HSE International ISSUE 112 | Page 5

FOREWORD ISSUE 112 FOREWORD A ccording to the International Labour Organization (ILO), there are currently over 2.78 million deaths a year caused by occupational accidents or work-related diseases, as well as 374 million non-fatal injuries and illnesses. Approximately 7,700 die of work related disease or injury annually. Additionally, there are an estimated 374 million non-fatal work-related injuries and illnesses each year - many of which result in extended absences from work. On Tuesday 27 March, a member of the public suffered fatal injuries after being struck by a falling pallet of bricks in Tower Hamlets, London. According to the latest reports, the pallet fell 70 feet from a building site crane. The deceased - a woman from East London recently identified as Michaela Boor - died on Thursday 29th March in hospital, as a result of the multiple injuries she sustained. In a statement posted online, the Metropolitan Police commented, “Officers from Tower Hamlets CID are investigating in consultation with the Health and Safety Executive.” In international news, Cirque du Soleil performer Yann Arnaud suffered fatal injuries during a performance of the Entertainment Groups show VOLTA, on 17th March in Florida. Arnaud – an aerialist with 15 years’ experience - fell approximately 20 feet when one of his hands slipped from the ring he was holding during the performance. In a twitter statement, Cirque du Soleil commented, “We are offering our full and transparent collaboration to the authorities as they look into the circumstances of this accident.” Tampa Police Department said the incident is under investigation by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). These updates paint a poignant picture of a modern, international workplace where sadly, accidents continue to happen. Magazine Manager Jonathan Seale Editor Katrina Kendrick In this issue of HSE International, we hope to highlight the importance of effective health, safety and environmental practices; all of which must remain top priorities for individuals and organisations alike. On the cover: Skylotec GmbH is one of Europe’s leading manufacturers of personal protective equipment against falls from height and fall protection systems. We provide updates from industry, including insight on the recent publication of ISO 45001 – one of the most eagerly awaited occupational health and safety standards. As the perception of a ‘workplace’ rapidly evolves, increasing numbers of people can work from any place at any time, so organisations must add value when bringing people together in workplac es. The British Institute of Facilities Management (BIFM) provides exclusive comment about their recently announced Manifesto, including a name change plan and proposals to establish Facilities Management as a chartered profession. We also hear from Dr Michelle Agha-Hossein, Sustainability Engineer at BSRIA (Building Services Research & Information Association), who puts building wellbeing under the microscope. We look forward to meeting those of you exhibiting or visiting The Health & Safety Event, NEC, Birmingham. In addition, our next issue will be distributed at Safety & Health Expo, 19- 21 June, ExCeL, London. We’re photographing both events for review; capturing the finest moments from awards presentations to pioneering products and demonstrations. We welcome your contributions and comment; to help ensure our readers are informed about the latest and very best health, safety and environmental developments. Senior Projects Manager Roger Harker Production Manager Rosalie Clarke Magazine Design Roland Scriver 112. CONTRIBUTORS BIFM BOHS BSRIA BSIF Mates in Mind CCS ISO For more information, please contact a member of our team at: [email protected] www.twitter.com/hse_int +44 (0)800 612 5845 Olympus Publishing Limited 42 Crosby Rd Waterloo Liverpool L22 4QQ Katrina Kendrick Editor HSE INTERNATIONAL 5