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

Protection against Accidents (Dockers) Convention (Revised), 1932 (No. 32) - Panama (Ratification: 1971)

The Committee notes the Government’s indication that the General Docks Act (Act No. 56) was adopted on 6 August 2008. It notes that section 106 of the Act states that the Maritime Authority of Panama shall establish standards and procedures for the prevention of occupational accidents and diseases, occupational safety and health, fire prevention and the proper handling of cargo, in order to ensure the safety and efficiency of dock work. The Committee notes with interest that section 107 states that, for the purposes of the previous section, dock safety inspectors must comply with the standards and procedures laid down in the Dock Safety and Health Regulations and in the international Conventions ratified by Panama, and also in the industry codes of practice. It also notes that the Docks and Auxiliary Maritime Industries Directorate of the Maritime Authority of Panama, which is responsible for the application of the Convention, has drawn up a first draft of Regulations on Safety and Health in Dock Work, the approval of which is pending. The Committee expresses the strong hope that the draft Regulations on Safety and Health in Dock Work will be approved in the near future and that account will be taken of all the points indicated in its observation of 2007, which contains comments that the Committee has been making since 1996. Should the draft Regulations on Safety and Health in Dock Work be approved during the next reporting period, the Committee requests the Government to report on them in detail. Should the Regulations still be at the draft stage, the Committee requests the Government to indicate the manner in which effect is given in practice to the matters raised in its observation of 2007.

As regards the Occupational Safety and Health (Dock Work) Convention, 1979 (No. 152), the Government states that for the time being its ratification has not been contemplated but considerable account has been taken of it in the adoption of legal instruments and in the practical application of measures relating to dock work. The Committee requests the Government to continue to supply information in this regard.