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

Occupational Safety and Health (Dock Work) Convention, 1979 (No. 152) - Sweden (Ratification: 1980)

The Committee notes the information provided in the Government's report as well as the list of rules applicable within the scope of the Convention. The Committee notes the adoption, inter alia, of the Dock Work (Amendment of Directions No. 1: Dock Work) AFS 1993:47 and of the Dock Work (Amendment of Dock Work Directions) AFS 1994:20. Since these texts have not been sent with the last Government's report, the Committee asks the Government to provide copies of these texts.

The Committee notes the comments on the application of Articles 4, paragraph 1(b), 17 and 21 of the Convention made by the Swedish Trade Union Confederation (LO). The LO points out that the message of the Board for Occupational Safety and Health 1976:19 which has not been valid since the end of September 1992 has not been replaced by other or new text dealing with the handling and attendance of cordage-slings and other slings, produced of natural or synthetic fibre, in spite of remarks by the Swedish Transport Workers' Union. The Government is requested to indicate measures taken to give effect to Article 21 with respect to this kind of sling.

The LO also indicates that in case of the use of a certain type of loading procedure it might occur that the means of access (ladders) are obstructed, and the dockworkers thus have to find their way into or out of the cargo space in another way, either with an ordinary ladder or with a personal basket, connected with a lifting appliance. The Government is requested to indicate the manner in which the competent authority determines the acceptability of means of access to a ship's hold or cargo deck in accordance with paragraph 1 of Article 17.

[The Government is asked to report in detail in 1998.]