News from around the World

News Archive

February 2020

Coronavirus (COVID-19): Latest information and advice

Coronaviruses are mainly transmitted by large respiratory droplets and direct or indirect contact with infected secretions. They have also been detected in blood, faeces and urine and, under certain circumstances, airborne transmission is thought to have occurred from aerosolised respiratory secretions and faecal material.

As coronaviruses have a lipid envelope, a wide range of disinfectants are effective. Personal protective equipment (PPE) and good infection prevention and control precautions are effective at minimising risk but can never eliminate it.

As COVID-19 has only been recently identified, there is currently limited information about the precise routes of transmission. Therefore, this guidance is based on knowledge gained from experience in responding to coronaviruses with significant epidemic potential such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (SARS-CoV).

COVID-19 is classified as an airborne high consequence infectious disease (HCID) in the UK.

More information: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/wuhan-novel-coronavirus-infection-prevention-and-control/wuhan-novel-coronavirus-wn-cov-infection-prevention-and-control-guidance

Brexit – Transition period: Message from the UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE)

The UK has now left the EU. The transition period is in place while the EU and UK negotiate new arrangements for a trade deal. It will end on 31 December 2020.

Your responsibility to protect the health and safety of people affected by your work activities remain the same during the transition period.

The guidance health and safety made simple: the basics for your business, will help you to comply with the law.

You should continue to manage risk in your business in a proportionate way.

More information: https://www.hse.gov.uk/brexit

Event: Alternative Assessment and Substitution of Dangerous Substances at Workplaces

21-23 April 2020, Helsinki Congress Paasitorni, Finland

Substitution of many dangerous substances can be easier when you know the basic concepts of alternative assessment and substitution. This course introduces these principles and the available tools to support the substitution of hazardous substances at workplaces.

Main topics:

The course covers the following topics:

• Substitution in the regulation
• The substitution process
• Identification of hazardous chemical agents at work
• How and where to identify alternatives
• Alternatives assessment
• Cost assessment

More information: https://niva.org/course/alternative-assessment-and-substitution-of-dangerous-substances-at-work-places

Event: CompeTank: EEMUA TankAssessor course

20-24 April 2020, near Macclesfield, UK

4½ day training course delivered in English, to enable participants to:

• Gain an understanding of the design, material and fabrication aspects of tank construction with respect to repair or restrictions of use after degradation in service.
• Understand the principles, output and limitations of inspection methods and techniques.
• Be able to make a sound assessment of the integrity of a storage tank and foundation, and offer guidance on the need for repair, its urgency and methods of effecting such repair.

More information: https://www.eemua.org/tni/Calendar/TankAssessor/2020/UK/April/TankAssessor-Apr-2020.aspx

Event: Forthcoming FABIG Technical Meetings in Australia and the UK to be held in the first half of 2020

Following are the dates & topics of the forthcoming FABIG Technical Meetings to be held in Australia and the UK in March and June 2020:

• The next Technical Meeting is a half-day Australian event, which will cover ‘Hazards Associated with the Use of Alternative Fuels’ and will be held on 4th March 2020 in Perth, Australia.
• The first UK Technical Meeting of 2020 will be a half-day event covering ‘Fire & Explosion Hazards from Renewable Technology’ and will be held on 25th March in Aberdeen, UK and 26th March in London, UK & via Webcast.
• Finally, the UK Technical Meeting to be held in June will be a half-day event providing an ‘Update on Current Experimental Research on Hydrogen’ and will be held on 24th June in Aberdeen, UK and 25th June in London, UK & via Webcast.

They are still looking for additional presentations for the forthcoming UK Technical Meetings, so please contact fabig@steel-sci.com if you or one of your colleagues would like to present at these events.

The above Technical Meetings are already listed in the Events section of the FABIG website, and their respective programmes will be made available as soon as possible.

Event: African occupational health and safety technologies conference

20-22 May 2020, Emperors Palace, Johannesburg, South Africa

This highly developed conference will be hosted by Bussynet Advanced Trading. The program is fully packed with highly qualified and experienced speakers. The gathering aims to educate, inform and motivate all attendees. The event offers participants unmatched expertise, superior connections, deep analysis and fresh perspectives on Occupational Health and Safety.

This year’s conference will dive deeper into the benefits of using technological applications in keeping workers safe, especially in heavy industrial complexes and mining environments where safety practices are literally the difference between life and death.

Besides, with the climate threat now apparent for all – with the fires destroying whole forests in North and South America as well as Australia – they will explore what corporations can do to help keep their surrounding environments safe for the whole ecosystem. Sustainable growth by corporations is becoming more urgent by the day, as corporate are required to live in harmony with their surrounding nature.

Among other topics, this year, they will focus on the following:

• Virtual reality in OHS
• Wearable safety and health technology
• Safety and Health technologies for sedentary jobs
• Predictive health and safety technology
• Sustainability and the quest for zero harm in industries
• Latest in safety and health requirements and the law
• The future of work and implications for employee wellness

They will also discuss industries most vulnerable to OHS risk, and how they can high standards for health and safety in their respective fields; the conference offers an opportunity to discuss key developments, skills and training and lessons learned – all of which are needed for continuous, industry-wide improvement.

It also offers an opportunity for leading practitioners in Health and Safety to come together to network with fellow industry peers and learn from and exchange ideas with those driving change and improvement throughout the sector.

More information: https://www.bussynet.co.za

Event: New ‘Protecting Welders’ Health Seminar

19 March 2020, Manchester, UK

Register for free BOHS Breathe Freely in Manufacturing breakfast seminar in Manchester

BOHS, the Chartered Society for Worker Health Protection, has announced details of its programme of free morning seminars focusing on the prevention of occupational lung disease in the manufacturing sector, especially amongst those carrying out welding tasks.

These events are brought to you by the Breathe Freely in Manufacturing campaign and Plymovent in a variety of locations across the UK, including Manchester on the 19 March 2020. The campaign has been raising awareness about occupational lung disease in manufacturing since 2017 in partnership with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), Make UK (former EEF, the manufacturers’ organisation), TWI, TUC, JCB, Toyota and BAE Systems.

The roadshows are being presented at a time of growing synergy in collective efforts to tackle life-threatening lung diseases caused by exposures to welding fume.

Who should attend?

Anyone who needs to keep abreast of these changes, and in particular people with health and safety roles in the manufacturing industry and those responsible for managing welders and protecting workers’ health should attend.

What will the sessions offer?

• An outline of the problems – and solutions – around the respiratory health of welders in manufacturing, by leaders in worker health protection
• Free materials: Speakers will explain the Breathe Freely in Manufacturing campaign and guide delegates in the use of the free resources and tools available.
• Best practice: Industry professionals will present examples and case studies showcasing best practice in the manufacturing sector.
• Showcase of the Welding Fume Control Selector Tool: This free online tool allows users to select the optimum welding fume control solution for regular welding tasks
• A chance to network: The roadshows will provide an opportunity to network with other industry professionals with the exchange of perspectives, knowledge and expertise.
• A hearty breakfast: The sessions will kick off with baps, coffee and tea.
• Cost: Free of charge.

More information: https://www.breathefreely.org.uk/manufacturingroadshows.html

Event: Northern Ireland Fire Industry Conference

23 April 2020, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK

As part of the FIA’s Northern Ireland Week, the FIA host their very first Northern Ireland Fire Industry Conference (NIFIC).

The Northern Ireland Fire Industry Conference will take place on Thursday, 23 April 2020 at the Titanic Centre in Belfast, a monument to Belfast’s maritime heritage on the site of the former Harland & Wolff shipyard in the city’s Titanic Quarter where the RMS Titanic was built. In today’s competitive and ever-changing industry, it is now more important than ever to keep up to date with the latest industry developments, which is why this conference serves as an opportunity to all fire industry stakeholders. Aimed at all individuals already working in the fire trade; whether that be: maintenance, installing, commissioning, designing, portable extinguishers, extinguishing systems or fire risk assessment and also those looking to move into the industry, the FIA’s NIFIC agenda should appeal to all.

The NIFIC will commence at 08:30 with registration and finish at 16:15. This content-rich conference has a whole host of varied and important topics to engage with. Here is a selection of topics, starting with a discussion around competency which is currently the most important word in the industry. Followed by two seminars on BS 5839-1: 2017 and its equally important counterpart BS 5839-6. This serves an opportunity to better understand what has been our iconic guidebook for decades; they are both recognised as being at the forefront of every decision made on the: design, installation, commissioning and maintenance of fire detection and alarm systems. Just before the buffet lunch, you can hear from businesses who are behind a selection of industry changing innovations.

In the afternoon, NIFIC will cover all the transformational recommendations and changes that will come from the Dame Judith Hackitt’s ‘Building a Safer Future: Independent Review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety’. The conference will then explore a variety of the FIA’s research projects where we have collaborated with our members and other organisations to discover meaningful insights into the industry.

The FIA is proud to announce that the NIFIC will be free to attend for all delegates and that all seminars that take place will count towards your Continuing Professional Development (CPD) hours.

The FIA is a not-for-profit trade association promoting professional standards in the UK fire safety industry.

The Association was formed in April 2007 out of a merger between two longstanding and well-respected trade associations, FETA (Fire Extinguishing Trade Association) and BFPSA (British Fire Protection Systems Association). The FIA is ‘owned’ by its members, which means that they are answerable to and representative of their members.

More information: https://www.fia.uk.com/event-listing/northern-ireland-week.html

Almost 1 million on zero hours contracts after massive rise

GMB has expressed outrage after new figures show almost 1 million are on zero hours contracts after a sharp rise.

In total, 974,000 people were employed on zero hours contracts at the end of 2019, the ONS reported on Tuesday, 18 February 2020. This represents an increase of 130,000 (or 15.4 per cent) compared to the same point last year. The latest total is the highest figure on record. Young workers were much more likely to be employed on zero hours contracts – 9.1 per cent of workers aged under 25, compared to 3 per cent of all workers.

GMB is campaigning for contracts that do not guarantee a minimum number of hours to be scrapped, in line with policies enacted in the Republic of Ireland and New Zealand.

More information: https://www.gmb.org.uk/news/almost-1-million-zero-hours-contracts-after-massive-rise

REACH News from ECHA

February 2020 – Issue 1

In this issue:

• New year, new building, new work
• Keeping harmful chemicals out of baby nappies
• Make sure your chemical safety report is complete – we’ll start to check in April 2020
• Working towards one global IUCLID
• Users of NMP – how to comply with the restriction
• Inconsistent classification and labelling of mixtures – companies need to improve
• Speeding up the biocides active substance Review Programme
• Cleaning up Europe’s act with the SCIP database
• Guest Column: EUCLEF – helping companies navigate through the legislative maze in the EU

https://newsletter.echa.europa.eu/home/-/newsletter/1/2020

Coronavirus fears leave seafarers captive on board

Seafarers who have visited Chinese ports are being barred from leaving their ships by countries fearing the spread of the coronavirus, UK seafarers’ union Nautilus has been told by a union whistleblower.

A seafarer needs “off-signing” when they come to the end of their contract on a vessel and before they are allow a crew transfer and transport home.

Nautilus says seafarers refused off-signing by a disembarkation country could be stuck onboard for many additional weeks, or months, depending on the vessel’s schedule and disembarkation port. Crew could face an additional 14 days onboard when arriving at Singapore from China, or an additional 30 days onboard when seeking to disembark at Qatar after leaving China, for example.

More information: https://www.tuc.org.uk/news/risks-934-15-february-2020#_Toc32570271

As storms hit, spare a thought for the workers

Rail, maritime and transport union RMT and firefighters’ union FBU have highlighted the essential and under-appreciated role of the workers keeping Britain safe and mobile through ‘atrocious’ storm conditions.

Commenting on 9 February as Britain was battered by Storm Ciara and as Storm Dennis loomed, RMT general secretary Mick Cash said: “RMT members on rail and ferries are reporting the most atrocious working conditions today and they are out their battling the elements right at the front line protecting public safety and doing whatever possible to keep services running. They are unsung heroes each and every one of them.”

More information: https://www.tuc.org.uk/news/risks-934-15-february-2020#_Toc32570272

Dismay at government go slow on shop violence

Shopworkers’ trade union Usdaw has said it is ‘disappointed’ at the government’s foot-dragging response on the protection of retail workers, saying ‘words alone’ aren’t enough.

Usdaw general secretary Paddy Lillis, commenting after a 11 February 2020 Westminster Hall debate secured by Mike Amesbury, the Labour MP for Weaver Vale, said: “Eight months ago, alongside a broad range of retail employers, we responded to the Home Office ‘call for evidence’ and jointly called for action to tackle this growing problem.

Even in the time since the Home Office ‘call for evidence’ closed, our surveying suggests that around 100,000 shopworkers have been assaulted. So it is welcome that the government is finally going to publish their response next month, but we remain concerned at the pace of progress. They need go much further much faster to address this ongoing, growing and pressing problem.”

More information: https://www.tuc.org.uk/news/risks-934-15-february-2020#_Toc32570273

‘Toxic’ school environments bad for mental health

Excessive demands on education staff and the poor working practices they endure in schools and colleges are helping create a ‘toxic’ work environment, the teaching union NEU has said.

The union, commenting on a working paper published in late January 2020, said the combination is leading to mental ill-health among both teachers and support staff.

The study, funded by the Nuffield Foundation, is the first to examine the mental health and wellbeing of teachers in England over three decades, based on data from more than 20,000 staff. It found that around 5 per cent of teachers are suffering long-lasting mental health problems, up from just 1 per cent in the 1990s, and there has been a similar increase in prescribed antidepressant medication.

More information: https://www.tuc.org.uk/news/risks-934-15-february-2020#_Toc32570275

Criminal charges possible over Grenfell – inquiry chair

Those involved in the refurbishment of Grenfell Tower are facing possible charges of fraud and conspiracy to defraud, according to the chair of the public inquiry into the disaster that claimed 72 lives.

Sir Martin Moore-Bick has told the attorney general, Geoffrey Cox, that during forthcoming hearings examining the marketing of the combustible cladding and insulation that spread the fire, witnesses are “very likely” to be asked to discuss issues involving potential fraud offences. The inquiry had already heard that witnesses could face criminal prosecution under the Health and Safety at Work Act and in some cases could be charged with manslaughter or corporate manslaughter.

The Guardian reports that Moore-Bick revealed the possibility of fraud charges in an application to Cox for an undertaking that witnesses’ oral evidence would not be used against them in criminal proceedings, a call described as ‘outrageous’ by the union Unite.

More information: https://www.tuc.org.uk/news/risks-934-15-february-2020#_Toc32570277

USA: Industry wide silica clampdown begins

As the US government’s respirable crystalline silica (RCS) standard takes full effect, its safety regulator OSHA has beefed up its National Emphasis Program (NEP) to ensure compliance with the new, more stringent exposure standard.

The new standard, originally introduced in general industry, has also now taken full effect in the maritime and construction industries. The 0.05 mg/m³ exposure standard is twice as stringent the current UK standard of 0.1 mg/m³ and six times more protective for the lung-destroying dust disease silicosis.

Silica exposure is also linked to lung cancer and lung, kidney and autoimmune diseases and other chronic health conditions. OSHA’s area offices are now tasked with curating a randomised list of employers for targeted inspections. Before initiating programmed inspections in accordance with the NEP, OSHA says it will offer 90 days of compliance assistance for stakeholders affected by the new measures.

More information: https://www.tuc.org.uk/news/risks-934-15-february-2020#_Toc32570286

HSE to carry out inspections following safety alert

HSE is reminding employers that they must protect their workers’ health by controlling the risks from welding fume.

The Health and Safety Executive’s (HSE) current programme of inspections will review health and safety standards across the country and businesses are encouraged to visit HSE’s revised guidance to remind themselves of the changes to control expectations.

To protect your workers’ health, you must ensure you have adequate controls in place to avoid or reduce exposure to welding fume. Employers should be using local exhaust ventilation where effective and provide suitable respiratory protective equipment where necessary to protect workers in the metal fabrication industry from inhaling fumes.

The inspections follow a safety alert that was issued in February 2019 after new evidence showed exposure to mild steel welding fume can cause cancer and HSE updated guidance to reflect this.

More information: https://press.hse.gov.uk/2020/02/20/hse-to-carry-out-inspections-following-safety-alert/

Change in Enforcement Expectations for Mild Steel Welding Fume

Health and Safety Executive – Safety alert

There is new scientific evidence from the International Agency for Research on Cancer that exposure to mild steel welding fume can cause lung cancer and possibly kidney cancer in humans. The Workplace Health Expert Committee has endorsed the reclassification of mild steel welding fume as a human carcinogen.

With immediate effect, there is a strengthening of HSE’s enforcement expectation for all welding fume, including mild steel welding; because general ventilation does not achieve the necessary control.

Control of the cancer risk will require suitable engineering controls for all welding activities indoors e.g. Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV). Extraction will also control exposure to manganese, which is present in mild steel welding fume, which can cause neurological effects similar to Parkinson’s disease.

Where LEV alone does not adequately control exposure, it should be supplemented by adequate and suitable respiratory protective equipment (RPE) to protect against the residual fume.

Appropriate RPE should be provided for welding outdoors. You should ensure welders are suitably instructed and trained in the use of these controls.

Regardless of duration, HSE will no longer accept any welding undertaken without any suitable exposure control measures in place, as there is no known level of safe exposure.

Risk assessments should reflect the change in the expected control measures.

Action required

1. Make sure exposure to any welding fume released is adequately controlled using engineering controls (typically LEV).
2. Make sure suitable controls are provided for all welding activities, irrelevant of duration. This includes welding outdoors.
3. Where engineering controls alone cannot control exposure, then adequate and suitable RPE should be provided to control risk from any residual fume.
4. Make sure all engineering controls are correctly used, suitably maintained and are subject to thorough examination and test where required.
5. Make sure any RPE is subject to an RPE programme. An RPE programme encapsulates all the elements of RPE use you need to ensure that your RPE is effective in protecting the wearer.

More information: https://www.hse.gov.uk/safetybulletins/mild-steel-welding-fume.htm

Health and Safety Executive (HSE) recognised by Rail Safety Body

The Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB) has certified the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) as an affiliate member.

The affiliation, awarded recently at a collaborative workshop between the two organisations, heralds a new era for sharing best practices and collaboration in all areas of health and safety.

Topics where HSE can offer significant expertise and experience include: the decarbonisation landscape, future standards as well as worker health.

Receiving the accolade on behalf of HSE, Strategic Account Manager Lorraine Gavin commented: “We are really excited to work alongside RSSB and their members to support their mission for a better, safer railway”.

More information: https://www.hsl.gov.uk/news_items/hse-recognised-by-rail-safety-body

Coronavirus: latest UK information and advice

The UK Department of Health & Social Care (DHSC) and Public Health England (PHE) are leading the UK government response to the Wuhan Coronavirus outbreak.

You can get up to date information about the situation in the UK and guidance for the public on the risk from Coronavirus on the government’s website.

The Health and Safety executive (HSE) is working closely with the DHSC, PHE and other government departments to provide support when it’s needed, including technical advice on the protection of workers.

Full details: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/wuhan-novel-coronavirus-information-for-the-public

Maritime bosses urged to heed union coronavirus guide

Seafarers have been advised to familiarise themselves with new global guidance on the fast-spreading coronavirus, which has created a containment lockdown in central China and prevented some ships from calling at the major trade hub Wuhan.

Global transport workers’ union federation ITF has issued advice on the coronavirus, a never-before-seen virus that is reported to have mutated and is now transmissible from human to human.

The virus, which originated in China in late 2019, causes pneumonia-like symptoms and can be life-threatening. There are no international travel restrictions currently in place, although the Chinese authorities have taken steps locally to limit the spread of the virus.

The Wall Street Journal reported that vessels are being held back by China from entering Wuhan, in Hubei Province. The city is a major trade hub in the region and is located on the Yangtze River. The ITF alert “advises that those in China should avoid unprotected contact with live animals, ensure all animal products (including meat and eggs) are thoroughly cooked, practise good hygiene, and avoid contact with anyone displaying symptoms.”

More information: https://www.tuc.org.uk/news/risks-932-1-february-2020#_Toc31271224

Thursday, 6 February 2020 was Time to Talk day… having a conversation about mental health

USDAW encouraged everyone to take part in Time to Talk Day by having a conversation about mental health.

The event is run by Time To Change – a national organisation campaigning to end the stigma surrounding mental health. With 1 in 4 people now expected to experience a mental health problem every year, speaking out about mental health and wellbeing has never been more important.

There are many different ways to talk about mental health and you don’t have to be an expert to ask someone how they’re doing. So, however you decided to check in with your friends, family or colleagues start the conversation that counts.

Learn more about mental health: https://www.usdaw.org.uk/About-Us/Events/Time-to-Talk-Day

Event: RMT’s National Health and Safety Conference

26 February 2020, Earl of Doncaster Hotel, Bennetthorpe, Doncaster, DN2 6AD, UK

In line with previous practice a training course will be provided to all delegates and will be related to the conference theme. In the past this has made it easier for delegates to obtain release with pay from their employers.

As in previous years the 2020 Health and Safety Conference will have a theme; this year’s theme will look at the challenges that violence at work increasingly brings to the workplace.

As part of the conference programme all delegates will be allocated a place on the RMT’s new training course which will be offered either the day before conference, Tuesday, 25 February 2020, or the day after, Thursday, 27 February 2020.

More information: https://www.rmt.org.uk/news/events/rmt-national-health-and-safety-conference

Events: HSE March 2020 courses in the UK

The following list of training events provided by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), listed in date order:

• COMAH Onshore Major Hazards: Predictive Aspects of COMAH – 3-4 March 2020
• NEBOSH HSE Introduction to Incident Investigation, London – 3 March 2020
• Behaviour Change, London – 4-5 March 2020
• Machinery Series – PUWER – 9 March 2020
• Machinery Series – Machinery Risk Assessment Essentials – 10 March 2020
• NEBOSH HSE Certificate in Health and Safety Leadership Excellence – 10 March 2020
• Asbestos – Managing asbestos in domestic and non-domestic premises – 11 March 2020
• Layers of Protection Analysis: Practical Application and Pitfalls (LOPA) – 11-12 March 2020
• Machinery Series – Machinery Directive – 11 March 2020
• Machinery Series – Introduction to safeguarding and safety-related control systems – 12 March 2020
• HSE Inspectors’ Guide to Electrical Safety – 17 March 2020
• Human Factors in Accident and Incident Investigations – 17-18 March 2020
• COSHH Training – Practical Assessment and Control – 18-19 March 2020
• Manual Handling for Assessors – 18 March 2020
• NEBOSH HSE Certificate in Health and Safety Leadership Excellence, Manchester – 19 March 2020
• Pressure Systems Awareness – 19 March 2020
• DSEAR – Gases and Liquids – 24 March 2020
• Upper Limb Disorders Risk Assessment of Repetitive Tasks – 24 March 2020
• HSE Inspectors’ Guide to Risk Assessment – 25 March 2020
• NEBOSH HSE Certificate in Health and Safety Leadership Excellence, London – 25 March 2020
• NEBOSH HSE Introduction to Incident Investigation – 25 March 2020
• Future of Gas III: Informing a Safe Decision by 2025 – 25-26 March 2020
• CDM – The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM 2015) – An Introduction to the Role of the Principal Designer – 26 March 2020

Full details: https://www.hsl.gov.uk/training/event-calendar

Event: EEMUA 159 TankInspector Training

2-5 March 2020, classroom-based course, near London, UK

Certification valid for five years

Be among the first engineers to gain certification as an EEMUA 159 TankInspector.

The first full course for EEMUA 159 TankInspector Certification starts on 2 March 2020. The course is based on EEMUA Publication 159: Above ground flat bottomed storage tanks – a guide to inspection, maintenance and repair, and its 3.5 days of training provide participants with understanding of:

• Inspection requirements throughout the operational lives of storage tanks
• Principles and limitations of visual inspection and non-destructive testing methods
• Relationships between tank components and the main damage mechanisms

Successfully completing the exam on the final morning of the course will earn participants certification as EEMUA 159 TankInspectors.

More information: https://www.eemua.org/tni/calendar/tankinspector-courses/2020/march/tankinspector-mar-2020.aspx

Event: Two Day Efficacy Workshop – Efficacy Requirements and Assessment under EC 1107/2009

4-5 March 2020, York, UK

This two-day workshop will provide an overview of the European efficacy data requirements for pesticide active substances and their plant protection products (Regulation EC 1107/2009). Particular emphasis is given on generating data to support product zonal authorisations, supporting UK-only authorisations, and assessment and presentation within a draft Registration Report (dRR).

More information: https://www.hsl.gov.uk/health-and-safety-training-courses/crd---two-day-efficacy-workshop-efficacy-requirements-and-assessment-under-ec-11072009

Event: The Building Regulations and Fire Safety Conference

18 March 2020, London, UK

With the Fire Safety Bill promised in the Queen’s speech and a new regulator being appointed, are you prepared for how these vital safety changes will impact your day-to-day role?

The conference is geared to provide you with step-by-step lessons to understand how these changes impact the way you operate, including changes to Fire Risk Assessments and how to fully mitigate the risks of any external wall systems and fire doors.

Confirmed speakers include:

• Dame Judith Hackitt, Author, Independent Review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety
• Sir Ken Knight, Chair, Independent Expert Advisory Panel, Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (Chair)
• Senior Representative, Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
• Rod McLean, Head of Fire Safety, Home Office

More information: https://www.thehousebriefing.co.uk/events.htm

Event: Two Day Efficacy Workshop – The presentation and interpretation of Efficacy trials data in Biological Assessment Dossiers to support authorisations under EC 1107/2009

24-25 March 2020, York, UK

This two-day workshop will provide an overview of the importance of efficacy trial design and trials reports, how to approach and critically assess data, and effective presentation of data in a Biological Assessment Dossier (BAD).

It will provide an overview of the European efficacy data requirements for pesticide active substances and their plant protection products (Regulation EC 1107/2009). Particular emphasis is given on generating data to support product zonal authorisations, supporting UK-only authorisations, and assessment and presentation within a draft Registration Report (dRR).

More information: https://www.hsl.gov.uk/health-and-safety-training-courses/crd---two-day-efficacy-workshop-the-presentation-and-interpretation-of-efficacy-trials-data-in-biological-assessment-dossiers-to-support-authorisations-under-ec-11072009

Event: Hazmat 2020 Annual Conference

13-14 May 2020, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, UK

NCEC’s Hazmat conferences are now well established as the ‘must go’ event for Hazmat Professionals to share experiences and gain knowledge with like-minded professionals working in the chemical incident industries.

Now in its 13th year, the event draws upon the knowledge and experience of a broad range of hazmat professionals and industry leaders, as well as NCEC’s own emergency responders and experts. Bringing together international speakers from across sectors, delegates will benefit from world-standard presentations, case studies and practical, hands-on workshops in a friendly and welcoming environment.

Using delegate feedback gathered at previous events, the format for Hazmat 2020 will again include a range of case studies and interactive exercises. We will be encouraging speakers to include practical elements and group interaction where relevant. Sessions will also cover a cross-section of subjects as we look to increase multi-agency representation. Delegates will have the opportunity to tailor their experience by registering for specific workshops once the programme has been finalised.

More information: https://the-ncec.com/en/emergency-response/hazmat-event

Event: Safety & Health Expo 2020

19-21 May 2020, Excel, London, UK

More information: https://www.safety-health-expo.co.uk/she2020

Registration will give you access to the following shows held at the same place and time:

Facilities Show

As the world’s largest dedicated facilities management event, Facilities Show welcomes over 12,000 global FM professionals to experience the latest technological solutions and hear from industry trailblazers – all under one roof, over three days.

https://www.facilitiesshow.com

FIREX International

Your chance to stay up to date with the latest technologies and legislation within the fire and life safety industry. Join the fire safety community at FIREX 2020 to source hundreds of solutions across passive fire protection, fire prevention and detection; sprinkler and suppression systems, emergency lighting and much more.

https://www.firex.co.uk

Workplace wellbeing show 2020

Start your wellbeing conversation discover solutions, guidance and expertise on the growing challenge of mental and physical wellbeing in the workplace exclusively at workplace wellbeing show.

A full seminar programme featuring industry leaders, a comprehensive range of products and solutions, an unrivalled networking experience with your fellow professionals and access to eight other co-located shows makes workplace wellbeing show an essential event for the modern wellbeing professional. expand your network, develop your expertise and grow your business.

https://www.workplacewellbeingshow.com

Event: INTERSCHUTZ 2020

15-20 June 2020, Hanover, Germany

NCEC will be exhibiting at INTERSCHUTZ 2020.

INTERSCHUTZ is the world’s leading trade fair for the fire and rescue services, civil protection, safety and security. It is a magnet for companies from all around the world seeking to develop new markets for their solutions. It’s also the go-to show for pros wanting to learn about the latest innovations and share expertise with their international peers.

If you are planning to attend the event, then please join their experts who will be on hand to discuss NCEC’s expertise in both the areas of emergency response and chemical regulatory compliance including incident notification, poison centres and REACH regulation concerns.

Event: The Health, Safety & Environment Directors’ Forum

24 November 2020, The Belfry, Birmingham, UK

It is rare to find the biggest names in the UK HSE industry are available in one place, actively looking to build lasting business relationships.

Just a few of the companies confirmed to attend include:

• CRH Swiss Distribution – HSE Director
• DHL Supply Chain – HSE Director
• EMCOR Group – Director of Health, Safety & Wellbeing
• Ferrovial Agroman UK – Assistant HSEQ Director
• JTI International – Global HSE Director  
• Kier Group – SHEA Director
• Kuehne & Nagel – Head of Compliance
• London Borough of Camden – Director of Resident Safety
• Marti Group – CSO & Head Corporate HSW
• Mondelez International – Safety Specialist
• Natures Way Foods – Head of Health, Safety & Risk
• Sanctuary Group – Group Head of Health & Safety
• University of Leeds – Director of Health & Safety
• Wilmott Dixon Group – Head of Health & Safety (Wales & The West)
• Yorkshire Water – Head of HSE Strategy & Assurance

More information: https://www.richmondevents.com/Forums/Details/RHS20

UK RMT demands immediate action on violence at work

Tube union RMT is stepping up its ‘Stop Violence Against Tube Staff’ campaign as ‘shocking’ new figures revealed assaults on staff have risen by almost a quarter over the past three years.

Assaults on Transport for London (TfL) employees shot up from 505 in 2016 to 628 in 2019. Knife-related violence against workers almost doubled, from 19 incidents in 2016 to 35 in 2019.

Commenting on the TfL statistics, RMT general secretary Mick Cash said: “Violence on the Tube network is out of control and I am sick and tired of hearing warm words from the politicians and bosses running the system while my members are risking their lives every time they book on for work. The situation is that serious and RMT is demanding real action right now.”

More information: https://www.tuc.org.uk/news/risks-932-1-february-2020#_Toc31271210

Conflicted Grenfell adviser resigns from inquiry

A recently appointed Grenfell Tower fire Inquiry panel member has resigned after she was linked to the charitable arm of Arconic, the firm that supplied the block’s deadly cladding.

Benita Mehra said she recognised and respected the ‘depth of feeling’ among some about her appointment. Downing Street said it had accepted her resignation but maintained there was no conflict of interest. It was announced shortly before Christmas that the engineer would replace academic Prof Nabeel Hamdi as an expert panellist for the second phase of the Inquiry.

Last week Grenfell United, the survivor’s and bereaved group that first discovered Mehra’s link to Arconic, had insisted her position represented a conflict of interest and called for her to stand down. The group said her appointment by prime minister Boris Johnson was “a slap in the face”.

More information: https://www.tuc.org.uk/news/risks-932-1-february-2020#_Toc31271217

Grenfell Tower Fire Inquiry told firms ‘deny responsibility’

None of the companies involved in the refurbishment of Grenfell Tower have accepted responsibility for the deadly fire, an Inquiry has heard.

Firms expressed “no trace” of accountability despite previous findings that the work did not comply with building regulations, counsel to the Inquiry Richard Millett QC said. His remarks were at the start of the Inquiry’s second phase, which will look at issues like the block’s cladding.

The 2017 London fire claimed 72 lives. The QC said that, with the “sole exception” of the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, all organisations had denied responsibility in “carefully crafted statements,” adding: “Any member of the public reading those statements and taking them all at face value would be forced to conclude that everyone involved in the refurbishment of Grenfell Tower did what they were supposed to do and nobody made any serious or causative mistakes. In every case, what happened was, as each of them would have it, someone else’s fault.”

More information: https://www.tuc.org.uk/news/risks-932-1-february-2020#_Toc31271218

Ex-England footballer blames her dementia on headers

A Pioneer of women’s football has become the first female player to publicly blame her dementia on years of heading the ball.

Sue Lopez, 74, was the first British woman to play semi-professionally abroad and represented England 22 times during a career spanning three decades. She told the BBC she wanted young footballers to stop heading the ball amid research suggesting women are concussed more easily.

Lopez, who spent the majority of her playing career at Southampton and spent a season at Roma, told the BBC she felt “sick” when she was given her diagnosis in 2018. She said heading the ball resulted in her suffering several concussions during her time competing at the top level between 1966 and 1985.

More information: https://www.tuc.org.uk/news/risks-932-1-february-2020#_Toc31271219

New Guidance: LGBT+ inclusive apprenticeships: A resource for union negotiators and reps

This UK Trade union Congress (TUC) guide aims to help trade union negotiators promote participation and support achievement for apprentices who identify as LGBT+.

It identifies practical points that unions can include in dialogue with employers around apprenticeship schemes and steps to take when developing a bargaining agenda.

The guide considers issues around new-starter apprentices, although many of the points discussed have relevance for LGBT+ workers more generally, including existing employees participating in apprenticeship schemes.

Download: https://www.tuc.org.uk/LGBTapprenticeships