All Items on risk_observatory

All Items tagged with the subject risk_observatory

ES-Asbestos – compensation fund proposed in the Bask region

The background report, submitted by the director of Osalan, Pilar Collantes, notes that in Spain between 1960 and 1995 a total of 2.6 million tons of asbestos were consumed. Mesothelioma cases were estimated at 700/year for Spain, based on estimates from comparable EU countries. Officially, between 2002 and 2006, 120 and 250 deaths annually have been recognized. According to these calculations, the report estimates for the Bask region about 33 cases of asbestosis and 62 mesotieliomas a year, 16.7% of all cases in Spain.

EU-Quality of work and employment, April 12, 2012. Conference proceedings now available

The EU-OSHA Director, Dr. Christa Sedlatschek, participated at a Joint Conference of the European Parliament and Eurofound on April 12 2012 to discuss how a stronger integration of quality of work and employment into policy agendas can also contribute to the ultimate perspective of a more “sustainable and inclusive work”. Data from the 5th working conditions survey indicate that a significant proportion of workers are exposed to working conditions likely to reduce their wellbeing.

A summary of four secondary analysis reports: Understanding workplace management of safety and health, psychosocial risks and worker participation through ESENER

In 2009, EU-OSHA carried out the first Europe-wide establishment survey on health and safety at the workplace, the European Survey of Enterprises on New and Emerging Risks (ESENER). Following on from the initial analysis presented in the descriptive overview report in 2010, four secondary analysis projects have been carried out in 2011. This report provides an overview of these reports, which focus on the following issues: Management of health and safety at work; Worker representation and consultation on health and safety; Factors associated with effective management of psychosocial risks; Management of psychosocial risks— drivers, obstacles, needs and measures taken

Worker representation and consultation on health and safety: An analysis of the findings of the European Survey of Enterprises on New and Emerging Risks (ESENER)

In 2009, EU-OSHA carried out the first Europe-wide establishment survey on health and safety at the workplace, the European Survey of Enterprises on New and Emerging Risks (ESENER). Following on from the initial analysis presented in the descriptive overview report in 2010, four secondary analysis projects have been carried out in 2011. This report focuses on workers' participation in health and safety management. It highlights how participation varies across Europe and examines the relationship between worker representation and effective management of workplace risks.

Management of occupational safety and health: Analysis of data from the European Survey of Enterprises on New and Emerging Risks (ESENER)

In 2009, EU-OSHA carried out the first Europe-wide establishment survey on health and safety at the workplace, the European Survey of Enterprises on New and Emerging Risks (ESENER). Following on from the initial analysis presented in the descriptive overview report in 2010, four secondary analysis projects have been carried out in 2011. This report focuses on management of safety and health at work, examining how practices vary across Europe depending on, for example, establishment size, location and sector.

EU-ECHA plans to update its guidance for registration of substances in nanoform

ECHA is currently preparing an update of its Guidance on Information Requirements and Chemical Safety Assessment based on the output of the European Commission's REACH Implementation Projects on Nanomaterials. As the next REACH registration deadline (31 May 2013) approaches at a fast pace, ECHA will facilitate compliance of all potential registrants well in advance.

Occupational Risks Insurance in the United States - Organization and 2008-2009 statistical data

This document presents a descriptive overview of the occupational risks insurance in the United States. It deals with its history and its operating modes.

US- Home healthcare workers – updated guidance documents

Home healthcare workers can be vulnerable as they face an unprotected and unpredictable environment each time they enter a client's community and home.

EU-Eight chemicals added to the list of substances subject to Authorisation (Annex XIV of REACH)

Eight more substances of very high concern have been added to the REACH Authorisation list, following a Decision adopted by the European Commission on 14 February 2012 and published today in the Official Journal of the European Union. These eight chemicals, which are all carcinogenic and/or toxic for reproduction, are diisobutyl phthalate (DIBP), diarsenic trioxide, diarsenic pentaoxide, lead chromate, lead sulfochromate yellow (C.I. Pigment Yellow 34), lead chromate molybdate sulphate red (C.I. Pigment Red 104), tris (2-chloroethyl) phosphate (TCEP) and 2,4-dinitrotoluene (2,4-DNT).

ECHA launches Classification and Labelling inventory

This database contains classification and labelling information on notified and registered substances received from manufacturers and importers. It also includes the list of harmonised classifications. Companies have provided this information in their C&L notifications or registration dossiers. ECHA maintains the Inventory, but does not verify the accuracy of the information. Companies have provided this information in their C&L notifications or registration dossiers.

DE-Multitasking "don´t disturb" - guidance on how to avoid stress and overload (in German)

The German Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (BAuA) has just published a brochure on how to tackle stress and overload linked to frequent interruptions and the demand for multitasking. The brochure is one of the outcomes of a project that attempted to identify good working practices to support an ageing working population.

BE - Transport sector social partners campaign against toxic gases

The social partners in the transport and logistics sector launched an information campaign, on 30 November 2011, to raise awareness about the hazards of exposure to toxic gases among workers in contact with goods containers. When containers are opened, workers can be exposed to toxic gases in two different cases: when the goods transported have been treated with a gas or solid substance to prevent rotting or to control vermin, and when goods contain substances, such as glues or paints, that can release toxic substances.

DK- The Danish national return-to-work (RTW) program

The Danish national return-to-work (RTW) program aims to improve the management of municipal sickness benefit in Denmark. A study is currently ongoing to evaluate the RTW program. The program includes 21 municipalities with about 19 500 working-age adults on long-term sickness absence, regardless of reason for sickness absence or employment status.

US - Study finds that working shifts may increase the risk of developing diabetes in nurses

Examining the association between rotating shift work (≥3 nights/month plus days and evenings) and Type 2 diabetes among 177,000 female nurses aged 25–67 (the Nurses' Health Study), this large-scale study revealed a graded association between the duration of working life the nurses had been engaged in shift work and risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes.

IE - Guidance on the Management of Manual Handling in Healthcare

This guide provides practical information on managing the risk of injury from manual handling activities in the healthcare sector.

DE - Hand-held laser processing devices – safety measures (in German)

The range of applications for hand-held laser processing devices (HLDs) is increasing rapidly. Today, hand-held laser processing devices are available amongst others for welding, cutting, cladding, hardening and cleaning. The devices are used in the automotive, engineering and tool making industry, and recently also in shipbuilding. Also, hand-held laser systems are applied for art restoration and conservation.

AT - Nanotrust - dossiers on OSH aspects of nanotechnology and nanotoxicology

The NanoTrust project of the Institute of Technology Assessment of the Austrian Academy of Sciences is sponsored by the Federal Ministry for Transport, Technology and Innovation. These pages set out information on possible health and environmental risks and on societal aspects of nanotechnologies.
The dossiers are a brief summary. NanoTrust also organises workshops.

NL - OEL for methyl metacrylate

In 2005, the Scientific Committee on Occupational Exposure Limits (SCOEL), an advisory committee of the European Committee, published an evaluation on the toxicity of methyl methacrylate. At request of the Minister of Social Affairs and Employment, the Dutch Expert Committee on Occupational Safety (DECOS) of the Health Council, reconsidered the former health-based occupational exposure limit for methyl methacrylate, based on the SCOEL assessment, and additional studies published since 2005, and up to October 2011.

CAN-Intervention study to reduce musculoskeletal disorders and psychological health problems in 911 emergency call centre

A multidisciplinary study led to better identification of the aspects of the mental load related to MSDs and the mental health problems of 9-1-1 emergency call centre dispatchers, a profession that has not been extensively studied by researchers up to now.

INT – WHO Gender, Work and Health (updated version - 2011)

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has published two booklets on gender issues and working conditions.
One booklet provides an overview of the differences and inequalities in work and health between women and men, and highlights issues of particular importance to women. Advice for action is provided at different levels: government, employers, workers and researchers.

Also in this section

ES-Asbestos – compensation fund proposed in the Bask region

The background report, submitted by the director of Osalan, Pilar Collantes, notes that in Spain between 1960 and 1995 a total of 2.6 million tons of asbestos were consumed. Mesothelioma cases were estimated at 700/year for Spain, based on estimates from comparable EU countries. Officially, between 2002 and 2006, 120 and 250 deaths annually have been recognized. According to these calculations, the report estimates for the Bask region about 33 cases of asbestosis and 62 mesotieliomas a year, 16.7% of all cases in Spain.

EU-Quality of work and employment, April 12, 2012. Conference proceedings now available

The EU-OSHA Director, Dr. Christa Sedlatschek, participated at a Joint Conference of the European Parliament and Eurofound on April 12 2012 to discuss how a stronger integration of quality of work and employment into policy agendas can also contribute to the ultimate perspective of a more “sustainable and inclusive work”. Data from the 5th working conditions survey indicate that a significant proportion of workers are exposed to working conditions likely to reduce their wellbeing.

A summary of four secondary analysis reports: Understanding workplace management of safety and health, psychosocial risks and worker participation through ESENER

In 2009, EU-OSHA carried out the first Europe-wide establishment survey on health and safety at the workplace, the European Survey of Enterprises on New and Emerging Risks (ESENER). Following on from the initial analysis presented in the descriptive overview report in 2010, four secondary analysis projects have been carried out in 2011. This report provides an overview of these reports, which focus on the following issues: Management of health and safety at work; Worker representation and consultation on health and safety; Factors associated with effective management of psychosocial risks; Management of psychosocial risks— drivers, obstacles, needs and measures taken

Worker representation and consultation on health and safety: An analysis of the findings of the European Survey of Enterprises on New and Emerging Risks (ESENER)

In 2009, EU-OSHA carried out the first Europe-wide establishment survey on health and safety at the workplace, the European Survey of Enterprises on New and Emerging Risks (ESENER). Following on from the initial analysis presented in the descriptive overview report in 2010, four secondary analysis projects have been carried out in 2011. This report focuses on workers' participation in health and safety management. It highlights how participation varies across Europe and examines the relationship between worker representation and effective management of workplace risks.

Management of occupational safety and health: Analysis of data from the European Survey of Enterprises on New and Emerging Risks (ESENER)

In 2009, EU-OSHA carried out the first Europe-wide establishment survey on health and safety at the workplace, the European Survey of Enterprises on New and Emerging Risks (ESENER). Following on from the initial analysis presented in the descriptive overview report in 2010, four secondary analysis projects have been carried out in 2011. This report focuses on management of safety and health at work, examining how practices vary across Europe depending on, for example, establishment size, location and sector.

EU-ECHA plans to update its guidance for registration of substances in nanoform

ECHA is currently preparing an update of its Guidance on Information Requirements and Chemical Safety Assessment based on the output of the European Commission's REACH Implementation Projects on Nanomaterials. As the next REACH registration deadline (31 May 2013) approaches at a fast pace, ECHA will facilitate compliance of all potential registrants well in advance.

Occupational Risks Insurance in the United States - Organization and 2008-2009 statistical data

This document presents a descriptive overview of the occupational risks insurance in the United States. It deals with its history and its operating modes.

US- Home healthcare workers – updated guidance documents

Home healthcare workers can be vulnerable as they face an unprotected and unpredictable environment each time they enter a client's community and home.

EU-Eight chemicals added to the list of substances subject to Authorisation (Annex XIV of REACH)

Eight more substances of very high concern have been added to the REACH Authorisation list, following a Decision adopted by the European Commission on 14 February 2012 and published today in the Official Journal of the European Union. These eight chemicals, which are all carcinogenic and/or toxic for reproduction, are diisobutyl phthalate (DIBP), diarsenic trioxide, diarsenic pentaoxide, lead chromate, lead sulfochromate yellow (C.I. Pigment Yellow 34), lead chromate molybdate sulphate red (C.I. Pigment Red 104), tris (2-chloroethyl) phosphate (TCEP) and 2,4-dinitrotoluene (2,4-DNT).

ECHA launches Classification and Labelling inventory

This database contains classification and labelling information on notified and registered substances received from manufacturers and importers. It also includes the list of harmonised classifications. Companies have provided this information in their C&L notifications or registration dossiers. ECHA maintains the Inventory, but does not verify the accuracy of the information. Companies have provided this information in their C&L notifications or registration dossiers.

DE-Multitasking "don´t disturb" - guidance on how to avoid stress and overload (in German)

The German Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (BAuA) has just published a brochure on how to tackle stress and overload linked to frequent interruptions and the demand for multitasking. The brochure is one of the outcomes of a project that attempted to identify good working practices to support an ageing working population.

BE - Transport sector social partners campaign against toxic gases

The social partners in the transport and logistics sector launched an information campaign, on 30 November 2011, to raise awareness about the hazards of exposure to toxic gases among workers in contact with goods containers. When containers are opened, workers can be exposed to toxic gases in two different cases: when the goods transported have been treated with a gas or solid substance to prevent rotting or to control vermin, and when goods contain substances, such as glues or paints, that can release toxic substances.

DK- The Danish national return-to-work (RTW) program

The Danish national return-to-work (RTW) program aims to improve the management of municipal sickness benefit in Denmark. A study is currently ongoing to evaluate the RTW program. The program includes 21 municipalities with about 19 500 working-age adults on long-term sickness absence, regardless of reason for sickness absence or employment status.

US - Study finds that working shifts may increase the risk of developing diabetes in nurses

Examining the association between rotating shift work (≥3 nights/month plus days and evenings) and Type 2 diabetes among 177,000 female nurses aged 25–67 (the Nurses' Health Study), this large-scale study revealed a graded association between the duration of working life the nurses had been engaged in shift work and risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes.

IE - Guidance on the Management of Manual Handling in Healthcare

This guide provides practical information on managing the risk of injury from manual handling activities in the healthcare sector.

DE - Hand-held laser processing devices – safety measures (in German)

The range of applications for hand-held laser processing devices (HLDs) is increasing rapidly. Today, hand-held laser processing devices are available amongst others for welding, cutting, cladding, hardening and cleaning. The devices are used in the automotive, engineering and tool making industry, and recently also in shipbuilding. Also, hand-held laser systems are applied for art restoration and conservation.

AT - Nanotrust - dossiers on OSH aspects of nanotechnology and nanotoxicology

The NanoTrust project of the Institute of Technology Assessment of the Austrian Academy of Sciences is sponsored by the Federal Ministry for Transport, Technology and Innovation. These pages set out information on possible health and environmental risks and on societal aspects of nanotechnologies.
The dossiers are a brief summary. NanoTrust also organises workshops.

NL - OEL for methyl metacrylate

In 2005, the Scientific Committee on Occupational Exposure Limits (SCOEL), an advisory committee of the European Committee, published an evaluation on the toxicity of methyl methacrylate. At request of the Minister of Social Affairs and Employment, the Dutch Expert Committee on Occupational Safety (DECOS) of the Health Council, reconsidered the former health-based occupational exposure limit for methyl methacrylate, based on the SCOEL assessment, and additional studies published since 2005, and up to October 2011.

CAN-Intervention study to reduce musculoskeletal disorders and psychological health problems in 911 emergency call centre

A multidisciplinary study led to better identification of the aspects of the mental load related to MSDs and the mental health problems of 9-1-1 emergency call centre dispatchers, a profession that has not been extensively studied by researchers up to now.

INT – WHO Gender, Work and Health (updated version - 2011)

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has published two booklets on gender issues and working conditions.
One booklet provides an overview of the differences and inequalities in work and health between women and men, and highlights issues of particular importance to women. Advice for action is provided at different levels: government, employers, workers and researchers.