Keep the noise down: Almost a third of workers in the EU are exposed to high levels of noise for more than a quarter of their working time. Noise-induced hearing loss has been recognised by the World Health Organisation as the "most prevalent irreversible industrial disease".
A Europe-wide campaign to raise awareness of the risks of excessive noise at work was launched in Brussels this month. "Noise goes beyond hearing problems. It can cause accidents at work and increase stress levels. It is a growing concern all over Europe," says Vladimir Spidla, European Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities. A new EU directive, to be implemented by all member states by February 2006, reduces the levels of noise workers can be exposed to and requires employers to eliminate or minimise the risks. A Stop That Noise campaign will be highlighted at European Week for Safety and Health at Work from October 24th to 28th. See also http://ew2005.osha.eu.int
Pages on our planet
The earth issue of Irish Pages, a journal of contemporary writing, was launched by Green Party TD Eamon Ryan on Thursday at the An Taisce headquarters, The Tailors' Hall in Dublin. "The environmental message needs to go beyond the green movement and the artistic and creative world [needs to] address the issues," said Ryan. The journal contains essays on the evolutionary dangers of biotechnology; ecology and the New World Disorder; poems; photographs; and other musings. Contributors include Irish Times columnist Michael Viney, author Tim Robinson, theologian Enda McDonagh and poet Gerald Dawe. Irish Pages, edited by Chris Agee and Cathal Ó Searcaigh, is available in bookshops. See also www.irishpages.org
Shelling out
Life in a Shell is the title of an exhibition on bivalve and gastropod shells which opens in ENFO, 17 St Andrew's Street, Dublin on Tuesday. The exhibition, mounted by the Irish Wildlife Trust (IWT), will identify habitats and the ongoing need for conservation of seashells. "The exhibition aims to create an awareness of the importance of sea shells to marine ecology by showing the types and their distribution on Irish beaches," says Sarah Fields of the IWT. Workshops for children will run during the exhibition which continues from Monday to Saturday, 10am to 5pm, until Friday, June 10th. See also www.enfo.ie
Walks on ways and woods
For those interested in walking to experience heritage, history and nature, the Tipperary Heritage Way walking weekend from May 13th to 15th is ideal. Wildlife expert and broadcaster Eanna Ní Lamhna will launch and lead a walk and talk from the Rock of Cashel on Friday at 4.30pm. Longer guided walks are scheduled for Saturday and Sunday. More details from Cashel Tourist Office on tel: 062 62511 See also www.tipperaryway.com.
Walkers close to the capital can join in guided walks of the Sculpture in Woodland exhibition in Devil's Glen near Ashford, Co Wicklow, on Sunday, May 8th, at 2.45pm. A new guide to Devil's Glen will be launched on the day. For more details, tel: 01-2011132.
