Keywords
Citation
(2000), "European week for safety and health 2000", Facilities, Vol. 18 No. 5/6. https://doi.org/10.1108/f.2000.06918eac.003
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2000, MCB UP Limited
European week for safety and health 2000
16-22 October, 2000
Keywords Health and safety, Work related injury
The new millennium's first European Week for Safety and Health is to take place in the UK in the week of 16-22 October 2000 to coincide with Back Care Week.
The week aims to reduce the problems of backpain and musculoskeletal disorders by increasing awareness, identifying solutions and supporting practical projects in the workplace. Musculoskeletal disorders and backpain, which cost the UK economy some £5 billion a year with over 119 million days lost from work each year, cause misery and suffering to tens of thousands of workers.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has teamed up with the National Back Pain Association, the TUC, CBI, the Departments of Health, Education and Employment, and Social Security, and the Health Education Board for Scotland to encourage employers and workers to reduce work-related ill health and injury.
Support for Health and Safety Weeks has grown steadily year on year with a record number taking part in 1999. More than 2,000 businesses and organisations provided feedback to HSE about their health and safety initiatives staged last October. The names of 25 award winners were announced at the annual awards dinner at the Dorchester in March where athlete Roger Black was the guest speaker.
Said HSE's Director of Information, Peter Rimmer: "Backpain and musculoskeletal disorders affect more people than any other industrial injury or disease. The week is an opportunity for people to sign up and take action to eliminate health and safety problems in their workplace."
Mr Rimmer continued: "Each year, more and more local authorities, government departments, NHS Trusts, large and small firms, and trade unions sign up as active supporters of the Week. Feedback shows that the week is an enjoyable, rewarding and highly participative activity. Get involved."
For further information call HSE's InfoLine. Tel: +44 0541 545500; or write, fax or E-mail: HSE Information Centre, Broad Lane, Sheffield S3 7HQ.