This month’s news
OH on-line
A new Internet-based mail list has been created for occupational health
nurses and others interested in teaching, learning and research into
occupational health. The list will enable members to communicate instantly with
other members in the United Kingdom and elsewhere. Subscription is free through
the following web site: http://www.mailbase.ac.uk/lists/occ-health/
Workwell initiative
Business Link Sandwell and Sandwell Health Authority are to begin an
initiative to reduce the incidence of accident and ill-health in the workplace.
The Workwell initiative will also use the workplace as an opportunity to
promote healthy lifestyles with the ultimate aim of establishing a borough-wide
occupational health and safety service. Health at work coordinator Barry Wilkes
said, "Through the Workwell campaign we aim to work in partnership with
local companies to reduce the number of days taken off sick and reduce health
and safety risks."
Hygienists’ directory
The British Institute of Occupational Hygienists has published its new
directory. It has been restructured to be more user friendly. It is available
on the BIOH web site at www.bioh.org/consult/Â For further information telephone 01332
298087
Rospa OH award
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (Rospa) has added an
excellence in the management of occupational health category to this year’s
safety awards. The Astor Trophy will look at how well a company’s health and
safety management system works. Closing date for entries is 3 March. Contact:
David Walker or Jackie Bradley on 0121-248 2000.
Skills for the ill
Uxbridge College is pioneering training to offer new skills to people with
long-term illness or those faced with lengthy periods of recuperation or
rehabilitation. The college has just completed its first training course for
clients of Aids charity Body Positive. College principal Rachel Davies said, "We
have put together a programme that includes computer literacy, NVQs, courses in
management and starting a business." Â Tel 01895 853300.
Sector accident fall
The latest Chemical Industries Association Responsible Care Survey on health
and safety shows accidents in the industry fell to their lowest ever level in
1998. The lost time accident frequency rate for employees fell to 0.32
accidents per 100,000 hours worked and the equivalent figure for contractors
fell to 0.31.
Radiation rules
The HSE has published a special edition of its radiation protection
newsletter devoted to the updated Ionising Radiations Regulations. The main
message is that employers will need to review their control measures in the
light of new requirements. Â Copies are
available from HSE, Level 6, North Wing, Rose Court, 2 Southwark Bridge, London
SE1 9HS or on the HSE web site at www.open.gov.uk/hse/rpa16.htm
Health and safety staff double
Recruitment of health, safety and environmental staff has almost doubled in
the past year, according to a survey by recruitment consultancy Sypol Liberty
Risk Services. Â Half the 350 responding
companies said they found it difficult to recruit people of the right calibre.
COMAH deadline
Companies subject to the COMAH regulations governing the manufacture, use and
storage of dangerous substances need to notify the HSE by 3 February.
This can be done by post to COMAH notifications, HSE, Room 401, St Anne’s
House, Stanley Precinct, Bootle, L20 3RA or by e-mail to [email protected] .
The HSE web site also has a useful notification template.
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Safety Net launch
The European Agency for Safety and Health has launched a web site to provide
information on European and international health and safety legislation. It can
be found at www.osha.eu.int
