Background
The European Commission has published a communication about the new Community strategy on health and safety at work (2007-2012). It is aimed to improve quality and productivity of working life. Health and safety at work is considered as one of the most important aspects of the EU policy on employment and social affairs. The overall objective of the strategy is to reduce by 25 % the total incidence rate of accidents at work per 100 000 workers in the EU during the strategy period.

A better understanding of the positive effects of a good working environment would support the implementation of effective health and safety policy at company level. It would complement the set of rules and regulations with a significant parameter that is directly linked to the intrinsic motivation of a company.

Objectives
Companies need to be convinced that integrating OSH strategies into their general company objectives is worth the effort, as many companies are still unaware of the economic aspects of occupational safety and health.

This two-part course (each course 3 days) investigates the link between a good work environment and productivity and is organised in joint venture with Prevent Academy for Working Life.
Company management concepts have changed to such a degree that company performance is not only measured in financial terms, but other aspects such as the customer, internal business, innovation and learning factors are also taken into consideration. This provides possibilities for identifying health and safety as important business enablers that can encourage companies to perform more efficiently.

The first part of the course (in Saariselkä, Lapland) presents the key concepts and tools. After the first part of the course the participants will have the chance to implement the presented tools at their own work places. In the second part of the course (in Leuven, Belgium), the results from the workplaces are analyzed and feedback is provided. It is also possible to attend only one part of the two-part course.

Target group
Company representatives, researchers, administrators and representatives of social partners.

Main topics

Course structure and working method
The course will consist of lectures, group work and discussions.  

Location and accommodation
The first part of the course will take place in Saariselkä, Lapland, 7-10 March 2010. Saariselkä is located in the largest area of wilderness in Europe, 200 km north from the Arctic Circle. The greatest attraction is the splendid mountainous landscape. The weather in March is usually nice and sunny, the temperature ranging from -10 Cº to -15 Cº.  Saariselkä is easy to reach by Finnair daily flights from Helsinki to Ivalo. The flight time is only one hour 35 minutes and from the Ivalo airport there is bus transportation from each flight directly to the conference hotel taking about 20 minutes (For more information, please visit: www.saariselka.fi).

Rooms have been reserved for the participants from 7 March 2010 (Sunday) until 10 March 2010 (Wednesday) at Lapland Hotel Riekonlinna, which is a four star holiday and conference hotel (www.laplandhotels.fi). The total price of a single room with full board is EUR 627 starting from 7 March 2010 evening (dinner included) until 10 March 2010 midday (lunch included). This package price includes morning and afternoon coffees, lunches and dinners during the course days, plus a special lumberjack programme with dinner at Kaamoskammi on 9 March 2010 (Tuesday) evening. The price of an extra night with bed & breakfast is EUR 117.

The second part of the course will take place at the premises of Prevent Academy for Working Life, Leuven, Belgium (www.lucina-academy.be). Leuven city centre is easy to reach from the Brussels International Airport by train (30 min.) or by bus (60 min.).

Registration deadline
29 January 2010
Please, register via NIVA's website:
www.niva.org/registration.htm
The maximum number of participants is 30.

Course fee
EUR 450/course; two courses for EUR 800 (accommodation and meals are not included in these prices).
All teaching and course material are included.

When paying the fee, please indicate clearly:
1. Your name
2. Course fee in EUR (450 or 800)
3. Course code 6002.

The payment should be made by 13 January 2010 to NIVA:

Nordea Bank Finland Plc
Meilahti Branch, Tukholmankatu 2
FI-00250 Helsinki, Finland
Account no: 226238-2043
IBAN: FI79 2262 3800 0020 43
Swift code: NDEAFIHH

Cancellation and refund policy
Cancellations received by 5 January 2010: full refund.
Cancellations received by 13 January 2010: 50% refund of the registration fee.
Cancellation received after 13 January 2010: no refund.

A confirmation letter, which includes detailed information about practical matters, will be sent after the registration deadline. It is recommended that participants make their travel arrangements after having received the confirmation letter.

Language
The language of the course is English.

Course leaders
Team Leader Markku Aaltonen, PhD
Finnish Institute of Occupational Health
Topeliuksenkatu 41 a A
FI-00250 Helsinki, FINLAND
Tel. +358 30 474 2784
E-mail: markku.aaltonen@ttl.fi 

Professor Marc de Greef, CEO
Prevent
Rue Gachard 88
BE-1050 Brussels, BELGIUM
Tel. +32 2 643 44 51
E-mail: marc.degreef@prevent.be

Programme managers  
Brigit Cosemans & Conny Goethals 
Prevent Academy for Working Life 
Kasteel de Maurissens 
Weligerveld 6   
BE-3212 Pellenberg,    
BELGIUM  
E-mail: b.cosemans@prevent.be  
E-mail: conny.goethals@prevent.be                                                                        

Course coordinator
Zsuzsanna Renkó-Michelsén
NIVA
Topeliuksenkatu 41 a A
FI-00250 Helsinki, FINLAND
Tel. +358 30 474 2498
Fax +358 30 474 2497
E-mail: zsuzsanna.renko@ttl.fi

Yes I want to register to the course