News from around the World

News Archive

August 2005

Noise at Work: European Agency for Safety and Health at Work

Workplaces should 'stop that noise!'. This is the message of the European Week for Safety and Health at Work 2005 campaign, the sixth to be organised by the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work. The campaign coincides with the run-up to the final date for the introduction of the new European directive on noise at work, which must be in place in the Member States by February 2006.

The need to 'stop that noise' is evident. Millions of Europe's workers suffer from work-related hearing difficulties. Noise-induced hearing loss is amongst the most commonly reported occupational diseases in the European Union, and there are concerns other than hearing loss from noise exposure. Noise can also cause harm in other ways: it can interact with dangerous substances to cause harm to the ear; it can increase the risk of accidents by affecting communication. The range of jobs and workplaces where noise can be a problem is much broader than is commonly thought. It includes farms, building work, classrooms, drivers, clubs and bars, musicians and call-centre staff, as well as factories and shipyards.

To support the 'Stop that noise' campaign, the Agency is making available a wide range of material for all those trying to make Europe's workplaces safer and healthier, whether worker, employer, researcher or policy-maker. This information, in all the official languages of the EU, is provided free of charge by the Agency via its website at http://osha.europa.eu.

This magazine is part of these resources. It gives a view across Europe of some of the work being done to protect workers. There is a description of the new directive, how it will be implemented, and new guidance that is being provided to help reduce risks. There are articles covering noise in schools, offices, and concert halls, and the work being done to ensure that effective control measures exist in the field of acoustic design and personal hearing protection.

It is hoped that these articles will provide an insight into some current noise-control issues and an update on some interesting initiatives and approaches that can be taken to tackle the problem.

To see more information on preparing for European Week for Safety and Health at Work 24-28 October 2005 see https://www.healthy-workplaces.eu/en/european-week-safety-and-health-work - there are a number of publications

To see the Magazine No. 8 on Noise: http://osha.europa.eu/publications/magazine/8

News from Japan - JISHA

The latest Safety and Health in Japan: newsletter from the Japan Industrial Safety and Health Association (JISHA) shows that although the number of Japan's work related accidents has been on a downward trend for decades, annual statistics in recent years still show some 540,0000 injuries and 1,600 deaths. As the number of serious occupational accidents (involving three or more simultaneous casualties, including fatalities) has climbed in recent years, the development of industrial technologies, the ageing of the working population, and the growth of service industries have raised new issues for safety and health management activities in the workplace.

JISHA also says "Occupational accidents occur as result of inappropriate behaviour of workers and unsafe or unhealthy workplace conditions. Worker education, which enable workers to obtain the required health and safety knowledge, and top manager education, which enable top managers to improve their awareness of of workplace safety, are therefore keys to hazard-free workplaces, through the introduction of failsafe machines and improvements in the work environment are also important".

To read more and about other JISHA activities in Safety and Health in Japan contact: Japan Industrial Safety and Health Association, 5-35-1 Shiba, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-0014 Japan | Tel/Fax: +81 3 3454 4596 | Email: kokusai@jisha.or.jp | www.jisha.or.jp

News from France - latest INRS Report

The latest annual review of the activities of the Institut National de Recherche et de Sécurité pour la prévention des accidents du travail et des maladies professionnelle (INRS) has been published. The review covers the activities undertaken over the course of the year with key indicators for information, training, assistance, studies and research. It highlights areas and themes that the Institute attached particular to and was heavily involved in.

Features include:

• Updating of the Medium-Term plan 2003-2007 and
• Reconfiguration of vocational training, including the development of partnerships

To obtain a copy in English contact INRS, Centre de Paris, 30 rue Olivier Noyer, 75680 Paris Cedex 14 France | Tel: +33 (0) 1 40 44 30 00 | Fax: + 33 (0)1 40 44 30 99, www.inrs.fr | or INRS, Centre de Lorraine Avenue de Bourgogne - B.P. 27, 54501 Vandoeuvre Cedex, France | Tel: +33 (0)3 83 50 20 00 | Fax: +33 (0)3 83 50 20 97

Environment and Waste Plus

At a time when environment and waste information is ever more increasing and the legislation is more complex help is needed to guide busy managers and practitioners quickly and easily to the data they need for compliance with the law.

Up-to-date information from a wide variety of sources - the European Commission, the UK Government and the devolved Parliaments, the agencies and other organisations are needed on environment and integrated pollution prevention control (IPPC) information and waste that also meet your ISO 14001 information needs for accreditation requirements. Guidance, advice and technical details are covered.

The answer for busy people at affordable costs - for less than £2 / $4.00 a day is the newly launched ENVIRONMENT and WASTE PLUS published by Sheila Pantry Associates Ltd contains a number of Full text databases and a Bibliographic database that may be searched either separately or together. These databases offer extensive coverage of FULL TEXT information on the environment protection, integrated pollution prevention control and waste information.

Constantly updated and enlarged, Environment and Waste Plus, previously established some seven years ago as Environment Plus is re-launched to reflect the ever-increasing waste topics.

Established easy to use software ensures that words and phrases that can be used to retrieve the required paragraph or instructions in a document is also a necessity when time is short and the information is needed quickly. Downloading or printing out the information or transferring to an individual's own document is also another requirement. A major consideration is the price to have such a collection available to use whenever and wherever the busy practitioner requires it.

Thousands of full text pages of text are instantly accessible in ENVIRONMENT and WASTE PLUS that contains the following information:

• appropriate European Commission Directives, Regulations and Decisions, UK Acts of Parliament and appropriate Statutory Instruments from England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland
• Various Series from the Environment Agency and DEFRA
• Planning Policy Guidance Series (PPGs)
• Process Guidance Notes Series (PGs)
• Technical Guidance Notes (TGs)
• Chief Inspector Guidance Series 1 (IPRs)
• Chief Inspector Guidance Series 2 (S 2)
• Pollution Prevention Guidelines (PPG)
• Plus other relevant documents.

In addition.......Environment and Waste Plus contains:

• UK Government Department DEFRA's Information Service extensive bibliographic database of over 150,000 references to worldwide sources of information.

Environment and Waste Plus is based on SilverPlatter's WinSPIRS software which will give the user quick and easy access to a wealth of important publications. The user can download data and print out required documents as well as cross search the database with other titles which use the WinSPIRS software such as the FIRE WORLDWIDE and OSH-IRELAND. Available via the Internet or on CD-ROM It is also possible to network to enable simultaneous access by multiple users in an organisation. Users will be able to use their own personal computers to give authoritative and validated answers to questions on all aspects of environment and waste concerns.

30 Day FREE TRIAL

Why not try ENVIRONMENT and WASTE PLUS for yourself and check out the contents of these exciting sources of information against your own workplace or 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 | www.sheilapantry.com | www.oshworld.com | www.shebuyersguide.com | www.oshupdate.com NEW
Electronic Products: Environment and Waste Plus | Fire Worldwide | OSH Ireland | OSH UPDATE

News from Canada - latest IRSST Report

The Occupational Health and Safety Research Institute Robert-Sauvé (IRSST), are keen to update readers on the research the Institute has carried out or funded, and the 2004 Activity Report presents concrete examples of the many research projects.

On the eve of the IRSST's 25th anniversary, the 2004 Activity report reveals the many ways in which it strives to fulfil its mission. The Report summarizes the main activities of the Institute, and includes a list of the year's scientific publications.

IRSST is an electronic newsletter that contains IRSST press releases, new publications as well as new research projects.

To find out more ....IT TAKES ONLY A CLICK TO ACCESS INFO IRSST www.irsst.qc.ca

IRSST's site is regularly updated and is a mine of information on all of the activities and programmes. Some 750 publications resulting from IRSST work are also available to be downloaded free of charge.

Contact: Jacques Millette, Directeur des Communications, IRSST, 505 Boulevard de Maisonneuve Ouest, Montreal, Quebec H3A 3C2, Canada | Email: millette.jacques@irsst.qc.ca | www.irsst.qc.ca

Health and Safety Guide - An Essential Resource for Human Resources

The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) has released a new health and safety publication designed specifically for people working in human resources. Health and Safety Guide for Human Resources Professionals, published by CCOHS, is a 150 page, pocket-sized handbook packed full of practical information, to serve as an essential resource to for human resources managers, coordinators, specialists, and other HR professionals.

The guide assists human resources (HR) professionals in fulfilling their workplace health and safety responsibilities and complying with health and safety legislation. Readers are provided with the information they need to incorporate workplace health and safety in human resources management practices. Topics covered in the guide include how to prevent work related injuries and illnesses, foster a heath and safety culture, maintain records of injuries, illnesses and workers' compensation, and ensure that policies and procedures comply with occupational health and safety legislation.

Health and Safety Guide for Human Resources Professionals is the seventeenth addition to this compact, easy-to-follow CCOHS Pocket Guide series. The pocket guides are available for $10 each. The discounts offered on bulk purchases make these publications an even more affordable and accessible resource. The French-language edition of Health and Safety Guide for Human Resources Professionals is planned for publication later this year.

More information on this health and safety guide: www.ccohs.ca/products/publications/HR.html

The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS), formed in 1978, is a Canadian federal government agency based in Hamilton, Ontario. CCOHS provides Canadians with unbiased, relevant information and advice that supports responsible decision-making and promotes safe and healthy working environments. CCOHS makes a wide range of occupational health and safety information readily available, in language that is appropriate for all users, from the general public to the health and safety professional. Internationally, the Centre is renowned as an innovative, authoritative occupational health and safety resource. CCOHS partners and collaborates with agencies and organizations from Canada and around the world to improve the quality and quantity of resources and programs, as well as expand the breadth of usage of occupational health information to many different segments of society.

Contact: Eleanor Irwin, Manager - Marketing, Sales and Communications, CCOHS | Tel: +1 905.572.2981 X4408 | Email: eleanori@ccohs.ca | www.ccohs.ca

Proposals for a Seventh Framework Programme (FP7) for research, 2007-2013, and for a Seventh Framework Programme of the European Atomic Energy Community (Euratom), 2007 to 2011, COM(2005) 119 final

The political context and objectives for this proposal are set out in the communication "Building the ERA of knowledge for growth" presented at the same time by the Commission. Knowledge is at the core of the Lisbon agenda, and underpins all its elements. Research and technology are, together with education and innovation, the components of the "Triangle of knowledge".

To become the "most dynamic and competitive knowledge-based economy in the world" while maintaining the "European Model", Europe must increase its research effort to 3% of EU GDP and better exploit its capacities in this field, transforming scientific results into new products, processes and services.

Alongside the Member states and in close cooperation with them, the EU must mobilise its legal and financial tools towards this goal, starting with the research Framework Programme. Among the nine themes identified for cooperation are:

• health,
• information and communication technologies,
• nanosciences, nanotechnologies, materials and new production technologies

Proposals for a Seventh Framework Programme (FP7) for research, 2007-2013, and for a Seventh Framework Programme of the European Atomic Energy Community (Euratom), 2007 to 2011, COM(2005) 119 final | EUR 21730 | ISBN 92 78402990 | 108 pages
Available from Office for Official Publications of the European Commissin, Luxembourg. http://cordis.europa.eu/fp7

The IRSST and NanoQUÉBEC sign a partnership agreement

The Institut de recherche Robert-Sauvé en santé et en sécurité du travail (IRSST) and NanoQuébec are joining forces to develop and disseminate knowledge in order to prevent accidents and occupational diseases in the nanotechnology field. To this end, the IRSST's president and chief executive officer, Diane Gaudet, and the chairman of NanoQuébec's board of directors, Jean Gaulin, signed a partnership agreement.

A cutting-edge field and challenges

Due to the enormous potential of nanotechnology applications, the many benefits for numerous Québec industrial sectors can be foreseen. However, with this technology that focuses on the infinitesimal, researchers and SME working in nanotechnology have to face many challenges, mainly in the application of occupational health and safety preventive measures. "By jointly carrying out various scientific and informational activities, we will be able to help eliminate and reduce the health and safety risks that nanotechnology use can represent for Québec workers and employers, even before this technology has reached it full development potential," explained the IRSST's president and CEO, Diane Gaudet.

On his side, the chairman of NanoQuébec's board of directors, Jean Gaulin, reaffirmed "the obligation for NanoQuébec and Québec to commit to the responsible development of nanotechnologies."

Immediate activities

The IRSST and NanoQuébec have agreed to collaborate first on the writing of a good practices guide. Also considered are a review of the literature on health and safety risks, as well as the establishment of a nanomaterial strategic watch mechanism. The agreement also provides for the dissemination of knowledge to companies, researchers and other stakeholders interested in nanotechnology-related applications.

IRSST, Communications Division | Tel: +1 514 288-1551 | www.irsst.qc.ca

NanoQuébec, Sylvain Cofsky, Director, Innovation and Corporate Affairs | +1 514 284-0211 #224 | Email: Sylvain.Cofsky@NanoQuebec.ca | www.nanoquebec.ca

Unravelling the health and safety secrets - Protect your people - and your Business

IOSH's practical guide to health and safety "Protect your people - and your business" was launched recently. Speaking at the event author Bryan Toone said: "This book is a unique how-to guide. It cuts through irrelevance and enables all businesses to tackle health and safety issues effectively. I wrote this book because managers and owners of small and medium sized enterprises have been crying out for a straightforward guide to health and safety in the workplace.

"Guidance produced by the UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is necessarily a 'counsel of perfection' - as the enforcer, it has to cover all the bases. It tends to be overcomplicated and divided up into hundreds of separate documents. The HSE also neglects important areas such as fire and hygiene which are not their 'responsibility'. But all businesses need to get to grips with these issues, regardless of who polices them.

"My book caters for the 'real world'. It's a one-stop-shop for all the health and safety needs of all SMEs, from offices to construction sites."

Bryan Toone has worked at the cutting edge of health and safety for 25 years, firstly as health and safety director at Bovis, then as a health and safety consultant, and now at the Ardmore Group. Bryan is a Fellow of the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health.

"Protect your people - and you business" is backed by the Federation of Small Businesses, and published by IOSH. It is available from the Lavenham Press, retailing at £20, Tel: +44 (0)1787 249293.

Institution of Occupational and Safety Health (IOSH), The Grange, Highfield Drive, Wigston, Leicestershire LE18 1NN, UK | Tel: +44 (0)116 257 3100 | Fax: +44 (0)116 257 3101 | www.iosh.co.uk

National Fork Lift Safety Conference 2006

Will be held on 19th September 2006 at Warwick University, UK. Organised by the UK Fork Lift Truck Association, this annual event offers practical, relevant, up-to-date guidance to end users of materials handling equipment.

For information: Fork Lift Truck Association, Manor Farm Buildings, Lasham, Alton, Hampshire GU34 5SL, UK | Tel : +44 (0) 1256 381441 | Fax : +44 (0) 1256 381735 | Email: mail@fork-truck.org.uk | www.fork-truck.org.uk

Asbestos News

The British Asbestos Newsletter is a quarterly publication which is distributed to victim support groups, public bodies, lawyers, solicitors, barristers, researchers, doctors, academics and environmentalists in over thirty countries. Initially the focus of the articles was on asbestos-related news in Britain but latterly European, Australian and international events have been covered. The deciding factor is that all stories contribute something towards the understanding of asbestos-related topics in differing areas: legal, medical, historic, economic, corporate, sociological, etc.

The most recently distributed newsletter is issue 59, Summer 2005. The production and distribution costs of the newsletter are financed by our associate company, Jerome Consultants, which retains the copyright for all articles published on this site.

Editor Laurie Kazan Allen is also the Coordinator of The International Ban Asbestos Secretariat (IBAS), which was set up both to support campaigns to ban asbestos use globally and to facilitate communication between plaintiffs' representatives and groups internationally. IBAS has been co-sponsor of a number of important international conferences and is actively involved in current UK and international asbestos issues. The IBAS website carries accounts of current developments as well as reports of IBAS initiatives and events. (Extracts of some newsletter articles also appear on the IBAS site.)

The Lifting Engineer's Handbook

The Lifting Equipment Engineers Association (LEEA) has launched a new publication designed specifically for personnel involved in the test and examination of lifting equipment. The Lifting Engineer's Handbook is a 128-page, pocket size book that summarises the practical and theoretical information necessary to ensure test, verification and examination procedures are completed to the highest professional standards and in line with the latest UK regulations.

Based on the LEEA's sixty years of experience and the accumulated expertise of over 190 member companies, the Lifting Engineer's Handbook combines long-established best practice with relatively modern developments such as risk assessments and method statements. Specific subjects addressed include the principles of verifying equipment, basic procedures for thorough examination, and non-destructive tests. A wide range of product-specific information is also incorporated, covering commonly used equipment such as electric overhead travelling cranes, slewing jibs and slings. An overview of relevant UK legislation is included, but the Handbook's emphasis on 'good practice' will prove equally useful in many international markets.

Commenting on the launch of the Lifting Engineer's Handbook, Derrick Bailes, chief executive of LEEA, said: "This 'tool of the trade' is designed to complement the guidance provided by our User's Pocket Guide and the Code of Practice for the Safe Use of Lifting Equipment. The Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations place particular emphasis on the need for regular thorough examination of lifting equipment. Those responsible for actually undertaking these procedures now have a readily accessible point of reference."

The Lifting Engineer's Handbook is available direct from the LEEA. Prices for non-members start at £20 (including postage and packing) for a single copy, with discounts available to members of the LEEA, and for larger order quantities.

For more details, or to place an order, click on the link below or order direct from:

Lifting Equipment Engineers Association, Waggoners Court, 77 The Street, Manuden, Bishop's Stortford, Herts. CM23 1DW, UK | Tel: +44 (0) 1279 816504 | Fax: +44 (0) 1279 816524 | Email: mail@leea.co.uk | www.leea.co.uk | Link to Lifting Engineer's Handbook information