News from around the World

News Archive

August 2018

Response to new research on smoking on TV

A new study published on 13 August 2018 in the journal Tobacco Control [1] finds the smoking content on TV is unchanged from 2010 levels [2]. The research from the UK Centre for Tobacco and Alcohol Studies (UKCTAS) shows the smoking remains common across prime time viewing and during some of the most popular UK programming.

There is a proven link between exposure to smoking imagery and uptake of smoking among young people regardless of the context of that imagery [3].

ASH have called on regulators to step up their game to protect young people from exposure to this imagery [4].

Responding to the findings ASH Chief Executive Deborah Arnott said:

“The number of smokers in the UK has fallen significantly since 2010 yet this research finds smoking is just as common on our screens. Given the proven link to childhood smoking Ofcom and the BBFC, which regulate TV and films, need to take the necessary steps to warn parents of the risks and protect our children from the harmful effects of tobacco imagery.”

Action on Smoking and Health is a health charity working to eliminate the harm caused by tobacco use. For more information see: www.ash.org.uk/about-ash

ASH receives funding for its programme of work from Cancer Research UK and the British Heart Foundation.

References

[1] Tobacco Control https://tobaccocontrol.bmj.com

[2] Baker et al, A Content Analysis of Tobacco Content in UK Television, Tobacco Control, 13th August 2018

[3] Studies demonstrating a causal link:

• The National Cancer Institute. The Role of the Media in Promoting and Reducing Tobacco Use. Tobacco Control Monograph No. 19. US Department of Health and Human Services National Institutes of Health, 2008.
• U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Preventing Tobacco Use Among Youth and Young Adults: A Report of the Surgeon General. Atlanta, GA: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Office on Smoking and Health, 2012.
• U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The Health Consequences of Smoking: 50 Years of Progress. A Report of the Surgeon General. Atlanta, GA: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Office on Smoking and Health, 2014

[4] ASH / UKCTAS submission to the Science and Technology Committee: http://ash.org.uk/media-and-news/press-releases-media-and-news/commons-committee-warned-that-smoking-on-tv-and-in-films-is-encouraging-child-take-up

More fires and more fire deaths – yet Westminster continues to cut firefighter jobs

Firefighters dealt with more incidents, more fires and saw more fire deaths last year than for most of the last decade in England, yet the Westminster government continues to starve fire authorities of the central funding necessary to keep the public safe.

Fire deaths in England increased sharply last year, in part because of the terrible Grenfell Tower fire. Some 334 people are counted as fire deaths in England (including 71 rather than the actual 72 at Grenfell). This is the worst year for fire deaths since 2010-11.

Firefighters attended over 564,000 incidents overall in England, the most since 2011-12. Firefighters attended over 167,000 fires, also the most since 2011-12. This suggests that the long period of improvements in public safety has plateaued – with cuts the most likely explanation.

Since 2010, one-in-five firefighter jobs have been cut. In England, that is around 10,000 frontline firefighter jobs. That means fewer firefighters at the early stages of incidents, slower response times and greater risk to the public.

More information: www.fbu.org.uk/news/2018/08/09/more-fires-and-more-fire-deaths-%E2%80%93-yet-westminster-continues-cut-firefighter-jobs

6 in 10 workers say being snooped on by their boss fuels “distrust and discrimination”

6 in 10 working people fear that greater workplace surveillance through technology will fuel distrust (65%) and discrimination (66%), according to research for I’ll Be Watching You, a new TUC report published on 17 August 2018.

The study reveals that most UK workers (56%) believe they are currently monitored by their boss at work.

This can take a variety of forms such as:

• Monitoring internet use, keystrokes and through webcams
• Location tracking by handheld or wearable devices
• Recording time away from work tasks (for example timing toilet breaks)
• The use of facial recognition software to assess workers’ moods

Workers worry that this surveillance data will be used by bosses to set unfair targets, micromanage them and take away control and autonomy.

More information: https://www.tuc.org.uk/news/6-10-workers-say-being-snooped-their-boss-fuels-%E2%80%9Cdistrust-and-discrimination%E2%80%9D

ECHA (the European Chemicals Agency) News

https://echa.europa.eu/view-article/-/journal_content/title/echa-weekly-1-august-2018

Public consultation on the interface between chemical, product and waste legislation

The European Commission has launched a public consultation which builds upon its analysis of the interface in the Communication published in January 2018. Any interested party, including private citizens, companies, organisations and public authorities, are welcome to contribute. The questionnaire is available in 23 EU languages and comments can be submitted in any of those languages. The deadline for comments is 29 October 2018.

REACH: New substance evaluation conclusion published

One new conclusion document is now available for hexyl salicylate (EC 228-408-6; CAS 6259-76-3), added to the CoRAP list in 2012 and evaluated by the Netherlands.

REACH: Authorisations granted for uses of chromium trioxide

The European Commission has approved applications for a use of chromium trioxide (EC 215-607-8) by Clariant Produkte (Deutschland) GmbH and Topocrom GmbH. Review periods for both uses expire on 21 September 2029.

CLP: New proposals to harmonise classification and labelling

Three new proposals to harmonise the classification and labelling have been submitted by the United Kingdom for:

• trifloxystrobin (ISO); methyl (E)-methoxyimino-{(E)-α-[1-(α,α,α-trifluoro-m-tolyl)ethylideneaminooxy]-o-tolyl}acetate (EC -, CAS 141517-21-7);
• esfenvalerate (ISO); (S)-α-cyano-3-phenoxybenzyl (S)-2-(4-chlorophenyl)-3-methylbutyrate (EC -, CAS 66230-04-4); and
• ethametsulfuron-methyl (ISO); methyl 2-[(4-ethoxy-6-methylamino-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)carbamoylsulfamoyl]benzoate (EC -, CAS 97780-06-8).

Scientists warn of the health risks of getting too much sleep

Sleeping more than eight hours a night could increase the risk of premature death, according to a new study.

A study by researchers from Keele University, along with colleagues at the University of Manchester, the University of Leeds and the University of East Anglia, found that people who sleep for 10 hours a night were 30% more likely to die prematurely than those who slept for seven hours.

The report, which looked at 74 studies involving more than 3 million people also found that sleeping for more than 10 hours a day was linked to a 56% increased risk of dying from a stroke and a 49% increased risk of dying from cardiovascular disease.

The study also found that poor sleep quality was associated with a 44% increase in coronary heart disease.

More information: https://www.shponline.co.uk/scientists-warn-of-the-health-risks-of-getting-too-much-sleep

Global: Union warning on superbugs in the workplace

Global food and farming union IUF has issued new guidance on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) at work and says the problem must be “recognised as a workplace hazard”.

The union body says the development of ‘superbugs’ resistant to antibiotic treatment has emerged as a major global threat to public health, killing hundreds of thousands of people annually. Health authorities predict that without concerted action millions more may soon succumb to infections that are successfully treated today but whose carriers are mutating to defy prevention and treatment.

More information: https://www.tuc.org.uk/news/tuc-risks-860-04-august-2018#_Toc520964982

Millions missing out on legal holiday entitlement, warns UK TUC

A new TUC analysis has revealed that 1 in 12 UK workers are not getting their legal holiday entitlement.

The analysis estimates that 2.2 million employees are not getting the minimum paid leave entitlement to which they are entitled under a workplace safety law. Over half of this number (1.2 million) are not getting any paid leave at all. The analysis shows workers are losing out on nearly £3 billion worth of paid leave a year. The sectors in which workers are most likely to lose out are agriculture (14.9 per cent), mining and quarrying (14.7 per cent) and accommodation and food (13.9 per cent). The sectors with highest numbers of staff losing out are retail (348,000), education (342,000) and health and social care workers (291,000).

Working people are entitled to a statutory annual minimum of 28 days paid leave, pro rata and including public holidays, under the Working Time Regulations.

More information: https://www.tuc.org.uk/news/tuc-risks-860-04-august-2018#_Toc520964969

Event: Fire Protection and Safety in Tunnels (FPST) Conference

12-13 September 2018 (11 September 2018 – Workshop), Norway

Welcome to the 10th annual Fire Protection and Safety in Tunnels 2018 Conference that returns to Norway. This key industry event to showcase major innovations for designing, implementing and upgrading tunnel fire and safety projects. Marking our 10th year of running the prestigious event, we will be joined by global key speakers from organisations such as Transport for London, ASFINAG, Rotterdamsebaan, Metroselskabet and Roxel to name a few.

Why FPST?

Over 20 presenters will join us from across Europe and beyond to share insight on tunnel safety, these case studies illuminate best practice on reducing risk and managing fire when it occurs. The programme is mostly case study based to include the more interesting and leading projects across Europe.

The pre-conference day is solely focused on understanding the dynamic scope of tunnel construction and how this is influential in ensuring tunnel safety in case of incidents. The afternoon will start with interactive workshops that will showcase major projects whilst being interactive and solution-focused.

The conference days will also be full of networking opportunities allowing delegates the opportunity to share their experiences on a one-to-one basis. It will also enable delegates the chance to explore the latest technologies the industry has to offer, guaranteeing greater safety provisions are in place to minimize damage from fire-related incidents.

More information: www.arena-international.com/fpst

Event: HSE’s COSHH Training – Practical Assessment and Control

3-4 October 2018, Buxton, UK

This two-day course gives detailed and practical training on carrying out COSHH assessments and, crucially, putting the assessment into practice to control substances hazardous to health.

Many people tasked with COSHH assessments are unsure what is required or where to get information. Once the initial assessment is complete, they are often uncertain on how to approach control, and how to judge when control is adequate. This course aims to give that knowledge and those skills.

Day one covers assessing exposure and risk and includes case studies and the chance to work through examples Day two moves on to implementing exposure controls that are effective and reliable, and includes practical demonstrations. The focus for both days is on practicality and effectiveness.

The course will cover:

• Hazardous substances and risks from over exposure
• COSHH regulations and what they mean in practice
• Assessments and action plans
• Adequate control, understanding limits, the principles of good control practice
• Reducing exposure by process change and substitution
• Choosing and using effective LEV and RPE

More information: https://www.hsl.gov.uk/health-and-safety-training-courses/coshh-training---practical-assessment-and-control

Events: Human Factors Training

The objective of human factors is to design systems, jobs and organisations that match human capabilities. This helps you to maximise the safety, health and efficiency of your employees and work systems. HSL will work with you to optimise the interactions between your people, equipment and working environment.

By addressing the human factors elements that are relevant to your operation, you can:

• improve organisational performance by enhancing leadership, team culture and procedures
• achieve greater efficiency and productivity through better ergonomic design and physical work layout
• engage your employees in managing their own health and safety risks
• better manage sickness absences arising from, for example, manual handling issues, musculoskeletal disorders, stress and fatigue.

Training is offered on the following topics:

• Ergonomics
• DSE Risk Assessment
• Manual Handling for Assessors
• Upper Limb Disorders Risk Assessment of Repetitive Tasks
• Human Factors in Accident and Incident Investigations
• Behaviour Change: Achieving Health & Safety Culture Excellence
• Site and Transport Safety
• Slips and Trips – Falls Prevention
• Stair Assessment

Contact: HSL | https://www.hsl.gov.uk/training | Email: training@hsl.gsi.gov.uk | Tel: +44 (0)203 028 3704

Event: Managing Medical Emergencies at Sea – Risks and responses

30 October - 1 November 2018, Helsingør (Elsinore), Denmark

Medical emergencies aboard ships at sea pose a continuing risk to the life and health of seafarers. They also have adverse financial and operational consequences for ship operators. This course will consider how such risks can be prevented and mitigated, both by action in advance of an incident and by effective management of emergencies when they arise. Approaches to predicting and assessing the likelihood of medical emergencies will be presented. Methods for the critical analysis of the effectiveness with which they are managed will be discussed and evaluated. Risk assessment and risk management will be considered in an integrated way to enable participants to develop the skills for optimizing procedures within the maritime sector and thus ensuring safer working conditions for seafarers.

Main topics:

• the nature and diversity of risk in the maritime environment
• risk identification and assessment
• experience in risk management in the military/navy
• experience in risk management in the offshore industry
• the ethical considerations of risk management
• frequency and severity of medical emergencies at sea
• current regulatory arrangements and the realities of their implementation
• the changing role of telemedical advisory services
• medical evacuation – practicalities and difficulties
• the care of seafarers in port clinics and hospitals
• repatriation of seafarers after treatment
• communication and confidentiality
• the potential of maritime broadband in medical care at sea
• operational planning methods and examples
• reducing the impact of a medical emergency at sea

More information: https://niva.org/courses

Event: Excelling in Health and Safety Culture and Leadership

15 November 2018, Manchester, UK

The Health and Safety Laboratories (HSEL) have undertaken research in the field of health and safety leadership, which identifies it as requiring a distinct set of competencies. Drawing on their expertise as psychologists and human factors experts, this event will help you develop your understanding of these competencies.

Coupled with an understanding of what excellent health and safety culture looks like, this event will help you in driving a consistent approach to health and safety leadership within your business.

More information: https://www.hsl.gov.uk/health-and-safety-training-courses/excelling-in-health-and-safety-culture-and-leadership-the-way-forward

Event: 10th British Safety Council Annual Conference – Health and safety in uncertain times

14 November 2018, London, UK

There are significant challenges on the horizon for businesses in the UK. Through a combination of expert speaker presentations, case studies, workshops and thought leadership sessions we will answer questions such as:

• What does GDPR mean for maintaining accident records?
• How will Brexit affect health and safety in your business?
• How do we tackle wellbeing at work?

More information: https://www.britsafe.org/awards-and-events/events/conferences-and-workshops/2018/the-10th-british-safety-council-annual-conference-health-and-safety-in-uncertain-times

Event: The Future of Cannabis-based Medicine in UK Healthcare – The Potential Risks and Benefits of Reform

20 November 2018, Central London, UK

Emerging clinical research has provided evidence to support the claim that cannabis-based treatments can have therapeutic effects for sufferers of childhood epilepsy, Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, chronic pain and multiple sclerosis. Political momentum for legalisation is also mounting. A plethora of countries, including Germany, Israel, Australia and most recently Portugal, have legalised medical cannabis whilst Canada is set to become the first G7 nation to legalise recreational use of the substance. The World Health Organisation (WHO) publicly endorsed the drug’s medicinal qualities in 2017, recommending states review their approach to the scheduling of Cannabidiol (CBD) oil (who.int, 2017).

The Government have responded to renewed pressure to reconsider the statutory framework governing medicinal cannabis. In 2016 the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency recognised that “products containing Cannabidiol (CBD) used for medical purposes are a medicine.” Following recent high profile public campaigns organised by the parents of childhood epilepsy sufferers, Home Secretary Sajid Javid commissioned a 2018 review into the scheduling of cannabis-based treatments. On the 26th July 2018, the Home Office announced that cannabis-derived medicinal products should be placed in schedule 2 of the Misuse of Drugs Regulation 2001, the effect of which would be to formally acknowledge their therapeutic effects and enable clinicians to prescribe related cannabis-derived medicines.

More information: www.publicpolicyexchange.co.uk/events/IK20-PPE

Event: Ethics, the law and data protection in work and health

28 November 2018, London, UK

This is a joint meeting run between the Faculty of Occupational Medicine (FOM) and the Royal Society of Medicine (RSM).

This meeting has been put together due to the demand from RSM and FOM members and others, who give advice on health and work. This also includes a discussion on the interface between legal issues and professional ethics in the changing context for our practice.

The meeting will look into the updated guidance published by the GMC in 2017 on confidentiality and consent, including that relevant to employment, the publication of the updated guidance by the FOM on ethics in occupational health practice, and the introduction of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in May 2018, and the Data Protection Act 2018.

More information: https://www.rsm.ac.uk/events/OMM01

Event: Behaviour Change – Achieving Health and Safety Culture Excellence

5-6 December 2018, London, UK

On this course, participants will find out about how health and safety performance can be improved by implementing a behaviour change programme.

During this engaging 2-day workshop, delegates will learn how to use HSE’s ASCENT programme: Achieving Safety Culture Excellence Now and Tomorrow, as well as other strategies to help reduce the likelihood of risk taking behaviour for health and safety.

More information: https://www.hsl.gov.uk/health-and-safety-training-courses/behaviour-change-achieving-health--safety-culture-excellence---london

Event: HiAP 2019 – Delivering Health Equity Tackling Inequalities

1 May 2019, RSM, London

Due to the huge amounts of positive feedback received during and post the HiAP 2018 – A Strategy for Improving Population Health conference which took place on February 6th this year, Govconnect are proud to announce HiAP 2019 – Delivering Health Equity, Tackling Inequalities.

For those who were not in attendance at the inaugural conference or aware, Health in All Policies (HiAP) is an approach to policies that systematically and explicitly takes into account the health implications of the decisions we make; targets the key social determinants of health; looks for synergies between health and other core objectives and the work we do with partners; and tries to avoid causing harm with the aim of improving the health of the population and reducing inequity.

The HiAP 2019 conference will serve to provide help for local authority and NHS decision makers, sharing insight on how best to collate evidence, identify impacts, take action and prioritise interventions. It will provide all delegates with a number of pre-conference toolkits and practical solutions which can help them deliver immediate steps towards rebalancing the many societal and health related challenges they may face.

More information: http://hiap2019.govconnect.org.uk

Event: 6th EUROSHNET conference “Be smart, stay safe together – Innovative products and workplaces”

12-14 June 2019, Dresden/Germany

Digitalization is entering the world of work. Standardization processes are being strongly accelerated in order to keep pace with innovations. New types of certification are needed as products are increasingly connected to other products within dynamic and intelligent networks or sold as a package with services.

How can we react to these challenges and make products and workplaces fit for the future? EUROSHNET, the European network for occupational safety and health experts, invites you to discuss the changes, challenges and chances with a broad range of stakeholders from all over Europe.

Contribute and present your paper

Share your ideas and expectations and send us your abstracts addressing topics in the following areas:

• Innovative solutions in tackling risks
• Smart and new technologies and workers’ safety
• Standardization, testing and certification – keeping pace with change
• Future role of standardization, testing and certification in the European social system

Please submit your abstract by 15 October 2018 via the online form.

More information: https://www.euroshnet.eu/conference-2019

New ASH data reveals that youth use of e-cigarettes in Great Britain is very low

Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) today published new data which finds that youth (11-18 year-old) use of e-cigarettes in Great Britain is rare and largely confined to those that already smoke tobacco cigarettes [1]. The findings come from an annual YouGov survey, commissioned by ASH, which examines youth use of e-cigarettes in England, Wales and Scotland (Great Britain).

The data is released ahead of a major new report on e-cigarettes due to be published by the Science and Technology Select Committee later this week. The Committee has considered the impact of electronic cigarettes on health, the suitability of regulations and the implications of the growing market. Early analysis of this survey data was provided to the committee to support the inquiry.

The survey finds that regular use of e-cigarettes remains very low; just 2% of youths use e-cigarettes at least weekly while another 2% use them occasionally (once a month or less). There is a low level of experimentation with 12% of youths having tried e-cigarettes once or twice. Most youths haven’t tried e-cigarettes ever (76%) while 7% haven’t heard of them at all.

E-cigarette use amongst those that have never smoked is extremely low. Of the respondents that have never tried a tobacco cigarette: 87% also haven’t tried e-cigarettes, 7% are unaware of e-cigarettes, 5% have tried them just once or twice and less than 1% use them with any regularity.

Hazel Cheeseman, Director of Policy at ASH, said:

“There has been widespread concern that e-cigarettes will cause more young people to take up smoking but these fears are unfounded. Today’s data shows that despite some evidence of experimentation, regular use is rare and almost exclusively found among a declining number of children who smoke tobacco cigarettes.

The UK has robust regulation intended to protect children through limiting marketing and restricting sales of e-cigarettes. The good news is that this is working. The even better news is that youth smoking rates are at an all-time low.”

Use or experimentation with e-cigarettes increases with age; 3% of 11 year olds said they’ve tried an e-cigarette once or twice and this rises to 23% of 18 year olds. At least weekly use is 0% for 11 year olds increasing to 3% of 18 year olds.

The survey also finds that a growing proportion of young people incorrectly believe that e-cigarettes are as harmful as tobacco cigarettes. In 2013, 11% of respondents said e-cigarettes had ‘about the same’ level of harm as tobacco cigarettes and this has increased to 28% in 2018. The current best estimate is that e-cigarettes are at least 95% less harmful to your health than tobacco cigarettes, a figure which has been endorsed by Public Health England [2].

The latest ASH survey echoes the findings of a review of surveys covering 60,000 children across the UK, published last year. That study concluded that: “Surveys across the UK show a consistent pattern: most e-cigarette experimentation does not turn into regular use, and levels of regular use in young people who have never smoked remain very low.” [3]

Notes and Links:

Action on Smoking and Health is a health charity working to eliminate the harm caused by tobacco use. For more information see: www.ash.org.uk/about-ash

ASH receives funding for its programme of work from Cancer Research UK and the British Heart Foundation.

ASH staff are available for interview and have an ISDN line. For more information contact ASH on 020 7404 0242, or out of hours Hazel Cheeseman on 07754 358 593.

References:

[1] 2018 ASH Smokefree GB Youth Survey, Total sample size was 2,291 British youths aged 11-18. Fieldwork was undertaken between 28th February – 17th March 2018. The analysis of the survey can be downloaded via this link: http://ash.org.uk/download/use-of-electronic-cigarettes-among-children-in-great-britain

[2] McNeill A, Brose LS, Calder R, Bauld L & Robson D. Evidence review of e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products 2018. A report commissioned by Public Health England. London: Public Health England; 2018.

[3] Bauld L, MacKintosh AM, Eastwood B, Ford A, Moore G, Dockrell M, Arnott D, Cheeseman H, McNeill A. Young people’s use of e-cigarettes across the United Kingdom: findings from five surveys 2015–2017. International journal of environmental research and public health. 2017 Aug 29; 14(9): 973.

Lower concentration limit proposed for PAHs found in granules and mulches

The Netherlands has prepared a proposal to support a possible restriction to address the risks from eight polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) found in granules and mulches used in synthetic turf pitches, or in loose forms at playgrounds and other sports facilities.

The proposal, prepared by the Dutch National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) in cooperation with ECHA, states that the general concentration limits set under REACH for eight carcinogenic PAHs in mixtures are insufficient for protecting those who come into contact with the granules and mulches while playing at sports facilities and playgrounds.

In its assessment, RIVM looks at the human health risk for professional football players (including goalkeepers), children playing on the pitches and on playgrounds, as well as workers installing and maintaining the pitches and playgrounds.

More information: https://echa.europa.eu/-/lower-concentration-limit-proposed-for-pahs-found-in-granules-and-mulches

Contact Lens Health Week in the USA: 20-24 August 2018

The week of 20-24 August 2018 marks the fifth annual Contact Lens Health Week!

This year’s campaign theme “Healthy Habits Mean Healthy Eyes” encourages contact lens wearers to not sleep while wearing contacts.

This observance week aims to increase public awareness and promote healthy contact lens wear and care. Increasing awareness about the importance of proper contact lens hygiene can encourage contact lens wearers to adopt healthy habits that can help reduce their chances of getting an eye infection.

See below for an overview of the promotional opportunities and events to keep an eye out for this week!

https://www.cdc.gov/contactlenses/contact-lens-health-week.html

New MMWR Report: Case studies of six people who suffered from contact lens-related corneal infection linked to sleeping in lenses

CDC has released an article in Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) describing a case series of six people who suffered from contact lens-related corneal infection linked to sleeping in lenses.

Sleeping in contacts is one of the most frequently reported lens-related habits and is known to increase the risk for a serious eye infection 6 to 8 times.

Other reported habits in addition to sleeping while wearing lenses were swimming while wearing lenses and not replacing lenses and storage cases as often as recommended.

People who wear contact lenses can take simple steps to protect their eyes, such as talking to their doctors about not sleeping or swimming in lenses, and replacing lenses and storage cases when recommended.

https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/67/wr/mm6732a2.htm

Tattoo inks and permanent make-up

Tattoos are a popular form of body art – 12 % of Europeans have them. They are made by injecting coloured inks under the skin to leave a permanent design. The health risks of using dirty needles to inject the inks have already been under scrutiny for some time, but there may be chemical-related concerns to consider, too. Tattoo inks, as well as permanent make-up such as eyeliner inks, are a mix of several chemicals. As these chemicals may stay in the body for life, there is also the possibility for long-term exposure to the potentially harmful ingredients in tattoos and permanent make-up products. These chemicals may cause adverse health effects, but little is known about the consequences of their use.

What are tattoo inks and permanent make-up?

A tattoo is made by penetrating the outer layer of the skin with a needle and injecting ink into the area beneath to create a design. The top layer of skin – the epidermis – regenerates itself continuously, so to make a tattoo last, the ink is injected into the second, deeper layer of skin – the dermis.

Permanent make-up is similar to a tattoo, with the design aiming to resemble make-up.

Why is ECHA working on tattoo inks and permanent make-up?

Tattoo inks and permanent make-up may contain hazardous substances that are known or suspected to cause cancer, genetic mutations, toxic effects on reproduction, allergies or other adverse effects in animals or humans.

More information: https://echa.europa.eu/hot-topics/tattoo-inks

HSE to prosecute following 2011 explosion at Pembroke Refinery

The UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has just informed two companies they face prosecution following an incident at the Pembroke Refinery on 2 June 2011, which resulted in the deaths of four people and serious injuries to another.

Valero Energy UK Limited and B & A Contracts Limited are to face charges under Sections 2(1) and 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974. The charges relate to the deaths of Dennis Riley, Robert Broome, Andrew Jenkins and Julie Jones and major injuries to Andrew Phillips who were all working on the Amine Recovery Unit when an explosion and subsequent fire took place.

At the time of the incident the refinery was operated by Chevron Limited, but ownership changed in August 2011.

More information: http://press.hse.gov.uk/2018/hse-to-prosecute-following-2011-explosion-at-pembroke-refinery

History of Occupational Safety and Health website

In 2011, the NOSHC decided to take forward the History of Occupational Safety and Health project in order to create a suitable “map” of occupational safety and health information sources and materials from an historical point of view, with as many links to original texts as possible.

The website, www.historyofosh.org.uk launched to mark the World Day for Safety and Health at Work on 28 April 2014, is the result of that project. It is constantly updated. An amazing collection of information

New TUC analysis just published reveals that 1 in 12 UK workers are not getting their legal holiday entitlement

The analysis estimates that 2.2 million employees are not getting the minimum paid leave entitlement they are due. And over half of this number (1.2 million) are not getting any paid leave at all.

The analysis shows:

• Workers are losing out on nearly £3 billion worth of paid leave a year.
• 9.2% of female workers and 7.2% of male workers are losing out.
• The sectors in which workers are most likely to lose out are agriculture (14.9%), mining and quarrying (14.7%) and accommodation and food (13.9%).
• The sectors with highest numbers of staff losing out are retail (348,000), education (342,000) and health and social care workers (291,000).
• Working people are entitled to a statutory annual minimum of 28 days paid leave (pro rata and including public holidays).

The TUC says the main reasons people are missing out are:

• Workers being set unrealistic workloads that do not allow time to take leave.
• Employers deliberately denying holiday requests and managing out people’s leave.
• Employers not keeping up to date with the law.

More information: https://www.tuc.org.uk/news/1-12-workers-not-getting-legal-holiday-entitlement-warns-tuc

Stuck at the start: Young workers’ experiences of pay and progression

Young people are getting a raw deal at work. Low pay, few opportunities to progress and a feeling that nothing will change often dominate their working lives. But this is through no fault of their own. Many of the barriers facing young workers are structural and outside of their control.

This report identifies five issues that young workers face in getting ahead at work and makes recommendations to help.

More information: https://www.tuc.org.uk/research-analysis/stuck-start

Unite 2018 gender pay gap report

The report was prepared in line with the Equality Act 2010 (Gender Pay Gap Information) Regulations 2017 and Equality Act 2010 (Specific Duties and Public Authorities) Regulations 2017.

The report has been run on figures based on our 1216 employees and their pay based on the payroll figure of the union’s payroll at 05 April 2017.

More information: http://www.unitetheunion.org/unite-at-work/equalities/unite-2018-gender-pay-gap-report

High temperatures can be a major problem in the workplace

It can be an issue in some places, like foundries, all year round, and in others during the summer months when outside temperatures soar.

When the temperature rises too much then it can become a health and safety issue. If people get too hot, they risk dizziness, fainting, or even heat cramps. In very hot conditions the body’s blood temperature rises. If the blood temperature rises above 39 °C, there is a risk of heat stroke or collapse. Delirium or confusion can occur above 41 °C. Blood temperatures at this level can prove fatal and even if a worker does recover, they may suffer irreparable organ damage.

However even at lower temperatures heat leads to a loss of concentration and increased tiredness, which means that workers are more likely to put themselves or others at risk. High temperatures mean there is an increase in the likelihood of accidents due to reduced concentration; slippery, sweaty palms as well as an increase of discomfort of some personal protective gear which can result in reduced protection through inappropriate usage or non-usage.

Heat can also aggravate other medical conditions and illnesses such as high blood pressure or heart disease due to increased load on the heart as well as interacting with, or increasing the effect of other workplace hazards. Workers at greater risk of heat stress include those who are 65 years of age or older, are overweight, have heart disease or high blood pressure, or take medications that may be affected by extreme heat. In addition high temperatures are associated with a reduced sperm count and can be dangerous during pregnancy.

Scientific studies confirm that indoor temperature can significantly impact on productivity and the best performing ‘comfort zone’ lays between 22° C and 25° C. When the temperature went above that productivity fell. By 28° C there was already a 5% decrease, and the higher the temperature the lower the output.

At the same time working in the sun can, for many people, increase their risk of skin cancer, while the glare from the sun can be a problem for drivers and those working on roofs where roof lights can blend into the surrounding roof in bright sunlight.

It is usually accepted that people work best at a temperature between 16 °C and 24 °C, although this can vary depending on the kind of work being done. Strenuous work is better performed at a slightly lower temperature than office work. The Chartered Institute of Building Services Engineers recommends the following temperatures for different working areas:

• Heavy work in factories: 13 °C
• Light work in factories: 16 °C
• Hospital wards and shops: 18 °C
• Offices and dining rooms: 20 °C

More information: https://www.tuc.org.uk/resource/cool-it-reps-guide-dealing-high-temperatures-workplace

Five things you need to know about evacuating a tall building: Advice from Evac+Chair

As a health & safety manager, what should be top of your priorities when evacuating? Gerard Wallace, Managing Director at Evac+Chair, lists his ‘high five’.

Everyone is your responsibility

It is the employer’s or service provider’s responsibility to evacuate all people from a building in an emergency – that means it is no longer the responsibility of the fire service to facilitate the evacuation of non-domestic premises.

Neglect to prepare properly for evacuating employees, visitors, students or the mobility-impaired and you can be found guilty of failing to provide a duty of care which carries a charge of corporate manslaughter in workplace cases.

Who have you trained?

Evacuation procedures should be set in place along with designated, trained, team members who will assist those in need during the evacuation process. Those employees must undergo practical training in the operation of any evacuation equipment.

They should practice using this equipment when an evacuation drill takes place – at recommended six monthly intervals.

Keep an eye on your PEEP

Planning is essential, as is ensuring the needs of all employees, visitors and the mobility-impaired are identified. A Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan, known as a ‘PEEP’ or a ‘GEEP’ (General Emergency Evacuation Plan), must be devised by the relevant person responsible to comply with the Fire Safety Order.

Questions your PEEP needs to answer:

1. Can a wheelchair user be accommodated with emergency evacuation chairs?
2. How might my team transfer the wheelchair user into an emergency assistive device?
3. How do I establish if the wheelchair user is prepared to be evacuated?

All very simple questions that wouldn’t want to be addressed during the real event where the fire timeline is being eaten into by every deliberation.

Practice, practice and practice

The plan should be tested in regular drills, to ensure all staff involved are aware of the procedures and have received a copy of the relevant PEEP. When planning for an emergency in a public access building where mobility-impaired or people with disabilities have total access, a PEEP would be insufficient. The responsible person would need to devise a GEEP to accommodate the needs of everyone.

What about the vulnerable?

Evacuation chairs have proved to be the most efficient and user-friendly, enabling the operator and passenger to safely exit the building. Due to more than one person possibly needing assistance, other types of evacuation product may be required such as slide sheets, rescue mats or stretchers in addition to evacuation chairs.

All evacuation aids must be located in a designated refuge point which is specified in the buildings fire strategy. Each fire exit has to accommodate the able-bodied and mobility-impaired therefore all equipment has to be readily available and accessible at the refuge point.

Further information: https://www.safelincs.co.uk/evac-chair

Union concerns over toxic foam on film sets

Film and theatre crafts union BECTU is in talks with safety specialists about potential life-threatening health risks from a foam product used by film set construction workers. The union is responding to concerns raised by members about the short and long term effects of inhaling chemicals from the foam “due to incorrect usage and inadequate ventilation in workshops and on sets.”

Polyurethane foams contain diisocyanates, a group of chemicals that are a recognised and potent cause of occupational asthma. Once a worker becomes sensitised, minute exposures of even a few parts per billion can lead to an asthma attack.

Foams can off-gas dangerous diisocyanates after they appear to be ‘cured’, with dangerous contamination also remaining on the surface of the product.

More information: https://www.tuc.org.uk/news/tuc-risks-859-28-july-2018#_Toc520295907

Event: Findings of a recent review into ISO 50001

18 September 2018

On 18 September 2018, the Energy Institute (EI) in partnership with the BSI, will present the findings of a recent review into ISO 50001 and discuss how to ensure that the standard of the updated version meets the needs of an ever-changing energy industry.

ISO 50001 supports organisations in all sectors to use energy more efficiently, through the development of an energy management system.

There are limited spaces available, so book now to avoid disappointment.

More information: https://www.energyinst.org/whats-on/search/events-and-training?meta_eventId=61809A

Unite concern at Aberdeen school asbestos exposures

Warnings from union safety reps went unheeded before asbestos was disturbed at an Aberdeen school, Unite has said.

Concerns have been raised that workers may have exposed to the carcinogenic fibre at Bridge of Don Academy during holiday maintenance work. Asbestos materials were disturbed by building service workers during the removal of a corridor panel.

However, Unite says “it took a few working days for Aberdeen City Council’s own risk control team to be made aware of the suspected asbestos exposure situation. The area involved has now eventually been made safe a week after the incident and the materials removed for further examination.”

More information: https://www.tuc.org.uk/news/tuc-risks-859-28-july-2018#_Toc520295908

HSL Foresight Centre – emerging health and safety issues: Telescope looking out at horizon

The Health and Safety Laboratories (HSL) use horizon scanning, knowledge sharing and a range of futures activities to enable HSE and the broader health and safety system to anticipate and keep pace with change.

This year HSE’s Foresight Centre Report looks at the developments that may be coming in the UK’s approach to the generation, storage and use of energy. This is a timely consideration given the priority of reducing the carbon dependency of the UK’s energy supply and also the changing split of consumption between industry sectors.

HSE futures scenarios can be used in various ways, e.g. to test the plausibility of future changes and consider the potential impact on occupational safety and health in your organisation or area of interest.

Scenarios and summaries of topics selected by the horizon scanning process: Robot realities, Synthetic Biology, Rapid manufacturing, Towards Generation Z, the hydrogen economy

View all topic summaries: www.hse.gov.uk/horizons

Courageous quartet of UK Staffordshire drivers handed top health and safety honours

Four drivers from Staffordshire have been presented with prestigious health and safety awards, given only to those who have gone above and beyond to protect the wellbeing of others.

In an unprecedented first, four individuals from the same organisation have received RoSPA Archangel Awards – Stef Buckley, Vince Keeling, Paul Rowley and, in a special posthumous award, Robbie Forrester – in recognition of their outstanding acts of bravery performed while working for Wincanton on the company’s Screwfix contract.

Stef Buckley, of Cannock, was delivering to York when he heard a scream and saw a cyclist struck by a lorry. He rushed to the scene and found the woman had a significant leg injury. He managed to stop the bleeding and keep the cyclist conscious until the emergency services arrived. The cyclist was 16 weeks pregnant, and Stef later received news that the baby had survived, and that medical teams were able to save the cyclist’s injured leg.

While on the A1, Vince Keeling, of Leek, came across an overturned HGV. Vince stopped his own vehicle and climbed up the overturned cab to get inside. He found the driver unconscious and remained with him, taking care of him until the emergency services arrived. The driver had suffered a suspected heart attack. Vince went above beyond to help protect the life of a complete stranger.

While driving to work on the A34, Paul Rowley, of Stoke-on-Trent, spotted someone lying at the side of the road. He called the emergency services and the paramedic gave guidance over the phone on what first aid action to take. The individual had suffered a stroke and the emergency services advised that Paul’s actions had helped to save the person’s life.

Robbie Forrester, who lived in Stafford, was on the M40 when he met a damaged car facing the wrong way in the middle lane. The driver was clearly in shock, and was posing a risk to himself as he was trying to put up a warning triangle in the live carriageway. Robbie manoeuvred his truck and trailer, protecting the man from the traffic. While doing this, he also found a woman lying in the middle of road, with cars still driving around her. The emergency services arrived and took control. The driver of the car contacted Robbie’s depot to express gratitude for his quick thinking. His partner – who had been found on the road – made a full recovery, having been sheltered from further injury.

The four were celebrated at a gala dinner at Birmingham’s Hilton Metropole on Thursday, July 5. Sadly, Robbie passed away at the end of 2016, so his award was collected by Claire Bowden, who nominated the quartet, on his behalf.

More information: https://www.rospa.com/media-centre/press-office/press-releases/detail/?id=1584

Heatwave: ‘Keep out of the sun’, says Met office

A heat health watch has been issued by the UK Met Office and people are being advised to ‘stay out of the sun’ for the remainder of this week as temperatures soar.

The Trades Union Congress (TUC) has called on bosses to keep workplaces cool and relax dress codes to allow staff to work as comfortably as possible. Staff should also be allowed to work flexible hours, to avoid the sweltering conditions on public transport during the rush hour commute.

TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady said: “It’s no fun working in a baking office or factory and employers should do all they can to take the temperature down.”

The National Farmers Union has said that livestock farmers are using water rations and has warned that many crops are ‘parched to the bone’.

Santon Downham in Suffolk recorded temperatures of 33.3 °C on Monday, making it the hottest day of the year so far. The HSE warns that ‘too much sunlight is harmful to your skin’.

It’s the third time this year that the level 3 alert has been reached in England. It is put in place when temperatures are expected to hit 30 °C during the day and 15 °C during the night, for at least two consecutive days.

Working in conjunction with Public Health England, the Met office has set up a Heat Health Watch for health and care workers be prepared to keep people safe.

A Met Office Spokesperson said: “We advise people to take care in the sun. Either by staying out of the sun or being sensible and not going out in the strongest sunshine hours, 11 am to 3 pm, where possible.”

Event: Mental Health 2018 – Delivering the Five year Forward View for the UK

19 September 2018, Royal Society of Medicine, London

The independent UK Mental Health Taskforce published its Five Year Forward View in February 2016 which set out the current state of mental health service provision in England and made recommendations in all service areas.

In July 2016, NHS England published an Implementation Plan detailing how it will deliver the recommendations made by the Taskforce working with its partner arms-length bodies. The Plan presents the timeframes and funding for delivery of the programmes of work which will transform mental health services.

Mental Health 2018 – Delivering the Five year Forward View is an opportunity to consider progress of the Implementation Plan and monitor progress on its commitments to transform mental health services.

http://mentalhealth2018.govconnect.org.uk

Event: The Next Steps for Building Regulations and Fire Safety

25 September 2018, Central London

The recent Hackitt Review concluded that the current framework for building regulations and fire safety is not fit for purpose. The reforms that are due to follow will have a huge impact on how Fire and Rescue Services and other partners operate. Headline measures include a stronger regulatory framework and a shift in culture across the sector.

Attend this Westminster Briefing to hear from Dame Judith Hackitt on her review’s findings. Book by Friday this week for a discount on all bookings.

Key Issues to be addressed:

• Findings from the Hackitt Review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety
• Government reforms to fire safety standards and building regulations
• Ensuring individuals are suitably qualified and embedding competency throughout the system
• The impact of reforms on local authorities, fire services and the construction industry
• Taking immediate action to check buildings and remedy any problems
• Ensuring that local authorities and fire services work effectively in partnership
• Changing cultures and behaviours to ensure safety for occupants

Website and event details: http://www.westminster-briefing.com/Building-Regulations-Fire-Safety

Event: Fire and Blast Information Group – 96th Technical Meeting: Developments in Fire & Explosion Engineering for a Hydrogen Economy

26 & 27 September 2018

This FABIG Technical Meeting is organised in partnership with the consortium of the EU-funded research project HySEA (Improving Hydrogen Safety for Energy Applications through prenormative research on vented deflagrations), the results of which will be presented during the first session of this event.

The main objective of HySEA was to conduct pre-normative research on vented hydrogen deflagrations so as to provide recommendations for European and international standards on hydrogen explosion venting mitigation systems. Experiments performed in containers and smaller enclosures comprising obstacles have been used to develop and validate engineering models, computational fluid dynamics tools and finite element methods.

Please register for the event online at www.fabig.com/events

Event: Workshop on the Chemistry Data Requirements for Biocides Regulated under Regulation 528/2012

3 October 2018, York, UK

HSE’s Chemicals Regulation Division (CRD) is running a one-day workshop aimed at providing training on data requirements for the EU approval of biocide products regarding the physicochemical properties and methods of analysis under Regulation EU 528/2012. The event will also include a discussion on novel guidance that is available for specific biocidal products and active substances such as Biocide Product Families, carriers and in situ generated active substances.

The aim of the event will be to provide training and updated guidance via a series of presentations and practical sessions. The workshop is designed for technical and registration specialists involved in the preparation and submission of biocide dossiers to CRD.

The course will cover:

• Overview of the data requirements for products and specific issues with different product types
• Novel areas of guidance available for biocide active substances and products including; Biocide Product Families, carriers and in situ generated active substances
• Identity of the chemical active substance including technical equivalence
• Classification and labelling
• Methods of analysis for the technical material, formulations and residues monitoring

More information: www.hsl.gov.uk/crd

Full report on Building Safety & Security Workshop now available

Last month, the USA NFPA hosted the Building Safety and Security (BS&S) Workshop, which brought together a diverse group of stakeholders to address targeted violence issues, and to collectively prioritize the next layers of “security safety” to be written into codes, planning documents, and related outreach materials.

Over two days of lively debate and discussion, participants reviewed the current building, life safety, and fire code provisions for elements such as egress and systems design, then identified new solutions, strategies, and building features. They were further asked to identify priority solutions to integrate, balance, and blend security-related goals and objectives into the range of built environment regulations.

More information: https://community.nfpa.org/community/nfpa-today/blog/2018/06/28/full-report-on-building-safety-security-workshop-now-available

NFPA 921: Guide for Fire and Explosion Investigations

NFPA 921 sets the bar for scientific-based investigation and analysis of fire and explosion incidents. Referenced in the field, in training, and in court, it is the foremost guide for rendering accurate opinions as to incident origin, cause, responsibility, and prevention. It is intended for use by both public sector employees who are responsible for fire investigation and private sector professionals who conduct investigations for insurance companies or litigation purposes.

More information: https://catalog.nfpa.org/NFPA-921-Guide-for-Fire-and-Explosion-Investigations-P1386.aspx?icid=D729

UK Agriculture fatality figures released for 2017/18

The agricultural industry still has the highest rate of fatal injury in Great Britain according to the latest statistics.

Released on the first day of Farm Safety Week, HSE’s annual agricultural fatal injury statistics have revealed that a total of 33 deaths were recorded in the sector between March 2017 and April 2018.

Twenty-nine agricultural workers were killed at work and an additional four members of the public were also killed on farms – two of them children.

HSE’s website provides useful information and guidance on health and safety in agriculture.

More information: http://press.hse.gov.uk/2018/hse-releases-annual-agriculture-fatality-figures

Event: 36th Annual Conference and Exhibition of the Australian Institute of Occupational Hygienists (AIOH)

1-5 December 2018, The Crown Conference Centre, Southbank, Melbourne, Australia

The conference will continue to provide opportunities for professional development on a wide range of traditional and trending occupation hygiene topics through Continuing Education Sessions, Presentations from International and National Speakers, Exhibitors showcasing products and services and Social programs and activities.

More information: https://www.aioh.org.au/events-public/aioh-2018-conference

Lorry driving in crisis due to health, age and skills problems

A severe shortage of skilled UK lorry drivers is being fuelled by a combination of health problems, an ageing workforce and a failure to recruit younger workers and will damage the economy, the union Unite has warned.

It said the average age of large goods vehicle (LGV) drivers has increased from 45.3 years in 2001 to 48 in 2016. The union added that levels of injury and ill-health are ‘incredibly high’ for the transportation and storage sector, which includes lorry drivers. Unite points to research that it says found LGV driving, particularly long-haul – over 250 miles from base – is an ‘occupational detriment’ due to excessive anti-social working hours and unhealthy lifestyles. Related health effects include obesity, high blood pressure, poor diet, lack of exercise, lack of sleep and disturbed sleep and stress.

This leads to diabetes, sleep apnoea and cardiovascular disorders, the union said, adding these disorders are also linked to an increased risk of accidents. The health problems associated with driving could be a contributory factor in drivers falling asleep at the wheel, it said. In April this year a confidential survey by Unite of its HGV drivers found that 29 per cent admitted having fallen asleep at the wheel of a lorry.

More information: https://www.tuc.org.uk/news/tuc-risks-857-14-july-2018-1#_Toc519160776

Offshore cost- and corner-cutting risks another Piper Alpha

The UK government and regulators must do more to protect the safety of oil and gas employees, who have been under pressure since a downturn in the North Sea industry in 2014, offshore unions have said.

The message came on the 30th anniversary of the Piper Alpha oil rig tragedy in which 167 rig workers died. There were only 61 survivors when the oil rig exploded off the coast of Scotland on 6 July 1988. Pat Rafferty, Unite’s Scottish secretary, said: “The tragedy, which Lord Cullen blamed on inadequate maintenance and safety procedures by the operator Occidental, should have led to significant changes in the oil and gas sector that would protect workers in the future and make the industry safer. Instead 30 years on, we have witnessed an industry that is driven increasingly by cost reductions, with corners and jobs being cut to save money.”

More information: https://www.tuc.org.uk/news/tuc-risks-857-14-july-2018-1#_Toc519160781

Strike action will shut oil and gas offshore platforms

There will be a series of strike days on North Sea oil and gas platforms operated by Total E&P, over concerns including a gruelling work rota linked to much higher rates of ill-health, Unite has said.

The union says that following the ‘overwhelming mandate’ for industrial action, from 23 July there will be a series of 24-hour and 12-hour stoppages on the Alwyn, Dunbar and Elgin platforms, all of which will be forced to cease production. There will also be a continuous ban on overtime. Unite said the dispute concerns the company’s wage review and its plans to force workers to increase their offshore working time. A report by Robert Gordon University identified that workers on three-week, equal-time rotas were nearly twice as likely to experience ill-health as those on two-on-two-off shifts. The three on/three off rota pattern is now worked by 56 per cent of the workforce offshore, compared with just 17 per cent working this pattern in 2007.

More information: https://www.tuc.org.uk/news/tuc-risks-857-14-july-2018-1#_Toc519160782

Health warning on new Brexit secretary Raab

The new Brexit secretary poses a ‘direct and immediate threat’ to workers’ rights and safety, GMB has warned.

Dominic Raab previously called for Britain to use negotiations with the European Union to scrap workers’ rights. Raab, who was appointed to lead the UK’s negotiations to leave the EU after David Davis resigned last week, authored a paper calling for opt-outs from EU employment regulations, including those that guarantee employees time off and limit the number of hours staff can be made to work. He also opposed rules that give long-term agency workers the same rights as full-time staff, and those that stop people being sacked if their company changes owner.

In a 2011 report for the right-wing Centre for Policy Studies, Raab argued the UK’s Working Time Regulations, based on an EU directive, should be scrapped. These safety regulations restrict the number of hours an employee can be forced to work to 48 hours a week. They also guarantee at least one day off a week, a minimum of four weeks’ paid annual leave a year. He wrote: “Britain should secure a total opt-out from the working time directive and scrap the UK regulations, ensuring that this costly, anti-jobs legislation cannot cause further damage to the economy.” He added said it should be made easier for companies to sack “underperforming” employees.

More information: https://www.tuc.org.uk/news/tuc-risks-857-14-july-2018-1#_Toc519160785

Work-related deaths continue to rise

Work-related deaths are continuing to rise, latest official statistics show. Provisional figures released this week by the Health and Executive (HSE) reveal fatalities at work increased to 144 in 2017/18, up from 135 the year before. HSE conceded the long-term decline in work-related fatalities dating back to 1981 has ended, “and the number has remained broadly level in recent years.”

According to TUC head of safety Hugh Robertson: “One of the most striking figures was that 40 per cent of fatal injuries in 2017/18 were to workers aged 60 or over, even though such workers made up only around 10 per cent of the workforce. Agriculture had a fatality rate 18 times that of the average and the figure for waste and recycling was 16 times the rate of other industries. Construction continued to have the highest number of fatalities.” The figures are incomplete, with HSE admitting its “fatal injury figures do not include fatal accidents on non-rail transport systems or work-related deaths from fatal diseases.” Neither do they include work-related suicides. Evidence suggests work-related transport and suicide deaths each year cause several times more deaths than those included in the HSE’s official fatality total. HSE also published figures on deaths from one occupational cancer.

More information: https://www.tuc.org.uk/news/tuc-risks-857-14-july-2018-1#_Toc519160785

ECHA: Study identifies key parameters for carrying out reliable market studies on nanomaterials

A study commissioned by the European Union Observatory for Nanomaterials (EUON) has reviewed data sources, methods and parameters for carrying out market studies on nanomaterials in the EU.

Market studies can contribute to increased transparency about nanomaterials, their uses and their market trends. Based on the review of a number of existing market studies and further data sources, the study identified a set of basic parameters for producing reliable market studies on nanomaterials. Additional parameters were also determined for comprehensive studies that take into account more variables and interactions.

More information: https://echa.europa.eu/-/study-identifies-key-parameters-for-carrying-out-reliable-market-studies-on-nanomaterials

TUC urges bosses to keep workplaces cool

As soaring temperatures prompted the Met Office to issue a heat health warning this week, the TUC has called on employers to keep indoor workplaces cool and relax dress codes so staff can work as comfortably as possible.

The union body says bosses can help their workers through simple measures. It says firms can move staff away from windows, install ventilation or air cooling, or open windows where safe and possible. Relaxing dress codes can also help workers cope. And flexible working could allow workers to dodge the hottest parts of the day or a sweltering commute. Frequent breaks and a ready supply of cold drinks will help staff stay comfortable too. The TUC warns that high temperatures can lead to sickness, a lot of concentration, and slippery, sweaty palms – all of which can increase risks at work. And overheating workers, faced with a choice between heat stress and other hazards, may feel they have to ditch uncomfortable safety gear.

More information: https://www.tuc.org.uk/news/tuc-risks-859-28-july-2018#_Toc520295905