Editorial
European Health and Safety Strategy 2013-2020
March 2013
Sheila Pantry OBE
Keeping occupational health and safety (and especially occupational health) as one of the most important subjects at the top of the agenda is increasingly important. We have only to look at the statistics to see why no-one should be complacent. So it will be interesting to see what emerges from the conference being hosted by the European Trade Union Institute (ETUI) in Brussels on 26 and 27 March 2013 on the new European Community health and safety strategy for the period 2013-2020.
Various stakeholders will be reviewing the groundwork on the already seriously belated strategy, putting forward their proposals and options for recommended priorities. See the draft programme and register.
Worldwide, plans have been made already up to 2013 to have training courses, symposiums and conferences in many places in the world on a wide range of subjects. Look at the latest additions to the Diary of Events. Don't forget to budget for these events - make sure that you and your colleagues are up-to-date with the very latest knowledge - remember that all workplaces and those working in them change, so continue to do your risk assessments.
For example in May 2013 in the UK there are three major events taking place in Birmingham at the National Exhibition Centre - Safety and Health Expo, IFSEC and Firex International. Also 5-8 November 2013 - A+A 2013 plus the Ergonomics Village: Safety, Security and Health at Work will be taking place in Dusseldorf, Germany. www.aplusa-online.com - this event is held every second year!
One way of keeping up to date is to go to exhibitions and the world's major OSHE events. Remember that even if you cannot attend these many events, speakers and organisers are often willing to share their knowledge. Look at the details - where possible, I add in the web sites of these events so you can request further information. And do let me know if you are organising any OSHE and fire events so that I can add them to the Diary send to sp@sheilapantry.com
OSHWORLD continues to bring you information on health, safety, environment, fire and other subjects that I do hope you find useful in your daily work.
It is always good to review health, safety, chemical, fire and environment procedures on a regular basis. It is also important that the practices and systems in the workplace are constantly reviewed and if necessary, improved. This review may also indicate training requirements and updates and re-thinking how systems and services can be improved. This is where the free-of charge OSHWORLD can help you find the right course, seminar or conference.
Look further into the portal OSHWORLD www.oshworld.com and view the latest additions. In these days of tighter budgets perhaps training may be put on the "back-burner" - but think again how you can keep up with the latest techniques and training opportunities.
Your OSHWorld Portal
Globally there are new publications, news items, new products so remember to look at the News section to find the latest information from an ever increasing number of sources such as the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work to the US National Institute for Occupational safety and Health (NIOSH). Use OSHWORLD as your portal to many hundreds of validated and authoritative web sites which you can find in the Country and Subject links we offer. New subject topics are constantly brought together on web sites, e.g. the various OSH related networks that exist around the world... there may be one where you live and work... why not join it!
This month's FOCUS article is on an important new study that has found crucial gaps and lack of transparency in occupational safety and health sustainability reporting entitled Current Practices in Occupational Health and Safety Sustainability Reporting. Take time to read it!
Remember to look at the Products and Services on this web site and see what is new and updated.
OSHWORLD www.oshworld.com - your portal to some of the best OSH web sites in the world
Also look at our www.shebuyersguide.com that give you access to many organisations, their products and services. You may also wish to add your company's information to the listing for free!
You can sign up for the RSS feed that alerts you each time there is an update in OSHWORLD!
OSH UPDATE was described recently as a "brilliant site"!
Don't work harder - work smarter! Be ahead of the game.
Are you hoping to have a zero accident, incident-free and healthy record this year in your workplace? Some would argue that this is not possible! But keep on trying!
And do continue to make plans for your campaigns, including leadership and worker involvement for 2013 and beyond! Remember to start planning for 28 April when around the world we remember on that day those who have died from work related accidents and ill-health.