The landmark report, Experiences of arrangements for health, safety and welfare in the global container terminal industry, is the only one of its kind ever undertaken to such an exhaustive level. It confirms the findings of what until now was the first ever major international study of health and safety in global network terminals and identifies continuing dangers, causes for concern, and flaws in the behavioural management systems commonly employed by operators. It also offers clear pointers to improvement.
Researchers, who had access to six major ports around the world, found that levels of worker injury were being underreported, there was little attention being paid to the specific needs of women workers, subcontracting was undermining reporting and a safety culture and productivity targets were undermining the will to prioritise health, safety and welfare.
ITF president and chair of the ITF dockers’ section, Paddy Crumlin, explained: “This research provides the most comprehensive evidence available on occupational health and safety in container terminals. It is the only international study of its kind, and has identified key areas. These include differences between the perception of workers and management over the implementation of OHS policies, as well as the significant value of worker and union participation in the development and implementation of those policies.”
Co-commissioners of the report were IOSH (Institution of Occupational Safety and Health) and it was carried out by Cardiff University in the UK.
