IOM endorses Asthma at Work Charter

The charity Asthma UK, in conjunction with the Health and Safety Executive, recently published ‘Asthma at Work – Your Charter’. The IOM’s Director of Occupational Hygiene, Chris Beach, played a part in the preparation of this charter, and the IOM was pleased to endorse it.

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European Chemicals Agency contracts with IOM and partners on implementation of REACH

The IOM is subcontracted to Entec to provide expert assistance to the European Chemicals Agency on the implementation of the REACH Regulations. Current work for the agency is concerned with the provision of information and advice on chemicals which may be classified as ‘substances of very high concern’ (SVHC’s).

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IOM Physician wins BUPA Foundation Award

Dr Lisa Birrell, the IOM’s Director of Clinical Services, was one of the joint recipients of the BUPA Foundation’s Health Award, presented at a recent ceremony in London. The award was for a study of work-related upper limb disorders.

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Chairman of the IOM receives OBE

Professor Russel Griggs, Chairman of the IOM, was at Buckingham Palace last week to receive the OBE that was announced in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list earlier in the year. The honour was awarded for services to Scottish industry.

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Government responds to Dame Carol Black's review

In recent weeks, both the UK Government and the Scottish Government have published responses broadly welcoming the recommendations in Dame Carol Black's review of the health of the working age population. A key recommendation is the introduction of a 'fit note' to replace the current sick notes issued by GP's.

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Nanomaterials continue to make the news

A recent article in The Scotsman newspaper described the use by consumers of colloidal silver products (‘nanosilver’) for supposed therapeutic benefit. Long standing collaborators of the IOM, Vicki Stone of Napier University and Ken Donaldson of Edinburgh University, expressed concern about the risk associated with the use of such products.

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Ergonomics

You may think that ergonomics equates to DSE assessments and manual handling assessments. However, the human factors which come into play in the workplace can be much more complex, requiring an understanding of physical, cognitive and organisational ergonomics. For a synopsis of these branches of ergonomics, and a summary of the IOM’s expertise, click here.

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