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

The Committee notes Mexican Official Standard NOM-23-STPS-1993 establishing requirements for the parts and safety devices of lifting appliances in work centres, and its two annexes containing a number of provisions which give effect to Article 4, paragraph 3(h) of the Convention (provisions for the prevention of occupational accidents requiring special safety measures for the handling of cargo and ballast).

1. Article 2. The Committee notes Mexican Official Standard NOM-021-STPS-1993, establishing the requirements and characteristics of reports on occupational hazards, to include statistics, which contains a number of provisions applying paragraphs 1 and 2 of this Article (compulsory notification to the competent authorities of all occupational accidents). The Committee notes that according to points 3.3.1 and 3.3.3 of the above Official Standard and the corresponding form (CM-2A), the statistics show the nature, causes and effects of accidents. The Committee points out that, according to paragraph 3 of this Article, the statistics must indicate clearly the department on board ship - for instance, deck, engine or catering - where the accident occurred. These indications are particularly important in the event of an investigation, which must be conducted in accordance with paragraph 4 of this Article by the competent authority, into the causes and circumstances of occupational accidents resulting in loss of life or serious personal injury. According to the statistics supplied with the report, in 1995 there was an increase in the number of both these types of accidents. The Committee hopes that the necessary measures will be taken to give full effect to paragraphs 3 and 4 of this Article.

2. Article 4, paragraphs 2 and 3(d). With regard to its previous comments on the need to lay down provisions concerning the prevention of occupational accidents which prescribe special safety measures on and below deck, the Committee notes that the Safety Manual for personnel on board has not been amended. The Committee asks the Government to indicate the measures taken to give effect to this provision of the Convention.