Press Release

European Week for Safety & Health at Work October 24th - 28th, 2005

21st October 2005

A joint education initiatives between Derry City Council and local companies will begin on Monday 24th October to mark the start of this year’s European Week for Safety and Health at Work.

Beginning on Monday 24th, a noise education initiative has been organised jointly with City Centre Initiative and the local Vintners’ Association. It will involve officers from the Council’s Environmental Health Department monitoring noise levels inside city centre pubs and clubs to ensure the levels are acceptable and comply with European safety standards.

Environmental Health Officer Martin Daly points out that while it’s not always possible to eliminate noise at source, efforts can be made to reduce exposure to it. Information packs will be provided to pubs/clubs to raise awareness of the regulations and the implications for staff and the public.

“As a rule of thumb” he explains, “if you have to shout to be heard clearly by someone 2 metres away, as an employee you may be at risk. The effects of continuous excessive noise can lead to deafness and tinnitus that is “buzzing” in the ears. This initiative will hopefully educate owners and staff about the dangers of noise exposure and the proper control measures”.

In addition to the noise awareness programme, a health and safety seminar specifically designed for the Chinese business community will also take place on Monday 24th October at the City Hotel. Focusing on health and safety in the catering industry, the bi-lingual seminar will be supported by advice leaflets in Chinese along with interpretation provided on the day by a representative from the Sai Pak community. Environmental Health Officer Paul Rafferty explained the seminar follows on from the Council’s previous collaboration with Sai Pak to provide food hygiene training in Cantonese.

“The response from the previous seminar was very successful and we are delighted to have an opportunity to work in partnership once again with the Chinese community to raise of awareness of important health issues”.

Mayor Cllr Lynn Fleming who will attend the seminar on Monday welcomed the initiatives.

“European Week for Safety & Health at Work provides an opportunity to focus attention on a range of health and safety issues through innovative programmes. This collaborative educational approach is an indication of Council’s commitment to working with organisations to improve health and safety conditions for everyone”.

Ends

For additional information contact:

Press Office

return to previous page