EU and Australia co-operate on health and safety web site
The European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (EASHW), based in Bilbao, Spain, has clubbed together with Australia's National Occupational Health and Safety Commission (NOHSC), based in Canberra, to launch a joint web site on health and safety at work. The site, which can be accessed at http://nohsc.gov.au/NOHSC-EU/(opens in new window) is an important initial step towards the creation of a global portal to workplace health and safety information. Visitors to the site can obtain information on key issues such as good practice and workplace safety, as well as access to statistics, training information, research, relevant legislation and NOHSC publications. The site contains a direct link to the EASHW web site and offers a wealth of information on Australian occupational health and safety (OSH). EASHW director Hans-Horst Konkolewsky said: 'The launch of the Australian website adds a significant dimension to the agency's network. It allows business, workers and experts alike to be better informed about regulatory demands, OSH systems and best practices in Australia and in the European Union and thus to meet the challenges of globalisation.' The EAHSW was set up by the European Union to improve the working lives of EU citizens by encouraging the exchange of information between all those involved with occupational health and safety issues. The first stage in transatlantic web linking of this kind was achieved in July 2000 with the launch of a joint web site initiative between the EAHSW and the US Labor department's occupational health and safety administration.