Usually, the month of November sees the release of the HELA national picture - part of the HELA report package on health and safety in the local authority enforced sectors. This month however, the statistics for 2002 have been delayed as a new data collection process has been introduced, affecting the timetable.

The national picture for 2001 showed that local authority resources remained under pressure and that the number of full-time equivalent staff was in decline - resulting in a reduction of overall enforcement activity. Without the figures for 2002, it is difficult to portray an accurate and up-to-date picture of local authority enforcement and workplace injuries, but there is little doubt within the profession that health and safety is languishing in this country.

Last month, EHN reported that 80 per cent of major injuries to workers reported to the Health and Safety Executive last year and 70 per cent of "dangerous occurrences" were not investigated by the HSE (EHN, 18 October, page 3). These are worrying statistics that have led to the accusation that the HSE is under-resourced and struggling to balance its functions.

Alan Craft looks at the usefulness of the HELA strategy and how to "make a difference" when delivering health and safety programmes. Pulling together a number of strands of work that have been undertaken across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, he explains how advisory committees, benchmarking, local business partnerships and training of officers can all contribute to reducing the toll of workplace accidents and ill health.

Still on the topic of health and safety, we report on an incident at an indoor go-karting stadium that led to a number of people suffering carbon monoxide (CO) intoxication. A joint investigation was launched by the local authority and the district consultant in communicable disease, which brought to light some interesting recommendations. There are fears that CO toxicity incidents at go-karting stadiums are on the increase, and we look at some simple precautions that could help to reduce any future risk.

On a completely different note, three councils recently received awards from the Noise Abatement Society for their innovative noise reduction schemes. Doncaster MBC has worked with an acoustic company to develop a novel digital approach to noise nuisance, while the two runners-up were recognised for highly recommended initiatives. The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea has been working with youngsters in an effort to educate people about noise matters at an early age, while Leeds City Council has introduced an out-of-hours noise service. Nick Warburton reports.

Following on from his successful trip to Tanzania earlier this year, Stuart Spear reports from another country in dire need of public health improvements. He outlines the limited work that is being undertaken in a remote area of Peru by the charity Water for Kids and a handful of dedicated EHOs.

Finally, the Policy and Development Board met last month to review the CIEH's policy activities over the last year and to consider the work programme for the year ahead. Following a thought-provoking presentation on policy strategy from Dr Chris Collinge of the University of Birmingham, trustees and staff discussed how best to bring more focus to the CIEH's policy activities. Those present acknowledged that the CIEH needs to focus on key areas of policy activity rather than try to tackle every area. In essence, the CIEH recognises that its scarce resources must be targeted to achieve the maximum outcomes.

Tracey Khanna Editor