Cis newsletter

News from the Netherlands
To improve epidemiological expertise in all countries of Europe, and particularly those in Eastern Europe, the Netherlands institute for health sciences (n i h e s) offers limited fellowships to young, talented and motivated clinicians, epidemiologists and public health professionals to participate in the Erasmus Summer Programme 2003.

You may know colleagues in Eastern Europe to whom these fellowships could be of interest. We would greatly appreciate if you could bring this e-mail to their attention.

The Erasmus Summer Programme comprises modules on biostatistics, clinical research, public health, genetics and epidemiology taught by leading international experts. The first week provides introductory courses, the second week is devote! d to methodology courses and the third week offers advanced courses. It is possible to mix and match courses from different disciplines in order to design your own individual programme. The programme starts on August 11 and runs until August 29, 2003. Courses are held in the Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
More information can be found on our website http://www.nihes.nl/

We look forward to your application! Contact:

Nancy Bergwerff, Netherlands Institute for Health Sciences (n i h e s), Erasmus MC, PO Box 1738 , 3000 DR Rotterdam The Netherlands
or

Jan Michiel Meeuwsen, TNO Work and Employment, P.O. Box 718, 2130 AS Hoofddorp, THE NETHERLANDS

Tel: + 31 (0)23 55 49 427

Fax: [phone]

Email: [e-mail]

www.arbeid.tno.nl
___________________________________________________________________
New publication from the European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions: Towards a sustainable corporate social responsibility
Successful corporate social responsibility is the result of open dialogue involving all stakeholders and incorporating their different expectations, according to a new report from the European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions. The report also highlights the need to view CSR as a process, not a product, and recommends integrating the concept into the very core of companies' business models.
The report looks at restructuring and subcontracting and the effects of corporate involvements in local community and economic regeneration, and the promotion of environmentally acceptable practices. It includes a series of EU company case studies, examining socially responsible practices in the fields of employment, local community and the environment. However, the report reveals that the inclusion of CSR on the agenda of in-house social dialogue remains limited.
To effectively promote and apply CSR, the report identifies several possible approaches. Firstly, it suggests incorporating all stakeholders in a wide range of discussions in parallel to social dialogue, covering the growing number of topics under the CSR umbrella. Another approach would integrate CSR into the social dialogue - this risks however, slowing down the collaborative process and alienating

the company management's drive and commitment. A third approach could include all stakeholders into the process - companies, social partners, and the local community - which would strengthen dialogue between all stakeholders.

The report argues that a further factor in developing successful CSR is to harness the personal commitment of company leaders to the concept and to foster CSR among small and medium sized companies, who often lack the necessary financial and human resources.
The full report is available on

www.eurofound.eu.int/publications/EF0317.htm
Keep up with news from the European Foundation by checking their newsroom

at www.eurofound.eu.int/newsroom/newsroom.htm

___________________________________________________________________

Mandatory retirement is a 'no no'. Survey shows people think age is

irrelevant in the workplace
The latest Age, Pensions and Retirement: Attitudes and Expectations survey from people management experts the UK Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), shows that the majority of people do not consider a person's age relevant to their ability to do a good job. Sixty per cent believe that skills and personality are the critical factors and fifty-nine per cent do not believe there should be a mandatory retirement age.
Twenty per cent of those surveyed said that they had been discouraged from applying for a job as the recruitment advert in some way communicated an age restriction. Two in five felt that they had been discriminated against, with age being the number one reason for the discrimination (35% of those who feel they have been discriminated against, compared with 14% for gender, 26% for education and background, 5% for disability and 2% for race).
44% of people said they would like to continue working for their current employer past their mandatory retirement age - rising to 51% of the over 50s. Eighty seven per cent of the retired respondents did not have any form of paid employment - reflecting current retirement patterns, which see the majority of people moving from full time working into full time retirement overnight - with nothing in-between.
The CIPD is urging organisations to become more progressive in their approach to the employment of older workers. The Institute believes that a mandatory retirement age is now nonsense. Dianah Worman, CIPD Adviser on Diversity says: "Organisations are failing to access the talent and experience of mature and experienced workers. Some organisations still seem to think that older workers are 'past it' and are stereotyping what the over 50s can and can't do.
"Given that the average age of the workforce is increasing because of population changes, employers need to provide themselves and older workers with more flexibility and choice over the length of working lives. It is in all our interests to do this".
"We know that older workers are often keen to be flexible in the last few years of their working lives and organisations should be looking to tap into their talent, skills and experience."
The survey also shows that 42% of those surveyed think that their organisation is working to encourage the employment of older workers. Says Worman: "This shows we are moving in the right direction. If more organisations can think creatively about the employment and retention of older workers by, for example, bringing in flexible or phased retirement, part-time working or job sharing, we will have given a kick start to the achievement of real progress."
A copy of the survey can be downloaded from:

www.cipd.co.uk/surveys or Tel: [phone]

__________________________________________________________________

Agency launches online guide to safer work in Europe’s health care sector
The European Agency has launched a new online guide to occupational health and safety advice for the health care sector as part of a major redesign of its network of information websites.
According to the most recent European research, the work-related accident rate in the health care sector is 34% higher than the EU average. In addition, the sector has the second highest incidence rate of work-related musculoskeletal disorders, after construction. And with one in ten of EU workers working in the sector, health care is also one of Europe’s biggest employment sectors, covering a vast range of different jobs.
Agency Director, Hans-Horst Konkolewsky, commented: “The Agency’s web feature will enable anyone who’s involved in risk prevention in the health care sector to get access to safety and health information, which is up-to-date and practical. We hope that it will contribute to improved safety and health performance in the sector. This is not only for the benefit of the workers themselves. Prevention of work-related injuries and health problems cuts costs and contributes to improving organisational performance, which in turn will lead to better patient care.”
The Agency web feature at

http://europe.osha.eu.int/good_practice/healthcare covers all of the main risks facing health care workers including:
- Musculoskeletal loads – poor working postures, heavy loads

- Biological agents – micro-organisms, viruses

- Chemical substances – from disinfectants to anaesthetic gases

- Radiological hazards

- Changing shift patterns, work rhythms and night work

- Violence from members of the public and other traumatic situations

- Work-related stress

- Accidents at work.

With more than 500 links to quality-evaluated information sources across the EU and beyond, the feature provides practical advice on issues as diverse as avoiding needle injuries to managing shift work more effectively.
Health care is just one of a growing number of employment areas and safety and health topics included in the Agency’s online information service. Improved navigation and a fresh new look make using the Agency’s network website at http://europe.osha.eu.int even easier. One-click shortcuts provide users with instant access to priority topics such as accidents, stress and MSDs as well to information on the changing world of work or high risk sectors such as fisheries. Printer-friendly web pages make it easier to transfer the information from the computer screen to the workplace. Other features of the new-look site include an 11-language interface, links to automated translation services and a regularly updated international safety and health news service.
The site provides access to global information on legislation and regulations, good safety and health practice, research, statistics, training and other fields. Network partners include the International Labour Organization and the World Health Organisation as well as specialist safety and health institutions in more than 30 European countries, Australia, Canada and the United States.
European Agency for Safety and Health at Work

Gran Via 33

E-48009 Bilbao - Spain

Tel: + 34 94 479 4360

Fax: + 34 94 479 4383

e-mail: [e-mail]

__________________________________________________________________
REVIEW OF EUROPEAN DIRECTIVES ON PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT AND WORKPLACE SAFETY
The UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is seeking employers and workers views on the European Commission (EC) directives on workplace health, safety and welfare and on personal protective equipment.
The HSE review will evaluate the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 and the Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 to ensure that the regulations are cost effective, meet the needs of business whilst ensuring they protect the health and safety of employees, and fulfil our commitment to implement the EC Workplace Directive (89/654/EEC) and the EC Directive on Personal Protective Equipment (89/656/EEC). As part of this evaluation HSE is asking employers and safety representatives for their views on a questionnaire which can be downloaded from the HSE website.
Dr William Gillan, HSE Head of General and Technical Safety Policy, said "HSE needs to take account of stakeholders' views in judging how effective we have been in implementing the directives. We are keen to hear views from people who have responsibilities for health and safety in the workplace (in both small and large firms) including safety representatives. An easy to complete questionnaire covering both sets of regulations has been produced. This will help us to find out, for example, how well the regulations are known and understood".
SE is required by the EC to produce its second five-year report on the implementation of Directive 89/656/EEC, which was implemented in the UK in part through the Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992; and Directive 89/654/EEC, which was implemented through the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992.
The questionnaire is available to download from the HSE website at

www.hse.gov.uk/spd/pdf/question.pdf

Those who would like a hard copy should contact either Colin Dunn (Tel [phone]) or Ruth Ludbrook (Tel [phone]). The deadline for returning the questionnaire is Friday 30 May. 2003.

___________________________________________________________________

Virus Protection
Whether you’re concerned about breathing in a deadly new virus or germ warfare bugs, here’s a product that can provide substantial protection. The MiniMate has been shown to significantly reduce exposure to microscopic airborne particles in the same size range as Anthrax and Smallpox.
From the Los Angeles laboratories of Wein Products Inc., the MiniMate is worn on a cord around the neck and produces an ‘ionic wind’ that pushes away airborne particles in the breathing zone, so you breathe cleaner, purer air. This ionic breeze, created by revolutionary ‘Corona Discharge’ technology, has also been shown to kill a wide range of airborne germs from .3 to 3 microns in size.
In case you’re thinking this sounds like science fiction, Wein does have the credentials to support their claims. The company has received commendations for assisting public safety from the US Department of Justice (for aiding the FBI), from the Los Angeles Police Department Bomb Squad and from the British Ministry of Defence.
Although the MiniMate has been successfully tested against simulated Anthrax spores in laboratory conditions, what is equally as convincing is the growing number of US wearers who swear that the device protects them from common allergies such as pollen and animal fur. If it protects against breathing in allergen particles, then it can be effective against other particles too, not only viruses but also dust, smoke, mould spores and bacteria.
According to Professor of Emeritus, Dr. Klaus Willeke, “While still airborne these aerosol particles, virulent or not, all obey the same laws of gravity, diffusion, aerodynamics and electrostatics and can be controlled by these forces.”
The MiniMate works on the principle of keeping particles away from the lungs, where they can do us damage. More than 10 times more effective in tests than a similar Sharper Image product, Wein’s MiniMate is the most advanced technology of its type on the market. Its ‘Corona Discharge’ technology emulates nature to create the fresh, clean air that follows a thunderstorm. Just like in a storm, negative high-energy ions pass through the air, ‘zapping’ toxic air particles and leaving it clean.
Using long life lithium batteries, MiniMate is small, light and easy to use – just put it round your neck and switch it on. It’s also a great deal more discreet than the only safer alternative, a full biosafety suit! The miniaturised technology of MiniMate makes it just 6.4cm x 3.8cm x 2.2cm in size and only 43 grams in weight.
MiniMate is now available in the UK for the first time from health product inventor, Neil Summers, who has taken on the distributorship. “You can’t help but be impressed by the efficiency of the MiniMate technology,” says Neil. “Whether you’re on a plane, in your car or on a train, this is such a simple way of achieving substantial protection from germs as well as some peace of mind.”
MiniMate is priced at £99 inclusive of postage and packing.

Call: [phone].

Marianne Wilson, PRotocol

19 Fernbank Road, Redland, Bristol BS6 6QA

Tel: [phone]

Mob: [phone]

___________________________________________________________________
Australia's smoke free Irish pubs?
Australia’s Irish pubs and clubs were urged to follow Ireland’s lead on St Patrick’s Day, 17 March, and declare their venues smoke free. Ireland's political leaders have agreed on legislation which will see all workplaces smoke free including pubs and bars by the end of the year.
'That means if Australia's Irish pubs and clubs want to be authentically Irish, then they should go smoke free at least for the day - and hopefully for good' said SmokeFree '03 coalition spokesperson Terry Noone of the Musicians' Union. Moves towards clean air status by Irish pubs and clubs in Australia, such as smoke free areas and special nights, have met with customer approval, says the campaign, with none reporting any loss of trade.
No-one added that hospitality workers 'are enduring dangerous conditions which would not be expected in any other industry. Governments should legislate to protect all workers and create a level playing field for all workplaces, including pubs and clubs.'
Contact: http://workers.labor.net.au/170

__________________________________________________________________-

Let's go surfin' now...Canadians find health information
More and more Canadians are turning to the Internet to find the health information they need... Read more:

http://www.canadian-health-network.ca/html/newnotable/mar15a_2003e.html

-----------------------

Cell phones and driving

-----------------------

You'll survive a missed phone call; you might not survive a collision!

Read more: http://www.tc.gc.ca/roadsafety/tp2436/rs200106/en/tips.htm

___________________________________________________________________
European Industrial Relations Observatory (EIRO): Annual update on pay developments 2002........Reversal in upward trend of agreed pay increases.
Average nominal pay increases declined by 0.3%, to only a 3.5% rise in 2002, for the first time in three years. This downturn effectively ends the upward trend in pay increases since 1999 (2.9% in 1999, 3.2% in 2000 and 3.8% in 2001) and is a direct result of calls for wage moderation at EU and national levels.
The average nominal agreed increase in the three candidate countries considered (Hungary, Slovakia and Poland) was far above the EU and Norway average at over 6% in 2002.
'The average increase fell from 2001 to 2002 in eight countries, with pay moderation most evident in Ireland, Portugal, Finland, the Netherlands and the UK,' says Raymond-Pierre Bodin, Director of the European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions, the EU-agency behind the report. 'However, the rate of increase rose in five countries, most notably Greece and Germany, and remained stable in two, Sweden and Denmark.'
The average real pay increase (adjusting nominal figures for inflation) in 2002 also fell to 0.7 % in the EU Member States, down from 0.8% in 2001.
Over the five-year period 1998-2002, the EU Member States and Norway can be divided into:

• 
  Low nominal pay-increase countries (those where pay increases have averaged 2%-3%): Austria, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany and Italy,
  

• 
  Medium nominal pay-increase countries (those where pay increases have averaged 3%-4%): Belgium, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and the UK, and
  
• 
  High nominal pay-increase countries (those where pay increases have averaged over 4%):Greece, Ireland, Luxembourg and Norway.
  

Women in all countries covered in the report earn, on average, less than men.
The full comparative report on pay developments 2002 is available at

www.eiro.eurofound.eu.int//2003/03/Update/TN0303102U.html

The European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions is a tripartite EU body, whose role is to provide key actors in social policy making with findings, knowledge and advice drawn from comparative research. The Foundation was established by Council Regulation EEC No 1365/75 of 26 May 1975. More information about the Foundation is available on

www.eurofound.eu.int/about/about.htm

Further information regarding this press release or any other information from the European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions, please contact Mr. Måns Mårtensson, press officer, at tel: [phone], mobile: [phone], or

e-mail: [e-mail]

Keep up with news from the European Foundation in our newsroom

at www.eurofound.eu.int/newsroom/newsroom.htm

__________________________________________________________________.
Worldwide Workshops on improving work-related road safety
Nottingham Business School's Centre for Automotive Industries Management in the UK , the New Zealand AA Driver Education Foundation and the Centre for Accident Research and Road Safety - Queensland (CARRS-Q) are launching a series of management development workshops on work-related road safety.
Fleet or work-related road safety is emerging as an important issue in the UK, Australia and New Zealand offering a range of societal, business, legal and financial opportunities. For this reason a one-day management development workshop has been designed, based on our research findings over the past 15 years. Over 500 delegates have already attended this program in the UK and Australia.
The workshops will examine the costs, causes and countermeasures for improving work-related road safety, and will introduce the newly researched WIPE model.
On successful completion participants will obtain an insight into:

* understanding the benefits of improved work-related road safety

* analysing the causes of poor safety performance

* developing countermeasures for improving safety and reducing costs

* evaluating the success of their programs.
Other benefits include:

* access to objective, researched, non sales-based fleet safety

* improvement tools, structures and frameworks

* networking and sharing ideas with other participants

* post event follow up and helpline.
The workshops will run from 9am to 4-30pm at the following locations.
Date, location and cost per participant
* Friday 4 April 2003, Nottingham, UK, £250 (including VAT)

* Friday 2 May 2003, Wellington, NZ, $300

* Monday 5 May 2003, Christchurch, NZ, $300

* Thursday 8 May 2003, Auckland, NZ, $300

* Tuesday 13 May 2003, Brisbane, Australia, $400 (including GST)

* Friday 30 May 2003, Nottingham, UK, £250 (including VAT)

For a brochure with more information and booking instructions:

UK: see the internet at www.nbs.ntu.ac.uk/depts/CAIM/

or contact Dr Will Murray by email [e-mail]

or telephone [phone])

New Zealand: contact Peter Sheppard by email: [e-mail]

telephone [phone])

Australia: see the internet at www.carrsq.qut.edu.au/staff/murray.jsp

or contact Judy Williams by email: [e-mail]

or telephone [phone])

Dr Will Murray

Principal Lecturer

Centre for Automotive Industries Management (CAIM)

Nottingham Business School

Nottingham Trent University

NG1 4BU, UK
Tel: [phone]

Fax: + 44 (0)115 848 6037

Email: [e-mail]

Web: www.nbs.ntu.ac.uk/depts/CAIM/

Web Australia: www.carrsq.qut.edu.au/staff/murray.jsp

___________________________________________________________________

Been wondering what is happening in the occupational health and safety field on a global basis?
The CIS Newsletter is a monthly newsletter from the International Labour Organisation (ILO) - International Occupational Health and Safety Information Centres (CIS) and is edited by Sheila Pantry OBE.
The CIS Newsletter is not an official publication of the ILO but a newsletter containing information from CIS Centres and other sources. You are encouraged to use and pass on the information you find useful from these newsletters.
For a listing of CIS newsletters available on the web, please visit:

http://www.sheilapantry.com/cis/index.html

_____________________________________________________________________________________________