Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2014, published 104th ILC session (2015)

Maximum Weight Convention, 1967 (No. 127) - Panama (Ratification: 1970)

Article 5 of the Convention. Steps to ensure adequate training in working techniques with a view to safeguarding health and preventing accidents. With reference to its previous comments, the Committee notes the Government’s indications that training is provided for workers engaged in the manual handling of loads, through talks on: (i) the correct use of mechanical aids; (ii) risk factors involved in the handling of loads; (iii) prevention of risks due to these factors; (iv) the correct use of personal protective equipment and, where necessary, technical information on the safe handling of loads; and (v) information on the weight and centre of gravity of loads. Although the Committee welcomes the information provided, it is bound to note that the Government has not replied to the question raised in the previous direct request on whether this training is provided prior to commencing the work. The Committee therefore once again reminds the Government that, pursuant to this Article of the Convention, training shall be provided before the work is carried out, and it requests the Government to indicate whether the training provided takes place prior to the start of the work in question, in accordance with this Article of the Convention.

Application of the Convention in practice. The Committee notes the statistical data provided by the Government. However, it observes that this data only include the occupation code, with no other additional information indicating whether the inspections conducted addressed the maximum weight for the manual handling of loads in the sectors of economic activity for which the member State has established a labour inspection system. The Committee requests the Government to provide statistical information on inspections on compliance with the maximum weight for the manual handling of loads, so that it can assess the extent to which the requirements of the Convention are being met.