Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2012, published 102nd ILC session (2013)

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

The Committee notes the brief report submitted by the Government including a reference to information provided in the context of its application of the Dock Work Convention, 1973 (No. 137).

Comments by the Swedish Transport Workers’ Union (STUW). With reference to observations submitted by STUW in 2002, both in relation to Convention No. 137 and the present Convention, the Committee notes that the Government agrees with STUW that prolonged stress has negative health consequences; that if, in addition, the workload is so heavy that the provisions cannot be implemented, there is a risk that accidents occur; and that risk assessments are important to prevent ill health and accidents. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would provide further information on whether and to what extent stress has been taken into account in the context of risk assessments made in the context of dock work in Swedish ports and the impact of such measures.

Part V of the report form. Application in practice. The Committee notes the information provided regarding inspections carried out in the ports of Göteborg, Uddevalla, and Varberg, the requests for action to be taken and the statistical data concerning accidents at work for the period 2007–11, that are attached to the report of the Government on Convention No. 137. However, it notes that on the basis of the information provided, it is not possible to determine the number of accidents that are related to dockworkers. In the light of the foregoing, the Committee requests the Government to provide further information and the actions taken as a follow-up to the reported inspections carried out in the ports of Göteborg, Uddevalla and Varberg; the number of occupational accidents and diseases reported among dockworkers for the years 2007–11 and onwards; and any further relevant information on the manner in which the Convention is applied in the country.