IHS Supports ‘Lighten the Load’ Safety and Health at Work Campaign

October 23, 2007 // Published as a news service by IHS

Bracknell, England (23 October 2007) – Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are the most common work-related health problem in Europe, affecting millions of workers. This week, The European Agency for Safety and Health at Work is tackling MSDs with its ‘Lighten the Load’ campaign to alert employers and employees that many problems can be prevented, or at least greatly reduced, through concerted action in the workplace.

IHS Inc. (NYSE: IHS), a global provider of critical technical information, decision-support tools and strategic services, supports initiatives to reduce these numbers and prevent incidents by providing those responsible for occupational health and safety with the most accurate and current online resource: The Occupational Health & Safety Information Service (www.uk.ihs.com/ohsis).  The Service consists of legislation, regulations, guidance, standards, including BSI, and best practice documents.

MSDs cannot be dismissed as a ‘backache’ or a ‘stiff neck’.  In the worst cases, workers are left with a permanent disability. And the cost of MSDs to workers, employers and governments is huge: in some member states, 40 percent of the costs of workers’ compensation is caused by MSDs.

A third of all European workers are exposed to the risk of MSDs from carrying or moving heavy loads. And rates are twice as high in sectors such as agriculture and construction.

"MSDs are a widespread problem.  At some point in their lives, as many as 90 percent of people will suffer from them - and both employers and workers need to tackle them without delay,” said Dr. Jukka Takala, director of the Agency. “The ‘Lighten the Load’ campaign is a good way to start".
‘Lighten the Load’ encourages employers, employees and government to work together and culminates with the European Week for Safety and Health at Work 2007 from 22 to 26 October (http://ew2007.osha.europa.eu/).


About IHS
IHS (NYSE: IHS) is a leading provider of critical technical information, decision-support tools and related services to customers around the world. Our data and services are used primarily by the energy, defense, aerospace, construction, electronics, and automotive industries. IHS translates the value of our global information, expertise and knowledge to enable customer success and create customer delight on a daily basis. Ranging from governments and large multinational corporations to smaller companies and technical professionals in more than 180 countries, customers rely on our offerings to facilitate decision making, support key processes and improve productivity. IHS has been in business for nearly 50 years and employs 3,000 people around the world.

About The Occupational Health & Safety Information Service
The Occupational Health & Safety Information Service (www.uk.ihs.com/ohsis) is the only comprehensive online service with daily updates.  The Service provides accurate and relevant documents covering legislation, regulations, guidance, standards, including BSI and best practice in the areas of Occupational Health & Safety, Food & Drink Safety, Fire Safety, Environmental Health, Environmental Management and Offshore Safety.

# #  # 

IHS is a registered trademark of IHS Inc.  All other company and product names may be trademarks of their respective owners. Copyright © 2007 IHS Inc.  All rights reserved. 

Media Contact:                 
Pamela Oldfield
+44(0)1344 328166
pamela.oldfield@ihs.com