The workers’ group was participating in a meeting of experts in Geneva to adopt a revised ILO code of practice on safety and health in ports.
The workers’ group is hoping to improve the code of practice in relation to safety committees, personal protective equipment, first aid coverage, amenities, protection from nefarious substances, considerations for an increased female workforce and establishment of a workplace harassment policy. It also wants to introduce new language for safe lashing of containers.
In its opening statement to the ILO on 21November the group’s spokesperson, Albert Le Monnier, said: “The port industry is undergoing significant changes. New technology, the growth of shipping alliances, overcapacity in many regions plus a volatile global economy are exerting downward pressure on working terms and conditions. Demands for unsustainable levels of productivity and cost cutting are a lethal combination for dockworkers, literally.
“Our deliberations take place within this context, and what we decide will have a significant impact on the lives of men and women who work in ports around the world. Their health and safety is our collective responsibility as governments, employers and unions.”
He added that it was “paramount” for the ILO to participate in discussions at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to amend SOLAS (International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea) and its accompanying guidelines, which aim to establish criteria for the installation, inspection, examination, testing and maintenance of lifting appliances.
The review of the ILO code is a priority for the occupational health and safety programme of the ITF dockers’ section. Other important initiatives include the publication in September of independent, landmark research commissioned by the ITF and the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health on the health, safety and welfare of workers in the global container port industry.
The study identifies continuing dangers, causes for concern, and flaws in the behavioural management systems commonly employed by operators; and offers clear pointers to improvement.
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