An overview of the electronic health and safety services of the Canadian centre for occupational health and safety

Abstract

This article describes the electronic information services of the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS). The aim of CCOHS is to promote a healthier and safer workplace. CCOHS' key ways of achieving this are its CD-ROM (compact disc read-only memory) service, CCINFOdisc, and its on-line computer network called, CCINFOline. CCOHS' electronic services contain some 50 databases with bibliographic and factual information from CCOHS and major organizations in other countries, such as NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health) in the U.S., the International Occupational Safety and Health Information Centre (CIS) in Switzerland, and the Institut National de Recherche et de Sécurité (INRS) in France. In addition, the CD-ROM service includes The Chemical Advisor disc of regulatory and advisory lists for chemicals from the U.S. and other countries; full-text discs, such as CANADIAN HEALTH AND SAFETY LEGISLATION and two interactive, multimedia education and training products on the safe use of chemicals, and on preventing repetitive motion injuries. These services, available at an affordable price, are delivered worldwide and currently have thousands of organizations as subscribers in about 50 countries. Founded by the Government of Canada in 1978, CCOHS is the national resource in occupational health and safety information. In addition to the electronic service, other services offered are an inquiry service, which is free in Canada, and a publications service.