Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2007, published 97th ILC session (2008)

Occupational Safety and Health (Dock Work) Convention, 1979 (No. 152) - France (Ratification: 1985)

1. The Committee notes the information contained in the Government’s report. It notes the complementary information regarding various legislative texts giving effect to Articles 4, paragraph 2(a), (h), (k) and (s); 5, paragraph 2; 11; 21; 22, paragraph 2; 23; 27; 29; 30; 31, paragraph 1; and 42 of the Convention. The Committee also wishes to bring to the Government’s attention an ILO Code of practice in this area, Safety and health in ports, Geneva, 2005. This code of practice is available, inter alia, through the ILO’s web site by following the link, http://www.ilo.org/public/english/protection/safework/cops/english/index.htm.

2. Article 20, paragraphs 1, 2, 3 and 4. Safety measures to be taken where power vehicles operate in the hold; securing of hatch covers; ventilation regulations; safe means of escape from bins or hoppers when dry bulk cargo is being loaded or unloaded. With reference to its previous comments, the Committee notes that the Government’s report contains no information on the measures taken to ensure the application of this provision of the Convention. The Committee once again requests the Government to provide detailed information on the measures taken or envisaged with a view to applying the provisions of this Article.

3. Article 26, paragraphs 1, 2 and 3. Mutual recognition of arrangements made by Members for testing and examination. The Committee notes the information contained in the Government’s report that there is not a principle of general recognition of the international equivalence of testing. However, the Government indicates that a principle of equivalence is implicit under the European Treaty. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the measures adopted to ensure the mutual recognition of arrangements made by other Members for the testing, examination, inspection and certification of lifting appliances and items of loose gear forming part of a ship’s equipment.

4. Article 28. Measures to ensure that rigging plans are carried on board every ship. With reference to its previous comments, the Committee notes that the Government’s report contains no information on the measures taken to give effect to this Article of the Convention. The Committee once again requests the Government to provide detailed information on the measures taken or envisaged with a view to applying the provisions of this Article.

5. Article 31, paragraph 2. Safety of workers lashing or unlashing containers. The Committee notes the information contained in the Government’s report that “the provisions envisaged by the Labour Code concern occupational safety”. The Committee requests the Government to provide detailed information on the application of this provision in law and practice.