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Sheila Pantry Associates Ltd

News from around the World

News Archive

July 2006

Contents
  1. "Work with us to protect workers" - Lord Hunt
  2. ICOH Bibliographic Database of the University of Milan, Italy: a new internet resource in the field of occupational health
  3. Entry to the RISQ Zone is for young people only
  4. Patient Safety: Surrey University launches timely new MSc in Systems, Safety and Ergonomics
  5. OSH UPDATE keeps everyone informed and healthily and safe
  6. Widening interest in and knowledge of the benefits of sprinklers for protection in schools
  7. Time to re-assess the training needs of staff and book the EurOHSE Masterclasses 2006/7 offered by the experts
  8. HSC Proposals to implement the second list of indicative occupational exposure limit values European Directive 2006/15/EC
  9. NEBOSH appoints new Chief Executive
  10. European Parliament approves needlestick protection report

"Work with us to protect workers" - Lord Hunt

Lord Hunt of Kings Heath, Minister for Health and Safety addressed the 17th annual Hazards conference in Manchester to call for greater partnership working to protect British workers and give Great Britain a health and safety system that leads the world.

In his speech Lord Hunt re-iterated the important role that health and safety representatives play in improving the protection to their fellow workers and how good communication between the workforce and the employer is vital in raising standards and keeping workplaces safe for all who work there.

Lord Hunt said, "I want to take this opportunity to thank all safety representatives, for being there, for you continued commitment to health and safety. You do a vital job, day in, day out, and have a vital role in helping to make workplaces safer."

Also covered in the speech was the role that formal enforcement plays in raising standards. He talked about a clear commitment to targeted, consistent and proportionate enforcement that does not place unnecessary burdens on businesses but bring to account those whose failings put workers health and safety at risk.

Great Britain has an excellent health and safety record, with injuries requiring more than three days off work falling by 67% since the introduction of the Health and Safety at Work Etc Act in 1974. This has been achieved by all parties working closely together; regulators, industry and trades unions, but more still need to be done.

Lord Hunt continued, "There is absolutely no room for complacency, we still have far too many people coming to harm as a result of work. We all want to see significant risks well managed and we need HSE and Local Authorities to work with business to help improve risk management standards. But I also expect them to be tough on those businesses that wilfully break the law."

Details of HSE's enforcement activity can be found at: www.hse.gov.uk/enforce

ICOH Bibliographic Database of the University of Milan, Italy: a new internet resource in the field of occupational health

On the occasion of the centennial celebrations commemorating the foundation of the International Commission on Occupational Health (ICOH), a new online resource for the study of historical evolution of Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) was presented to the scientific community: the ICOH Bibliographic Database. This database, unequalled for kind of indexed documents and time coverage, has been developed by the Departmental Library of Occupational Health of the Milan University with external partners. It includes all the proceedings of the Triennial World Congresses organized by ICOH, from the first International Congress which took place in Milan in 1906, and it is directly available free of charge on the website of the library: www.cdldevoto.it/icohDB/home.asp

The Clinica del Lavoro [Work Clinic] in Milan, which today gives name to the Department of Occupational and Environmental Health of the Milan University, is the oldest health structure in the world for the study, treatment and prevention of work-related diseases. It was founded in 1902 by Luigi Devoto and its model was later followed by the creation of similar institutions in Moscow (1923) and Berlin (1925). The department has been and is still actually deep involved in the international cooperation, in many fields of OHS and in scientific and professional education [1]. The Clinica del Lavoro is deeply connected with the history of ICOH, the world's leading international scientific society in the field of occupational health (it is active in 93 countries) and recognised by the United Nations as a non-governmental scientific organization with close working relationships with International Labour Organization, United Nations Environment Programme, World Health Organization. The ICOH was founded in Milan on June 13, 1906, as a Permanent Commission on Occupational Health, at the end of the 1st International Congress on Work-related Diseases: the Clinica del Lavoro was the official headquarter of the Commission, whose function was of exchanging information and experiences among the most reputed protagonists of occupational medicine, and organizing an international congress every three years.

A century of publications and proceedings of the Triennial World Congresses on Occupational Health has been collected during these years in the university library of the Clinica del Lavoro. Today, the ICOH Historical Fund represents a small but quite significant collection, which is to be considered unique in the world for thorough and exhaustive studies and an exceptional means to study OHS evolution in the 20th Century.

Entry to the RISQ Zone is for young people only

The European Agency for Safety and Health at Work's Discover the Safe Start campaign has information about rights and responsibilities, questions to ask the boss plus online quizzes, animations, video links and ideas on how to make a safe and healthy start at work.

There are sections on hazards and risks, ten tips on how to work safely and links to resources around Europe and beyond.

Enter at your own RISQ!

Did you know?

The RISQ zone contains six quizzes designed to test your knowledge of health and safety, and to be fun too!

https://osha.europa.eu/en/themes/young-workers

Patient Safety: Surrey University launches timely new MSc in Systems, Safety and Ergonomics

The University of Surrey has taken a timely lead in launching a new programme aimed at improving safety in the health sector and other safety critical industries. Only last week a report from Parliament's public accounts committee showed that one in 10 patients admitted to NHS hospitals is unintentionally harmed and almost a million safety incidents, more than 2,000 of which were fatal, were recorded last year. Now, the new programme on offer at Surrey's Robens Centre for Health Ergonomics provides a unique opportunity for senior managers and others to receive professional training in the design and management of safe systems.

Professor Peter Buckle, head of the Robens Centre for Health Ergonomics, said "the need for a programme like this has been evident for some time but the University of Surrey has been the first to respond. Designing and managing safety at the systems level, including organisational issues, purchasing, risk management and training, is a major challenge. Unless the health service tackles these issues it is difficult to see the system improving to the level that is required."

Dr. Janet Anderson, Programme Director, added that "it is important that people in well established careers, with experience in the health care system have the opportunity to gain skills in system safety. The MSc has been specifically designed for busy professionals in that it has a flexible, modular format. Students complete modules of study at the University at their own pace, with ongoing support and discussion using distance learning technology. This combination provides high quality face to face interaction with experts from across the U.K. and the ability to study at the most convenient times."

The University is well placed to deliver such programmes as its patient safety research team were recently awarded the Ergonomics Society's President's Medal for its excellent work.

The University of Surrey is one of the UK's leading professional, scientific and technological universities with a world class research profile and a reputation for excellence in teaching and research. Ground-breaking research at the University is bringing direct benefit to all spheres of life - helping industry to maintain its competitive edge and creating improvements in the areas of health, medicine, space science, the environment, communications, defence and social policy. Programmes in science and technology have gained widespread recognition and it also boasts flourishing programmes in dance and music, social sciences, management and languages and law.

The 2006 Guardian University League Table placed the University of Surrey 12th overall for its undergraduate programmes (out of 122 UK universities), which along with recognition from The Sunday Times for being 'The University for Jobs', underlines UniS' growing reputation for providing high quality, relevant degrees.

Stuart Miller, Press Office, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK | Tel: +44 (0)1483 689314 | Email: s.e.miller@surrey.ac.uk | www.surrey.ac.uk

OSH UPDATE keeps everyone informed and healthily and safe

Keeping up-to-date in worldwide occupational health, safety, hygiene, road safety, water safety, environment trends and the latest information can be time consuming. Do budget constraints not allow you to buy all the latest journals, newsletters and documents that contain the latest information? Can't afford the time to search for the latest information, legislation and standards? No staff to search for this information? And no time yourself to spend hours searching for information?

Then do what many organisations and individuals have done recently and take out a subscription to OSH UPDATE!

This newly launched, very affordable Internet based service OSH UPDATE, from Sheila Pantry Associates Ltd is the answer for you. Powered by Head Software International's Headfast/Discovery Internet publishing software, OSH UPDATE containing over 538,000 references is now available and is updated monthly see www.oshupdate.com

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

It currently contains ten bibliographic databases from worldwide authoritative sources:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

*Subscription for one year of OSH UPDATE

Widening interest in and knowledge of the benefits of sprinklers for protection in schools

BAFSA's campaign to widen interest in and knowledge of the benefits of sprinklers for protection in schools has been launched with a letter to all Westminster MPs. There has been an excellent response with many MPs telling us that they have signed the Early Day Motion calling for wider use of sprinklers and/or have written to the Schools Minister.

www.bafsa.org.uk/publications/wise-up-to-fire-dvd.php

David Robinson Vice Chairman BAFSA c/o Hall Fire Protection Ltd, 186 Moorside Road, Swinton M27 9HA, UK | Email: robinsondr@btinternet.com

BAFSA is the longest standing UK sprinkler trade association serving the interests of not only LPCB listed sprinkler installers but also the wider needs of end-users, specifiers and regulators.

BAFSA promotes sprinklers to protect life, property and the environment.

BAFSA plays a key role in convincing key decision makers, of the value of sprinklers.

BAFSA works quietly behind the scenes as well as in the public eye.

BAFSA collaborates with other parties and organisations such as the Fire Industry Confederation and the National Fire Sprinkler Network to influence Whitehall, government and local authorities of the value of sprinklers.

BAFSA membership includes fire brigades, insurers and all with an interest in promoting high standards in the design, installation and maintenance of automatic sprinklers systems for fire safety. Including small installers and companies focussing on the domestic and residential sprinkler market.

BAFSA is committed to help members gain third party accreditation

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SPECIAL REGISTRATION OFFER
The cost per Masterclass is £295.

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

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

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

For further details regarding booking a place contact

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

HSC Proposals to implement the second list of indicative occupational exposure limit values European Directive 2006/15/EC

This Consultative Document sets out the UK Health and Safety Commission's (HSC's) proposals for establishing Workplace Exposure Limits (WELs) for the 33 substances listed in the Directive.

Consultation ends: 27 September 2006

www.hse.gov.uk/consult/condocs/cd208.pdf

NEBOSH appoints new Chief Executive

NEBOSH - The UK National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health - has appointed Teresa Budworth as its new Chief Executive.

Welcoming Teresa to her new post, NEBOSH's Chairman, David Morris said:

"This appointment is excellent news for NEBOSH. Teresa has played a substantial role in the development and implementation of NEBOSH's strategy over the last three years in her capacity as a non-executive director and then Deputy Chief Executive. Her wealth of experience in health and safety training and education will be invaluable in driving our ambitious plans for growth"

Teresa is a safety professional of some 27 years standing and Chartered Fellow of the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health. Before joining NEBOSH in 2004, she headed up the Safety Training and Consultancy Team at Norwich Union Risk Services.

Among the first issues she will be expected to tackle as Chief Executive are growing NEBOSH's international business, extending the range of NEBOSH's qualifications and implementing on-line systems for the management of examinations.

Teresa commented: "NEBOSH's qualifications are greatly valued by employers and safety professionals alike. A growing part of our business is from overseas candidates who respect the integrity and reputation that our qualifications have earned. I relish the opportunity of working with our course providers to establish NEBOSH as the global brand in occupational safety and health qualifications."

Founded in 1979, the National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health is an independent awarding body attracting 16,000 candidates each year.

NEBOSH qualifications are respected by employers in all sectors of business and provide the global benchmark for qualifications in occupational health and safety.

Contact: Joanne France, Communications Co-ordinator, NEBOSH, UK | Tel: +44 (0) 116 263 4724 | Email: joanne.france@nebosh.org.uk | www.nebosh.org.uk

European Parliament approves needlestick protection report

The Safer Needles Network is delighted that the European Parliament has today voted to approve a report which will require the European Commission to bring forward a legislative proposal within three months to prevent needlestick injuries. It is estimated that there are more than one million preventable needlestick injuries in the EU, of which 100,000 occur in the NHS each year.

The vast majority of these injuries will be prevented by making available safety engineered devices to all healthcare workers and education and training in preventative measures and safer working practices.

Otherwise, healthcare workers in the UK and Europe will continue to be at risk of contracting deadly diseases such as HIV and Hepatitis C. Four healthcare workers in the UK have died from occupational exposure to HIV as a result of a needlestick injury and in the latest figures from the UK Health Protection Agency six healthcare workers contracted Hepatitis C due to needlestick injury in the twelve months to June 2004.

Dr Paul Grime, Chair of the Safer Needles Network, said:

"We welcome the fact that the European Commission will now provide a legislative requirement for healthcare workers to use safety devices and to improve their working practices to prevent needlestick injuries happening. This will have a significant impact on protecting UK healthcare workers from the risk of contracting HIV and Hepatitis C and we urge the Commission to implement the legislation as soon as possible."

The Safer Needles Network

For further information please contact Ian Lindsley on Tel: +44 (0) 20 7256 8912 or 07887 681561

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