Safety and Health in ports

This ILO code of practice on safety and health in ports replaces two former ILO publications Guide to safety and health in dock work (1976) and Safety and health in doc work, An ILO code of practice (second edition, 1977). The text was adopted by a Meeting of Experts held in Geneva from 8 to 17 December 2003. The Governing Body of the ILO, a its 287th Session in June 2003, approved the composition of the meeting of experts. In accordance with this decision, the meeting was attended by 12 experts nominated by Governments (Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Egypt, Germany, Nigeria, Panama, Philippines, Spain, United Kingdom, United States), 12 experts nominated by the Workers. Experts observers from a number of intergovernmental and and non-governmental organizations also attended. This code of practice is not a legally binding instrument. It is not intended to replace national laws and regulations or to affect the fundamental principles and rights of workers provided by ILO instruments. The practical recommendations in this code are intended to provide relevant guidance to ILO constituents and all those responsible for or involved in the management, operation, maintenance and development of ports. It is hoped that this code will help to raise the profile of safety and health issues in ports in all parts of the world, and will encourage more countries to ratify the Occupational Safety and Health (Dock Work) Convention, 1979 (No.152), or otherwise implement its provisions.