News from around the World

News Archive

August 2011

Cost Recovery 'fee for invention' Consultation in the UK

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has launched its three-month consultation on plans for the costs of interventions to be recovered from businesses found to be in material breach of health and safety law.

The aim of the consultation is to provide businesses with the opportunity to comment and share their views on how the costs will be recovered in practice.

Under 'fee for intervention', costs would be recovered from the start of the intervention where the material breach was identified up to the point where HSE's intervention in supporting businesses in putting matters right has concluded.

No costs would apply for purely technical breaches and compliant dutyholders would pay nothing.

The UK Government has agreed the underlying principle of 'fee for intervention' and the new scheme could apply as early as April 2012 if possible.

The deadline for consultation responses is 14 October 2011. To view the consultation document please see www.hse.gov.uk/consult/condocs/cd235.htm

HSE also currently regulates at onshore boreholes without recovering costs. Given the major hazards associated with this activity, HSE now proposes to recover costs from operators for the assessment and inspection of notifications of onshore boreholes from as early as April 2012, if possible. HSE will hold pre-consultation discussions seeking views on how best to operate cost recovery.

Essential access to worldwide authoritative and validated FIRE and OSH information that is user friendly and cost effective

Keeping up with the latest worldwide OSH and fire information can be a time consuming exercise, but help is available if you subscribe to the ever growing OSH UPDATE collection of 20 databases and the FIREINF collection of 17 databases.

It is worth spending time checking out the latest reports and other guidance and advice that have recently produced from worldwide sources. You will find many such pieces of advice and guidance in OSH UPDATE www.oshupdate.com and in FIREINF www.fireinf.com

The electronic services OSH UPDATE www.oshupdate.com and FIREINF www.fireinf.com will help you and your organisation to keep up-to-date. These services continue to bring you the latest information on health, safety, environment, fire and other subjects that you will find useful in your daily work. OSH UPDATE contains over 817,000 records - including CISDOC database and FIREINF over 538,000 records.

OSH UPDATE and FIREINF services contain both full text and bibliographic information are continuously enlarged as new information is published. These services are used by organisations, universities, companies and some ILO CIS Health and Safety Information Centres worldwide.

For a 15 DAY FREE NO OBLIGATION TRIAL contact: Sheila Pantry Associates Ltd | email: sp@sheilapantry.com | or fill in the Interest form www.sheilapantry.com/interest.html

No more access to the UK HSE Infoline after 30 September 2011

In a move to improve efficiency further and deliver value for taxpayers, HSE's Infoline telephone service, which currently provides a basic information service to callers, will end on 30 September 2011.

Businesses and members of the public seeking information and official guidance on health and safety can use HSE's website www.hse.gov.uk - a huge knowledge bank where people can access and download information free of charge and use interactive web tools.

The HSE website features information on the most frequent health and safety enquiries such as those on RIDDOR reporting, First Aid and the health and safety responsibilities of new businesses. It currently receives 26 million visits every year and is regularly updated and improved to help businesses and members of the public quickly access the information they need.

HSE's website is already overwhelmingly the most popular option for accessing health and safety information, is already overwhelmingly the most popular option for accessing health and safety information, with 100 times more visitors than Infoline has callers.

• Is rated as 'very good' or 'good' by 93% of users.
• Has recently been enhanced with a suite of new resources for businesses including:
  • Interactive risk assessment tools for low-risk organisations
  • Health and Safety Made Simple - straightforward step-by-step guidance on what small and low risk businesses need to do to achieve a basic level of health and safety compliance
  • Expanded Frequently Asked Questions to answer common queries.

HSE continues to provide information and guidance to employers and workers in a range of other ways: through direct work with organisations and trade associations, face-to-face at workshops and safety training days and via books and eBulletins. A comprehensive suite of health and safety advice is also available via the Government's website for businesses "Businesslink.gov", and DirectGov.

Why is Infoline closing?

Just like the rest of the public sector, HSE is constantly exploring ways to deliver services more efficiently. The Infoline service currently offers callers basic information that is publicly available and can be easily accessed on www.hse.gov.uk. Already overwhelmingly the most popular option for accessing health and safety information, the website has 100 times more visitors than Infoline has callers. And an average of one in eight of those callers is asking about a non-HSE-related issue.

After September, who is going to help you with health and safety queries?

HSE's website contains information and official guidance on a huge range of health and safety issues. All HSE's publications are available free online and can be downloaded and printed.

The website has recently been enhanced with new resources including:

• interactive risk assessment tools for low-risk businesses;
• Health and safety made simple straightforward, step-by-step guidance on what low-risk businesses need to do to achieve a basic level of health and safety compliance;
• expanded frequently asked questions to answer common queries on topics such as RIDDOR, first aid and what health and safety responsibilities new businesses have to consider. HSE also has comprehensive advice available via the Government website BusinessLink, and will continue to provide information through direct work with organisations and trade associations; face to face at workshops as well as regularly issuing guidance and e-bulletins.

What if you need to speak to someone for advice?

Infoline has never provided specific advice, only information that is publicly available.

If employers believe they need specialist advice after consulting the free information and guidance on HSE's website, there are other, commercial health and safety advice phone services available. A full list of qualified, reputable consultants is also available at OSHCR - the Occupational Safety and Health Consultants Register www.oshcr.org

www.hse.gov.uk

WorkLife Transitions to Total Worker Health™ in the USA

US National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) WorkLife Program is evolving to address a wider range of factors that influence workers' total health. NIOSH and our partners recognize that a multitude of work and non-work related factors influence employees' safety, health, ability to work, and well-being in every aspect of their lives. Employer concern about the effects of diminished employee health on productivity, absenteeism, and rising health care costs is growing. Therefore, employers are increasingly receptive to a growing body of evidence which provides rationale for addressing health promotion in conjunction with organizational efforts to protect workers and create safe and healthful workplaces. The WorkLife Program is changing its name to Total Worker Health™ to better convey this more comprehensive approach to workplace prevention. As part of this evolution, NIOSH will begin building an intramural program focused on protecting and promoting Total Worker Health™ through research, interventions, partnerships, and capacity building to meet the needs of the 21st century workforce.

Beginning with Steps to a Healthier US Workforce and continuing with the WorkLife Program, NIOSH has promoted the integration of programs designed to protect worker health and safety on the job with health promotion and wellness programs in order to more effectively protect, improve, and promote both organizational and individual health and well-being. (For additional details about the origin and history of the Program, please see History of NIOSH WorkLife Program on the Total Worker Health™ Website). The program has emphasized the interplay of workplace conditions (i.e., the organization of work, policies, and management strategies) in the safety, health, and engagement of workers and for the past five years, NIOSH has funded and partnered with three national WorkLife Centers of Excellence to further explore and research the benefits of integrated approaches to employee health. Preliminary results indicate the value of this approach and the need for additional comprehensive research.

As the Program takes a broader approach to prevention and the intramural Total Worker Health™ program evolves, NIOSH will continue to provide leadership and guidance in promoting scientific research, policy, and practices that: (a) recognize the full range of factors affecting employee health and (b) coordinate workplace prevention, health protection, health promotion and related programs to improve the safety, health, and well-being of workers and their families. The Program will continue its relationships with the WorkLife Centers and other partners in efforts that seek to create environments, practices, and policies that optimize Total Worker Health™. Please stay tuned to the Total Worker Health™ website and subscribe to regular updates to stay abreast of program developments.

Protecting Workers from Heat Illness: US OSHA-NIOSH INFOSHEET

At times, workers may be required to work in hot environments for long periods. When the human body is unable to maintain a normal temperature, heat-related illnesses can occur and may result in death.

This fact sheet provides information to employers on measures they should take to prevent heat-related illnesses and death.

OSHA-NIOSH INFOSHEET: Protecting Workers from Heat Illness [PDF - 219 KB]

Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSD) Prevention Manual

The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) has just published the Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSD) Prevention Manual.

Learn to identify, eliminate, and control the sources of workplace musculoskeletal disorders with this resource manual.

In Canada, musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) account for the most lost time injuries, the highest lost-time claim costs, and the most lost time work days of any type of injury. Worker's compensation board figures from various jurisdictions indicate that MSDs account for 25% to 60% of total annual compensation claims.

MSDs are often painful and disabling. They can interfere with all kinds of tasks at work, at home, and in recreation. Even in early stages, recovery from MSDs often requires months or even years of treatment. In severe cases, there may be permanent disability.

This manual is a resource for employers and workers to help identify, eliminate, and control the sources of Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSD) in their workplaces. This manual focuses on how manual material handling tasks contribute to MSDs. It provides techniques to help eliminate injuries, and provides guidelines for the development of a MSD program for your workplace.

The purpose of this manual is to:

• Help you identify and understand the risk factors causing musculoskeletal disorders for manual material handling tasks and,
• Provide guidance and tools for developing a MSD prevention program.

Scope

This manual explains what musculoskeletal disorders are, how and why they occur, and how to identify the risk factors that cause them. The manual also outlines how to develop a program that is focused on the elimination of MSD risk factors from workplaces, with emphasis on manual materials handling which includes lifting, pushing, and pulling tasks.

NOTE: The information in this publication is based on best practice principles and techniques. The purpose of this manual is to provide guidance, rather than prescribe specific requirements, and is not intended as a legal interpretation of any federal, provincial or territorial legislation.

Target Audience

The focus of this manual is the identification and elimination of risk factors related to MSDs. Everyone at the workplace will benefit.

• Employers will be able to reduce the number of injuries and illnesses by implementing a MSD prevention program
• Health and Safety Committee members and Health and Safety Professionals will find this guide a good resource for reducing risk factors and helping to develop a MSD prevention program
• All employees can use the information and case studies in this manual to understand their risks and get guidance in best practices that will help reduce MSD injuries.

www.ccohs.ca/products/publications/msd

11-15 September 2011 - XIXth World Congress on Safety and Health at Work

To be held in Istanbul, Turkey

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

For other events see also www.oshworld.com/diary.html

21-22 September 2011 - 2 Day Course - Gas Explosion Hazards on Onshore Facilities

To be held at Gexcon Offices, Bergen, Norway

Contact: Email: offshore@gexcon.com | www.fabig.com/events

For other events see also www.oshworld.com/diary.html

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

To be held in Beijing, China

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.

Contact: Tel: +86-10-84911521-805 or +86-10-82375620 | Email: ismsse2011@chinasafety.ac.cn | www.chinasafety.ac.cn/en

For other events see also www.oshworld.com/diary.html

UK Health and Safety Laboratory First Professor

The UK Health and Safety Laboratory (HSL) Chief Medical Officer and Co-Director of the Centre for Workplace Health, David Fishwick has been awarded an Honorary Professorship at the University of Sheffield.

David, who specialises in occupational respiratory disease, was awarded the title after an international panel of experts reviewed a formal application at the request of the Vice Chancellor of The University of Sheffield, UK. The panel also took into account 'esteem factors' such as David's roles on HSE's Asthma Board and Disease Reduction Programme Strategic Board, as well as his work on numerous peer reviewed publications.

David, whose new title is Honorary Professor of Occupational and Environmental Respiratory Medicine said that he was 'delighted' to have received the honour but that it was actually recognition of the achievements of a team of people that he's worked with over the years, not only at the University but also at HSL and Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

Do you need access to worldwide authoritative and validated fire and OSH information that are user friendly and cost effective?

Keeping up with the latest worldwide OSH and fire information can be a time consuming exercise, but help is available if you subscribe to the ever growing OSH UPDATE collection of 20 databases and the FIREINF collection of 17 databases.

It is worth spending time checking out the latest reports and other guidance and advice that have recently produced from worldwide sources. You will find many such pieces of advice and guidance in OSH UPDATE www.oshupdate.com and in FIREINF www.fireinf.com

The electronic services OSH UPDATE www.oshupdate.com and FIREINF www.fireinf.com will help you and your organisation to keep up-to-date. These services continue to bring you the latest information on health, safety, environment, fire and other subjects that you will find useful in your daily work. OSH UPDATE contains over 817,000 records - including CISDOC database and FIREINF over 538,000 records.

OSH UPDATE and FIREINF services contain both full text and bibliographic information are continuously enlarged as new information is published. These services are used by organisations, universities, companies and some ILO CIS Centres worldwide.

For a 15 DAY FREE NO OBLIGATION TRIAL contact: Sheila Pantry Associates Ltd | email: sp@sheilapantry.com | or fill in the Interest form www.sheilapantry.com/interest.html

E-course Provides Tips to Prevent, Eliminate and Reduce Workplace Stress

The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) has developed a new e-course to provide workers, supervisors and managers with tools needed to prevent, eliminate and reduce workplace stress.

"Work stress has a high cost for individuals, organizations, and for society. It can harm workers' psychological and physical health, as well as the organizations' effectiveness and success" says Dr. P. K. Abeytunga, CCOHS Vice President and Director General. "It is not only important to identify stress problems and deal with them, but also to promote healthy work and improve the quality of working life".

"Stress in the Workplace provides an introduction to the issue of stress in the workplace, including what workplace stress is, its causes and negative impacts. This e-course will provide participants with the knowledge of how to identify signs of workplace stress, as well as measures to prevent, eliminate or reduce stress in the workplace".

Topics will include:

• Causes of workplace stress
• Organizational factors vs. individual/personal factors
• Impact on workers and organizations
• Workplace stress as a health and safety hazard
• Recognizing the signs of workplace stress
• What employers can do
• Managing stress
• Tips to help prevent, eliminate and reduce workplace stress

All e-courses by CCOHS are available in English and French. They are developed by experts in the field and representatives from labour, business and government have ensured the content and approach are unbiased, credible and technically accurate. Those who score at least 80% on the final exam earn a certificate of completion. Case studies, quizzes, and an "ask a question" option are also featured.

For more information on Stress in the Workplace, in any of its language formats, please visit the CCOHS website.

For Further Information, contact:

Eleanor Westwood, Manager - Communications, Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) | Tel: (905) 572-2981, Ext. 4408 | E-mail: eleanorw@ccohs.ca | www.ccohs.ca

Jennifer Miconi-Howse, Communications Officer, Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) | Tel: (905) 572-2981, Ext. 4241 | E-mail: jenmh@ccohs.ca | www.ccohs.ca

ECHA releases a web portal for REACH and CLP inspectors

The new REACH Information Portal for Enforcement (RIPE) provides online access for inspectors to key information submitted by companies to ECHA and facilitates more effective enforcement in the EU.

ECHA has passed another milestone in the implementation of REACH and CLP by making the data it holds readily and securely accessible to inspectors in EU and EEA member states (Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein).

The new web portal, developed as a separate application from REACH-IT, allows REACH and CLP inspectors to search for key information indicated by companies in their dossiers such as whether a dossier was submitted, by whom and when, the tonnage band, production and use sites, intended uses, information on classification and labelling, and guidance on safe use. Other key information on physicochemical, toxicological and eco-toxicological properties of substances is also available.

Designed to facilitate the navigation, the portal will be used by almost 2 500 inspectors working in the REACH and CLP local authorities of the European Union.

RIPE has been developed in close cooperation with the Forum for Exchange of Information on Enforcement, which participated in the collection of the information needs of inspectors, the specification of the technical requirements and the testing of the application before release.

To ensure the easy roll-out of this new IT tool, ECHA has trained the national administrators and specialists who are now ready to provide support to those inspectors who will use RIPE.

The release of RIPE will greatly facilitate enforcement activities and will contribute to better implementation of REACH and CLP.

Further Information: https://echa.europa.eu/view-article/-/journal_content/title/echa-releases-a-web-portal-for-reach-and-clp-inspectors/

A NIVA course on Bullying and Harassment at Work (6108)

To be held on 4-9 September 2011 at the Radisson Blue Saga Hotel, Reykjavik, Iceland

Registration fee: 550 EUR (includes course material)

Contact: Mia Latta, Director, PhD, Nordic Institute for Advanced Training in Occupational Health (NIVA), Topeliuksenkatu 41 a A FI-00250 Helsinki, Finland | Tel: +358 (0)30-474 2499 | Mobile: +358 (0)46 851 3993 | Fax: +358 (0)30-474 2497 | www.niva.org

Easy access to worldwide Fire information - user friendly and cost effective

Keeping up with the latest worldwide OSH and fire information can be a time consuming exercise, but help is available if you subscribe to the ever growing OSH UPDATE collection of 20 databases and the FIREINF collection of 17 databases.

It is worth spending time checking out the latest reports and other guidance and advice that have recently produced from worldwide sources. You will find many such pieces of advice and guidance in OSH UPDATE www.oshupdate.com and in FIREINF www.fireinf.com

The electronic services OSH UPDATE www.oshupdate.com and FIREINF www.fireinf.com will help you and your organisation to keep up-to-date. These services continue to bring you the latest information on health, safety, environment, fire and other subjects that you will find useful in your daily work. OSH UPDATE contains over 817,000 records - including CISDOC database and FIREINF over 538,000 records.

OSH UPDATE and FIREINF services contain both full text and bibliographic information are continuously enlarged as new information is published. These services are used by organisations, universities, companies and some ILO CIS Centres worldwide.

For a 15 DAY FREE NO OBLIGATION TRIAL contact: Sheila Pantry Associates Ltd | email: sp@sheilapantry.com | or fill in the Interest form www.sheilapantry.com/interest.html

Tips for safer holiday driving this Northern Hemisphere summer from Interactive Driving Systems

With the Northern Hemisphere summer underway, and driving being a major part of many trips, now is a good time to focus people's attention on safe and happy holiday travel.

By applying the following simple guidelines before travelling and en-route, holiday driving should be safe, stress-free and enjoyable.

Before travelling, make sure your vehicle is roadworthy: even the slightest doubt about how its running needs checking. Make sure that vehicle maintenance is up to date, and if in doubt have it serviced.

Then, check the following at least daily (especially if the vehicle is rented or loaned):

• Your mobile/cell phone is fully charged in case of emergency.
• Tire/Tyre tread and pressures.
• Oil, water and fluid levels.
• Head-, brake- and indicator-lights.
• Safety equipment including torch/flashlight, first-aid kit, sunglasses, maps and up to date Satnav with the correct maps for the locations in which you are travelling.
• Extra requirements for foreign driving, including correct documents (international driving license), bulb kits and warning triangle.
• Plan the route beforehand, let someone know where you are heading and expected arrival time, get a good night's sleep and travel during off-peak periods if possible leaving - more than enough time to negotiate the holiday congestion.
• Check the weather forecast and travel news before and during journeys.

In most jurisdictions/countries, timely route and traffic information is available. For example in the UK the Highways Agency www.highways.gov.uk, Transport Direct www.transportdirect.info/TransportDirect/en and other similar organisations provide up to date information.

In Switzerland the Swiss Federal Roads Authority (FEDRO) provides useful information for truck drivers and other road users see www.truckinfo.ch

The UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/foreign-commonwealth-office

The About Driving Abroad website: www.aboutdrivingabroad.co.uk

In particular you should understand the legal requirements, and accepted good practice in all the regions and jurisdictions in which you are intending to travel.

Vehicle overloading is dangerous, and a particular problem at holiday times. If luggage doesn't fit, use an appropriate roof rack or trailer. Before towing a trailer or caravan, check you have the appropriate licence, make sure the vehicle is properly equipped and that you know how to operate it. Check the owner's manual and ensure that your mirrors give a clear view of what is behind. Keep your distance when driving a heavily loaded vehicle or towing.

On the road, make sure everyone is buckled up, including children and backseat passengers, and drive defensively by:

• Concentrating at all times, on what are likely to unfamiliar roads and driving conventions.
• Being prepared for unsafe actions by others or for poor driving conditions.
• Allowing for the added distractions in your vehicle, such as extra passengers, children and pets.
• Obeying the road signs and signals.
• Never ever use alcohol and drive. Don't relax your guard because you are having a good time.
• Keep calm. Frustration won't get you there quicker.
• Keep the radio on "traffic news interrupt" mode for up to date traffic information.
• Make allowances for different regional or international driving standards, styles and rules. Be extra careful in the early morning or at dusk and during the night, when animals are most likely to be on the road.

If driving a van, truck or four-wheel drive:

• Take extreme care reversing. Check carefully for obstacles and children.
• Increase your braking distance.
• Never intimidate smaller vehicles.

Driving a small car:

• Keep out of others blind spots.
• Be seen: don't let larger vehicles hide yours from view and use daytime running lights.

On holiday we often travel long distances:

• Don't give in to the temptation to "push on"!
• When you feel tired, have a good sleep.
• Rest breaks every 2 hours keep drivers alert by promoting blood circulation, make trips more pleasant for passengers, let the vehicle cool down, and are a must for children.

It is unsafe to leave children, vulnerable people or pets alone in a vehicle, which can quickly become an "oven" in just a few minutes.

Have a good summer, but please put safety first on your travels.

Dr Will Murray, Research Director
Interactive Driving Systems®
Tel (office): + 44 (0) 1484 551060
Tel (direct line): + 44 (0) 115 846 2994
Mobile: +44 (0) 7713 415454
Email: will.murray@virtualriskmanager.net
Web: www.virtualriskmanager.net
Fleet Safety Benchmarking: www.fleetsafetybenchmarking.net
Road safety at work conference proceedings: www.virtualriskmanager.net/niosh

USA: Death highlights behavioural safety dangers

Serious safety failings at a DuPont factory in the US which led to a workplace death highlight the dangers of a 'blame the worker' system of safety management. The report of a US Chemical Safety Board (CSB) investigation published last week criticised behavioural safety champion DuPont after Carl Fish, 58, died at the company's Belle facility in West Virginia, in January 2010. He was sprayed with the deadly chemical phosgene. CSB said DuPont had used old chemical tubes and relied too much on automated software.

The incident happened a day after two other highly dangerous chemicals - methyl chloride and oleum, a type of sulphuric acid - leaked at the same DuPont facility. Rafael Moure-Eraso, CSB chair, said: 'We at the Chemical Safety Board were quite surprised and alarmed to learn that DuPont had not one, but three preventable accidents that occurred over a 33-hour period.'

Internal DuPont documents released with the CSB draft report indicate that in the 1980s, company officials considered increasing the safety of the area of the plant where phosgene is handled by enclosing the area and venting the enclosure through a scrubber system to destroy any toxic phosgene gas before it entered the atmosphere. However, the documents show the company calculated the benefit ratio of potential lives saved compared to the cost and decided not to make the safety improvements. DuPont promotes behavioural safety methods throughout the world, principally through its 'STOP' behavioural safety system.

Most behavioural safety systems in use are variants of the STOP Programme. UK union Unite last month launched a campaign warning members of the dangers of behavioural safety system (Risks 509). It commented: 'In the US, the United Steel Workers Union (USW) has been critical about DuPont's approach to safety for many years. In 2005 the union published a report illustrating that DuPont's many violations and accidents are not just isolated incidents of worker failure, but establish a clear pattern of denial of corporate responsibility.' It added: 'In conjunction with the USW, Unite has also been very critical of behaviour based safety and has warned its members about the potential dangers of behaviour based safety programmes of the type promoted by DuPont.'

Further information: https://www.tuc.org.uk/workplace-issues/risks-newsletter/risks-2011/risks-514-16-july-2011#tuc-19792-24

Welcome to the thirty-fifth edition of the UK REACH Competent Authority e-bulletin

The aim of this e-bulletin is to provide you with a free regular update of news and information from the UK REACH Competent Authority, as well as keeping you informed of any REACH issues particular to the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA).

Below you will find brief information on a number of topics and issues, each linking to more detailed articles on the HSE or ECHA websites.

ECHA calls for information on further substances to avoid unnecessary animal testing

Testing proposals for additional substances have been published on the ECHA website. Any scientifically valid information held by third parties is requested to be taken into account by ECHA when considering its decision.

• 27 substances (01/07/2011 - 15/08/2011)
• 1 substance (23/06/2011 - 08/08/2011)
• 28 substances (16/06/2011 - 01/08/2011).

https://echa.europa.eu/information-on-chemicals/testing-proposals

ECHA commences public consultation on the C&L of 2 new substances

ECHA has announced public consultations on the harmonised classification and labelling of Cymoxanil and Ethephon has started:

http://echa.europa.eu/addressing-chemicals-of-concern/harmonised-classification-and-labelling

ECHA Management Board elects new deputy Chair

In its meeting of 21-22 June the ECHA's Management Board elected a new Deputy-Chair, Mr Martin Lynch. Other highlights were the selection criteria for stakeholder organisations, the adoption of the Agency's multi-annual work programme for 2012-14 and the difficulties to get resources from the 2012 budget.

http://echa.europa.eu/view-article/-/journal_content/6e3d143d-6bd0-4c12-95d3-2c948a9c6f19

ECHA publishes an updated Guidance in a Nutshell on Requirements for Substances in Articles.

The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has published a new version of the Guidance in a Nutshell on Requirements for Substances in Articles.

The document is now available in the Guidance section of the ECHA website. http://echa.europa.eu/view-article/-/journal_content/736c79ad-0e07-4def-81a5-80620248f768

Updated QA on Inquiry and Substance Identification available

ECHA has updated the Questions and Answers on Inquiry and has augmented it with a new section on substance identification. The revised document covers several topics that have proven difficult for inquirers. This is one of many steps undertaken by ECHA to reduce the backlog of open inquiries.

http://echa.europa.eu/view-article/-/journal_content/a36b0b6e-32fa-40dc-9a67-96b8ad25a870

Survey on the impacts of REACH

ECHA invites businesses across the EU to participate in a survey about the impact of REACH on the market and the competitiveness of the European chemicals industry. The survey is conducted by the Centre for Strategy and Evaluation Services and the results will be part of the European Commission's review of the REACH Regulation

http://cses.co.uk/reach_survey

ECHA: REACH and CLP Regulations are working well

ECHA has published two unique reports - one on the operation of REACH and CLP and one on the use of alternatives to testing chemicals on vertebrate animals. These reports are legal requirements of the REACH Regulation.

http://echa.europa.eu/view-article/-/journal_content/57819962-e6bf-42a9-be76-cb172e0b5ccd

New EU Directive to prevent sharp injuries in the hospital and healthcare sector

Member States shall bring into force the laws, regulations and administrative provisions necessary to comply with this Directive or shall ensure that the social partners have introduced the necessary measures by agreement by 11 May 2013 at the latest.

Access the UK Health and Safety Executive section and good practice information on Prevention from sharp injuries at the workplace.

See www.hse.gov.uk/healthservices/needlesticks/eu-directive.htm