Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2010, published 100th ILC session (2011)

Working Environment (Air Pollution, Noise and Vibration) Convention, 1977 (No. 148) - Norway (Ratification: 1979)

Articles 8 and 9 of the Convention. Protection against exposure to noise and vibration. In addition to the new legislation referred to in its comment this year on the application of the Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155), the Committee notes the adoption of Ordinance No. 1501 of 2006 to amend Ordinance No. 804 of 2005, respecting protection against mechanical vibrations, which gives further effect to Articles 8 and 9 of the Convention and which according to the Government is in conformity with EU Directive 2002/44/EC. The Committee notes, in particular, the provisions requiring a detailed risk assessment of exposure to vibrations and the setting of daily exposure limits for the body at 1.1 m/s² and for vibrations of the hand and arm at 5.0 m/s². The Committee also notes the adoption of Ordinance No. 456 of 2006, respecting protection against noise at the workplace which provides, inter alia, that, when there is a risk of possible hearing damage, the employer shall provide the employees with an offer to go through a suitable medical examination, including a hearing check and that the employer is required to ensure that employees that have been exposed to noise exceeding LEX, 8 h = 80 dB or LeP, peak = 130 dB go through such examinations. The Committee also notes the practical guide “Workers exposed to noise – Hearing check” produced by the Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority in 2005 and amended in 2006. The Committee asks the Government to continue to provide information on legislative measures undertaken with regard to the Convention.

Part IV of the report form. Application in practice. The Committee requests the Government to provide relevant information regarding the application in practice of the abovementioned regulations related to vibrations.