Occupational Safety and Health (Dock Work) Convention, 1979 (No. 152) - Egypt (Ratification: 1988)

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

The Committee notes 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).

Article 3 of the Convention. Definitions. In its previous comment, the Committee recalled that the Convention, through the definition of the term “worker”, applies specifically to any person engaged in dock work. It noted that the definition referred to by the Government in accordance with the national legislation, that is “any natural person who works in return for remuneration with an employer, under his supervision or management”, was not in conformity with the definition contained in Article 3 of the Convention. The Committee requests the Government to indicate whether national laws or regulations contain a specific definition of workers engaged in dock work within the meaning of the Convention. If not, the Committee encourages the Government to take the necessary measures to provide for such a definition with the objective of specifying the workers in docks to which the protection measures required by the Convention will apply.

Article 4(3). Adoption of technical standards or codes of practice. Noting that the Government once again refers to Book V of the Labour Code No. 12 of 2003, Order No. 211 of 2003 and Ministerial Order No. 129 of 2007, the Committee recalls that Article 4(3) envisages that the practical implementation of the technical standards prescribed by the Convention, as set out in national laws and regulations, shall be ensured or assisted by technical standards or codes of practice approved by the competent authority, or by other appropriate methods consistent with national practice and conditions. In this regard, the Committee draws the Government’s attention to the practical guidance contained in the ILO Code of practice on safety and health in ports (revised 2016). The Committee requests the Government to indicate the measures adopted to give effect to this provision of the Convention.

Article 6(1)(c). Arrangements enabling workers to report to their immediate supervisor any situation presenting a risk. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that, in accordance with the Schedule of responsibilities of persons engaged in loading and unloading, supervisors must immediately report to their hierarchical superiors any damage, deterioration or defective stowage and identify the causes so that the appropriate measures can be taken. The Committee requests the Government to indicate whether the provisions of the regulations that are in force provide specifically for the possibility for workers in docks to report forthwith to their immediate supervisor any situation which they have reason to believe could present a risk.

Article 8. Cessation of work in workplaces that have become unsafe. The Committee notes that the Government refers to section 215 of the Labour Code and section 4 of Order No. 211 of 2003, which refer to the requirement for establishments to prepare emergency plans. Noting that these provisions contain measures of a general nature, the Committee recalls that this Article of the Convention requires the adoption of emergency measures specific to dock work. The Committee requests the Government to specify the provisions of laws or regulations which require the adoption of effective measures to protect workers in docks (for example, fencing, flagging or other suitable means including, where necessary, cessation of work) whenever their workplace has become unsafe, until the place has been made safe again.

Article 11. Width of passageways for pedestrians and cargo-handling appliances. The Committee notes that the Government refers once again to section 28 of Order No. 211 of 2003, which is general in scope. The Committee once again requests the Government to indicate whether, in response to the specific risks related to the use of vehicles in docks where cargo is handled, a minimum width has been prescribed for passageways for vehicles and cargo-handling appliances, and separate passageways for pedestrian use, as required by this Article of the Convention. If not, the Committee requests the Government to indicate the measures adopted or envisaged to give effect to this Article of the Convention.

Article 13(5) to (7). Precautions to be taken if a guard is removed. The Committee notes that the Government refers to section 28 of Order No. 211 of 2003, under the terms of which passageways must be free from holes, unsecured evacuation covers, valve assemblies installed vertically and any structure likely to give rise to a risk of collision or slippage by a pedestrian. The Committee observes that this provision, which is of a general nature, does not specifically relate to the precautions required by the Convention in cases where any guard is removed or any safety device is removed from machinery used in dock work, and particularly from any lifting appliance, mechanized hatch cover or power-driven equipment. The Committee therefore once again requests the Government to indicate the measures adopted or envisaged to give effect to Article 13(5) to (7) of the Convention.

Article 15. Adequate means of access to the ship. The Committee notes that the Government refers to section 31, Part 2, of Order No. 211 of 2003 respecting storage and maintenance in warehouses. The Committee observes that this provision of general scope does not relate to the installation and securing of safe means of access to a ship during loading or unloading alongside a quay or another ship, in accordance with this Article. The Committee therefore requests the Government to indicate the provisions which require the installation of safe means of access to a ship when it is being loaded or unloaded alongside a quay or another ship.

Article 17. Access to a ship’s hold or cargo deck. The Committee notes that the Government refers to Order No. 520 of 2003 respecting the arrangements and conditions for permits for the exercise of activities related to maritime transport in Egyptian ports, under the terms of which an operator holding a licence or a contractor of a port authority shall undertake to carry out work within docks in accordance with all the standards, conditions and instructions issued by the port authority in relation to the environment, security and occupational safety and health. The Committee requests the Government to indicate the provisions of laws or regulations or, by way of illustration, the instructions or rules issued by port authorities, respecting the means of access to a ship’s hold or cargo deck during loading and unloading.

Article 18. Construction of hatch covers or beams. The Committee notes that the Government once again refers to section 29 of Order No. 211 of 2003. It recalls that section 29 refers to lifting appliances and not to hatch covers and beams. The Committee therefore once again requests the Government to indicate the provisions of laws or regulations that give effect to this Article of the Convention in respect of hatch covers and beams, and particularly their strength, maintenance, access and marking.

Articles 28, 29 and 30. Application of the Convention. The Committee notes that, with regard to the effect given to these Articles of the Convention, the Government refers to section 29 of Order No. 211 of 2003. However, the Committee notes that, as it is of a general nature, this section does not cover the specific measures required. The Committee requests the Government to indicate the measures adopted to give effect to Article 28 (rigging plans to permit the safe rigging of derricks and accessory gear), Article 29 (pallets and similar devices for containing or supporting loads) and Article 30 (raising and lowering of loads).

Part V of the report form. Application of the Convention in practice. The Committee requests the Government to provide any information that it considers useful as a basis for a general appreciation of the manner in which the Convention is applied, including information on the number of workers covered by the legislation, the number and nature of the contraventions reported and the action taken as a result, the number of occupational accidents and diseases reported, and relevant extracts from the reports of the inspection services concerned. The Committee also invites the Government to provide information on any opinions, proposals or resolutions issued by the Tripartite Advisory Committee established under Order No. 324/2014 on matters relating to safety and health in dock work. Finally, the Committee requests the Government to provide a copy of the Schedule of responsibilities of persons engaged in loading and unloading, to which the Government has referred on several occasions.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2013, published 103rd ILC session (2014)

The Committee notes that, according to the Government, Order No. 98 of 1986 and Order No. 163 of 1988 were amended by virtue of Ministerial Order No. 21 of 1996. Furthermore, the Government indicated that Ministerial Order No. 520 of 2003, which relates to authorizing carrying out activities linked to maritime transport at Egyptian ports, was also promulgated.

The Committee also notes that, according to the Government’s report, effect is given to Articles 4(1)(b) and (f); 4(2)(c), (j), (n); 9; 10; 19(2); 20(1), (2) and (4); 22(1); 23; 25; 26; 31; 32(5); 36(1)(c) and (d), and (2) and (3); and 41(b). It however notes that the Government did not provide detailed information on the application of Article 4(2)(d), (e), (h) and (q) on specific measures complying with Part III of the Convention; Article 6(1)(c) on arrangements under which workers can report to their supervisor any situation presenting a risk; Article 8 on effective measures to protect workers in workplaces that become unsafe or present risk of injury to health; Article 13(5)–(7) on precautions to remove guard; Article 15 on adequate and safe means of access to the ship; Article 17 on access to the hold or deck of a vessel; Article 28 on rigging plans to permit the safe rigging of derricks and accessory gear; Article 29 on pallets and similar devices for containing or supporting loads; Article 30 on raising or lowering of loads and Article 42 on time limits for the application of the Convention. The Committee therefore requests once again the Government to indicate the measures taken, in law and in practice, to give effect to each of these provisions of the Convention.

Article 3. Definitions. The Committee notes that the Government’s report provided the definitions of “worker”, “competent person”, “responsible person” and “authorized person”. The Committee also notes that the definitions from the national legislation are not in accordance with the requirements established under Article 3 of the Convention. Concerning the definition of “worker”, the national legislation provides that a worker is “any natural person who works in return for remuneration with an employer, under his supervision, or management”; whereas the Convention applies to “any person engaged in dock work”. As regards the definition of “responsible person”, the national legislation refers to “the responsible director as the legal representative of the undertaking and/or the person responsible for the management of work in the subsidiary”. In this respect, the Committee reminds the Government that the Convention applies to any “person appointed by the employer, the master of the ship or the owner of the gear, as the case may be, to be responsible for the performance of a specific duty or duties and who has sufficient knowledge and experience and the requisite authority for the proper performance of the duty or duties”. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would provide further information on the application of this Article of the Convention.

Article 4(3). Adoption of technical standards or codes of practice. The Committee notes that the Government referred once again to book v of the Labour Code No. 12 of 2003, which provides for the measures taken on occupational safety and health and securing the work environment. It also notes that the Government mentioned Ministerial Order No. 211 of 2003, which related to the safety thresholds, requirements and necessary precautions to fend off negative biological, mechanical and physical hazards, and securing the work environment, and Ministerial Order No. 129 of 2007, which relates to the manual on procedures in the area of occupational safety and health, and securing the work environment. Furthermore, the Committee notes that, according to the Government, instructions on the environment, health, and safety related to ports, utilities and stations were also used, and that they include environmental issues related to the establishment and operation of a port and a station (i.e. handling substances for raking, handling solid waste, handling hazardous substances and petroleum, pollutants’ emission in the air, receiving public waste, noise, used waters, biological diversity). The Committee asks the Government to provide specific information on technical standards or codes of practice that would give effect to Article 4(3).

Article 7. Consultation and collaboration between employers and workers. The Committee notes that the Government indicated that it has ratified the Tripartite Consultation (International Labour Standards) Convention, 1976 (No. 144). It also notes that, according to the Government, the competent authorities formulate any provisions or laws related to working at ports and especially with respect to provisions governing on occupational safety and health in consultation with organizations of employers (Federation of Shipowners) and workers (Federation of Maritime Transport Work). The Committee asks the Government to provide relevant information on the arrangements under which the competent authorities consult the organizations of employers and workers concerned in giving effect to the provisions of the Convention. It also asks the Government to indicate the provisions made for collaboration between employers and workers or their representatives in the application of the measures giving effect to the Convention.

Article 11. Width of passageways for pedestrians and cargo-handling appliances. The Committee notes that the Government refers to section 28 of Ministerial Order No. 211 of 2003 providing that “passageways shall be free of holes, and hatch covers which are not robust or the area and valves which are installed vertically or any construction which may cause any collision risk, and shall not expose any pedestrian to the risk of falling. The material used shall be suitable for work, and be uniform. The necessary precautions shall be taken to protect workers against the risks of falling and falling objects.” The Committee asks the Government to indicate whether a minimum width has been prescribed for passageways for vehicles and cargo-handling appliances, and separate passageways for pedestrian use.

Article 18. Construction of hatch covers or beams. The Committee notes that, according to the Government, section 29 of Order No. 211 of 2003 refers to lifting appliances and not to hatch covers and beams. The Committee asks the Government to indicate the provisions of the relevant legislation giving effect to the requirements concerning hatch covers and beams contained in Article 18 of the Convention.

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

1. The Committee notes the information in the Government’s report, including reference made to the Labour Code (Act No. 12 of 2003) and the Ministerial Order No. 211/2003 on safety requirements and preventive measures against biological, chemical, physical, and mechanical hazards and securing the work environment. With reference to its request addressed directly to the Government in 1996, the Committee requests the Government to indicate whether Order No. 98 of 1986 of the Ministry of Transport, authorizing Egyptian companies in the private sector and Egyptian individuals to carry on maritime transport activities and Order No. 163 of 1988 of the Ministry of Transport regulating the conduct of maritime transport activities by Egyptian private sector companies and Egyptian individuals remain in force.

2. Article 3 of the Convention. Definitions. The Committee notes that the Government’s report is silent as regards the definitions provided for in this Article. The Committee requests the Government to indicate whether national legislation provides for a definition of the terms “worker”; “competent person”; “responsible person”; “authorized person”; “lifting appliance”; and “loose gear”.

3. Article 4, paragraph 3. Adoption of technical standards or codes of practice. The Committee notes that the Government’s report is silent as regards the adoption of technical standards or codes of practice to assist in the practical implementation of the Convention. In this context, the Committee takes this occasion to bring to the Government’s attention a newly adopted 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. The Committee requests the Government to indicate measures taken to give effect to this provision of the Convention.

4. Article 7, paragraph 1. Consultation with the organizations of employers and workers; and paragraph 2. Collaboration between employers and workers. The Government refers in its report to section 25 of Order No. 211/2003 as well as to sections 208, 209, 211, 212 and 213 of the Labour Code, but the Committee notes that these provisions do not seem to give effect to these provisions of the Convention. The Committee requests the Government to indicate measures taken to give effect, in law and in practice, to these provisions of the Convention.

5. Article 11. Width of passageways for pedestrians and cargo-handling appliances. The Committee notes that the Government refers in its report to Ministerial Order No. 211 of 2003 but the Committee notes that this Order does not seem to give effect to this Article of the Convention. The Committee requests the Government to indicate measures taken to give effect, in law and in practice, to this Article of the Convention.

6. Article 15. Adequate and safe means of access to the ship; Article 16. Safe transport to or from a ship or other place by water, safe embarking and disembarking, and safe transport to or from a workplace on land; and Article 16. Access to the hold or deck of a vessel. The Committee notes the Government’s information regarding practice in this matter, but notes that the report does not provide any reference to legislation giving effect to these provisions of the Convention. The Committee requests the Government to indicate measures taken to give effect to these provisions of the Convention.

7. Article 17, paragraph 1(b). Access to the hold or deck of a vessel. The Committee notes the Government’s statement that access to the ship’s hold or cargo deck is ensured by appropriate means, decided upon by the ship’s captain, either through the ladder of the ship’s hold or reaching the cargo deck from above. Besides, there is a technical safety specialist who ensures the safety of workers. The Committee requests the Government to indicate the manner in which the competent authority determines acceptable means of access to a ship’s hold or cargo deck in accordance with this provision of the Convention.

8. Article 18. Construction of hatch covers or beams. The Committee notes that the Government refers in its report to section 25 of Order No. 211/2003, but the Committee notes that this section does not seem to give effect to this Article of the Convention. The Committee requests the Government to indicate the specific measures taken to give effect, in law and in practice, to this Article of the Convention.

9. Article 22, paragraph 1. Testing of lifting appliances. The Committee notes the Government’s statement, without reference to relevant legislation, that all lifting appliances are tested by the competent authority, as regards their operational and loading capacities. Such tests and examinations are undertaken at regular intervals (every six months) or after any substantial alteration or repair has been made to any part liable to affect the safety of the appliance. The Committee requests the Government to indicate the provisions of laws or regulations requiring lifting appliances and loose gear to be tested by competent persons before being put into use for the first time. Please also indicate how often lifting appliances forming part of a ship’s equipment must be re-tested.

10. Article 24. Inspection of loose gear and slings. The Committee notes that the Government refers in its report to section 30 of Order No. 211/2003, but the Committee notes that this section does not seem to give effect to this Article of the Convention. The Committee requests the Government to indicate measures taken to give effect, in law and in practice, to the requirement that every item of loose gear be regularly inspected before use, that in the case of pre-slung cargoes, the slings be inspected as frequently as reasonably practicable and that a responsible person be appointed for such purposes.

11. Article 26. Mutual recognition of arrangements for testing and examination; certification and safe use of lifting appliances. The Committee notes that the Government’s statement refers to sections 27, 28 and 30 of Order No. 211 which do not seem to be relevant in this context. The Committee requests the Government to indicate measures taken for the recognition of arrangements referred to in this Article of the Convention.

12. Article 31. Operation and layout of freight container terminals and organization of work in such terminals. The Committee notes that the Government refers to sections 25, 27, 30, 32 and 34 of Order No. 211/2003 but that these sections do not seem to give effect to this Article of the Convention. The Committee requests the Government to indicate measures taken, in law and in practice, to give effect to the provisions of this Article of the Convention.

13. Article 36, paragraph 1(a). Periodic medical examinations; and paragraph 1(b). Maximum intervals at which periodic medical examinations are to be carried out. The Committee notes that the Government refers to section 217 of the Labour Code, but that this section does not seem to give effect to this Article of the Convention. It also notes the Government’s reference to section 219(3) providing for coordination between the undertaking and the Health Insurance Authority for carrying out the required periodical examinations. The Committee requests the Government to indicate measures taken to give effect, in law and in practice, to the requirements to provide for medical examinations regulated in this Article. Please also indicate the maximum intervals at which periodic medical examinations of port workers are carried out in practice.

14. Article 4 and Part III. National laws and regulations. The Committee notes that the Government has provided no information regarding the effect given, in law and in practice, to the following provisions of the Convention: Articles 4, paragraph 1(b) and (f), paragraph 2(d), (e), (h), (j), (n) and (q); Article 5, paragraph 2; Article 6, paragraph 1(c); Article 8; Article 9; Article 10; Article 13, paragraphs 5–7; Article 19, paragraph 2; Article 20, paragraphs 1, 2, and 4; Article 23; Article 25; Articles 27–30; Article 32, paragraph 5; Article 36, paragraph 1(c) and (d), and paragraphs 2 and 3; Article 41(b) and Article 42 of the Convention. The Committee requests the Government to indicate measures taken, in law and in practice, to give effect to these provisions of the Convention.

15. Part V of the report form. Application in practice. The Committee notes that the Government’s report did not include information as regards the practical application of the Convention. The Committee requests the Government to provide a general appreciation of the manner in which the Convention is applied in the country and attach extracts from the reports of the inspection services, information on the number of workers covered by the legislation, the number and nature of contraventions reported and the resulting action taken, and the number of occupational accidents and diseases reported.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2005, published 95th ILC session (2006)

The Committee notes the reports submitted by the Government in the years 2000 and 2001 and the appended laws. It notes that the Government indicates that certain provisions of the Labour Code (Act No. 137 of 1981) give effect to the provisions of the Convention. The Committee notes however that, since the submission of these reports, a new Labour Code (Act No. 12 of 2003) has been adopted as also a number of implementing orders. The Committee also notes the indication that Order No. 55 of 1983 on the necessary requirements and conditions to ensure occupational safety and health at workplaces was also being amended to address several of the issues mentioned in the Committee’s previous comments and that efforts were being made by the competent authorities to adopt these amendments. Noting these developments, the Committee requests the Government to submit copies of this new legislation as soon as it has been adopted and to include in its next report detailed information on the application of the Convention taking relevant legislative changes into account.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1996, published 85th ILC session (1997)

The Committee notes the Government's reports and the legislation appended to the first report.

1. The Committee notes that the Government refers to Order No. 98 of 1986 of the Ministry of Transport, to authorizing Egyptian companies in the private sector and Egyptian individuals to carry on maritime transport activities and Order No. 163 of 1988 of the Ministry of Transport regulating the conduct of maritime transport activities by Egyptian private sector companies and Egyptian individuals. It would be grateful if the Government would provide copies of the above Orders.

2. The Committee asks the Government to provide additional information on the following points:

Article 4, paragraph 1(b), (d), (e) and (f) of the Convention. The Committee asks the Government to indicate which provisions of the national legislation on dock work concern the provision and maintenance of safe means of access to any workplace, the provision to workers of any life-saving appliances reasonably required, the provision and maintenance of suitable and adequate first-aid and rescue facilities, the establishment of proper procedures to deal with any emergency situations which might arise.

Article 4, paragraph 2(f) (in conjunction with Article 21(a)). The Committee notes that, according to section 4(III)(g), first paragraph, of Order No. 55 of 1983 of the Ministry of Manpower and Training concerning the conditions and precautions necessary to provide for occupational safety and health in workplaces, all lifts and elevators must be of sound construction and adequate strength, and must be maintained in accordance with prescriptions. The Committee asks the Government to provide a copy of these prescriptions. It also asks the Government to indicate which provisions concern the construction, maintenance and use of other lifting and handling appliances.

Article 4, paragraph 2(n). The Committee notes that section 124 of the Labour Code and section 7(b) of Ministerial Order No. 55 of 1983 require employers to provide for their workers, social and cultural services, sanitary facilities and water, in accordance with prescriptions set out in orders of the Ministry of Manpower and Training and the Ministry of Housing. The Committee asks the Government to provide copies of these orders. It also asks the Government to indicate which provisions prescribe the same services and facilities in enterprises employing less than 50 workers, and in public enterprises which are excluded from the scope of these provisions.

Article 5, paragraph 1. The Committee notes that the Government refers in its report to sections 115 et seq. of the Labour Code and states that the employer is responsible for taking the necessary measures to ensure health and safety at the workplace. The Committee asks the Government to indicate if anyone else, and if so, who, is responsible for applying the measures set out in paragraph 1 of Article 4.

Article 16, paragraph 2. The Committee notes the provision of section 123 of the Labour Code which requires the employer to provide the necessary transport for workers employed in workplaces to which there is not a regular transport service. It asks the Government to indicate what safety standards apply to the means of transport provided by the employer.

Article 22. The Committee notes that, according to the Government's report, there is a daily check of the lifting appliances of every ship calling or anchoring in ports. It asks the Government to indicate which provisions of laws or regulations require lifting appliances and loose gear to be tested by competent persons before being put into use for the first time and how often lifting appliances forming part of a ship's equipment must be retested.

Article 25. The Committee notes that section 4(III)(g) of Ministerial Order No. 55 of 1983 requires a special register to be kept showing the results of the inspection and maintenance of all lifts and elevators. It asks the Government to indicate whether the models recommended by the International Labour Office are taken into account in establishing such registers.

Article 31. The Committee notes that the Government intends to incorporate provisions to give effect to this Article in Order No. 55 of 1983 when it is amended and that this matter is currently being discussed with the competent departments. It asks the Government to report in full on progress made in this respect.

Article 32. The Committee notes that the provisions referred to by the Government in its report (Title 4 of section 4(d) and (e) of Ministerial Order No. 55 of 1983) contain only general safety measures concerning the handling of raw materials and the storage of dangerous substances. It asks the Government to provide the list of international regulations, referred to in paragraphs 1 and 2 of this Article, which Egyptian ports comply with and to indicate the measures taken or envisaged for their enforcement. Please indicate which measures give effect to paragraphs 3, 4 and 5 of this Article.

Article 36, paragraph 2. The Committee notes that under section 116 of the Labour Code, workers must undergo a medical examination before recruitment, for which they pay in accordance with a rate fixed by ministerial order. The Committee observes that this provision of the Convention requires initial medical examinations to be free of cost to the worker. It asks the Government to indicate the measures taken or envisaged to bring the law into conformity with the Convention in this respect.

Article 37. The Committee notes that sections 2 to 5 and 6 to 12 of Ministerial Order No. 116 of 1991 and sections 128 and 132 of the Labour Code provide for the establishment of many bodies - committees and services - at various levels beginning with the enterprise. The Committee asks the Government to indicate whether health and safety committees including employers' and workers' representatives have been formed in all ports where there is a significant number of workers.

Article 40. The Committee notes that section 7(b) of Ministerial Order No. 55 of 1983 contains a reference to orders issued by the Ministry of Housing concerning sanitary installations and washrooms. It asks the Government to provide copies of these orders with its next report.

3. The Committee asks the Government to indicate the specific measures that have been taken to give effect to the following provisions of the Convention:

Article 4, paragraph 2(a), (c), (e), (g), (h), (i), (j) and (k). Measures concerning general requirements relating to the construction, equipping and maintenance of dock structures; safe means of access to ships, holds, staging, equipment and lifting appliances; protection of hatches and their handling; work in holds; the construction, maintenance and use of staging; rigging and use of ships' derricks; testing, examination, inspection and certification of lifting appliances and loose gear, including ropes and slings; handling of different types of cargo; stacking and storing of goods.

Article 4, paragraph 3. The adoption of technical standards or codes of practice or the use of other appropriate methods, in order to ensure the practical application of the prescriptions arising from paragraph 1 of this Article.

Article 5, paragraph 2. The collaboration of two or more employers who undertake activities simultaneously at one workplace, in order to apply the measures envisaged in paragraph 1 of Article 4 of the Convention.

Article 6, paragraph 1(c), and paragraph 2. The requirement that workers must immediately report to their first-level supervisors any situation which they have reason to believe could present a risk, so that corrective measures can be taken; the right of workers to participate at any workplace in ensuring safe working and to express their views on working procedures adopted.

Article 9, paragraph 2. The safety measures to be taken (lighting and marking) where there are dangerous obstacles.

Article 10. The proper maintenance of surfaces used for vehicle traffic or for the stacking of goods and the precautions to be taken in stacking.

Article 11, paragraph 2. Adequate width of passageways for pedestrians.

Article 13, paragraphs 2, 5 and 6. The measures to be taken to ensure that the power to any machinery can be cut off in an emergency; measures to be taken to ensure proper precautions when guards or safety devices are removed and their prompt replacement; measures to be taken to ensure that the relevant equipment cannot be started inadvertently.

Article 14. Standards for construction, installation, operation and maintenance of electrical equipment and installations.

Article 15. The provision of adequate means of access to ships during loading and unloading.

Article 16, paragraph 1. Measures to be taken to ensure safe transport by water to and from ships or other places, and safe embarking and disembarking.

Article 17. Specific measures to be taken to ensure access to a ship's hold or cargo deck.

Article 18. Regulations concerning hatch covers.

Article 19, paragraph 2. Measures to be taken to protect hatchways which are no longer in use.

Article 20, paragraphs 1, 2 and 4. Safety measures to be taken when power vehicles operate in the hold; securing of hatch covers; safe means of escape from bins or hoppers when dry bulk cargo is being loaded or unloaded.

Article 21(b). Measures to be taken to ensure safe and proper use of every lifting appliance, every item of loose gear and every sling or lifting device forming an integral part of a load.

Article 24. The provisions requiring regular inspection of every item of loose gear and defining the tasks of inspection.

Article 26. The measures to ensure the mutual recognition of arrangements made by Members with regard to testing and examination.

Article 27, paragraphs 2 and 3. The measures to ensure that all lifting appliances having more than one safe working load are fitted with effective means of enabling the driver to determine the safe working load under each condition of use; the clear marking of the safe working load on every ship's derrick.

Article 28. The measures to ensure that rigging plans are carried on every ship.

Article 29. The measures to ensure that pallets for containing or supporting loads are of sound construction and adequate strength.

Article 30. The safety measures to be taken in respect of the attaching of loads to lifting appliances.

Article 34, paragraph 3. The proper maintenance by the employer of personal protective equipment and protective clothing.

Article 36, paragraphs 1(b) and (c), and 3. The determination of the maximum intervals at which periodical medical examinations are to be carried out; the determination of the range of special investigations deemed necessary in the case of workers exposed to special occupational health hazards; the confidentiality of records of medical examinations.

Article 38, paragraph 2. The establishment of 18 years as the minimum age for operators of lifting appliances.

Article 41(a). The specification of duties in respect of occupational safety and health of persons and bodies concerned with dock work.