Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2020, published 109th ILC session (2021)

Occupational Safety and Health (Dock Work) Convention, 1979 (No. 152) - Finland (Ratification: 1981)

The Committee takes note of the Government’s report and the supplementary information provided in light of the decision adopted by the Governing Body at its 338th Session (June 2020).

The Committee notes the observations of the Central Organization of Finnish Trade Unions (SAK), the Finnish Confederation of Professionals (STTK) and the Confederation of Unions for Professional and Managerial Staff in Finland (AKAVA) communicated with the Government’s report. While acknowledging progress made in many respects regarding occupational safety and health in dock work, the trade union confederations state that: (i) fatal accidents still occur; (ii) minor accidents persist; and (iii) the workforce in ports has been scaled so that dockworkers have to work overtime, which may result in health problems in the long run. Additionally, the trade union confederations recall the concern they expressed during the enforcement inspections as to the insufficient knowledge and skills of the port operators, which would allegedly prevent them from taking adequate action in the event of potential accidents and dangerous situations, such as special protection measures during winter and awareness training on the handling of hazardous substances. The Committee requests the Government to provide its comments on the various matters raised by the trade union confederations, including on any measures taken or envisaged to tackle the concerns expressed.

Part V of the report form. Application in practice. The Committee notes the statistical data on the decline in the number of accidents in the operations relating to service activities incidental to water transportation and cargo handling during the period from 2012 to 2015. The Committee requests the Government to continue providing updated statistical data on occupational accidents and diseases in dock work, as well as the number and nature of the contraventions reported and the resulting actions taken.