Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1996, published 85th ILC session (1997)

Occupational Safety and Health (Dock Work) Convention, 1979 (No. 152) - Norway (Ratification: 1980)

The Committee notes the information supplied in the Government's report.

Article 21(b). Further to its previous comments, the Committee notes from the Government's report that the new regulation (Order No. 527 of 10.11.94) replacing Order No. 133 of 23.03.56 does not contain provisions on lifting appliances and loose gear, that the only regulation on machinery (Order No. 522 of 19.08.94) sets requirements as to the design of dock cranes and lifting appliances and is aimed at manufacturers, importers, etc., of machines.

The Committee recalls that, in accordance with Article 21(b) of the Convention, every lifting appliance, every item of loose gear and every sling or lifting device forming an integral part of a load shall be used in a safe and proper manner and, in particular, shall not be loaded beyond its safe working load or loads. The Government is requested to indicate measures adopted in order to give effect to the mentioned provision of the Convention.

Article 36, paragraph 1(a), (b) and (c). The Committee notes, from the Government's report, that no provisions have been laid down to fully implement this Article of the Convention and that, however, in accordance with section 6 of Order No. 518, the employer shall ensure that the safety and health personnel monitor and check employees' health in relation to the work situation and perform the necessary follow-up. The Committee hopes that it would be indicated in the future, by national regulation or other appropriate method consistent with national practice and conditions, and after consultation with the organizations of employers and workers concerned, that (i) the monitoring of employees' health envisaged under above-mentioned provision of Order No. 518 should be carried out in the form of an initial medical examination or a periodical medical examination subject to risks inherent in the work (paragraph 1(a)); (ii) periodical medical examinations would be carried out at the prescribed intervals subject to the nature and degree of the risks (paragraph 1(b)); (iii) special investigations should be carried out in the case of workers exposed to special occupational health hazards (paragraph 1(c)). The Government is requested to indicate any progress in this matter.