howard and Dr. Murashov contributed the introduction to the book, and a chapter, "Health and Safety Standards," that describes voluntary, consensus-type standards adopted by the private sector as well as mandatory, or government-regulatory, health-related standards for the workplace.

News from the USA

NIOSH Workplace Safety Messages on Spanish-Language TV

NIOSH developed content for a series of short Spanish-language videos on occupational safety and health for the Hispanic Information and Telecommunications Network (HITN).

The videos, narrated by Maria Sofia Lioce of NIOSH, aired on a live national Spanish-language talk show on HITN.

The videos featured topics on:

For more information, e-mail Maria Sofia Lioce at mliocemata@cdc.gov.

News from the USA

Inclusion of Young Workers in WHO Executive Board Resolution

A new World Health Organization (WHO) Executive Board Resolution on Child Injury Prevention (http://apps.who.int/gb/ebwha/pdf_files/EB128/B128_R15-en.pdf) includes wording to remind countries of their obligations to prevent child labor and to address risks at work encountered by youth under the age of 18.

This resolution will go to the World Health Assembly in May 2011 for passage, and it will provide a foundation for continued activities of WHO, ILO, and partners to assist all countries in reducing hazards to young workers. www.cdc.gov/niosh/programs/global/WHOres128-15CIP.html.

You are subscribed to Environmental Health Services (EHS) for Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

News from the USA

The March issue of LIFELINES ONLINE (Vol. VII, No. 10) is available at the LHSFNA website. These are the headlines:

To view the stories and access our website, click www.lhsfna.org.

Also, please note that back issues of LIFELINES ONLINE -- as well as our print magazine, LIFELINES -- are posted for online viewing. The LIFELINES ONLINE archive and LIFELINES archive are fully searchable, so you can find the articles that relate to your topic of interest.

As always, we look forward to your feedback and comments on our website and LIFELINES ONLINE.

Steve Clark, Communications Manager, Laborers' Health and Safety Fund of North America, 905 16th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20006, USA

New e-COURSES

Free Environmental Public Health Online Courses (EPHOC) - New courses now available for continuing education credit!

  1. 01. General Environmental Health
  2. 03. Food Protection
  3. 08. Zoonoses, Vectors, Pests, and Weeds
  4. 09. Radiation Protection
  5. 10. Occupational Safety and Health
  6. 11. Air Quality and Environmental Noise
  7. 15. Disaster Sanitation

Fourteen courses are now available. The full package of 15 courses equals more than 45 hours of training.

www.cdc.gov/nceh/ehs/Workforce_Development/EPHOC.htm

DID YOU KNOW? Change in Venue for 2012 ICOH Congress

The venue for the 30th International Commission on Occupational Health (ICOH), scheduled for March 18-23, 2012, has been moved to Cancun, Mexico. The meeting was originally scheduled to be held in Monterrey, Mexico. However, concerns about security and travel cautions issued by some government institutions led to the decision to move the congress venue. The dates and the scientific program will remain the same. More information is available at www.icohcongress2012cancun.org.

New Videos that may be of use to you...

Working at height - Building maintenance

UK Health and Safety Executive, 2011

Work at height building maintenance video shows steps to take to ensure work is carried out safely when working at heights. The video is for those involved in working at height who carry out building and plant maintenance activities. It aims to make you aware of the steps that should be taken to ensure the work is carried out safely and to demonstrate a number of different types of access equipment in use.

www.hse.gov.uk/falls/video

Deadly Practices: Hazards of Gas Releases

U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB), 4 February 2011

The U.S. Chemical Safety Board (CSB) released the video Deadly Practices on the One Year Anniversary of the ConAgra and Kleen Energy Explosions to show Hazards of Gas Releases. The safety video depicts two major accidents caused by the intentional release of flammable fuel gas near work areas, one year after the Kleen Energy explosion. The fifteen-minute long video focuses on two accidents investigated by the CSB. The 9 June 2009 Natural Gas Explosion and Ammonia Release at the ConAgra Slim Jim plant near Garner, North Carolina, USA that fatally injured four workers and injured 67 others; and the 7 February 2010 explosion at the Kleen Energy natural gas powered electric generating plant under construction in Middletown, Connecticut, USA that killed six workers and injured at least 50 others. The two incidents involved the intentional release of flammable natural gas into work areas, putting workers and nearby communities at risk of fires and explosions. At the Kleen Energy facility workers were conducting a "gas blow," a procedure that forced natural gas explosion at high volume and pressure through newly-installed piping to remove debris. The gas was vented to the atmosphere, where it accumulated, came in contact with an ignition source and exploded. At the ConAgra facility workers were purging a pipe feeding gas to an industrial heater. During the purging operation, gas was allowed to flow through the pipe and exit through an open valve inside the utility room where the water heater was located. Flammable gas accumulated inside the building and eventually found an ignition source.

Entitled "Deadly Practices," the video includes animations that show the hazards of releasing gas into areas where it can accumulate, ignite, and kill or injure workers or members of the public. As a result of the CSB's investigation the board released urgent recommendations aimed at preventing future tragedies. The CSB recommended that OSHA promulgate regulations that address fuel gas safety for both construction and general industry.
In September 2010 the Governor of Connecticut, USA issued an executive order banning the use of natural gas blows during power plant construction in the state. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the International Code Council are taking action to ban the use of natural gas for cleaning and purging pipes.

The CSB's safety videos are provided free of charge and can be requested at www.csb.gov and on the CSB's YouTube channel www.csb.gov/videoroom/detail.aspx?vid=49

Human factors at play during large gasoline spillage: CCTV footage

UK Health and Safety Executive, 2011

Human factors at play during large gasoline spillage CCTV footage is to assist duty holders in training employees.

www.hse.gov.uk/humanfactors/resources/case-studies/gasoline-spillage.htm

Clean up your act: wood dust exposure

UK Health and Safety Executive, 2011

The wood dust exposure video Clean your act up demonstrates the high exposures you can get sweeping up and blowing down compared to using a vacuum cleaner with HEPA filters.

www.hse.gov.uk/woodworking/wood-dust-exposure.htm

New e-learning course from Canada

WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System) for Office Environments; e-learning course

Canadian Centre for Occupational Safety and Health, 2011, e-learning course

Languages: English; French

Learn how to identify and work safely around chemical hazards found in most offices. Chemical hazards come in many different forms and are found in every workplace. In an office environment, chemicals can come in the form of cleaners, paints, flammable aerosols, gas cylinders, which all have their own unique set of hazards. People who work in office environments must understand how to identify and deal with these hazards. This e-course explains common chemical hazards found in office buildings and provides workers in office environments with the core knowledge required to meet legislated Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) education requirements. WHMIS has been an important element of workplace health and safety programmes and legislation in Canada for more than two decades. This course includes case studies with discussion summaries and other examples to illustrate the concepts, as well as practical tools such as sample forms and checklists. Quizzes throughout the course and an exam help to measure and encourage learning.

Topics include: WHMIS within the total building environment, including shipping/receiving areas and outdoor spaces; The three key elements of WHMIS: labels, material safety data sheets (MSDSs), and worker education/training; Working safely with WHMIS controlled products common to the office environment

Upon completion of the course you will know how to:

Average time to complete this course is approximately one hour.

Target Audience: Anyone who works in an office building, including: workers, supervisors, managers, building operations personnel, and cleaning/custodial staff.

Prerequisite: None

Delivery Method: This course is delivered as an on-line e-learning course. All you need is a computer, access to the Internet - and you are ready to go! This e-learning course is designed to help you learn at your own pace and in your own environment at your own convenience.

Registration: Registration for this course is provided online, or by contacting Client Services or calling 1-800-668-4284.

www.ccohs.ca/products/courses/whmis_office

Places still available - this 'standalone training week' is part of the Leeds' Fire & Explosion Engineering MSc programme

Monday 4th - Friday 8th April 2011

Gas, Vapour and Dust Explosion Hazards - protection, mitigation & prediction

Webpage: www.engineering.leeds.ac.uk/short-courses/fire-engineering/gas-vapour-dust-explosion-hazards/index.shtml

Previous delegates commented:

'An excellent course on the governing physics of fire and explosion hazards.'

'A very thorough course providing a good foundation for work in gas, vapour and dust explosion hazards.'

The week is organised by colleagues in the Leeds' CPD Unit - if you interested in attending or need further details please contact Sophie Chopping:

Sophie Chopping (Miss) | Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Unit | University of Leeds | Tel: +44 (0)113 343 2494 | Email: cpd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk

The Fire & Explosion Engineering MSc programme at Leeds

Running since 1998, this successful programme offers advanced training in the field of Fire and Explosion Engineering for candidates wishing to either embark on a new & exciting career, or to formalise/upgrade their professional qualifications & experience with recognisable and transferable academic qualifications.

The programme can be taken on a full-time or part-time basis - Applications now welcome for a September 2011 start

For further details and to see comments from course graduates please visit: Part Time Masters in Fire & Explosion Engineering www.engineering.leeds.ac.uk/speme/postgraduate/masters-fire-explosion-engineering

If any of the above information is not of concern to you on this occasion but you know of someone who may be interested, please forward this email.

Thanks and regards,
Peter Riley

Peter Riley | Course tutor - Fire & Explosion Engineering MSc | Faculty of Engineering | University of Leeds | Tel: +44 (0)113 343 2793 | Email: p.r.riley@leeds.ac.uk

OSHE web sites to explore...

We look at websites in different parts of the world that are offering quality information. This month we look at a variety of websites from the USA.

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

This collection of authoritative and validated organisations' websites are listed first alphabetically under country name and then alphabetically under the first word of the organisation. The subject index expands the information of these websites, especially where there are many important sources of information which may not be apparent from a first look at a particular web site.

If you have a favourite site which should be included in this list please email details to: sp@sheilapantry.com

And if we do not have your web site listed please send it to me sp@sheilapantry.com

Center for Disease Control Office of Health and Safety Information System: Ergonomics   USA
www.cdc.gov/od/ohs/Ergonomics/ergohome.htm
Center for Disease Control Office of Health and Safety Information System explains - what is ergonomics, computer workstation ergonomics, laboratory ergonomics, industrial ergonomics and the Ergonomics Primer.

Central Intelligence Agency CIA   USA
https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook
The US Central Intelligence Agency International Factbook is an invaluable source of information on worldwide countries. Regularly updated, contains information on infectious diseases. There is now a separate entry for the European Union. A very useful list of the flags of the nations.

Chemical Abstracts Service   CAS   USA
http://info.cas.org
Chemical Abstracts Service site gives details of products, publications and services.

Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board   CSB   USA
www.csb.gov
Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board is dedicated to industrial chemical safety and protecting workers, the public and the environment. Contains News, reports, investigations, CSB five-year strategic plan, conferences and meetings, details of the Chemical Incident Reports Centre and links to other chemical sites.

CINAHL   USA
www.cinahl.com
Based around the CINAHL database, offers information sources to nurses and allied health professionals and students.

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

Department of Environment   USA
www.doe.gov
Department of Environment guidance and advice, publications and links.

Department of Energy, Environmental Health and Safety   USA
www.eh.doe.gov
Department of Energy, Environmental Health and Safety click on this link to discover more information about the department's role and activities.

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

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

Department of Labor   USA
www.dol.gov/dol/audience/aud-kidsyouth.htm
This initiative "Safe Work/Safe Kids" is helping young people to gain work experience and ensuring their work is positive and safe. Information for employers, parents and young people in English and Spanish.

Disaster Research Center: University of Delaware   USA
www.udel.edu/DRC/aboutus
US based Disaster Research Center (DRC) was established at Ohio State University in 1963 by Professors E. L. Quarantelli, Russell Dynes, and Eugene Haas, and moved to its current location at the University of Delaware, in 1985. The Center was the first in the world devoted to the social scientific study of disasters. Social scientific research is still one of the core products produced by DRC even as we expand into multi-, inter-, and cross-disciplinary work. Historically, DRC has conducted field interviews and extended research projects on group, organizational, and community preparation for, response to, and recovery from natural and technological disasters and other community-wide crises. All DRC research is intended to yield both basic scientific knowledge on disasters and information that can be applied to develop more effective plans and policies to reduce disaster impacts.

Duke University Occupational and Environmental Medicine   USA
http://dukeoccmed.mc.duke.edu
Duke University Occupational and Environmental Medicine informative and useful site covering a range of topics and links.

Engineering Index   USA
www.ei.org
Engineering Index lists freeware, i.e. software which is free of charge, on topical subjects such as European Union Labelling Symbols, Risk and Safety Phrases, Business and Safety Cartoons.

Environmental Health Center: Asbestos   USA
www.nsc.org/news_resources/Resources/Documents/Asbestos.pdf
National Safety Council Environmental Health Center Asbestos information.

Environmental Health and Safety Benchmarking Association   EHS   USA
www.ehsbenchmarking.org
The Association of environmental, health and safety managers aims to identify best practices and compare operating performances.

Environmental Protection Agency   EPA   USA
www.epa.gov
You can search the EPA public server for information about its services and programs, publications and contact numbers. They also provide new and highly recommended sections separately so users can rapidly update themselves.

Environmental Protection Agency   EPA   Asbestos collection   USA
www.epa.gov/oppt/asbestos
Environmental Protection Agency Asbestos Home Page contains the following sources of information: Asbestos Contacts, Asbestos Laws and Regulations, links, publications Asbestos in your Home, Vermiculite and Asbestos, Vermiculite Insulation Fact Sheet. Also contains the NDAAC Directory (National Directory of Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act of 1986 (AHERA) Accredited Courses and training) and some additional Asbestos Information.

Environmental Protection Agency   EPA   Asbestos and monitoring World Trade Center   USA
www.epa.gov/wtc
EPA has been taking samples of the air, dust, water, river sediments and drinking water and analysing them for the presence of pollutants that might pose a health risk to response workers at the World Trade Center and Pentagon sites and the public. Recommendations for people re-occupying commercial buildings and residents re-entering their home can be found on EPA and New York Department of Health web site entitled Environmental Monitoring in the New York City Area and include other sources of useful information e.g. the most recent EPA/OSHA Summaries of environmental monitoring, Asbestos in air by EPA.

Environmental Protection Agency   EPA   Biosolids   USA
www.epa.gov/owm/mtb/biosolids/index.htm
The US Environmental Protection Agency has extensive guidance including frequently asked questions on biosolids. Links to other relevant sources.

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

Environmental Protection Agency   EPA   Indoor Air Quality   USA
www.epa.gov/iaq
Environmental Protection Agency gives a good range of advice and guidance on Indoor Air Quality IAQ under headings "Large Buildings/Offices, "Homes", "Publications" whilst IAQ Hotlines and IAQ Links will lead to other details. The EPA's IAQ pages cover related topics such as asthma, carbon monoxide, tobacco smoke, air ducts etc.

Diary of Events

These events may inspire you to create similar training courses and conferences/seminars in your own country.

These are taken from the OSHWORLD Diary of Events see www.oshworld.com/diary.html which is intended as a guide to the wide range of Health, Safety, Fire, Chemical, Environment events, conferences, seminars, training courses and other related activities worldwide. It is updated during the first week of the month, and includes validated Internet links to further information. If you cannot attend these events the organisers are usually willing to let you have papers and other information, if you contact them

May 2011

17-18 May 2011 - 2nd International Symposium on Wood Dust
Organized by The American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA), the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), the Institut national de recherche et de sécurité (INRS), the American Forest & Paper Association, the National Council for Air and Stream Improvement (NCASI) and the Center for Construction Research and Training (CPWB). Held concurrently with the American Industrial Hygiene Conference & Exhibition
Portland, Oregon, USA
Contact: American Industrial Hygiene Association | www.aihce2011.org/aihce11/wood-dust-2011

June 2011

June 2011 - 5th International Conference on Occupational & Environmental Exposure of Skin to Chemicals, OEESC
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Contact: www.oeesc.org

6-10 June 2011 - Principles and Practice of Fire Modelling
Greenwich Maritime Campus, London, UK
Contact: Mrs F Barkshire, Fire Safety Engineering Group, University of Greenwich, Greenwich Maritime Campus, Old Royal Naval College, Queen Mary Building, Greenwich SE10 9LS, UK | Tel: +44 (020) 8331 8706 | Fax: +44(020) 8331 8925 | Email: f.barkshire@gre.ac.uk | http://fseg.gre.ac.uk/fire/course1.html

9-10 June 2011 - XXIII Annual International Occupational Ergonomics and Safety Conference
Baltimore, Maryland, USA
Contact: www.isoes.info/conference.htm

20-22 June 2011 - OH&S Forum 2011: International Forum on Occupational Health and Safety: Policies, Profiles and Services
Hanasaari Cultural Centre, Espoo, Finland
Contact: TAVI Congress Bureau, Tavicon Ltd, Finland | Email: OSHForum2011@tavicon.fi | www.ttl.fi/forum2011

21-22 June 2011 - Dresden Conference: Adding value through International Cooperation - Global Outreach Conference of the European Forum
Dresden, Germany
Contact: The German Social Accident Insurance (DGUV) and the European Forum of the insurance against accidents at work and occupational diseases | Tel: + 01 47 70 45 78 | Email: andrea.conitzer@dguv.de | www.dguv.de

July 2011

24-30 July 2011 - 19th International Conference On Composites Or Nano Engineering
Shanghai, China
Contact: www.icce-nano.org

August 2011

9-12 August 2011 - 5th International Conference on Nanotechnology Occupational and Environmental Health
Boston, Massachusetts, USA
Contact: Email maria_s@turi.org | www.uml.edu/nano/nanoehs/Conferences.html

15-19 August 2011 - Radiological Emergency Planning: Terrorism, Security, and Communication
Boston, MA, USA
Contact: https://ccpe.sph.harvard.edu/programs.cfm?CSID=REP0811&pg=cluster&CLID=1

29 August - 1 September 2011 - Jazzin' Up Safety in the Big Easy - 7th Annual National Voluntary Protection Programs Participants' Association (VPPPA) Conference
New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
Contact www.vpppa.org

September 2011

7-9 September 2011 - EPICOH 2011 - 22nd International Conference on Epidemiology in Occupational Health
Oxford, UK
Contact: http://epicohoxford2011.org.uk

11-15 September 2011 - XIXth World Congress on Safety and Health at Work
Istanbul, Turkey
Note: Organized by the International Labour Organization (ILO), the International Social Security Association (ISSA) and the Turkish Ministry of Labour and Social Security
Information: (Venue) Haliç Congress Centre, Istanbul, Turkey | Phone: (+90) 312 215 80 86 | Fax: (+90) 312 215 50 27 | Email: info@safety2011turkey.org | www.safety2011turkey.org

11-15 September 2011 - Participation at the International Film and Multimedia Festival on Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) will take place during the XIX World Congress on OSH in Istanbul
Invitation to submit an entry has been extended to 28 February 2011
Istanbul, Turkey
Contact: Veronique De Broeck, Secretary General, ISSA, Information Section, Prevent, Gachardstraat 88, B-1050 Brussels, Belgium | Tel: +32 2 643 44 92 | Fax: +32 2 643 44 40 | Email: veronique.debroeck@prevent.be | You can use the online entry form at www.issa.int/8thIFMF

26-28 September 2011 - 4th International Conference on Concrete Repair - Concrete Solutions 2011
Dresden, Germany
Contact: Email: info@concrete-solutions.info | www.concrete-solutions.info

27-28 September 2011 - Health Safety and Environment Conference & Trade Show - HSE Canada 2011
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Contact: Email: nate@urbanlivingevents.com | www.hsecanada.ca