Observation (CEACR) - adoptée 2008, publiée 98ème session CIT (2009)

Convention (n° 152) sur la sécurité et l'hygiène dans les manutentions portuaires, 1979 - Suède (Ratification: 1980)

The Committee notes the brief report submitted by the Government including reference to information provided in the context of its application of the Dock Work Convention, 1973 (No. 137). It also notes the information that the following new legislation has been adopted which give further effect to the present Convention: Provisions on Dock Work (AFS 2001:9); Use of Work Equipment (AFS 2006:4); Use of Trucks (AFS 2006:5); Use of Lifting Gear and Lifting Equipment (AFS 2006:6); and Temporary Personnel Hoists using Cranes and Trucks (AFS 2006:7).

With reference to observations submitted by the Swedish Transport Workers’ Union (STUW) in 2002, the Committee notes that the Government has not yet commented on the concerns expressed by the STUW regarding increasing work-related stress in the ports due to increased efforts to improve the productivity and efficiency of dock work. In the STUW’s view all dock work on and around ro/ro vessels has become more hazardous as the requirement of swift handling makes it impossible for work to be done according to the regulations. In view of the potential dangers that the requited speed in handling could cause, the Committee would be grateful if the Government would provide its comments on the STUW observations.

Part V of the report form. Application in practice. The Committee takes this occasion to bring to the Government’s attention a newly adopted ILO code of practice on 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, www.ilo.org/public/english/protection/safework/cops/english/index.htm. In the light of the foregoing, including the observations by the STUW and the new legislation, the Committee requests the Government to provide a general appreciation of the manner in which the Convention is applied in the country, and to 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, as well as the number of occupational accidents and diseases reported.