Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2001, published 90th ILC session (2002)

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

Further to its previous comments, the Committee notes the information contained in the Government’s report. It notes in particular the information concerning the application of Article 36, paragraph 1(a), (b) and (c), of the Convention, that while there is no requirement that all employees have to undergo a medical examination, employees particularly exposed to influences in the working environment are required to undergo a first-time examination or periodic examinations, or both. The Government further indicates that the Working Environment Act contains a number of provisions requiring the employer to ensure that workers’ health is subject to periodic/targeted examinations. It also indicates that these provisions apply to diving, work involving asbestos and work involving anaesthetic gases.

Article 21(b). The Committee notes that the Government’s report does not contain replies to its previous comments. The Committee recalls that it had noted from the Government’s earlier report that Order No. 527 of 10 November 1999, which replaced Order No. 133 of 23 March 1956, does not contain provisions on lifting appliances and loose gear, and that the only regulation on machinery (Order No. 522 of 19 September 1994) sets requirements as to the design of dock cranes and lifting appliances and it is aimed at manufacturers, importers etc., of machines, and not at the users. In its previous comments, the Committee had recalled the requirements of Article 21(b) that every lifting appliance, every item of loose gear and every sling or lifting device forming 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 again to indicate the measures adopted or envisaged to give effect to this Article of the Convention.