News Archive 2009

• REACH Update from IOM

  Less than four weeks remain before the 1st December REACH pre-registration deadline for chemical substances manufactured or imported in Europe. …more

• IOM re-designated by WHO as a Collaborating Centre in Occupational Health for a further 4 years

  One of the ways that the World Health Organization (WHO) gets its work done is in partnership with other organisations, through its Networks of Collaborating Centres (CCs).... more.

• Peter Osborne

  Peter Osborne died recently at the age of 88... more.

• IOM's 40th anniversary seminar was held on the 19th June.

  About 100 delegates attended the IOM's 40th anniversary seminar – “From Coal to Carbon Nanotubes”, which coincided with the launch of a short booklet describing some of the key areas of our work over the last 40 years..more.

• REACH: New non-technical guidance on chemical safety assessment

  The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has published Guidance in a Nutshell: Chemical Safety Assessment, which is intended to assist industry in understanding the general provisions for conducting a Chemical Safety Assessment (CSA). .....more. 

• Edinburgh Napier University's Nano Safety Centre launch

  IOM’s long-time collaborator and partner in Safenano has officially launched its Centre for Nano Safety......more. 

• DSE Assessor Training

  This one day course provides participants with all the necessary training to competently assess DSE (VDU) workstations for possible risks to health and for compliance with the Schedule of minimum requirements. . ..more.

• Senior IOM ergonomist teaches on module at University of Witswatersand

  Dr Joanne Crawford, Senior Consultant Ergonomist at IOM recently visited the University of Witswatersand to teach on the Ergonomics Module of the Master of Public Health (Occupational Hygiene)......more. 

• IOM win face fit testing contract with ScottishPower Energy Wholesale

  ScottishPower Energy Wholesale have selected IOM’s UKAS accredited face fit service for all their staff using respiratory protective equipment (RPE) on sites across the UK.. ..more.

• Link between asbestos exposure and cancer

  The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) recently reaffirmed that there is sufficient evidence for asbestos to be classified as a known human carcinogen (i.e. Group 1).…more.

• Scottish Centre for Indoor Air Inaugural Meeting 2nd September 2009

  The inaugural scientific meeting of the new Scottish Centre for Indoor Air (SCIA) was held at the University of Aberdeen on Wednesday 2nd September 2009......more.

• Asbestos in Gardens, a real risk to health

  IOM, in association with REHIS, is running an afternoon seminar on “Asbestos Contamination in Gardens” in Edinburgh at 1.30pm on Tuesday, 27th October 2009, at the IOM HQ on the outskirts of Edinburgh. ..more.

• Reducing Occupational Exposure to Chemical Carcinogens

  A new IOM paper published in the journal 'Occupational Medicine' identifies that most occupational cancer deaths in the UK are preventable.…more.

• NHS Health and Well-being Review

  The publication of the interim report of the Boorman Review on the 19th of August 2009 has highlighted a number of major issues within the NHS, many of which have relevance to the general working population....more.

• IOM's Lunchtime Talks Programme 2008-2009

  The talks are held at IOM HQ, Edinburgh..…more

• Chinese researchers link nanoparticle exposure to pulmonary fibrosis in female workers

  An article that will be published in the September issue of the European Respiratory Journal (ERJ) is the first study to claim a concrete link between exposure to nanoparticles in adhesive paint and development of severe pulmonary fibrosis.....more.

• Proceedings from Inhaled Particles X published online

  The Proceedings from the Inhaled Particles X Conference have been published online in the Journal of Physics: Conference Series.…more

• Good Practice Guidance on Occupational Health Risk Assessment

  The International Council on Mining & Metals (ICMM) have published the Good Practice Guidance on Occupational Health Risk Assessment (HRA) as an information resource for those conducting or commissioning HRAs.....more.

• Swine Flu

  After a period in which swine flu had largely been displaced from the media headlines, the World Health Organisation has now declared a global flu pandemic – the first in 40 years.....more.

• IOM’s Head Office telephone & fax numbers are changing

  With effect from 1 August 2009, IOM’s main switchboard and fax numbers will be changing. ..more.

• First registration deadline for REACH

  Although still 18 months away, the 1 December 2010 Registration deadline is fast approaching for certain phase-in substances...more.

• IOM launches ENPRA - a novel integrated approach to assessing engineered nanoparticle risk

  The Institute of Occupational Medicine (IOM) is pleased to announce the launch of ENPRA - a major new European Framework 7 project to develop and implement a novel integrated approach for engineered nanoparticle (ENP) risk assessment.... more.

• GoodNanoGuide shares best practices

  The International Council on Nanotechnology has launched an open-source wiki, assisted by SAFENANO...more.

• Pinning down mystery dusts?

  Deposits of unidentified dust of unknown source in the workplace raise concerns about uncontrolled exposures to hazardous substances. ..more.

• Ergonomics Society President's Medal awarded to IOM for its work relating to PPE

  The Ergonomics Society awarded the IOM its prestigious President's Medal for its work relating to the Ergonomics of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)....more.

• BT Deep Level Tunnel system in London

  As many of you may be aware, IOM have been involved in the uplift and modernisation of the BT Deep Level Tunnel system in London. ..more.

• Social Media in Relation to Occupational Hygiene

  At the British Occupational Hygiene Society (BOHS) annual conference in Eastbourne, the Warner lecture was delivered by Dr Max Lum from the US National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)... more.

• World Asthma Day 05 May 2009

  Last Sunday, May 3rd, a team of runners from the IOM took part in the Great Edinburgh Run (10K): raising money for Asthma UK.... more.

• SnIRC experts present evidence to the Select Committee on Nanotechnologies in Food

  Prof Ken Donaldson and Dr Qasim Chaudhry – experts in nanotechnology risk and members of SnIRC – yesterday presented evidence in the House of Lords to the Select Committee on Nanotechnologies in Food. .. more.

• IOM services for offshore oil and gas industry

  IOM is pleased to announce that we have expanded our capabilities to offer services to the offshore oil and gas industry.…more.

• Occupational Asthma – FREE Seminar

  Many substances in the workplace can cause or aggravate asthmatic conditions.…more.

• Contract to refurbish turbines in South African power station

  One of the English offices of a leading global engineering company is managing a contract to refurbish turbines in a South African power station..…more

• The Scotman's 'Nanosilver fad' sparks lively discussion

  An article on the potential health risks of nanosilver published in 'The Scotsman' newspaper has prompted fresh debate in this controversial area.. …more

• IOM awarded Ergonomics Society President's Medal

  The IOM is pleased to announce that it has been awarded the prestigious President's Medal from the Ergonomics Society..…more

• News about REACH following the end of Pre-registration

  The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has published the list of pre-registered substances on the ECHA CHEM part of its website. …more

• SAFENANO Team complete global review of health & safety research into nanomaterials

  ‘EMERGNANO’ – the first global review of active research into the environment, health and safety risks of nanotechnology has been published today [14th April 2009] by Defra, the UK Government Department for Food & Rural Affairs.…more.

• EDPHiS

  On December 11th 2008, the Scottish Government announced its Equally Well strategy, for tackling health inequalities in Scotland. Linked with Equally Well, it announced a new strategy for environment and health, called Good Places, Better Health.…more

• BUPA Foundation Health at Work Award 2008

  This year's BUPA Foundation Health at Work Award has been won by a team which included Dr Lisa Birrell, the IOM's Director of Clinical Services.…more

• UKAS accreditation for upgraded facilities for testing the effectiveness of protective clothing

  The IOM’s suite of services for the testing of personal protective equipment (PPE) has been extended by the commissioning of a new spray booth for the testing of protective suits…more

• Working Late – Research Programme on Ageing and Work

  The IOM is pleased to announce Professor Cheryl Haslam, Director of Loughborough University's Work and Health Research Centre has been awarded £1.3 million from the New Dynamics of Ageing Programme..…more.

• European study on long-term effects of air pollution

  The 5th December 1952 was the start of the last major smog in London……more

• SAFENANO appoints Director of Operations

  Dr Steve Hankin has been appointed as SAFENANO's new Director of Operations. …more

• Implementation of GHS

  The European Parliament and the Council have adopted a new regulation on classification, labelling and packaging of substances and mixtures (known as the CLP Regulations, found here). …more

• New research shows Scottish smoking ban is good for smokers too

  New research published today (10th February 2009) by Occupational and Environmental Medicine reveals that the smoking ban has provided health benefits for smokers, as well as non-smokers, in Scotland.…more

• The Health, Safety and Health Promotion Needs of Older Workers: Building an Evidence Base for a Diverse Workforce

  The IOM has been funded by IOSH to carry out a systematic review of the research literature on the health, safety and health promotion needs of older workers. …more

• UK Government response to Dame Carol Black Report

  In November the UK Government published its response to the Dame Carol Black Report.…more

• The HSE publishes a new strategy for health and safety in Britain

  HSE is running a three month consultation process on its new strategy and it is calling on interested parties to provide comments on the proposal..…more

• Our man in Blantyre

  Dr Sean Semple, Honorary Senior Scientist at IOM and Lecturer in Occupational Hygiene at the University of Aberdeen, has visited Blantyre, Malawi to undertake some research into the levels of smoke in homes.…more .

• Clinical Services London

  The IOM established an Occupational Health team in London in May 2008.…more

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

  IOM, in collaboration with a number of partner organisations led by Entec, has secured a framework agreement with the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) to provide support in the implementation of REACH.…more

• OECD nanotechnology update on current safety developments

  On December 10, the OECD Environmental Directorate released a compilation of responses given during the nanotechnology Tour de Table by delegations that attended the 4th Meeting of the Working Party on Manufactured Nanomaterials held at OECD Headquarters in Paris, France on 11-13 June 2008…more

• REACH Update from IOM

  Less than four weeks remain before the 1st December REACH pre-registration deadline for chemical substances manufactured or imported in Europe. …more

• IOM organises a workshop on Manganese exposure on 4 December 2008

  The IOM has a strong history in assessing exposure to and risk from exposure to metals in the workplace, including exposure to manganese, which is primarily used to make steel.…more

• Professor Russel Griggs receives OBE

  Professor Russel Griggs was awarded the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to Scottish industry in the Queen's Birthday Honours List . …more

• Obituary: James Dodgson, former Head of Environment Branch at the IOM

  Jim Dodgson, who died in October 2008, contributed hugely to the work of the Institute of Occupational Medicine. …more

• Urgent action needed on testing and regulation of nanomaterials

  The Royal Commission on Environmental Pollution (RCEP) has issued a news release that announces there is an urgent need for more testing, extending existing governance arrangements and creating new arrangements for the control of the rapidly developing field of nanomaterials.…more

• Pleural Plaques and Asbestos

  The Scottish Government has published a draft bill to reinstate the civil liability for three asbestos related conditions: pleural plaques (small areas of scarring on the lining of the lung), pleural thickening and asbestosis (without any symptoms) …more

• US experts recommend listing styrene as a human carcinogen

  An expert panel convened by the US Department of Health and Human Services - National Toxicity Programme (NTP) has recommend listing the chemical styrene as reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen.…more

• Cefic and CONCAWE launch Excel Bulk Pre-Registration Tool for REACH

  Cefic and CONCAWE have developed an easy way to prepare your REACH pre-registrations if you have more than a few substances to pre-register.…more

• No Fit Test Respirator Workshop

  NIOSH is holding a “No Fit Test” Respirator Workshop on November 6th, 2008. …more

• Senior Management Appointments at IOM

  The IOM recently appointed Stuart Goddard as Director of Asbestos Services, and Chris Beach as Director of Occupational Hygiene Services following Alastair Robertson's retirement as Director of Consultancy Services.…more

• Nanotechnology Health and Safety debated in Parliament

  Recent parliamentary discussions saw Ian Pearson MP provide MPs in the House of Parliament with an overview of current UK efforts to regulate nanotechnology health and safety.…more .

• REACH Update from IOM

  The European Chemical Agency has published Guidance on REACH that is intended to assist businesses in their preparations for REACH…more

• Health and Wellbeing @ Work 2008

  Dr Joanne Crawford, Senior Consultant Ergonomist at IOM presented to delegates at the conference on Work Ability in Older Workers in the Age Diversity session on the second day (6th March).…more .

• DSE Assessor Training Course

  This one day course provides participants with all the necessary training to competently assess DSE (VDU) workstations for possible risks to health and for compliance with the Schedule of minimum requirements.…more

• Working Late: strategies to enhance productive and healthy environments for the older workforce

  The New Dynamics of Ageing Research Programme has funded a four-year collaborative research project led by Prof Cheryl Haslam at Loughborough University.…more

• Dr Richard Graveling awarded honorary position at Aberdeen University

  We are delighted to announce that Dr Richard Graveling, Principal Ergonomics Consultant and Head of Human Sciences, has recently been appointed as an Honorary Senior Lecturer in the Department of Environmental and Occupational Medicine of the University of Aberdeen.…more

• REACH Update from IOM

  The European Chemical Agency (ECHA) has launched today a new section on its web site to facilitate public consultations which are required by the REACH Regulation.…more

• New guidance on local ventilation

  The UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE) have published new guidance on the design and testing of local ventilation systems in industry…more

• Appointment of Dr James Preston as Senior Occupational Physician

  We are delighted to announce the appointment of Dr James Preston as Senior Occupational Physician for London and The South. …more

• Former IOM scientist honoured by the American Industrial Hygiene Association

  Professor James Vincent, former Principal Scientist and Head of the Physics Branch at IOM, was recently presented with the Donald E Cummings Memorial Award by the American Industrial Hygiene Association. . …more

• Editorial in 'Epidemiology' journal contrasts deaths postponed and lives prolonged

  The November issue of the prestigious journal 'Epidemiology' carried an editorial by Bert Brunekreef (Institute of Risk Assessment Sciences, University of Utrecht), with IOM co-authors Brian Miller and Fintan Hurley..…more .

• IOM appointed as Occupational Health providers to Edmund Nuttall Limited

  We are very pleased to announce that the IOM has been appointed as Occupational Health providers to Edmund Nuttall Limited.…more

• SAFENANO team complete BSI British Standards Guide to safe handling of nanomaterials

  A guide to the Safe Handling of Nanomaterials, drawn up by the SAFENANO team under BSI Committee NTI/1, Nanotechnologies, has this week been published by BSI British Standards..…more .

• REACH Update from IOM - June 2008

  On 1 June this year, the new EU chemicals regulation (REACH) came into operation and there are now less than 6 months remaining to pre-register.…more

• Details of IOM research on ill health associated with DSE

  A variety of ill-health symptoms have been associated with work with Display Screen Equipment (DSE), including musculoskeletal disorders; mental stress; and visual fatigue.…more .

• Assessment of the occupational cancer burden in Great Britain

  A research team at Imperial College and the Health and Safety Laboratory have completed the first phase of an assessment of the occupational cancer burden in Great Britain.…more .

• IOM's Lunchtime Talks Programme 2007-2008 begins in September

  The talks are held at IOM HQ, Edinburgh..…more .

• Professor Ken Donaldson joins IOM as an Honorary Principal Scientist

  We are pleased to announce that Ken Donaldson, Scientific Director of the ELEGI Colt Laboratory and Professor of Respiratory Toxicology at the the University of Edinburgh, has become an Honorary Principal Scientist at IOM…more .

• Upgraded facilities for testing the effectiveness of protective clothing

  The IOM has tested the efficiency of protective clothing for manufacturers and major users for many years.…more .

• REACH update from IOM

  There is now less than 4 months remaining until pre-registration commences for REACH.…more .

• Carbon Nanotubes display asbestos-like behaviour

  An article that will certainly become one of the defining papers describing the toxicity of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) has been published in the journal 'Nature Nanotechnology'.…more

• IOM appoints new Director of Clinical Services

  The IOM is delighted to announce the appointment of Dr Lisa Birrell as Director of Clinical Services, based in Edinburgh.…more

• IOSH08 Conference & Exhibition

  Health and safety: making the connection

  18-19 March 2008, The International Centre, Telford

  IOM Consulting Ltd invites you to come and meet us at the IOSH08 conference and exhibition.…more

• Select Committee report published on the role of HSC and HSE in regulating workplace health and safety

  The Work and Pensions Committee’s report entitled 'The role of the Health and Safety Commission and the Health and Safety Executive in regulating workplace health and safety' was published on Monday 21 April 2008. …more

• IOM Workshop: REACH Pre-Registration

  IOM is planning the next in its series of seminars on Preparing for REACH.…more .

• IOM exhibition at Health and Wellbeing @ Work 2008

  The Health and Wellbeing @ Work 2008 exhibition at the NEC in Birmingham on 5th and 6th March 2008 is a major national event for occupational health professionals, employers, HR managers and those involved with health promotion in the workplace.…more .

• Health Impact Assessment Guide on Greenspace

  Greenspace scotland is working in partnership with NHS Scotland, Scottish Natural Heritage and a steering group of partner agencies to develop this guide.…more .

• Presentation on eliminating occupational cancer from chemicals (IOSH 08)

  Dr John Cherrie, IOM's Research Director, will be giving a presentation on 'How to eliminate occupational cancer from chemicals' at the IOSH 08 Conference & Exhibition..…more .

• The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) needs to do more to reduce work-related ill health

  In its submission to the Work and Pensions Select Committee inquiry into the operations and work of the Health and Safety Commission (HSC) and the HSE, IOM said that there needs to be more emphasis on tackling work-related illness. .…more .

• IOM scientists argue that exposure to occupational chemical carcinogens could essentially be eliminated in Great Britain by 2025.

  John Cherrie and colleagues from the IOM have recently published a paper in the scientific journal the Annals of Occupational Hygiene on exposure to occupational carcinogens in Great Britain.…more .

• BOHS and IOA Courses 2007

  Courses offered by IOM at IOM Chesterfield, IOM Edinburgh, IOM London and IOM Stafford. …more

• Online Occupational Health Toolkits for IOSH web site

  IOM was commissioned by The Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) to create online information resources on skin disorders and inhalation problems.…more .

• REACH update from IOM

  The European Chemical Agency is making available Guidance on REACH that is intended to assist businesses in their preparations for REACH…more .

• HSE publishes new Asbestos Essentials guidance

  The Health and Safety Executive have published guidance on their website to help small businesses, both subcontractors and installers - to comply with the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2006.…more .

• IOM Consulting praised for asbestos removal work at Longannet

  IOM Consulting received glowing praise in Scottish Power’s house newspaper ‘Scottish Power News’ for their contribution to an excellent team effort in undertaking a major asbestos removal project at Longannet power station…more .

• SAFENANO launches scientific services

  The Institute of Occupational Medicine (IOM) based in Edinburgh has launched a range of new services to help companies minimise the environmental and health risks of working with nanomaterials.…more .