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Sheila Pantry Associates Ltd

News from around the World

News Archive

September 2006

Contents
  1. Getting bigger - OSH UPDATE service will soon contain 750,000 records with the addition of the original NIOSHTIC database
  2. Time to re-assess the training needs of staff and book the EurOHSE Masterclasses 2006/7 offered by the experts
  3. Asbestos is deadly serious - prevent exposure warns the new European Asbestos Campaign
  4. Future European Health and Safety at Work (HSW) strategy: ETUC response to Commission consultation and new publication New scope for the Community health and Safety at work strategy 2007-2012
  5. USA NIOSH Hearing Loss Research program evaluation
  6. Health & Safety Canada 2007 IAPA Conference & Trade Show
  7. International Association of Labour Inspection, Ontario Ministry of Labour and International labour Organization 2007 Conference
  8. Germany's Statutory accident insurance premiums fall once again - Numbers of occupational accidents reach record lows
  9. New safety and health campaign targets small businesses in EU 10, Bulgaria and Romania
  10. Safe Start for all young workers - European Week 2006
  11. OSH-IRELAND ... aiming to help Ireland's organisations achieve higher standards of occupational health and safety in their workplaces
  12. Workers in Europe benefit from more holiday entitlements

Getting bigger - OSH UPDATE service will soon contain 750,000 records with the addition of the original NIOSHTIC database

The good news continues for those using the OSH UPDATE service from Sheila Pantry Associates Ltd. with the forthcoming addition of the original NIOSHTIC database. This database contains more authoritative and validated information and will complement the NIOSHTICS2 database which has been in OSH UPDATE since the launch of the service in 2005.

Keeping up-to-date in worldwide occupational health, safety, hygiene, road safety, water safety, environment trends and the latest information can be time consuming. And budget constraints generally do not allow occupational health and information (OSH) seekers to buy all the latest journals, newsletters and documents that contain the latest information.

Added to this many OSH information seekers cannot afford the time to search for the latest information, legislation and standards and have no staff to do the searching either.

Then do what many organisations and individuals have done recently and take out a subscription to OSH UPDATE! You will never get such a collection of OSH information at such a low price!

This very affordable Internet based service OSH UPDATE, from Sheila Pantry Associates Ltd is the answer for you. Powered by Head Software International's Headfast/Discovery Internet publishing software, OSH UPDATE is now available and is updated monthly see www.oshupdate.com.

OSH UPDATE records has links to the full text where possible - this is all done for you!

It currently contains ten bibliographic databases from worldwide authoritative sources:

OSH UPDATE will expand - we are continuing to make agreements with other well-known information producers around the world and these databases will also be included. As well as the latest information, many reference sources go back 80 or more years and so a valuable tool for researchers, trainers and practitioners.

This new aggregation of databases contains thousands of relevant references with abstracts or keywords and will keep you and your colleagues alerted to hot topics such as the health risks of nanotechnology, corporate killing and corporate social responsibility, bio-terrorism, management of road risks, preparedness and business continuity and risk assessment.

The title price for a single user via the Internet is GBP250.00/Euros 360.00 /US$ 450.00 per year - less than 68 pence/1 Euro /1.2 dollars per day

The price* (see below for further details) reflects our aim to bring health and safety guidance, Advice, research, journal articles, papers, standards to the attention of health and safety practitioners and managers, researchers, trade union safety representatives, occupational physicians, information specialists in industry, colleges and universities, government staff, inspectors, university and college safety directors, university and college lecturers and those in training - at a cost that is affordable and a service that is time efficient.

Why not take a 30-DAY FREE TRIAL of OSH UPDATE and see for yourself.

If you are interested in taking up this service on trial please email/fax with your details, or contact us to ask further questions.

Sheila Pantry OBE BA FCLIP, Sheila Pantry Associates Ltd, 85 The Meadows, Todwick, Sheffield S26 1JG, UK | Tel: +44 (0) 1909 771024 | Fax: +44 (0) 1909 772829 | Email: sp@sheilapantry.com | www.sheilapantry.com | www.oshworld.com | www.shebuyersguide.com | www.oshupdate.com
Electronic Products: Fire, Emergency and Preparedness Worldwide | OSH Ireland | OSH UPDATE

*Subscription for one year of OSH UPDATE

Consortia buying encouraged... this is where 2 or more organisations or individuals make a subscription and share the cost between them!!!!

Time to re-assess the training needs of staff and book the EurOHSE Masterclasses 2006/7 offered by the experts

EurOhse 2006/7 Masterclasses will provide key points for future activities for all those responsible for securing good standards of health and safety in the workplace, and excellent networking opportunities.

Angel Business Communications Ltd and Sheila Pantry Associates Ltd are delighted to announce that EurOhse2006 will be a series of Masterclasses on topics that have been requested by delegates at previous conferences.

The Trainers are all very experienced and the first four Masterclasses will be held in November 2006 and two more in February 2007 - all being held at the Imperial Hotel, Russell Square London, details as follows:

Monday, 6 November 2006
MASTERCLASS -The Six Day-to-Day Habits of a Pro-Active Safety Culture: Active Monitoring in the workplace
Trainer - Dr Tim Marsh, Managing Director of Ryder-Marsh (Safety) Limited

Tuesday 7 November 2006
MASTERCLASS - Training in management of road risk (MORR)
Trainers - Roger Bibbings, Occupational Safety Advisor, RoSPA, Dr Will Murray, Research Director for Interactive Driving Systems and Chief Inspector Ian Brooks, Metropolitan Police

Wednesday 8 November 2006
MASTERCLASS - How to implement drinks and drugs policies in the workplace
Trainers - Ava Fine and John Griffiths, Work2 Health

Thursday 9 November 2006
MASTERCLASS - Working at Heights: covers all the requirements of the new legislation
Trainers - Geoff Hornby, Alex Sammut and Paul Ramsden, ISAC UK Ltd

Tuesday 6 February 2007
MASTERCLASS on Training of Business Continuity Management teams
Trainer - John Sharp, FBCI (Hon) FCMI, MCIM, Managing Director, Kiln House Associates Ltd and the Continuity Forum, Policy and Development Director.

Wednesday 7 February 2007
MASTERCLASS on Training of emergency planning teams
Trainer - Les Moseley, University of Coventry, Director of the Coventry Centre for Disaster Management and Course Leader for the professional diploma course in Emergency Planning

Places will be limited for these interactive Masterclasses ... Bookings have already started - make sure that you book early!

SPECIAL REGISTRATION OFFER
The cost per Masterclass is £295.

If you register for 2 Masterclass events you will receive a 10% discount.
If you register for 4 or more Masterclass events you will receive a 20% discount

Payment must be received prior to the event. Delegates are responsible for making hotel bookings. The organisers reserve the right to alter the content of the programme. Payment can be made online via our secure World Pay system, payment can be made by cheque or you can request an invoice to be sent to you. This booking includes admission to the Masterclass and lunch/coffee for the day.

For further details regarding the content of the Masterclasses contact the programme organiser Sheila Pantry at Tel: +44 (0) 1909 771024 or Email: sp@sheilapantry.com.

For further details regarding booking a place contact

EurOhse 2006, Office and Logistics Manager, European Occupational Health and Safety Magazine (EurOhs), Angel Business Communications Ltd, Unit 6, Bow Court, Fletchworth Gate, Burnsall Road, Coventry CV5 6SP, UK | Tel: +44 (0) 2476 718970 | Fax: +44 (0) 2476 718971 | Email: jesse@angelbc.co.uk

Asbestos is deadly serious - prevent exposure warns the new European Asbestos Campaign

According to the International Labour Office (ILO), asbestos kills 100,000 workers a year worldwide. Although about 40 countries have eliminated the use of asbestos, it is still being used in several countries.

The European Union and ILO have decided to start promoting a global asbestos ban.

The European campaign supported by the European Agency for Safety and Health at work began on 1st September 2006.

Following the Dresden Declaration at the asbestos conference in 2003, the Senior Labour Inspectors' Committee (SLIC) took the initiative for a common Europe-wide Campaign in order to increase the attention to health and safety when dealing with built-in asbestos. This initiative is supported by the European Commission and will be carried out in cooperation between SLIC and the Advisory Committee on Safety and Health at Work (ACSH). The main focus of the campaign is on the protection of workers in maintenance-demolition-removal activities and waste disposal.

For more information see http://osha.europa.eu/campaigns/asbestos/index_html

Future European Health and Safety at Work (HSW) strategy: ETUC response to Commission consultation and new publication New scope for the Community health and Safety at work strategy 2007-2012

The European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) has just sent the European Commission its response to the consultation on the Community strategy for health and safety at work 2007-2012. It endorses all points of the stance worked out by the Workers Group of the Advisory Committee on Safety and Health at Work. The ETUC stresses that:

  1. Legislative harmonization of working conditions remains a priority aim. It is against any attempt to deregulate HSW. It specifically calls for a directive on musculoskeletal disorders and beefed-up provisions on chemical hazards and carcinogens.
  2. The new strategy should set precise objectives, identify policy instruments and fix clear deadlines.
  3. Health and safety at work policies must be linked more closely to gender equality policies.
  4. The Commission needs to be better-resourced for health and safety at work matters.

New publication

New scope for the Community health and Safety at work strategy 2007-2012 by Laurent Vogel and Pascal Paoli

The European Commission will unveil its new health and safety at work strategy for 2007-2012 in the coming months.

Europe's trade unions mean to help inform the debate on it. Through their input to a document drawn up in the "Workers Group" of the Advisory Committee on Safety and Health at Work, they spelled out what unions expect from the future Community strategy. That document has just been published by the ETUI-REHS.

The 48-page brochure reviews the failings of the strategy pursued from 2002 to 2006 to recommend a new strategy built around practical initiatives and a definite timetable. The publication makes the union case against any "break from introducing new legislation".

The Community agenda must put a central focus on two key risks: musculoskeletal disorders (MSD), the main cause of illness related to a pressurized work organisation, and chemicals, a major cause of work-related health problems, where the regulatory framework is in the midst of a far-reaching overhaul.

The right of all workers to collective representation in health and safety is another focus of trade union demands. The measures needed to address the daunting challenges of EU enlargement also attract the unions' attention.

The second part of the brochure gives a capsule view of the surveys done on the health impact of working conditions in the EU.

Contents

Also available in French.

Available at www.etui.org/Publications2/Working-Papers/New-scope-for-the-Community-health-and-safety-at-work-strategy-2007-2012

Contact: Géraldine Hofmann, Assistant, Information and Publications, Health & Safety Department, ETUI-REHS - European Trade Union Institute for Research, Education and Health & Safety, 5 bd du Roi Albert II - B-1210 Brussels, Belgium | Tel: +32 2 224 05 63 (60) | Fax: +32 2 224 05 61 | Email: ghofmann@etui-rehs.org | www.etui.org

Since 1 April 2005, TUTB, ETUI and ETUCO have merged into the European Trade Union Institute for Research, Education and Health and Safety (ETUI-REHS)

USA NIOSH Hearing Loss Research program evaluation

The US National Academy of Sciences just issued their review of the US National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Hearing Loss Program. They gave them a 4 out of 5 for impact and 3 out of 5 for relevance. Basically they concluded NIOSH needs more resources for hearing loss prevention, more resources devoted to areas other than mining and they need to plan strategically to make the best use of their resources and not study or fund topics like on the genetics of hearing loss or the impact of aging that is more appropriate for other agencies like NIDCD.

The US Institute of Medicine's Committee report to Review the NIOSH Hearing Loss Research Program is available for free www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=11721

A brief description of the report:

Occupational hearing loss is a serious concern for many workers, although the number affected or at risk is uncertain. In conjunction with a request from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) for National Academies reviews of up to 15 of its research programs, an Institute of Medicine (IOM) committee reviewed the NIOSH Hearing Loss Research Program.

Hearing Loss Research at NIOSH is the first report in the series Reviews of Research Programs of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. Taking into account several important factors beyond the program's control, the committee found that over the past decade (the period covered by this review), the Hearing Loss Research Program has made meaningful contributions to improving worker health and safety and some of its work is in high-priority subject areas and highly relevant to improvements in workplace protection. However, other work appears to be too narrowly targeted or directed to activities that are secondary to meeting the needs of protecting the hearing of workers.

To enhance the relevance and impact of the program's work and fulfill its stated mission of providing national and world leadership to reduce the prevalence of occupational hearing loss through a focused program of research and prevention, the committee recommended that the NIOSH Hearing Loss Research Program foster effective leadership in program planning and implementation; further implement program evaluation efforts; gain access to additional intramural and extramural expertise, especially in epidemiology and noise control engineering; and initiate and sustain efforts to obtain surveillance data for occupational hearing loss and workplace noise exposure.

Health & Safety Canada 2007 IAPA Conference & Trade Show

Health & Safety Canada is the largest health and safety event of its kind in Canada. With celebrated keynote speakers, technical sessions, seminars, workshops, professional development courses, interactive displays, two large trade shows and more, Health & Safety Canada 2007 provides the latest in health and safety solutions.

Health & Safety Canada 2007 Conference & Trade Show is organized by IAPA (Industrial Accident Prevention Association), a not-for-profit, member-driven organization representing approximately 50,000 member firms and more than 1.5 million workers. IAPA is Canada's largest health and safety organization and has taken a leading role in the prevention of workplace injury and illness.

IAPA is one of only two International Labour Organization collaborating centres in Canada and is also a Pan American Health Organization/ World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Workplace Injury and Illness Prevention.

Conference themes include

Who should attend

Health & Safety Canada attracts delegates from across Canada and internationally. It includes sessions of interest to: Plant and Production Managers, Human Resources Specialists, Occupational Hygienists, Engineers, Technicians, Joint Health and Safety Committee members and Health & Safety professionals at all levels. The conference also provides three days of comprehensive learning, networking opportunities and knowledge sharing.

What kind of sessions can I attend

Health & Safety Canada offers a comprehensive and diversified program with 130+ sessions on topics relating to job- and industry-specific hazards and related prevention strategies, risk assessment, regulations and standards, occupational health, emergency/pandemic planning, protecting young workers, ergonomics, wellness, disability management and return to work, emerging technology, and much more.

International Association of Labour Inspection, Ontario Ministry of Labour and International labour Organization 2007 Conference

The International Association of Labour Inspection (IALI) provides professional support to labour inspection organizations throughout the world in order to increase the impact and effectiveness of labour inspection. It provides an international forum for the exchange of experience in, and views about, labour inspection, and the implementation of occupational health and safety legislation.

Who are the organizers?

The Ontario Ministry of Labour's mission is to advance safe, fair and harmonious workplace practices that are essential to the social and economic well-being of the people of Ontario. Through the key areas of occupational health and safety, employment rights and responsibilities, and labour relations, the ministry's mandate is to set, communicate and enforce workplace standards while encouraging greater workplace self-reliance.

IAPA (Industrial Accident Prevention Association) is Canada's largest health and safety organization and has taken a leading role in the prevention of workplace injuries and illness. IAPA is one of only two International Labour Organization collaborating centres in Canada and is also a Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Workplace Injury and Illness Prevention.

In cooperation with The International Labour Organization (ILO) is the UN specialized agency which seeks the promotion of social justice and internationally recognized human and labour rights.

What will be discussed?

Strengthening accountability, developing/implementing practical tools, and building on a partnership-based approach to managing health and safety are the key focal points of the conference.

The conference will feature international round tables, plenary sessions, and presentations of papers on pertinent topics by researchers from across the globe. International, US-based, and Canadian speakers will share focused, evidence-based knowledge of risk-based inspections. Participants will explore innovative and collaborative strategies across sectors, as well as hearing from business leaders about their success in occupational health and safety, and injury prevention.

Conference Themes Include:

Who should attend

The IALI/MOL/ILO 2007 Conference is open to anyone with an interest in improving process and accountability in workplace health and safety, throughout North and South America and around the world. This includes health and safety specialists, senior industry leaders, government program staff, policy staff, lawyers, academics, labour inspectors, and those involved in training labour inspectors.

Two health and safety conference, one great location... visit www.iapa.ca for details of both conferences

IAPA (Industrial Accident Prevention Association) Centre for Health & Safety Innovation, 5110 Creekbank Road, Suite 300, Mississauga, Ontario l4W 0A1 | Tel: +1 905-614-IAPA (4272) Toll free: 1-800-406-IAPA (4272) | fax: + 1905-614-1414 Toll free: 1-800-316-IAPA (4272)

IALI Conference 2007 social program begins (continues throughout the week for spouses/family members).

Germany's Statutory accident insurance premiums fall once again - Numbers of occupational accidents reach record lows

In Germany in 2005, the average statutory accident insurance premium once again reached the historic low of 1.31%. The number of accidents at work in trade and industry in Germany has fallen once again, the Berufsgenossenschaften (BGs) report in their annual statistics. This can be seen from the financial results of the BGs for 2005, which were released recently in Berlin. The number of reportable occupational accidents in 2005 also fell last year to a record low, of 801,834. This figure equates to 40,000 fewer accidents than in 2004, and almost 260,000 fewer than in 2001.

"Both the stability in the premiums and the reduced numbers of accidents are substantially the result of decades of prevention work," says Dr. Joachim Breuer, General Manager of the Federation of Institutions for Statutory Accident Insurance and Prevention (HVBG). "Should the government wish to reform such a successful system, it must take care not to destroy the foundation of this success." Year by year, the BGs have ensured stability and efficient, continued development of the system by their own efforts. "This fact must finally be acknowledged," says Breuer.

Compared to 2004, employers had to pay around 164.6 million euro less in 2005 to the BGs, the institutions for statutory occupational accident insurance and prevention, in order to insure their employees against occupational and commuting accidents and against occupational disease. The total volume of contributions, the contribution target, thus fell to 8.77 billion euro.

The BGs' premiums are levied retrospectively for the previous year according to the adjustable contribution procedure. This procedure spreads the contribution target over the member companies of the BGs according to the contribution assessment elements (risk category of the company, total employee remuneration in the reporting year, surcharges or reductions in premiums where applicable). The employees are not involved in financing the accident insurance system.

Risk of occupational accident continues to fall The absolute number of occupational accidents was not the only statistic to fall in the previous year. The corresponding occupational accident rate also fell, by 2.2% to around 27 accidents per 1,000 equivalent full employees. The accident risk fell particularly strongly in the following sectors of the economy: mining (-10.7%), metals (-7.4%) and precision mechanics/electronics (-6.7%).

In the figures as a whole, the sharpest percentage drop in 2005 concerned fatal occupational accidents, which fell by 8.7% to 589 (2004: 645). The number of new occupational accident pensions fell to 17,414 (-4.0%).

Conversely, the number of commuting accidents remained steady: in 2005, 151,641 accidents occurred during journeys between home and workplace, a figure marginally higher than that for 2004 (151,330). The risk of a commuting accident fell slightly, to 4.5 accidents per 1,000 insured individuals. Fatal commuting accidents numbered 495, thereby almost equalling the previous year's value. The number of new pensions resulting from commuting accidents fell by 2.8%, to 6,099.

Occupational diseases: the number of suspected cases continues to fall The downward trend in occupational diseases continued in 2005, to a figure of 53,576, equating to a drop of 4.1% over the previous year. An occupational disease was formally recognized in 14,920 cases (-5.8%). In 5,206 cases, this formal recognition was associated with the beginning of corresponding pension payments. This figure corresponds to an increase of 9.6%. In a further 8,740 cases, the origin of the disease was found to be occupational in nature, but the specific insurance provisions governing formal recognition of an occupational disease were not satisfied. In these cases, too, comprehensive services and measures for individual prevention and medical rehabilitation were delivered where applicable.

2,480 fatalities resulting from occupational disease were recorded by the BGs in 2005. Of these, 1,982 fatal diseases were caused by inorganic dusts, in particular asbestos. A comparison with previous years is not possible at the present time: quality control procedures have revealed that in previous years, not all fatalities resulting from occupational disease were recorded (in purely statistical terms). Re-recording the data for the previous years is expected to be completed in the autumn.

Stefan Boltz, Hauptverband der gewerblichen Berufsgenossenschaften/Federation of Institutions for Statutory Accidence Insurance and Prevention, Albrechtstr. 10 c, 10117 Berlin, Deutschland/Germany | Tel +49-(0)30 - 28 87 63 62 | Fax +49-(0)30 - 28 87 63 70 | Email: stefan.boltz@hvbg.de | www.dguv.de

New safety and health campaign targets small businesses in EU 10, Bulgaria and Romania

The way to a more productive and successful business is a safe and healthy workplace. The European Agency for Safety and Health at Work launches 'The Healthy Workplace Initiative' (HWI) to provide both employers and employees with easy access to information about how to improve their business environment by becoming healthier and more productive. In a series of 36 seminars across the 12 participating countries and a practical guide to risk assessment the Agency addresses the specific needs of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

The HWI is part of an Agency drive to develop a preventive occupational safety and health (OSH) culture in Europe and is designed to raise awareness of OSH essentials, such as the need to conduct risk assessments and involve the workforce in any prevention plans, as well as to share 'good practice' knowledge.

In support of the initiative, the European Agency is launching a practical Guide to risk assessment in business. The 'Risk assessment tool' enables employers and employees to analyse and assess their work environment according to their specific sector needs. The practical checklist allows for a quick and simple overview of the current situation in the company and provides advice and support for change and improvement of that work environment.

Thirty-six free seminars will also be held in the ten most recent EU Member States and in the two accession countries, Bulgaria and Romania. Employers and employees can register for free at http://osha.europa.eu/en/campaigns/hwi/seminars. During these practical seminars tailored to SMEs, high-level professionals will share their knowledge of how to make businesses stronger and more productive through the creation of a healthy workplace.

Speaking at the first HWI seminar in Warsaw, Poland, on 30th June 2006, Hans-Horst Konkolewsky, Director of the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work, commented: "Small businesses are important drivers of the European economy and they employ almost three-quarters of the workforce. However, unfortunately, they suffer from above-average incidence rates of accidents and work-related health problems. Our message to small businesses in the 12 participating countries to the Healthy Workplace Initiative is clear: placing safety and health at the heart of their business strategy will not only reduce costs due to less injuries and ill health, but will also improve the quality of work and productivity of their business."

Practical tips on how to do this, including the risk assessment tools for specific hazards and sectors, are available on a dedicated multilingual website at http://osha.europa.eu/en/campaigns/hwi. The campaign is also being backed up by publications, media relations and advertising.

European Agency for Safety and Health at Work, Gran Via 33, E-48009 Bilbao - Spain | Tel: + 34 94 479 4360 | Fax: + 34 94 479 4383 | Email: information@osha.europa.eu | http://osha.europa.eu

Safe Start for all young workers - European Week 2006

This year's European Week held in October 2006 for Safety and Health at Work is dedicated to young people to ensure a safe and healthy start to their working lives.

The Safe Start campaign is backed by all Member States, candidate and EFTA countries, the Austria and Finland EU Presidencies, the European Parliament and the European Commission, and by the European Social Partners.

European Week campaigns focus on promoting improved prevention at the workplace level by involving all the relevant stakeholders. During 2006, the campaign will also promote activities in schools, colleges and the wider education community, and promote the issue among the relevant policy makers in the education field. The Agency has already carried out several projects on the 'mainstreaming of OSH into education' and the campaign will draw on these resources.

For more information: https://www.healthy-workplaces.eu/en/european-week-safety-and-health-work

OSH-IRELAND ... aiming to help Ireland's organisations achieve higher standards of occupational health and safety in their workplaces

OSH-IRELAND is a collection of information that has, over the past 10 years become the essential source for organisations and practitioners seeking up-to-date information on all aspects of occupational safety and health (OSH) in Ireland. From the November 2006 edition it will have an additional database containing Northern Ireland's Health and Safety legislation. These new additions will of course be in full text so that the user has instant access to the piece of legislation that is required. This new database will help organisations that work both in Northern Ireland and in Ireland and is provided at no extra cost to the subscribers.

If you think health and safety is expensive try having an accident. This sobering thought should persuade Ireland's organisations, training companies and colleges that they must have the most authoritative information at their fingertips.

Much time is spent these days searching the Internet for validated and authoritative information often resulting in out-of date sources. In this fast moving world it is essential to have quick access to validated, authoritative and constantly updated information collections. The ones, such as OSH-IRELAND that are brought together and maintained by information specialists are one sure way of getting good quality data.

As new research and new ways of working, with the attendant alterations in products, services and technology developments means that no-one, especially those responsible for securing good standards good standards of health and safety in their workplaces of all kinds, should be without the latest information.

Those seeking health and safety Information should also be aware that the myth abounding in the world that everything is published on the Internet and is free is just not true!

Easy to use and very affordable, OSH-IRELAND is published by Sheila Pantry Associates Ltd with the co-operation of the Health and Safety Authority, Dublin, Ireland and other prominent OSH organisations, and contains the following complementary databases providing full text information:

OSH Ireland also contains three bibliographic databases containing references to appropriate National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI) OSH standards (in addition to those included as full text documents), health and safety British Standards, and The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) extensive bibliographic database of records to a wide range of journal articles, guidance and advice from worldwide organisations.

OSH-IRELAND contains thousands of full text pages of information - see the contents on www.sheilapantry.com but why not take a FREE 30-DAY TRIAL now?

Send your request for an Internet trial now www.sheilapantry.com/interest.html

There is also opportunity for a number of small companies or a group of consultants to form a consortia to subscribe to OSH Ireland - the most effective way of getting up-to-date and validated information.

Contact: Sheila Pantry Associates Ltd | 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

Workers in Europe benefit from more holiday entitlements

The amount of collectively agreed annual leave - holidays - for workers in Europe varies widely, from 33 days in Sweden to 20 days in Cyprus and Slovenia, according to the annual update on working time development in Europe from the Foundation's European Industrial Relations Observatory (EIRO). The average entitlement across the former EU15 countries and Norway stands at 26.8 days, showing a slight increase every year since 2000 when it was 25.6 days.

Workers in Austria, the Czech Republic, Finland and France have 25 days each: a week less than their Danish and German counterparts (and closer to a fortnight less than in Sweden). Meanwhile, workers in Greece (23 days) fared better than those in Bulgaria (22 days), Slovakia (21.3 days), Cyprus (20 days) and Slovenia (20 days), where workers had to work a fortnight longer than in Germany and Denmark, and almost three weeks longer than in Sweden. Average collectively agreed annual leave exceeds the statutory minimum by at least four days in the Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Romania, Sweden and the UK.

Workers in the 10 new EU Member States work, on average, 101 hours a year (nearly 6%) longer than their counterparts in the former EU15 countries, the new EIRO overview reveals. This works out at equivalent to working over two and a half weeks a year more than their fellow EU workers. In the EU25, the average collectively agreed annual working time was 1,748.4 hours. In the former EU15 countries, it was 1,707.8 hours, compared to 1,808.8 hours in the new EU Member States. However, annual working time in Greece and Ireland is similar to the average for the new Member States, while that in Cyprus and the Czech Republic is closer to the average for the former EU15 countries.

The longest average annual working hours in the European Union are in Hungary, Latvia, Lituania, Estonia, Slovenia and Poland, while the shortest are in France, Denmark and Germany.

The EIRO report, or update, also looks at statutory working time and leave limits, actual working hours and overtime. It provides an overview of the duration of working time - as set by collective agreements and legislation - in the European Union, Norway and two acceding countries (Bulgaria and Romania). The overview also provides the weekly working hours for full-time workers as set by collective bargaining in six sectors selected to represent manufacturing industry (metalworking and chemicals), services (banking and retail) and the public sector (local government and the central civil service).

Read the full report at: http://eurofound.europa.eu/observatories/eurwork/articles/working-time-developments-2005

For further information, contact Måns Mårtensson, Press Officer: telephone +353-1-204 3124, mobile +353-876-593 507, or Email mma@eurofound.eu.int

More news and information from the Foundation is available on: www.eurofound.europa.eu

Copyright © 2023, Sheila Pantry Associates Ltd.

Tel: +44 (0) 1909 771024
Fax: +44 (0) 1909 772829
E-mail: sp@sheilapantry.com