News from around the World

News Archive

September 2003

AbilityNet: expertise on computing and disability

www.abilitynet.org.uk

AbilityNet is a national charity and the UK's leading provider of expertise on computing and disability. It offers a one-stop shop for need assessment, technical expertise, advice and support. AbilityNet also supply adapted computer equipment for people with a wide range of disabilities. The services are free for those who have no statutory or other funding.

AbilityNet, supported by Microsoft, have now added My Computer My Way, to this site to help anyone customise their own computer.

Now in the fifth year, AbilityNet have helped hundreds of leading companies and statutory authorities and have enabled thousands of people of all ages to access technology for work, education or just for fun. It relies on the support of the IT industry, companies and individuals to continue the work.

AbilityNet working with Ufi learndirect

AbilityNet are working with Ufi Learner Services advisors at the learndirect helpline, to advise them on the accessible technology that may be available for their learners with disabilities. AbilityNet have delivered training on accessible technology, and the Advice and Information Service is available to Learner Services from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. learndirect is the brand through which Ufi delivers its learning services. Find out more about Ufi/learndirect and what you can achieve with learndirect by visiting the website www.abilitynet.org.uk

If you are unsure how to use this web site, or if you would like to talk to someone in person, contact: Freephone Helpline: 0800 269545 (UK Only) or email: enquiries@abilitynet.org.uk

Remember EYPD: 2003 - European Year of People with Disabilities

Is history repeating itself asks Trevor Kletz - well known OSH Expert

Trevor Kletz is widely recognised as an outstanding communicator on safety in the process industries. His books, articles and presentations have taken his fame around the world. With a foreword by Sir John Harvey-Jones, the book "By Accident... a life preventing them in industry", is Trevor Kletz autobiography showing how to stop accidents happening again.

Full of ideas and commentary, the book is a reminder that major accidents can happen and that even with today's interest in safety management systems, we must not forget their limitations. Some managers seem to think that a good management system will produce a safe plant. This is not so, all that a system can do is harness the knowledge and experience of people. If knowledge and experience have been downsized away, the system is an empty shell. The technique of Hazop and Hazan requires total commitment by management, and knowledgeable and experienced people to carry it out.

We may have better equipment but we may be just as likely, as in the past, to cut corners when we design, construct, operate, test and maintain it - perhaps more likely, as there are fewer people to keep eyes open as they go around the plant and follow up observations. We may have access to more knowledge than previous generations, but are we any more thorough and reliable? Learning from accidents and disasters is the hard way.

To get an injection of enthusiasm and get inspired read "By Accident... a life preventing them in industry", by Trevor Kletz.
PFV Publications. ISBN 095384405. 144 pages.
£14.95 + P&P (UK £1.95; rest of Europe £2.95; USA/Canada £4.45;RoW £4.95)

Order by cheque in UK£ or US$ equivalent. Same day turn-around.
Contact: Peter Varey Associates | Tel: +44(0) 207-359 5453 | e-mail: pva@dircon.co.uk

Have you booked yet? Don't miss EUROHSE 2003 Conference

... this is the most important conference being held in London on 4 and 5 November 2003

Eminent speakers from Europe AND AROUND THE WORLD WILL BE LOOKING FORWARD to the future world of work ... can you afford not to attend? Bookings already made from places as far apart as Luxembourg, New Zealand, Russia, USA.

Click onto www.eurohse2003.com for all details and book form or for further details contact: Mary Meadows, Office and Logistics Manager, European Occupational Health and Safety Magazine (EurOhs), Angel Business Communications Ltd, 34 Warwick Road, Kenilworth CV8 1HE, Warwickshire, UK | Tel: +44 (0)1926 512424 | Fax: + 44 (0)1926 512948 | email: mary@angelbc.co.uk

UK Northumbria University School of Law offers LLM European Union Law by Distance Learning

This course offers a flexible dynamic approach to study a range of European Union (EU) Law subjects. It is particularly valuable for anyone involved or interested in the activities of the European Union, and covers:

Core and Optional Subjects

EU Legal Research, Foundations of EU Law, Constitutional Law of the EU, EU Environmental Law, Remedies and Enforcement of EU Law, Competition Law, Intellectual Property and Media law, EU Discrimination Law, Free Movement of Persons in the EU and Free Movement of Goods in the EU.

Flexible Study with Support

Distance Learning Programme supported by an optional study week at the School of Law and (subject to demand) in Brussels. Students receive detailed study packs, guidance and access to electronic legal databases.

Duration

Diploma in 18 months or 2 years for the LLM: courses start September of each year.

For further information, call the Northumbria University Scholl of Law | Tel: +44 (0) 191 243 7320 or visit website http://law.northumbria.ac.uk

New technology and respect for privacy at the workplace

The use of new information and communication technologies (ICT) at the workplace has increased rapidly in recent years, highlighting the need to address issues of workers' privacy and employers' need to control and monitor the use of ICT at European level.

The latest comparative report from the European Industrial Relations Observatory (EIRO) examines one specific issue raised by the growth of ICT at work, the relationship between internet/e-mail use at work and respect for workers' privacy. It highlights the need for clear regulation at European level by mapping and comparing the differences in existing European and national law on workplace privacy, and it offers the views of the social partners.

While the European Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union and national data protection legislation clearly spell out the privacy rights of the individual, the rules and regulations governing privacy at the workplace is based on a confusing web of guidelines and individual agreements at company level, often compromising either the individual worker's or the employers' rights.

The dangers of conflicting interests on either side of the employment relationship have grown sharply over the last few years, given the increased use of ICT at the workplace and at all stages in enterprises' activities. To what extent may a worker use ICT equipment for private reasons given that a general, absolute ban on any use of the internet for other than professional reasons does not appear realistic in an information/communication society?

The European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions is a tripartite EU body, whose role is to provide key actors in social policy making with findings, knowledge and advice drawn from comparative research. The Foundation was established by Council Regulation EEC No 1365/75 of 26 May 1975. The European Industrial Relations Observatory (EIRO) is an online web service by the Foundation which monitors industrial relations in all EU Member States, Norway and currently four candidate countries (Hungary, Poland, Slovenia and Slovakia). More information about the Foundation is available on www.eurofound.europa.eu

Read the full comparative report on: http://eurofound.europa.eu/observatories/eurwork/comparative-information/new-technology-and-respect-for-privacy-at-the-workplace

Further information: Måns Mårtensson, Press Officer, European Foundation | Tel: +353-1-204 3124 | mobile: +353-876-593 507 | E-mail: press.officer@eurofound.eu.int

Bretherick's Handbook of Reactive Chemical Hazards - Online

The well known Bretherick's Handbook of Reactive Chemical Hazards is now available ONLINE. Features include:

• Regular Updates - existing data updated and new data added on a regular basis
• Extensive Cross Referencing - helps your research by linking compounds or incidents often not obviously related
• Affordable - flexible pricing options
• Structure Searches - amongst various text search options, this database offers structure searches using MDL Chime and MDL ISIS/Draw plug-ins (free access)
• Online Availability - rapid delivery of information you need for your safety research
• Numerous compounds & elements - over 5000 compounds and elements are covered. This number is constantly increasing as the information is updated.

Bretherick's Handbook of Reactive Chemical Hazards - Online is hosted on ChemVillage.
In order to request a free trial there are two options available:

Individual free trials (via Chemweb)

Institutional free trials (via ChemVillage): Institutional free trials need to be requested via ChemVillage. Contact the customer support department at: eicustomersupport@elsevier.com

US NIOSH Preparedness web sites

One significant component of emergency preparedness is the ability to counter the risk of injuries, illnesses, and deaths from attacks in occupational settings. Another is to ensure the safety of the nation's emergency responders when they respond to these attacks and other events. To do so, new tools and resources are needed. In the two years since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has worked closely with diverse outside partners to meet that need.

These efforts build on NIOSH's vast technical knowledge about workplace systems and designs, and on its experience in working with employers, employees, and other agencies to eliminate traditional occupational hazards. They reflect NIOSH's service on the ground during the World Trade Center rescue and recovery and the October 2001 anthrax attacks, and its ability to find innovative answers to emerging health and safety concerns. NIOSH's contributions have significantly strengthened the nation's emergency preparedness.

Advancing the Design, Selection, and Appropriate Use of Respirators

The World Trade Center and anthrax emergencies underscored the need to provide emergency responders with respirators that can be relied on to protect against chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) agents in physically demanding conditions of use.

• In collaboration with emergency responders, respirator manufacturers, employers, and other government agencies, NIOSH swiftly took several actions to advance a new generation of respirator technology. See www.cdc.gov/niosh/npptl/default.html
• In 2003, NIOSH issued a fact sheet in easy-to-read Q&A format for the lay public: What are gas masks, escape hoods, and other types of respirators? How do they work? What are the features, purposes, and limitations of respirators that the user needs to know? NIOSH posted the fact sheet on the web and widely distributed printed copies.
• www.cdc.gov/niosh/npptl/topics/respirators.

Innovating and Applying New Methods for Detecting, Measuring BT Agents

NIOSH is partnering with other agencies and organizations to develop, validate, refine, and apply new technical methods that will provide earlier warning of workplace bioterrorism contamination, a more accurate basis for determining risks from BT exposures, and new tools for safeguarding facilities:

Protecting Building Ventilation Systems from CBRN Attacks

In 2002 and 2003, NIOSH issued guidelines to help facility specialists in government and industry strategically protect occupants of offices, retail facilities, schools, and other buildings from CBRN attacks. In 2002, NIOSH suggested smart measures for generally safeguarding building ventilation systems from such attacks. www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2003-136.

NIOSH Business Preparedness Web Site

Innovating and Applying New Methods for Detecting, Measuring BT Agents

NIOSH is partnering with other agencies and organizations to develop, validate, refine, and apply new technical methods that will provide earlier warning of workplace bioterrorism contamination, a more accurate basis for determining risks from BT exposures, and new tools for safeguarding facilities.

NIOSH added a special topic page on its Web site to provide businesses with information needed to prepare for a terrorist-related emergency situation. The site includes information on how to develop a comprehensive plan for dealing with terrorism-related events, how to protect against and minimize the effects of a terrorist attack, and who to contact for further information. www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/emres/business.html

NIOSH Emergency Response Database

NIOSH is developing a rapidly accessible, comprehensive database for high priority chemical, physical, radiological, and biological hazards that may be encountered in response to terrorist events. The database will help emergency response personnel perform their jobs safely and efficiently in situations that demand immediate attention and accurate information. NIOSH is incorporating peer review and stakeholder review. The database will be provided as an on-line resource and in a printable format for field use.

Why pay for items you may not ever use... get the Essential Practical Solutions from worldwide sources for your health, safety, fire and environment information needs. All at affordable prices and with powerful retrieval software

SHEILA PANTRY ASSOCIATES LTD offer the following products, using SilverPlatter WinSPIRS or WebSPIRS software, which are available on CD-ROM and via the Internet. All are updated quarterly.

ENVIRONMENT PLUS

So you need up-to-date environment and integrated pollution prevention control (IPPC) information? Looking for essential environment and IPPC legislation and guidance? Don't look any further! It's all on ENVIRONMENT PLUS which is the definitive source to help you to meet your ISO 14001 information needs for accreditation requirements. Thousands of full text pages of information are instantly accessible in ENVIRONMENT PLUS.

FIRE WORLDWIDE

Aimed at everyone in the fire industry internationally with the emphasis on all aspects of fire management principles, practices and research.

• Fire Worldwide is the World's premier collection of validated, authoritative information contains two major collections - the Full Text Collection and the Bibliographic Collection.

There is information on every subject from airport fire safety, to the use of abandoned buildings for fire training, facemasks, forest fires, loss prevention, sprinklers, and wildland fires. One of the databases - from the British Standards Institution contains references to over 2500 fire and fire related standards.

OSH-IRELAND

OSH-IRELAND has become THE essential OSH source for organisations and practitioners seeking up-to-date information on all aspects of health and safety in Ireland. OSH-IRELAND is published with the co-operation of the Health and Safety Authority, Dublin, Ireland and other organisations, and contains 11 databases of all the appropriate occupational safety and health information.

There is no equivalent product to OSH Ireland. Powerful software, yet easy to use and gives immediate information to a wide range of essential OSH information.

OSH-ROM

OSH-ROM is one of the world's oldest collections of health and safety information. Started in 1986, by Sheila Pantry and SilverPlatter Information it brings together six complementary bibliographic databases covering critical international occupational health and safety information. OSH-ROM is a unique and vital resource for information concerning occupational health and safety, hazardous incidents, and the handling of dangerous materials. The individual databases contain over 1.2 million citations from over 5000 journals and 100,000 monographs and technical reports.

• RILOSH Ryerson International Labour Occupational Safety and Health Index is produced by the Ryerson Technical University Library, Toronto, Canada, and is included in OSH-ROM by Sheila Pantry Associates Ltd.

RILOSH is a comprehensive database of bibliographic references and covers international as well as Canadian and American health and safety, chemical toxicology, environmental health, safety engineering, biotechnology, biohazards, workers' compensation and workplace disability information. Other major databases are:

• HSELINE from the UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE) Information Services
• CISDOC from the International Occupational Safety and Health Information Centre (CIS) of the ILO
• MHIDAS the Major Hazard Incident Data Service, created by AEA Technology Plc on behalf of the Major Hazards Assessment Unit of the UK Health and Safety Executive
• MEDLINE Advanced OEM Subset: Occupational and Environmental Medicine a subset of the US National Library of Medicine's (NLM) MEDLINE database
• NIOSHTIC and NIOSHTIC2 from the US National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)

30 DAY FREE TRIALS

All the products are available on a 30 day free trial. Why not try these for yourself and check out the contents of these exciting sources of information against your own workplace/academic needs.

Contact: 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

Minerals containing natural radioactivity: NRPB broadsheet

The National Radiological Protection Board, UK has updated its previous broadsheet
Working with Zircon Sands in the Radiation at Work Series, to now take account of a wider range of minerals containing natural radioactivity.

The revised edition contains an introduction to radioactivity, types of radiation and Naturally Occurring Radioactive Materials (NORM). The broadsheet is intended for industrial companies who handle large quantities of natural minerals where employees might be exposed to dusty processes or where employees may be required to work in bulk storage areas. The broadsheet opens out to form a poster for display in the workplace.

It is available on the NRPB website www.hpa.org.uk/webw/HPAweb&HPAwebStandard/HPAweb_C/1195733792020?p=1153846674382

Printed single copies available free of charge contact: NRPB Information Office, NRPB, Chilton, Didcot, Oxon, OX11 0RQ | Tel: +44 (0)1235 822 742 | Fax: +44 (0)1235 822746 | email information@nrpb.org
There is a charge for bulk quantities - contact NRPB