REPORT I
PTCPWA966/I
PREPARATORY TECHNICAL CONFERENCE
ON THE MAXIMUM PERMISSIBLE WEIGHT TO BE
CARRIED BY ONE WORKER
International Labour Office
Geneva
1965
51980
PBBPACE
The Governing Body of the International labour Office decided, at its 162nd
Seasion (May-June,1965), to convene a Preparatory Technical Conference to study the
various physiological and socio-economic aspects of the question of the maximum permissible weight, to be carried by one worker, and to adopt conclusions for submission
to the International Labour Conference with a view to the adoption, under the singlediscussion procedure, of one or more international instruments relating to this matter.
The convening of the Preparatory Technical Conference would constitute the
second stage in the examination of this question.
The first stage, which was made
in accordance with a decision taken by the Governing Body at its 155th Session
(May-June,1963), was a Meeting of Experts on the Maximum Permissible Weight to be
Carried by One Worker, held from 9 to 17 March, 1964.
Various aspects of the question were examined at this meeting, particularly the experiences gained by governments, employers' and workers' organisations, and by factory medical officers.
This document, submitted to the Preparatory Technical Conference, consists of
four parts: a general introduction to the subject, the report of the Meeting of
Experts, an outline of national law and practice, and conclusions and points for
discussion.
CONTENTS
£2S£
Part It
INTRODUCTION
I. HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
II. HEALTH PROBLEMS IN WEIGHT CARRYING - FACTORS AFFECTING FATIGUE AND
ACCIDENTS
Generalities
Physiological Factors
Technical and Environmental Factors
Vocational Training
Medical Supervision
Questions pertaining to Women and Children
III. TRENDS IN NATIONAL U S AND PRACTICE
IV. ACTION TAKEN BY THE INTERNATIONAL LABOUR ORGANISATION
Part II:
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Model Code of Safety Regulations and Codes of Practice
Meeting of Experts
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Convening of the Preparatory Technical Conference
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REPORT OF THE MEETING OP EXPERTS
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REPORT
General Discussion
Physiological Aspects of Load-Carrying
Medical Aspects of Load-Carrying
Climate and Environmental Conditions
Organisation of the Work
Questions of Packaging
Vocational Training
Medical Supervision
Porterage
Criteria to be Applied in Determining the Maximum Weight
Part III: OUTLINE OF NATIONAL LAW AND PRACTICE
I. LAWS AND REGULATIONS
General Provisions
Provisions concerning Women, Children and Young Persons
Provisions concerning Adult Workers
II. COLLECTIVE AGREEMENTS AND CODES OF PRACTICE
Part IV:
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CONCLUSIONS AND POINTS PROPOSED FOR DISCUSSION
I. CONCLUSIONS
II. POINTS PROPOSED FOR DISCUSSION
Questionnaire
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I.
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
1.
Without doubt the transport of loads represents one of the oldest and most
widespread forms of work.
Firstly by individuals, and then collectively and in an
organised way, this type of work has always been a common operation involving large
sectors of the working population.
With the rapid rise of industrialisation, the
handling of loads is carried out more and more with the aid of mechanical means;
nevertheless, the utilisation of these means ia still rather unevenly distributed.
In large sectors of industry and commerce due to local reasons, to reasons of organisation and to other reasons, load carrying is still being done by hand.
Workers
of all ages, women, girls, adolescents and sometimes even children are still called
upon to do this work.
The weight of the loads carried manually varies widely. In
certain cases the maximum weight is fixed by national laws or regulations.
In many
other cases the weight is determined by local tradition or by commercial custom in
the matter of packing.
In many instances it is the method of manufacture or the
material breakdown of the goods which determines the weight to be carried.
2.
In absolute figures the weight of loads handled in this way is often considerable.
That is why, ever since trade union organisations began to gain importance, some of them, especially organisations representing transport workers, dockers
and workers in the food and drink trade, have made a point of insisting on a limitation to the weight of loads to be carried.
Certain employers' organisations and
governments have also studied this question which has also been raised at the international level.
It may be worthwhile perhaps, to recall briefly some of these instances.
1
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3.
The question was broached as long ago as 1914 by the International Association for Labour Legislation which asked on behalf of dockworkers that the loads carried by one man should not be allowed to exceed 60 kilograms.
In 1924 the International Federation of Food and Drink Workers requested that action be taken to prohibit the carrying by one man of sacks of grain weighing more than 100 kilograms,
and in 1925 the French Association of Stevedoring Contractors advocated that the upper weight limit should be set between 50 and 60 kilograms.
In the same year the
German Government requested that the subject be laid before the International Labour
Conference with a view to the adoption of international standards, while the International Transport Workers' Federation asked that the International Labour Conference
Bhould set the maximum load which one man could carry at 75 kilograms. In 1927 a
Congress organised by the International Transport Workers' Federation and the International Federation of Food and Drink Workers adopted a resolution asking that the
loads carried by one man in the transport and milling industries (sacks of wheat,
sugar, salt, etc.) should not exceed 75 kilograms and that it should be compulsory
to mark the weight on packages of more than 50 kilograms.
Subsequently the transport workers' organisations, particularly those in industrial transport and the food
and drink industries, reverted to this question on several occasions.
4.
The question was also brought up at the International Labour Conference
which at its 24th Session (Geneva, 1938) adopted a resolution inviting the Governing
Body "to consider the desirability of placing on the agenda of an early session of
the Conference the question of the fixing of the maximum weight of loads, packages
and sacks to be transported by workers". A similar request was made in the following year by the Second Conference of American States Members of the I.L.O.(Havana,1939).
5.
In 1948, the Congress of the International Transport Workers' Federation,
following a survey carried out in certain member countries, adopted a resolution in
which it requested the I.L.O. to consider this matter with a view to the adoption of
an international Convention setting the maximum load which could be carried by one
man at 75 kilograms.
In 1952 the Congress of the International Federation of Food
and Drink Workers in turn adopted a resolution instructing the Managing Committee
of the Federation to request the I.L.O. once again to study the possibility of reaching international agreement on a maximum load of 50 kilograms.
6.
This issue has also been discussed on several occasions in the I.L.O.
Inland Transport Committee.
At its Fourth Session (Genoa,1951) the Committee
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adopted a resolution (No.47) in which it invited the Governing Body, inter alia.
"to recommend that governments, in cases where the use of lifting and carrying
appliances is impracticable, study, in consultation with the employers' and workers'
organisations concerned, the possibility of determining the maximum limits of loads
which may be carried or lifted by one man without the aid of mechanical appliances,
taking into account the various circumstances obtaining".
At its Fifth Session
(Geneva, 1954), the Committee again adopted a resolution (No.63) on this question,
among other things, inviting the Governing Body "to consider placing this question
on the agenda of the most appropriate session of the International labour Conference".
Finally, at its Seventh Session (Geneva, 1961) the Committee adopted a resolution
(No.80) in which it again invited the Governing Body "to consider the possibility
of placing the question of the limitation of loads carried by one man on the agenda
of an early session of the International labour Conference".
7.
The foregoing facts show that the item in question is of considerable interest to workers engaged in the loading, unloading and transport of goods, particularly stevedores and workers engaged in delivering foodstuffs and drink.
There can
also be no doubt that the question is of concern to workers in many other industries,
because the manual lifting and carrying of loads are everyday operations even for
those not primarily concerned with goods handling as such.
II.
HEALTH PROBLEMS IN WEIGHT CARRYING
FACTORS AFFECTING FATIGUE AND ACCIDENTS
Generalities
8.
Without entering into a detailed discussion of such matters as the energy
balance or other physiological questions which are related to weight carrying, the
purpose of this chapter is to outline briefly the functional and physio-pathological
modifications which might occur as a result of carrying heavy loads, and to indicate
the physical repercussions which this type of work might have.
9.
Load carrying is muscular work.
In addition to sustaining the basic
bodily functions, energy is consumed both in supporting the load and in moving it
from one place to another.
A muscle transforms into kinetic energy the chemical
energy obtained from the body's food intake that is supplied to it by the blood.
Fuel from the food intake undergoes combustion in oxygen introduced into the body
through the lungs.
During physical work the body must oxidise more fuel and will
consequently require a larger supply of oxygen.
The body must consume more fuel
and consequently needs a larger supply of oxygen.
This calls for deeper and more
rapid breathing together with an increase in the cardiac rate and output. Waste
products result from the muscular function and must be eliminated from the body in
the form mainly of carbon dioxide.
If this elimination doeB not take place quickly
enough, the intermediate products of the metabolism accumulate in the body causing
fatigue.
In addition to fatigue, the transport of loads may lead to disorders
related to over-strain and be the cause of accidents.
The two main factors which
are responsible for these repercussions are: the weight of the load and the conditions in which the transport is effected.
10. As regards the weight of the load, although the energy expenditure needed
to lift and carry a given weight is theoretically constant, its effects on the body
may vary to a large extent.
On the one hand, the individual physical capacities
may be different according to the typical biological characteristics of a given
population, group or individual; they also vary in the same individual according to
his state of health, nutritional status, age, etc.
Moreover, unfavourable environmental conditions will reduce the margin of energy which the individual can physiologically place at the disposal of his work.
As regards the conditions under which
work is performed, particular account must be taken of the technique used for lifting,
putting down and carrying loads, the type of package and its dimensions, the nature
of the path to be covered, the work-rate, the general climatic and environmental
conditions, etc.
These different factors, either separately or taken together
may add considerably to the total effort required to perform the work and substantially increase the risks of fatigue or accident.
These factors will be briefly
reviewed in the following pages.
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Physiological Factors
11. The fact of holding a load in a standing position necessitates in itself a
static effort with repercussions on the locomotor system, namely the skeleton, the
musculature and the joints.
The vertebral column, the vertebral discs and the spinal
muscles are especially called into play.
According to the weight of the load, the
vertebral discs may be more or less compressed and, when the load is particularly
heavy, disorders of these may arise as a result of the compression and wear which
are an important predisposing factor in the emergence of arthritic disorders of the
vertebral column.
12. Balancing the load while it is being carried may call for compensatory
effort in which extra muscle3 and joints come into play and this will increase considerably the necessary expenditure of energy and the resulting fatigue. Moreover,
certain joints such as those of the foot, the knee, the hip and the vertebral joints
are obliged to work under stress, which tends to additional wear of the joints and
predisposes them to arthritic lesions.
13- The risks are obviously greater when it is a question not only of carrying heavy loads but also of lifting them and, where necessary, of putting them down
or stacking them.
These operations bring into play, in a complex manner, the
various sectors of the skeleton, the musculature and the joints, and the dynamic
effort that the body has to produce, added to the static effort already required,
may attain a high level even for relatively light weights.
There are thus many
factors which have to be taken into account, among which are the form and manner of
packaging the load, the amount of bending or sideways movement necessary to grasp it
or put it down and the handling technique.
Whether a man raises a load unaided
and places it on to his shoulders, or whether he be assisted in this operation, may
often entail a very different effort and may, even more than the weight, be a fundamental element of occupational safety.
The risks of discal hernia, muscular strain,
lumbago and abdominal hernia, all of which may result from using the wrong technique
while raising or putting down a load, are well known.
14. In addition to these effects on the locomotor system the effort required
in weight carrying may have repercussions elsewhere particularly on the lungs and
the circulatory system.
As regards the lungs, the expenditure of energy entailed
in the work necessitates a higher consumption of oxygen and consequently an increase
in the breathing rate and the volume of air inhaled.
It should be noted that
during the transport and especially during the raising and putting down of the load,
the muscles of the thorax, diaphragm and abdomen are in a state of contraction,
causing compression of the lungs and a rise in intra-alveolar air pressure that,
among other things, may lead to a risk of emphysema.
The heart and circulatory
system are also affected by the augmented blood flow required for heavy muscular
exertion, which results in increased heart rate and cardiac output, raised resistance
in the pulmonary circulation and changes in blood pressure.
These factors might
possibly lead to sclerogenous changes of the arterial walls and to cardiac hypertrophy.
Technical and Environmental Factors
Shape and Dimensions of the Load
15. The shape and dimensions of the load as well as the nature and characteristics of the packaging also play an important part in the energy expenditure required
by the work and in its safe performance.
It is clear that there is a great difference in the effort required to carry a load of suitable dimensions, well placed on
the shoulders and easy to hold in a good position, and that which is required to
transport a load of the same weight whose packaging is loose and whose dimensions
are unwieldy, or which is badly .balanced and difficult to maintain in a stable position.
Thus not only the form and rigidity of the load and its packaging, but also
the provision of handles or other grasping points, are safety factors that can
reduce the risk of awkward movements and fatigue.
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Nature of the Path to be Covered
16.
The nature of the path may represent an important factor in fatigue and
may also lead to accidents.
Examples of this are found in ship-loading and unloading, in the handling and delivery of food products and drinks, in certain building
and civil engineering works, etc.
Walkways that are badly laid out or inadequately
maintained, uneven ground which calls for extra effort, crossing of narrow and
springy planks, ascending or descending into holds or storerooms, etc. may, for the
same load, intensify considerably the effort required and cause additional fatigue,
both physical and nervous.
Organisation of the Work
17.
Badly organised work resulting in too fast a rate or sudden and irregular
stopping and starting during the carrying, with inadequate or inopportune work breaks
can also affect safety or lead to extra fatigue.
Similarly incentive payment
schemes that are often applied to loading and unloading operations may induce workers
to neglect safety practices and exert themselves beyond the normal limits of physiological recuperation.
Climatic and Environmental Conditions
18.
Climatic conditions such as temperature, ventilation, humidity, etc. also
have important repercussions on physiological expenditures and on the amount of
fatigue.
It may be noted, for example, that work which is considered as normal in
a temperate climate may become very strenuous when it is performed in a tropical
climate, or if the worker is exposed to high temperatures and humidities.
In fact,
although the expenditure of energy required for the handling of a given load is the
same, the body under such conditions is no longer able to disperse in the normal way
the heat produced by the internal bio-chemical combustion processes.
This leads
to an increase in the heart-rate and the rate of respiration which, when added to
the physiological modifications resulting from the expenditure of energy on the work,
may approach the limits of physiological performances.
The presence of atmospheric
pollution such as, for example, the high concentrations of dust that are sometimes
found in the holds of ships or in grain stores may become an even greater nuisance
or danger because of the increased lung ventilation called for under adverse climatic
conditions.
Vocational Training
19.
The total physical expenditure as well as the type and intensity of the
effort to which the various groups of muscles and joints are individually subjected
may vary considerably according to the manner in which the load is carried.
Thus,
for instance, carrying a load on the head or the back in an upright position means,
in particular, that the groups of muscles and joints in the vertebral column, the
pelvis and the lower limbs are brought into play symmetrically.
On the other hand,
carrying a load in a more or less bent position, on one shoulder, or under one arm,
or supported by both arms, or in one hand, brings particular groups of muscles and
joints into play in a complex and asymmetric manner and distributes the effort in
an unequal and sometimes dangerous way.
Bad carrying practices may cause accidents
such as discal hernia and lumbago and may be the underlying cause of cyphotic and
scoliotic deformation of the vertebral column or of lesions of the hip or shoulder
joints.
The vocational training of workers is a most important factor in this
respect in order to reduce the effort and, particularly to exert it in such a way as
to make the best use of the physiological capabilities of the body.
The use of
good technique in raising or setting down a load considerably reduces the risks of
badly distributed and badly co-ordinated efforts, represents a basic measure for
preventing joint sprains, muscular strains, lumbago, discal hernia, etc. and contributes to reducing wear in joints and, indirectly, cardio-vascular and organic decay.
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Medical Supervision
20.
Appropriate medical supervision for these workers who may be particularlyexposed to accident hazards and physical deterioration would no doubt be of value.
Thi3 would, primarily, avoid placing too heavy a task on individuals whose physical
constitution or state of health does not allow them to produce, without risk in this
respect, the efforts demanded by the transport of loads. Pre-employment medical
examination would enable attention to be paid to physical strength, lung capacity,
heart and vascular conditions and the state of the joints: it would also disclose
any predisposition to abdominal hernia, etc. Medical supervision would also
provide an opportunity of keeping a check on the adaptation to work, of revealing in
good time any lesions in the locomotor system or any organic disorders which may
become aggravated by the efforts demanded in handling operations, and of giving the
workers advice on those health matters that might prove useful to them.
It would
seem in any case that this supervision should be considered essential for both the
young and for the older worker.
Questions Pertaining to Women and Children
21.
The effects of load carrying on the body may be especially important for
women: on the one hand, their physical structure is less suitable for this type of
work and, on the other hand, their physiological equilibrium is characterised by
considerable variations which entail modifications in their efficiency and can expose
them more easily to the risks mentioned previously.
As regards adolescents and
children, it should be noted that their organic structures are in a critical phase
of growth and consolidation.
The efforts demanded by load carrying may hinder the
normal and regular evolution of the body, may have unfavourable repercussions on the
process of ossification and lead to skeletal deformities.
Furthermore, the degree
of organic and muscular development may, during this stage of growth, vary greatly
from one individual to another, a fact which requires caution when establishing
levels of weight or of effort applicable to the whole of this category of workers.
III.
TRENDS IN NATIONAL LAW AND PRACTICE
22.
It is clear from the outline on law and practice given in Part ITI that
the danger-of health to which the carrying of excessive loads may expose the workers
has not escaped the attention of governments, which over the years have endeavoured
to regulate the matter at the national level by adopting provisions covering at least
certain classes of workers, in particular women and young persons.
Without at this
stage giving details of these provisions, it may be useful to indicate briefly the
main lines of existing legislation.
23.
The majority of countries have adopted provisions applying to women,
children and young persons.
These classes of workers are often broken down into
age groups, the maximum authorised load being specified for persons in each group.
Special provisions are laid down for transport by means of a vehicle, the maximum
permissible weight varying according to the type of vehicle used.
Thus, different
limits are specified for transport by means of barrows, two, three or four wheeled
vehicles, tip-trucks on rails, tri-cars and so forth.
The type of surface and
slope of the ground to be covered are also taken into account in some countries and
maximum weights are specified on the basis of these factors.
Tn addition, in some
countries it is further provided that women and young persons may not be employed
on load carrying for more than a specified number of hours per day.
Special provisions are also laid down for pregnant women, for instance prohibiting their employment on load carrying from the beginning or after a certain stage of their pregnancy.
24.
In contrast to the position as regards women and young workers, very few
countries have adopted legislation or regulations applying to adult male workers.
In Chile, Costa Rica, Panama, Peru and O.S.S.R. a maximum of 80 kilograms has been
set; in Mexico and in India (Madras) the limit is 75 kilograms; and here and there
a plus margin of 10 per cent, (as in .Panama) or of 4 to 7 per cent, (as in Chile)
is permitted in special cases. Certain countries (the United Kingdom, Ceylon,
Guatemala and New Zealand) have adopted general legislation leaving it to the
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discretion of the competent authorities to lay down maximum limits either for all
workers or for certain classes of workers; these maxima may be fixed at different
levels depending on circumstances or on the operations involved, or for such industries or such working processes as the regulations may determine.
However, very
few regulations seem to have been actually made under legislation of this kind.
25.
The scarcity of official regulations limiting the weights which may be
carried by an adult worker has led the workers' organisations in certain countries
to conclude collective agreements on the subject.
Thus, for instance, in Argentina,
under a collective agreement of 7 February 1947, the weight limit has been set at
70 kilograms and at 50 kilograms for sacks containing certain specified goods.
Certain guides of safe working practice also cover this point.
In Turkey, for
instance, regulations of 22 July 1948 lay down that the maximum weight to be carried
by dockers and men employed in maritime transport is 40 kilograms; in Italy, the
Genoa port regulations fix the limit at 100 kilograms.
It is clear, however, that
although the collective bargaining approach may lead to useful agreements, its
practical utility will generally be confined to particular situations or even to
special cases. Any attempts to solve this problem at the initiative of one of the
parties or at the regional or local level will run into many difficulties of a
general nature. The weight of loads often depends on the nature of the goods to be
transported, the packaging systems employed, and the particular storage and delivery
methods.
Having regard to the ever increasing importance of international trade,
any weight limit, if it is to have practical effect, must be adopted both by the
importing country and by the exporting country, and could be accepted only on the
basis of international agreement.
IV. ACTION TAKEN BY THE INTERNATIONAL
LAB0OR ORGANISATION
26.
The question of the maximum permissible weight to be carried by one worker was first studied by the International Labour Office many years ago.
It appeared as one of the items on the agenda of the third meeting of the Correspondence
Committee on Occupational Health in 1926.
The Committee discussed this matter in
connection with the wider theme of fatigue, but had to defer more thorough examination because of the many other urgent problems before it at that time.
Model Code of Safety Regulations and Codes of Practice
27.
A step forward was takeruwhen a tripartite committee adopted the Model
Code of Safety Regulations in I960.
This contains specific reference to the
question of the maximum weight, and although it does not mention any limit in
figures, it does clearly lay down certain basic principles which point towards a
more precise formulation.
As regards the question as a whole, it restates the
principle that "no person shall be employed to lift, carry or move any load so heavy
as to be likely to cause injury to him" and adds that "the competent authority
should make regulations prescribing the maximum weights which may be lifted, carried
or moved by persons employed in industrial establishments".
28.
As regards young persons, the Code states that the employment of boys and
girls under 18 years of age "shall be prohibited in
loading, unloading, transport and other processes involving the carrying of heavy loads or objects". As
regards women, it prohibits the employment of any female at "loading, unloading and
other operations and processes involving frequent lifting and carrying of heavy
loads or objects, unless (i) individual suitability iB taken into account in placing
workers on such job3; (ii) prior to assignment to such employment the workers have
received instruction as to approved methods of lifting and carrying loads; and
(iii) maximum weights are fixed for loads to be lifted or carried, taking into
account the character of the loads (rigid or non-rigid), the height and distance
which they are to be lifted or carried, the frequency of the lifting and carrying
Model Code of Safety Regulations for Industrial Establishments for the
Guidance of Governments and Industry, I.L.O., Geneva, 1949
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operations, and any special obstacles or hazards that may be present, such as uneven
ground, stairs, ladders, or the like".
29The question of loads is mentioned also in the Code of Practice which
deals with safety and health in dock work-*-: paragraph 534 provides that no person
"should be employed to lift, carry or move any load so heavy as to be likely to
cause injury to him".
Meeting of Experts
30.
In view of the importance of this question in the protection of the health
of workers and the prevention of accidents, the Governing Body of the I.T-.O.decided
at its 155th Session (May-June,1963) to convene a meeting of experts on the maximum
permissible weight to be carried by one worker.
In order to take into account the
several aspects of the question, including the relevant experience already gained
in various quarters, it decided among other things that the meeting should consist
of four experts from government circles, four from employers' circles, four from
workers' circles and two industrial physicians.
The Meeting was held from 9 to 17
March 1964.
Convening of the Preparatory Technical Conference
31.
Having taken note of the report of the Meeting of Experts, the Governing
Body decided at its 162nd Session (Way—June,1965) to convene a preparatory technical
conference to study the various physiological and socio-economic aspects of the
question and to formulate conclusions that could be submitted to the International
Labour Conference with a view to the adoption through the single discussion procedure of an international instrument or international instruments concerning the
maximum permissible weight to be carried by a single worker.
In order to facilitate
the study of this question and provide the Conference with a suitable basis for its
discussions, the International Labour Office has prepared a list of points for
discussion, which has been sent to all States Members of the International labour
Organisation.
The comments of the Governments, the employers' organisations and
the workers' organisations will be analysed in a second report to be submitted to
the Preparatory Technical Conference.
The questionnaire and the explanations
relating to it will be found below in part IV.
1
Safety and Health in Dock Work, I.L.O., Geneva, 1958.
2
The text of the report adopted by the Meeting will be found in part III of
this paper.
It will be noted in particular that in reaching their conclusions the
experts worked on the principle that the recommended maximum weight should make it
possible to avoid all signs of residual fatigue and that it should be applicable
throughout the world.
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MEETING OF EXPERTS ON THE MAXIMUM PERMISSIBLE WEIGHT
TO BE CARRIED BY ONE WORKER
(Geneva, 9-17 March 1964)
REPORT
1. In accordance with the decision taken by the Governing Body of the
International Labour Office at its 155th Session in May 1963, a Meeting of Experts
on the Maximum Permissible Weight to be carried by One Worker was held in Geneva
from 9 to 17 March 1964.
As specified in the Governing Body's decision the
Meeting was to be attended by four Government experts, four experts designated by
the Employers' group and four experts designated by the Workers' group.
Two
experts, physicians, were appointed by the Director-General.
2.
The following personalities attended the Meeting:
Dr. A.H. Baynes,
Deputy Senior Medical Inspector of
Factories,
Ministry of Labour,
St. James' Square,
LONDON S.W.I. (United Kingdom)
Dr. L. Brouha,
Chief, Physiology Section,
The Haskell Laboratory for Toxicology
and Industrial Medicine,
Du Pont de Nemours,
WILMINGTON 98,
Delaware. (U.S.A.)
Dr. Evio Santos de Bustamante,
Chief of the Occupational Safety and
Health Division,
Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare,
RIO DE JANEIRO. (Brazil)
Mr. D. Dusiquet,
Deputy Secretary and Member of the
Executive Committee,
Federation of Ports and Docks C.G.T. - F.O.,
1 rue Frissard,
DIEPPE,
Seine Maritime. (France)
Mr. M.E. Jallow,
General Secretary,
Gambia Workers Union,
68 Hagan Street,
P.O. Box 454,
BATHURST,
(Gambia) (West Africa)
Prof. Dr. E.A. MUller,
Max-Planck-Institut fur Arbeitsphysiologie,
Rheinlanddamm 201,
DORTMUND. (Federal Republic of Germany)
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Prof. L. Noro,
Director,
Institute of Occupational Health,
Tyoterveyslaitos,
Haartmaninkatu, 1,
HELSINKI. (Finland)
Mr. T. O'Leary,
National Secretary of the Dock Group,
Transport and General Workers Union,
Transport House,
Smith Square,
Westminster,
LONDON, S.W.I. (United Kingdom)
Mr. L.A. Suggars,
General Manager,
Queensland Chamber of Manufactures,
Manufactures House,
375 Wickham Terrace,
BRISBANE,
Queensland. (Australia)
Dr. P.V. Thacker,
Senior Industrial Health Officer,
Tata Services Limited,
Department of Industrial Health,
Army and Navy Building,
FORT BOMBAY 1. (India)
Ing. U. Viviani,
Chief of the "Industrial Accidents and
Occupational Diseases" Section,
Socie'te' Montecatini,
Largo G. Donegani 1/2,
MILAN. (Italy)
Dr. G. Zuev,
Department of Foreign Relations,
Ministry of Public Health,
MOSCOW. (U.S.S.R.)
Mr. Tschumi (Switzerland), Employer expert and Mr. Gale-Varela (Honduras),
Worker expert, were unable to attend the Meeting for health reasons.
3. Mr. W. Yalden-Thomson, Assistant Director-General of the International
Labour Office, declared the Meeting open. He wished the Committee to know that
this question held special Interest for the I.L.O. and recalled the aims of the
Meeting.
The question being examined concerned a large number of workers not only
in industry but also in agriculture and commerce.
It was undoubtedly a complex
question in view of the many factors involved, both biological and practical.
While it was necessary to consider the workers' physiological capacities, and the
differences between those capacities in the various regions of the world, a host of
other factors must also be studied, ranging from'vocational training to climatic and
environmental conditions, the nature of the packages employed and the organisation
of the work.
Although the trend in international trade seemed to be towards a
progressive reduction in the weight of loads involved in manual handling, the
question as a whole had not yet been studied.
One could it seemed, learn some
lessons from the results of medical research and of practical experience in the
different countries which would be of material assistance in fixing a maximum weight.
4. Professor L. Noro was unanimously elected Chairman of the Meeting.
Dr. L. Brouha was appointed Rapporteur.
5.
The agenda of the Meeting, as approved by the Governing Body was as followsi
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"1.
Physiological factors which may affect load-carrying.
2. Working and environmental conditions which may affect the
strenuousness of load-carrying.
3. Criteria to be applied in fixing the maximum permissible weight
to be carried by one worker.
4. Measures for reducing the health risks involved in the manual
handling of loads."
General Discussion
6. In the course of the general discussion the participants drew attention
to a certain number of factors which should be taken into account when tackling the
question of the manual transport of loads.
It was emphasised first of all that given an equal weight - the effort required varied according to whether carriage
was effected in a cold or temperate climate, or in a tropical or hot and humid
climate.
It was also pointed out that the worker's constitution and weight could
have an important role.
The question thus arose whether it was advisable to aim at
limits to the weight of loads which would be applicable to the workers of a
particular country or region, or whether the problem should be approached as a whole
and an attempt be made to arrive at standards valid for all countries.
The Meeting
observed that the development of international trade made it unrealistic to examine
the problem on a narrow basis, and recognised that a common denominator should be
sought which would be applicable to all countries.
7. The participants also recognised that with regard to handling operations
one should, on the one hand, consider load-carrying in the strict sense and, on the
other hand, the question of the lifting and possibly the setting down of loads.
It
seems clear that if this work requires not only that a load should be carried, but
also lifted and possibly set down or stacked, the necessary effort is much greater.
It was also recognised that in most cases the handling of loads also involves lifting
or at least a certain amount of bending in order to grasp the load.
It was thus
decided that for the purpose of the discussion the expression "load-carrying" should
imply some lifting.
8. It.was also noted that the energy expenditure associated with the transport
of loads had, physiologically speaking, a twofold meaning: first, that of the
energy expenditure necessary for the displacement of the body weight, and secondly
that of the additional energy expenditure Involved in carrying the load itself.
Considering the final result of the operation, the reduction in the weight of the
load beyond certain limits may prove "uneconomical".
The weight of the load ought
thus to be determined so as to avoid fatigue and hence make the best use of the
physiological resources.
9. Another point to consider is the total weight of loads carried during the
working day.
While it is true that the weight of the load Is a factor of
fundamental Importance it was also observed that because of the speed of working or
the length of the shift, the total effort during the working day might exceed the
limit which would allow normal recovery of the energy expended, and so would result
in fatigue.
10. The Meeting recognised that vocational training played an important part in
the manual transport of loads.
It was, however, of the opinion that even when the
value of appropriate training is taken into account it may be necessary to adapt the
weight of the loads in order to avoid early physical deterioration.
11. The participants also noted that both in the international and domestic
trades the tendency for some years past has been a progressive reduction in the
weight of each unit in which goods are handled.
Many examples were mentioned
including the weight of sacks of grains, fruit cases, banana stems, cases of bottles,
metal Ingots, etc.
It was emphasised that this reduction in weight was often made
for commercial reasons.
The Meeting was unanimous in considering that an effort
in this direction should be undertaken so as to arrive at loads suitable for safe
manual carrying.
- 13 -
12. The participants noted that, although load-carrying was especially
performed by certain classes of workers, such as dockers, manual transport was still
regularly required in many industries (for example, the construction and textile
industry, etc.), and occasionally done in a large number of industrial and
commercial activities.
It was stressed that in agriculture the lifting and carrying
of loads was a normal operation although its extent was generally underestimated.
They agreed that they should consider all operations involving lifting and carrying
of loads in all branches of economic activity.
13. The participants agreed that women, owing to their physical structure and
physiological characteristics, are incapable of the same energy output as men.
The
effort required by the transport of loads may be particularly dangerous during
pregnancy and can lead to miscarriages.
14. The question of the weight of loads carried by young persons was also
considered.
Attention was drawn to the fact that adolescents undergo a delicate
period of development.
Their bone structure is in a formative phase.
Their
muscles are in the process of development as well as the internal organs, in
particular the heart and the blood vessels.
Therefore, the considerable effort
sometimes required by the transport of loads as well as the repeated and often
asymmetrical compression produced by loads on certain parts of the body may cause
deformities of the skeleton and modifications in the heart and the blood vessels.
15. These factors seem to be especially important as regards girls whose
physiological balance is delicate.
The repercussions of the effort required by
load-carrying may affect the pelvis, the abdominal muscles and the reproductive
organs and may lead to modifications and disorders of the mechanism of child-birth.
Physiological Aspects of Load-Carrying
16. The assessment of the effort required of an individual by the handling of
loads is a very complex problem.
The blotypical features must be taken into account
together with certain external factors which can modify the physiological cost of
such work.
Among the individual factors are the weight, size, degree of muscular
development, general health status, age, sex and training, etc.
The external
factors Include the climate, the environmental conditions, the shape and weight of
the load, the rate of work, the length of the shift and the frequency of peaks of
effort.
The Meeting noted that there were some fundamental studies on this
question, and examined the results obtained from experiments made on normal subjects
in various standardised conditions of climate and load.
It considered that the
results of these researches could provide a satisfactory basis for establishing
standards applicable to the average worker under the usual conditions of load
carrying.
17. To perform work, the body must use more fuel and consequently needs a
greater supply of oxygen; hence an increase in the respiration processes, in the
pulse rate and in the cardiac output.
The wastes produced by muscular activity
must be eliminated from the body, mostly as carbon dioxide.
If this elimination
of metabolites is inadequate the resultant accumulation of intermediate products
may cause fatigue.
18. The participants noted that, according to the results of physiological
experiments, heavy muscular work can be performed without an accumulation of
fatigue if the work is broken up by suitable pauses.
These enable the circulation
to distribute an adequate supply of oxygen to the muscles and to eliminate the
waste products.
They also noted that experiments had been made to study the level
of muscular effort and the optimal work-rate which allow normal recovery.
19. Since it is the muscular apparatus which does the work necessary for loadcarrying, the quantity of work which a person can perform is related to his muscular
mass.
There is thus a certain connection between the weight of a worker and the
weight of the load he can carry.
It should be noted, however, that in women the
ratio between body weight and muscular mass is less favourable than in men.
Experimental research as well as observations and surveys made in several countries
show that the maximum capacity for work generally occurs between the ages of 20 and
30 in men and somewhat earlier in women.
In determining the maximum permissible
weight to be carried by one worker this factor must be taken into account.
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20. Physiologically speaking static effort, produced by prolonged contraction
of the muscles is much more fatiguing than a comparable dynamic effort.
It follows
that the method of carrying becomes more effective and rational as the load approaches
the median vertical line of the body, making possible a symmetrical spread of the
load over the body and helping to reduce postural efforts.
21. The participants noted that the methods of research used to measure the
effort of carrying included oxygen consumption and modifications of the heart-rate
before, during and after work.
The first method consists of measuring the amount of
oxygen utilised in performing a particular work.
Using that method, exact information on the expenditure of energy can be obtained, but for the purpose of measuring
the total stress involved in the work the method is valid only when it is performed
in a favourable environment (especially as regards temperature and humidity).
The
second method is based on the measure of the pulse rate, and evaluates the total
stress resulting both from the mechanical energy expenditure and from the thermoregulation effort. The study of the pulse rate after work provides information of
great value in assessing the effort made during the work which has Just been performed.
22. Other factors come into play.
It was noted that acclimatisation and
training have a considerable influence on the cardiovascular functions and considerably reduce the total physiological effort.
It was also emphasised that these two
forms of adaptation are rapidly acquired and lost.
Medical Aspects of Load-Carrying
23. Possible ill effects may arise in carrying and lifting of loads. These
effects may be divided into acute and chronic.
A certain number of accidents in
industry are caused by manual handling.
They involve injuries to the spine, muscles
of the trunk and the limbs, and to the Joints. A rise in intra-abdominal pressure
produced by carrying of loads may cause abdominal hernias, ptosis of abdominal organs
and prolapse of the uterus.
Sharp elevation of blood pressure may result in some
cases in haemorrhages of the brain, especially among older people already bearing
arteriosclerotic changes.
24. Constant carrying of excessive loads can lead to a number of chronic ill
effects.
These are distortion of the skeleton, and in particular deformities in the
vertebral column, Joint changes and callous formation.
Heavy physical work might
have some influence in the aetiology of the degenerative processes in the tissues of
the locomotor system, which are often already far advanced at the age of 40-50.
Pains in the lower back, lumbago and other spinal symptoms are common among workers
engaged in heavy physical work.
The carrying technique may influence these symptoms,
especially the unilateral carrying which might cause deformities in the vertebral
column (scolosis, kyphosis).
Direct pressure may cause muscular pains, bursitis, and
even neuritis in the case of nervous compressions.
Carrying heavy weights can'also
injure the arch of the foot, and fractures of small metatarsal bones can be found
among porters carrying heavy loads continuously.
25. In the case of women additional considerations should be taken into account.
The physical constitution of a woman is not as strong as that of a man, and her
capacity for sustained muscular effort without undue fatigue is substantially less
than that of a man.
Heavy carrying may result in a rapid rise of intra-abdominal
pressure causing disturbances of the blood circulation in the pelvic organs and in
the lower limbs, such as varicose veins.
Disorders in the menstrual and generative
functions such as excessive bleeding, premature delivery, still-birth, miscarriage
and prolapse may result. These disorders are more frequent when women have been
engaged in heavy carrying from an early age. Unfavourable effects on the normal
formation of pelvic bones resulting in a narrow and flat pelvis have been observed.
26. In adolescents strenuous physical work such as lifting and carrying heavy
weights may have ill effects on the growth of the body and especially on the skeleton;
it may lead to deformities of the vertebral column, the pelvis and the thorax.
Moreover, during adolescence the different organic systems do not grow at an even
pace.
It may be recalled that the growing of the musculature and the heart and
circulatory systems is often unequal, and stress on these systems may have permanent
sequelae.
Climate and Environmental Conditions
27. The experts noted that both laboratory research and practical experience
had clearly demonstrated the importance of the climate and, in particular, the
temperature and humidity in relation to the physiological output of work.
Thus, in
areas with tropical climates and in workplaces where the environmental conditions
- 15 -
are severe, the physiological cost of carrying loads can be high.
Moreover all
factors hindering the evaporation of perspiration and the loss of body heat i*i<l to
an increase in the pulse rate.
This can in itself exceed the increase in the pulse
rate required by the mechanical effort involved in handling the load.
They noted
that the pulse rate can be considered a sensitive index, easily measured, making it
possible to assess the total effort produced under various conditions.
28. The participants noted that in these circumstances the amount of work that
can be performed is reduced.
They were all agreed that all factors affecting the
loss of heat such as ventilation, air conditioning, working clothes, protection
against radiant heat, consumption of beverages are important elements in assessing
the total efforts of the body.
The participants emphasised the value of providing
these workers with airconditioned rest rooms, making it possible to shorten
considerably the periods of recovery.
29. The participants also emphasised the part which could be played by
atmospheric pollution, such as dusts and toxic substances.
They considered that
these factors might prove especially injurious to workers engaged in load-handling
because of increased pulmonary ventilation.
They considered it imperative to
improve and render more healthy any bad environmental conditions.
30. The importance of cold temperatures was also mentioned by some
participants.
It was generally admitted that the effect of cold temperatures was
of less importance than heat as regards load-carrying.
It can be counteracted by
supplying appropriate food, hot drinks, provision of rest rooms suitably heated and
by the wearing of suitable clothes.
Organisation of the Work
31. The Meeting emphasised that mechanised transport of loads was the desired
objective.
It urged that every effort should be made to provide workers with
appropriate mechanical aids whenever that is technically possible.
The participants
noted, moreover, that the present trend in the transport of goods is towards the
increased use of bulk transport which eliminates the Intermediate manual handling
of goods (fluids generally such as milk, wine and other beverages; industrial
liquids and solvents; fruit, grain, sugar, flour, etc.).
The use of hoisting
and handling appliances (fork lifts, pallets transporters, etc.) is becoming more
and more widespread.
In the same way many systems are employed to reduce the
extent of human intervention, such as various types of vehicles, roller conveyors:,
toboggans, slides, mobile loading or unloading platforms, etc.
32. The participants emphasised that the method of tackling a cargo operation
was of considerable importance.
They mentioned certain methods applied for instance,
in the unloading of sacks or crates by "breaking down" the stack, and methods of
warehousing.
They recommended that work be organised at the time of the handling
operation so as to reduce as much as possible the extent and frequency of movements,
and to make it easier to grasp loads and stack them.
33. The participants noted that the distance the load was carried was also an
important element.
The carrying of loads as such involves a static contraction
of the musculature of the arms and the trunk and favours the onset of fatigue.
34. The nature and conditions of the ground to be covered may also cause
fatigue and sometimes accidents.
A slippery or irregular ground requiring extra
effort, passages unsuitably placed or inadequately maintained, walks on narrow and
springy planks, slopes to be climbed or descended may considerably increase the
effort necessary and be the cause of accidents.
35. It was felt that carrying in the arms should be kept at a minimum,
especially when the ground to be covered is uneven or difficult.
The importance of
ensuring that the ground covered should always be kept clear was also stressed.
36. Another point discussed was that of the work-rate.
If the work-rate is
excessive or irregular so that halts during work becomp necessary, or there Is
inadequate distribution of breaks, repercussions on safety and fatigue may ensue.
The work should be organised so as to avoid halts in the course of the- Journey.
n
this is not possible, a platform should be provided on which the worker can
temporarily set down his load.
These platforms should be placed at the appropriate
height so as to render unnecessary lifting and lowering the load.
It was also noted
- 16 -
that the methods of incentive payment often applied in loading and unloading
operations may lead workers to neglect the rules of safety and tax themselves
beyond the normal limits of physiological recovery.
Questions of Packaging
37. The participants examined certain packaging problems involved in the
manual transport of loads.
During the Journey of the goods from the place
where they are manufactured or made up in packages up to their final destination,
the load may have to be manually handled many times.
It was recognised that an
important part is played by the shape and dimensions of the load as well as by the
nature and characteristics of the packaging.
There is in fact a considerable
difference between the effort necessary for carrying a load of suitable dimensions
which is easy to grasp and to hold in the right position, and the effort required to
carry a load of the same weights but awkward to handle, loosely packed, badly
balanced or difficult to hold in the right position.
Adjustments to facilitate
grasping the load are a safety factor of the first importance and can reduce the
risk of clumsy movements and accidents.
38. As regards the manner in which goods are packaged, the "loading unit" and
the "handling unit" are increasingly used.
The expression "handling unit" refers
to the packaging of a load intended for manual transport.
The "loading unit" is
composed of a larger package containing a number of handling units, and its
dimensions and weight are chosen in relation to the means of transport and mechanical
handling available.
39. The manual transport of a compact load is less difficult than that of a
loose load.
Large loads being carried manually should be provided with hand-holds
such as ears for sacks, suitable handles for rigid packages, etc.
It would also be
desirable for the handling units not to be too bulky, in order not to upset the
dynamic equilibrium of the worker or to demand too great additional efforts from
him.
Vocational Training
40. The type and the total amount of physical expenditure as well as the
stress to which the muscles and joints are subjected may vary considerably
according to the manner in which the load is carried.
For instance, carrying a
load on the head or the back in an upright position means that the muscles and
Joints of the vertebral column, the pelvis and the lower limbs are brought into
play symmetrically.
On the other hand carrying a load in a bent position, or on
one shoulder, or in one hand, distributes the load in an uneven and sometimes
dangerous way.
41. In a number of countries vocational training for workers regularly
engaged in load-carrying is provided.
The way in which this training is organised
varies widely, ranging from the teaching of basic techniques and methods for
lifting, carrying and stacking to more complete courses concerning physiological,
technical and organisational aspects of the work of carrying.
A certain amount of
lifting is almost always present in the work of carrying and vocational training
in lifting techniques is an essential feature in job safety and efficiency.
42. A considerable number of accidents and health impairment occur to workers
who are engaged in carrying only occasionally.
It is therefore important that these
workers also receive an appropriate basic training and be submitted to refresher
courses.
Medical Supervision
43. The legislation of many countries already provides for pre-employment
medical examinations.
In many cases the legislation contains detailed provisions
on special medical supervision for women and young workers. These examinations
must be repeated at regular intervals to check the worker's state of health and to
detect any latent disorder.
This especially concerns persons employed to perform
heavy or harmful work.
- 17 -
44. All workers continuously employed on load-carrying work should be subject
to regular medical supervision.
This would make it possible to discover and reject
individuals who because of their physical constitution or state of health are
unable without risk to themselves to make the effort demanded by the transport of
loads.
The pre-employment medical examinations should be designed particularly to
check the workers' physical strength, lung capacity, heart and circulation, the
state of their Joints, especially the spinal column and to detect any predisposition
to abdominal hernia, etc. Medical supervision would also make it possible to keep
a check on adaptation to work, to discover in good time any lesions in the locomotor
system or any organic disorders likely to become aggravated.
Such supervision
would also make it possible to give the worker suitable advice on hygiene and
health.
It would seem in any case that this supervision should be considered
essential both for the young and for the older worker.
The meeting felt that preemployment medical examination was necessary, and that periodical medical
examination should be carried out at least once a year.
Porterage
45. With the increasing use of mechanical aids, the carrying of loads over long
distances is disappearing.
However, it is still to some extent practised in rural
areas and in forestry work.
The load is generally carried on the head or on the
back.
The distances travelled varies and largely depends on climatic conditions
and the nature of the terrain.
In certain cases this distance may range from 12
to 20 km a day.
The weight of the loads carried for such distances, is generally
between 15 and 20 kg; with short distances of 2 to 3 km it can rise to 40 kg.
The participants nevertheless recognised that they did not have sufficient information on the risks to health involved for porters by reason of their work.
Criteria to be Applied in Determining the Maximum Weight
46. Having concluded their examination of the most important factors in the
carrying of loads, the participants discussed the criteria which should be taken
into account in fixing the maximum weight for those loads.
47. They recognised that the length of the Journey made with the load tends
everywhere to be reduced to a minimum, mainly for economic reasons. The
distances travelled with a load are longer in agriculture and also, generally, in
regions where mechanisation is only incipient.
In industrialised countries, the
manual carriage of loads is often limited to a trip of a few metres from the
warehouse to a conveyance or vice-versa.
Again they noted that, where the Journey
is longer, the actual transport of the load is in one direction only and the worker
returns to his starting point without a load.
On the contrary, when the journey
is short or practically non-existent, the amount of lifting is the important factor.
48. The participants also stressed the Importance of the state of nutrition of
the person employed to perform such work.
A diet providing a sufficient amount of
calories and an adequate balance of other nutrients is essential if the worker was
to perform this work without injuring his health.
The average food ration varies
considerably in the different parts of the world and this inevitably has repercussions
on physical efficiency and muscle strength.
This factor should be taken into
account when fixing a maximum weight applicable to all countries.
49. The physical constitution of men can vary considerably not only from one
region to another but also within the same community.
This factor should be
taken into account in defining a maximum weight applicable internationally.
50. The climatic conditions exert a direct influence on the output of work.
It should again be stressed that a hot and humid climate often considerably reduces
the amount of work which can be done.
51. The participants also considered whether, over and above the maximum
weight of the individual load it would not be advisable to fix the total maximum
weight of loads handled and distance covered during the working day.
The
participants concluded that their task was to define the maximum weight of
individual loads In terms of physiological capacities. However, it was also
important that the normal handling operations performed during the working day
should not have harmful repercussions on the workers' health.
If the weight of the
- 18 -
individual load is fixed at a suitable level the total daily amount of work could be
adapted to the environmental conditions, the worker's state of nutrition, his
constitution etc., by modifying the number of loads handled during the working
period.
52. In fixing a maximum weight the problem does arise of the manual handling
of heavier loads consisting of indivisible units. The Committee wondered,
therefore, whether it would not be appropriate to provide also for a higher
maximum weight in no case to be exceeded.
The participants felt first of all that
increasing mechnisation would make such an eventuality increasingly rare and,
secondly, that they did hot have sufficient information to determine this higher
maximum.
They decided that they should concentrate on the more usual case of
loads handled manually, namely those consisting of products of a divisible type.
53. The participants took into account the physiological factors involved
in load-carrying and in particular the level at which fatigue becomes apparent.
Professor MUller demonstrated a simplified formula which enabled him to calculate
the weight which could be handled without causing an appreciable degree of
fatigue.
This formula is as follows: P x D = R, where P refers to the weight,
T
D to the total distance travelled during the carrying process, T to the time taken
to perform the work and R to the physiological cost.
This formula gives also the
total amount of work which is performed.
As shown above (see paragraph 51), the
total amount of work, R, can be adapted so as to fit with the practical carrying
conditions.
This can be done by modifying in the appropriate way the distance to
be covered, D, or the length of the working time, T.
However, the weight of the
load, P, should remain that agreed upon.
The values obtained in the course of this
research for individuals of normal constitution were within the 40-50 kg range.
54. The majority of the participants after due consideration recommended that
the maximum weight applicable to adult male workers normally employed in operations
requiring lifting and carrying of weights should be 40 kg, for their normal work.
A few participants felt however that this maximum could be set at 50 kg.
In
determining the figure for this maximum weight, the participants took into consideration all the physiological, medical, psychological, social and economic criteria
available to them, and endeavoured to avoid any residual fatigue.
Bearing in
mind that the same packages may have to be handled In different parts of the world
and in order that the weight recommended should be capable of being handled by
less favoured workers, it has been deliberately chosen in the lower range of
reasonable weights.
The total daily load can be suitably adjusted to the working
and environmental conditions, state of nutrition and physique of the workers, etc.,
by adjusting the number of packages handled during the working period.
55. The participants recognised that present requirements of trade, commerce
and Industry require heavier weights to be carried on occasions by one worker.
They therefore feel that at this stage their recommendations should provide a basis
for a suitable publication aiming at the reduction of the weight of handling units.
56. The participants considered that the various factors taken into account
in the definition of a maximum weight for men must also be applied to women.
57. They also noted that women attain full physical maturity at an earlier
age and that considerable individual differences exist.
It was regarded as
particularly important that a woman should not be required to undertake exertion
likely to injure her health and that of her future progeny.
58. The participants noted that in a large number of countries the manual
carrying of loads by women is subject to strict regulations fixing the weight, the
conditions and nature of the work, its duration and, in some cases, protection during
pregnancy and after confinement.
59. All regulations concerning load-carrying which apply to women should take
these factors into account.
For practical reasons the figure of the maximum weight
should be fixed at a level allowing for sharing the weight of the load prescribed
for male workers.
After a long discussion the participants decided that they were
not in a position to recommend a precise figure applicable in all parts of the world.
- 19 -
They were agreed that the maximum permissible weight that could be carried by a
woman should be fixed between 15 and 20 kg.
As far as possible regular carrying
should not be permitted for women.
60. Adolescence is very important for physical development.
The carrying of
heavy loads may have harmful effect on the organism of adolescents which can
persist throughout their life.
As far as possible regular load-carrying should not
be permitted for young workers.
61. A large number of countries have adopted detailed legislation on the
carrying of loads by adolescents and children.
These legislations prescribe
standards applicable to boys and girls and define the maximum weight in terms of
age groups, mode of transport, hours of work, nature of the Journey, etc.
In
view of the differences in physical development of children and adolescents it is
very difficult to reduce these various factors to a common denominator and to
establish an exact weight limit applicable to all countries.
The experts were
agreed to suggest the following levels!
boys aged from 16 to 18 years: from 15 to 20 kg.
girls aged from 16 to 18 yearsi
from 12 to 15 kg.
Below the age of 16 regular load-carrying should be prohibited both for boys and
girls.
It was however recognised that, in certain regions, because of the special
local conditions, occasional load-carrying at an appropriate level may be allowed
for the age group of 12 to 15 years.
Geneva, 17 March 1964
(Signed) Professor L. Noro
Chairman
Dr. L. Brouha
(Rapporteur)
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I.
LAWS AND REGULATIONS
1.
Generally speaking, national legislative authorities take one of two
approaches to the question of maximum individual loads.
Either they provide in
general terms that no person shall be required to carry a load so heavy that it may
cause him injury; or they fix a limit which is not to be exoeeded and which may
apply to all workers, or to certain classes of workers, or to workers acting in
certain conditions.
General Provisions
2.
Of the few provisions in general terms, some apply to all workers without
distinction of age or sex.
In Ireland, the Factories' Act 1955 provides that no
person shall be required to lift, carry or move a load so heavy that it may cause
him injury; and adds that the Minister of Industry and Commerce may, after consulting the Minister of Health, fix the maximum weight to be carried by any worker, or
several maxima according to the circumstances or the process.
In India a similar
provision appears in the Factories' Act.
3.
In Guatemala, General Regulations on Occupational Hygiene and Safety,
dated 28 December 1957, provide that loads transported by workers shall be suited
to their physical powers, regard being had to the character, weight and volume of
the load and the distance and road to be travelled.
4.
In the United Kingdom, the Factory Act, 1961, provides that a person shall
not be employed in any factory to lift, carry or move any load so heavy as to be
likely to cause injury to him.
It also empowers the Minister of labour to make
special regulations prescribing the maximum weights which can be carried by persons
employed in factories; these regulations may apply to workers generally or to
certain categories of workers, to persons employed on a particular process or in a
particular class or description of factory.
A similar provision appears in the
Construction (General Provisions) Regulations, 1961.
5.
In some countries, these general provisions apply specifically to women
and young workers. That is, for example, the case in the Netherlands, where the
law prescribes that these categories of workers cannot be assigned to the work of
raising, carrying or moving, etc., of loads of such weight that the effort required
of the worker is too great or might injure his health.
6.
A similar provision appears in the legislation of the province of Manitoba
in Canada.
7.
In other countries, provisions of this kind apply especially to children.
They provide, in substance, that it is forbidden to cause to be raised, carried or
moved by a child objects that might cause him physical injury.
In the United Kingdom
such provisions are found in the Agriculture (Safety, Health and Welfare) Act, 1956,
and apply to children and to young persons under 18 years of age.
They also appear
in the Children and Young Persons Act, 1933, and concern those aged from 13 to 15
years, employed in any type of work; in Cyprus (Employment of Children and Young
Persons Law, 1932), for children under 14 years; British Honduras (Ordinance No.20
of 1931) for children under 12 years of age: Johore(Malaya) (Notification No.580
relating to the Employment of Children, 1932); and Hong Kong (Factories and Workshops Ordinance, No.27 of 1932) for children under 16 years; this last measure also
fixes the maximum load for such young workers at 40 catties - about 53 pounds.
8.
In Austria the (Federal) Employment of Children Act of 13 July 1935 applying to industry, etc., provides that children under 14 years may not be employed
or caused to work save in so far as their health and physical development will
suffer no ill effect, and states in particular that such children may not be employed at "lifting, carrying or moving heavy loads"; another Act of the same date
extends these provisions to agriculture and forestry.
- 22 -
Provisions concerning Ifomen. Children
and Young Persons
9.
Provisions relating to these classes of persons may be found in many countries and are much more precise.
As a rule they deal separately with women, children and young persons, specifying the age groups and the maximum weight permissible
for each group, having regard to the various means used for transporting the loads.
Sometimes the legislation also lays down other criteria, such as the character of
the ground, the total change of height and the length of the shift.
In some countries these rules apply only to workers in particular industries.
10. In Australia, the South Australian Industrial Code of 1926 provides that
"no person employing any girl under the age of 20 years in a factory or shop shall
require or knowingly permit such girl while so employed to lift or carry a greater
weight than 25 pounds".
In New South Wales, the Factories and Shops (Amendment)
Act.1927 states that no woman or young person shall be permitted or required to lift
or carry by hand a greater weight than the following:
Males under 16 years:
"
"
18
"
Females under 16 years:
H
"
"
18
"
of more than 18 years:
30 pounds
40
"
20
"
25
"
35
"
(14 kgs.)
(18 kgs.)
( 9 kgs.)
(11 kgs.)
(16 kgs.)
In the State of Victoria similar provisions to those of New South Wales are in force.
11.
In Austria, the (Federal) Maternity Protection Act of 1957 provides that
no expectant mother shall be employed in heavy manual work, including "work in which
loads exceeding 5 kg. are normally or loads exceeding 10 kg. are occasionally lifted
by hand without the assistance of machinery, or work in which loads exceeding 8 kg.
are normally, or loads exceeding 15 kg. are occasionally moved or transported by
hand without the assistance of machinery".
12.
In Belgium, a Royal Order relating to the employment of women and children,
dated 3 May 1926, states that "in the retting of hemp, flax and similar textiles,
children under 16 years of age and girls and women under 21 years of age shall not
be employed in performing heavy tasks such as the filling and emptying of the crates
and the transportation of flax in barrows".
13.
In Bolivia, regulations for the administration of the Presidential Decree
of 21 September 1929, respecting the protection of women and children in industry,
lay down the following limits for loads carried:
Transport by hand
Boys under 16 years
Girls under 16 years
Women over 16 and under 20 years
The following limits for
10 kgs.
5 kgs.
10 kgs.
loads drawn or pushed include the weight of the vehicle:
Trucks running on rails
Boys under 16 years
Girls under 16 years
Women over 16 and under 20 years
300 kgs.
150 kgs.
300 kgs.
Handcarts
Boys over 14 and under 16 years
40 kgs.
- 23 -
Three and four wheeled earts
Boys under 16 years
Girls under 18 years
Women over 18 and under 20 years
35 tgs.
35 legs.
50 kgs.
14.
In Brazil. Decree No. 21417 to regulate the employment of women, dated
17 May 1932, contains a general provision as follows: "Women employed in industrial
and commercial undertakings shall not lift objects the weight of which is greater
than that laid down in regulations issued by public authority".
However, the I.L.O.
has no knowledge of any regulations giving effect to this provision.
Decree No.5452
(consolidation of labour laws) dated 1 May 1943 provides that "an employer shall not
employ a woman on work which demands the use of muscular force involving the handling
of weights exceeding 20 kgs. in the case of continuous work or 25 kgs. in the case of
occasional work".
This Decree also states that the prohibition "shall not apply to
the moving of articles by pushing or drawing trucks on rails, barrows, handcarts or
other suitable mechanical devices".
15.
In Bulgaria, the Employment of Women Ordinance No. 53 of 3 July 1959,
regulates the transport and carriage of loads by women over 16 years of age. The
maximum for carrying by hand on an even surface is 20 kgs.
For transport by
vehicle, the maximum weights (not including weight of vehicle) are as follows: by
one-wheel barrow, 50 kgs. (the barrow must be moved along special boards with a
maximum incline not exceeding 0.02); by two-wheel handcarts, 115 kgs. (on even floor
surface with maximum incline of 0.02) or 60 kgs. (on uneven rail or paved surface
with maximum incline of 0.01); on three or four-wheel handcarts - 100 kgs. (maximum
incline of 0.01).
The Ordinance also states that "where women carry loads by hand,
stretcher-type transporters fitted with legs shall be used in so far as the nature
of the goods permits.
The combined weight of the goods and the transporter shall
not exceed 50 kgs. for the two persons".
16.
In Canada, this matter is regulated in a different manner in the various;
provinces.
The provinces which have specific provisions are as follows:
British Columbia - Regulation 195/59 states that women shall not be required by the
employer to lift more than 35 pounds (17 kgs.) in the course of their regular work;
Alberta - The Alberta Labour Act states that the Board of
prohibit that women workers shall be employed to lift and
weight limit which the Board may fix.
No order has been
but the labour inspectors advise in particular cases that
exceed 35 to 40 pounds (16 to 18 kgs.);
the Ministry of Labour may
carry loads exceeding the
issued in this respect,
this weight should not
Manitoba - Regulation 30/60 states that women, children and young persons shall not
carry loads weighing more than 25 pounds (12 kgs.) over a distance not exceeding
ten feet (3.30 m.).
17.
In Cuba. Legislative Decree No. 598 respecting the employment of women
in industry, dated 16 October 1934, prohibits the employment of women in dangerous
or unhealthy processes, including lifting or moving weights.
18.
In Spain, the Women and Young Persons (Dangerous or Unhealthy Work) Decree
of 26 July 1957 states that the following shall in general be prohibited for males
under the age of 18 years and females of all ages: "employment unsuited to the health
of such workers by reason of the excessive physical effort involved or the danger to
their persons ^and/ all work in which loads are transported, pushed or pulled and in
which the effort is greater than that needed to move the following weights (which
include the weight of the vehicle) on level ground". The figures are:
- 24 -
Transport by hand
Males up to 16 years
Females up to 18 years
Males between 16 and 18 years
Females between 18 and 21 years
Females of 21 years and over
15
8
20
10
20
kgs.
kgs.
kgs.
kgs.
kgs.
300
200
500
400
600
kgs.
kgs.
kgs.
kgs.
kgs.
Truck on rails
Males up to 16 years
Females up to 18 years
Males between 16 and 18 years
Females between 18 and 21 years
Females of 21 years and over
Wheelbarrows
Males up to 16 years
Females up to 21 years
Females of 21 years and over
40 kgs.
Prohibited
40 kgs.
Delivery tricycles
Males up to 16 years
Males between 16 and 18 years
Females of all ages
50 kgs.
75 kgs.
Prohibited
Two-wheeled handcarts
Males up to 18 years
Females up to 21 years
Females of 21 years and over
130 kgs.
Prohibited
130 kgs.
Three- or four-wheeled vehicles
(handcarts, drays,etc.)
Males up to 16 years
Females up to 18 years
Males between 16 and 18 years
Females between 18 and 21 years
Females of 21 years and over
50
35
60
50
60
kgs.
kgs.
kgs.
kgs.
kgs.
19.
In the United States, certain states have adopted laws or regulations
concerning the carrying of loads by women and children.
Maska - The General Safety Code, 1949, states that it is prohibited to employ any
woman to lift any weight in excess of 35 per cent, of her body weight.
Where sustained or repetitive lifting is required, the absolute maximum is 25 pounds (12 kgs.).
California - The 1947 Supplement to the Labour Code prescribes that the maximum
permissible weight to be carried by women shall be 50 pounds (23 kgs.). It also
provides that no woman should carry loads weighing more than 10 pounds (4.500 kgs.)
up or down any stairway raising more than 5 feet (1.50 m.) from its base.
Seorgia - Regulation 59 issued by the Commissioner of Labor prescribes that the
maximum weight for women shall be 30 pounds (14 kgs.). This limit is also applicable
to young persons under 18 years of age.
Mai.ie - A decision of the Commissioner of Labor prohibited the carrying of heavy
'.oads in the case of young persons under 18 in the following industries: bakeries,
food products, clothing, metal, machinery and foundries, moulded rubber products,
tanning, oil cloth and textiles industries.
- 25 -
Maryland - The Safety Code for the Protection of Industrial Workers in Foundries,
194°, prescribes a maximum weight of 25 pounds (11 kgs.) for women employed in
foundries.
Massachusetts - The limit for the weight is fixed at 75 pounds (35 kgs.), and
25 pounds (11 kgs.) for work in foundries.
Michigan - The maximum weight that a woman may carry is fixed at 35 pounds (16 kgs.),
and at 20 pounds (9 kgs.) when the journey includes ascending or descending stairs.
A regulation also prescribes that for boys of 14 and 15 years the maximum weight is
35 pounds (16 kgs.) and for young persons aged 16 and 17, 50 pounds (23 kgs.).
Minnesota - The regulations applicable to foundries fix at 25 pounds (11 kgs.) the
maximum permissible weight to be carried by one woman.
Hew York - The maximum weight for women is fixed at 25 pounds (11 kgs.).
Ohio - The maximum weight for women is fixed at 25 pounds (11 kgs.).
Oregon - The maximum weight is 25 pounds (11 kgs.) for women.
Utah - The Industrial Commission Welfare Regulations prescribe that a woman shall
not be required to lift a load weighing more than 30 pounds (13 kgs.) and shall not
carry a load weighing more than 15 pounds (7 kgs.).
20.
In Finland, an Act dated 28 March 1930 states that "women under 21 years
shall not be employed in loading or unloading vessels
".
21.
In France, a Decree of 28 December 1909, amended on 26 October 1912,
provides that children under 18 years of age and women of any age employed in
establishments shall not carry, pull or push loads heavier than the limits specified
in an appended table.
These maximum weights for loads carried are as follows:
Transport by hand
Boys under 14 years
Boys of 14 or 15 years
Boys of 16 or 17 years
10 kgs.
15 kgs.
20 kgs.
Women
Women
Women
Women
5
8
10
25
under
of 14
of 16
of 18
14 years
or 15 years
or 17 years
years and over
kgs.
kgs.
kgs.
kgs.
The maxima for transport by vehicles (including weight of vehicle) are as follows:
Trucks on rails
Boys under 14 years
Boys from 14 to 17 years
300 kgs.
500 kgs.
Women under 16 years
Women of 16 or 17 years
Women of 18 years and over
150 kgs.
300 kgs.
600 kgs.
Wheelbarrows
Boys under 14 years
Boys from 14 to 17 years
Prohibited
60 kgs.
Women under 18 years
Women of 18 years and over
Prohibited
40 kgs.
- 26 -
Three- or four-wheeled vehicles
Boys under 14 years
Boys from 14 to 17 years
35 kgS.
60 legs.
Women under 16 years
35 kgs.
Women of 16 years and over
60 kgs.
Smaller type of two-wheeled cart and barrows
Boys under 14 years
Boys from 14 to 17 years
Women under 18 years
Women of 18 years and over
Pedal tricycle carriers
Prohibited
130 kgs.
Prohibited
130 kgs.
Boys under 14 years
Boys of 14 or 15 years
Boys of 16 or 17 years
Prohibited
50 kgs.
75 kgs.'
Women of all ages
Prohibited
Transport by large two-wheel trucks is prohibited for boys under 18 years and for
women and girls irrespective of age.
The Decree also stated that a woman was not
permitted to carry, push or pull any load during the three weeks following confinement.
These provisions also apply to Martinique (Decree concerning the Employment
of Women and Children dated 20 June 1927).
22.
Order No. 5254 respecting the employment of women and pregnant women in
the French Establishments of West Africa provided inter alia that "no woman or pregnant woman shall be employed on any work which is beyond her strength".
It also
fixed the maximum weight which women were permitted to carry (porterage) at 25 kgs.
and the maxima which they might pull or push in vehicles (including weight of vehicle) as follows: trucks running on rails, 600 kgs.; wheelbarrows, 40 kgs.; threewheeled or four-wheeled vehicles, 60 kgs.; two-wheeled handcarts, 130 kgs.
Similar
provisions for French Equatorial Africa were issued in the same year.
According
to information available to the Office, these or similar provisions appear to be now
in force in most of the independent countries formerly constituting French West and
Equatorial Africa.
23.
In the Gabon, the Decree No. 275 of 5 December 1962, prescribing derogations to the employment of young workers, specifies the following maximum weights:
Transport by hand
Boys aged 16 to 17
Boys aged 17 to 18
Girls aged 17 to 18
15 kgs.
20 kgs.
10 kgs.
Transport by wheelbarrow(vehicle included)
Boys aged 16 to 17
Boys aged 17 to 18
Girls aged 17 to 18
35 kgs.
45 kgs.
35 kgs.
Transport by three- and four-wheeled vehicles (vehicles included)
Boys aged 16 to 17
Boys aged 17 to 18
Girls aged 17 to 18
45 kgs.
50 kgs.
45 kgs.
- 27 -
Transport by truck on metal rails (vehicles included)
Boys aged 16 to 17
Boys aged 17 to 18
Girls aged 16
Girls over 16
400 kgs.
500 kgs.
150 kgs.
300 kgs.
The Law also prescribes that young persons under 18 years of age shall not
transport any load whatsoever by two-wheeled trolleys, barrows, or similar vehicles.
As regards women, Decree No.276 of 5 December 1962 incorporates the quantities
already mentioned which are operative in Prench Equatorial Africa.
With regard to
pregnant women, the same Decree provides that it is unlawful to cause any load whatsoever to be carried, pushed or pulled by pregnant women or by women during the three
weeks following their resumption of work after confinement.
24.
In Greece, a Decree respecting mines dated 28 October 1929 states that
"boys from 12 to 16 years of age shall not carry on their shoulders loads exceeding
10 kgs. and boys from 16 to 18 years of age shall not carry loads exceeding 15 kgs.".
A Decree respecting hygiene and safety in factories, etc. dated 14 March 1934 states
that "it shall not be lawful for children to carry on their shoulders weights exceeding 5 kgs. or for young persons to ca.rry on their shoulders weights exceeding 10 kgs.;
further it shall not be lawful for children and young persons to move weights exceeding 300 kgs. by pushing or pulling them on rails, or weights exceeding 50 kgs., by
pushing them on handcarts or barrows".
25.
In India, under Section 34 of the Factories' Act, 1948, regulations now
in force in all states prescribe the following limits:
Male child up to 15 years of age
Adolescent male from 15 to 18 years
Female child up to 15 years
Adolescent female from 15 to 18 years
Adult female over 18 years
35
65
30
45
65
lbs.
lbs.
lbs.
lbs.
lbs.
(16 kgs.)
(29.500 kgs.)
(13-500 kgs.)
(20.500 kgs.)
(29.500 kgs.)
26.
In Israel, an Order dated 15 January 1954 lays down the following maxima
for weights carried by children and young persons:
Transport by hand
Boys under 16 years
Boys under 16 years
Boys from 16 to 18 years
Boys from 16 to 18 years
Women under 16 years
Women from 16 to 18 years
10 kgs., if the shift exceeds
two hours a day
12.5 kgs., if the shift does
not exceed two hours
a day
16 kgs., if the shift exceeds
two hours a day
20 kgs., if the shift does not
exceed two hours a day
8 kgs., shift not to exceed
two hours a day
10 kgs., shift not to exceed
two hours a day
The limit for transport by wheelbarrow, including weight of vehicle, is 50 kgs.
(boys from 16 to 18 years only).
27.
In Italy, the Act to safeguard the employment of women and children,
No. 653 of 26 April 1934, provides that "the weight of the loads which may be handled
by children, persons under 17 years of age and women irrespective of age who are employed in carrying and lifting weights, including those entailed by employment in
agriculture, shall not exceed the following limits:
- 28 -
(a) Transport by hand
Boys under 15 years
Boys from 15 to 17 years
15 kgs.
25 kgs.
Girls under 15 years
Girls from 15 to. 17 years
Women over 17 years
5 kgs.
15 kgs.
20 kgs.
(b) Transport by handcarts with three or four wheels on level ground
Eight times the weight stated under (a) including the weight of the vehicle.
(c) Transport by trucks on rails
Twenty times the weight stated under (a) including the weight of the vehicle".
Persons in the above classes may not be occupied at transporting loads for
more than four hours a day.
As regards transport by wheelbarrow or two-wheeled handcart, the circular of
14 August 1940 (No. 2981) of the Ministry of Corporations prescribes the weights
for transport by wheelbarrow; these are three times the maximum weight authorisid
for transport by hand.
For transport by two-wheeled handcarts, the limit is five
times the maximum weight authorised for transport by hand.
With regard to pregnant women, Law No. 860 of 26 August 1950 on the Protection
of Working Mothers states that pregnant women should not be employed in lifting or
carrying loads during the whole period of pregnancy and during the three months
following confinement or, for nursing mothers, during a period of seven months.
28.
In Japan, an Ordinance to regulate the employment of women and children,
No. 13 of 19 June 1954, specifies the following weights, the first figure in each
case applying to intermittent and the second to continuous work:
Boys under 16 years
Boys from 16 to 18 years
15 kgs.
30 kgs.
10 kgs.
20 kgs.
Girls under 16 years
Girls from 16 to 18 years
Women over 18 years
12 kgs.
25 kgs.
30 kgs.
8 kgs.
15 kgs.
20 kgs.
In special cases the labour inspector may authorise maximum weights of 40 and 30
kilogrammes respectively for women over 18 years of age.
29.
In the Malagasy Republic. Decree No. 62/152 to regulate the conditions
of work of children, women and expectant mothers, provides that "children of either
sex under 18 years of age, women and expectant mothers...shall not be employed at
work in excess of their strength".
It further states that women and children shall
not carry in excess of the following limits in kilogrammes:
Transport by hand
Boys from 14 to 16 years
Boys from 16 to 18 years
15 kgs.
20 kgs.
Girls from 14 to 16 years
Girls from 16 to 18 years
Women over 18 years
8 kgs.
10 kgs.
25 kgs.
They shall also not pull or push loads in excess of the following limits in kilogrammes, which include the weight of the vehicle:
- 29 -
Trucks on ralla
Boys from 14 to 17 years
500 kgs.
Girls under 16 years
Girls of 16 or 17 years
150 kgs.
300 kgs.
Women
600 kgs.
Wheelbarrows
Boys from 14 to 17 years
40 kgs.
Women
40 kgs.
Three- or four-wheeled vehicles
Boys from 14 to 17 years
Girls under 16 years
60 kgs.
35 kgs.
60 kgs.
Girls over 16 years and women
Small barrows
130 kgs.
Boys from 14 to 17 years
130 kgs.
Women
Tricycle carriers
Boys of 14 or 15 years
Boys of 16 or 17 years
50 kgs.
75 kgs.
Transport by wheelbarrow, barrow or tricycle carrier is prohibited for girls.
Transport by big two-wheel barrows is prohibited for all women and children.
Transport by pedal tricycle carrier is prohibited for women.
The Decree also states that "no expectant mother shall be required to carry,
push or pull any load".
30.
In Malta, the Factories' Regulation Act 1926 provides that in the
"unhealthy or dangerous works specified in the annexed schedule, it shall not be
lawful to employ children under 16 years of age or women who have not completed 18
years".
Among the "works" so specified are "harbour employment - stevedoring work,
loading and discharging coal and heavy packages".
31.
In Mexico, the Regulations respecting employment of children in dangerous
and unhealthy occupations, dated 31 July 1934, provide that "girls of under 16 years
of age shall not carry by hand or on their backs loads exceeding 10 kilogrammes in
weight and boys of the same age shall not carry loads exceeding 20 kilogrammes".
The Regulations also state that children under 16 years may not push or pull loads
which require them to make a muscular effort exceeding that necessary to move horizontally the following weights:
Trucks on rails (including weight of vehicle)
Boys under 14 years
Boys from 14 to 16 years
200 kgs.
400 kgs.
Girls under 14 years
Girls from 14 to 16 years
150 kgs.
250 kgs.
-30 -
Wheelbarrows
Boys from 14 to 16 years
40 kgs.
Three- O T four-wheeled vehicles
Boys under 14 years
Boys from 14 to 16 years
30 kgs.
50 kgs.
Girls under 14 years
Girls from 14 to 16 years
20 kgs.
40 kgs.
Pedal Tricycle carriers
Boys from 14 to 16 years
50 kgs.
Moreover, "children under the age of 16 years and women shall not be employed
for more than four hours during the working day in continuously carrying the weights
mentioned above".
The Act also states that during the three months following confinement, a woman
Fhall not be employed at work requiring a great physical effort such as the transport
of heavy loads in any manner.
32.
In Portugal. a Decree to regulate the employment of young persons and
women, No. 14,498 of 29 October 1927, provides that "young persons, women, expectant
mothers and mothers nursing their children shall not be employed otherwise than in
light work of short duration...".
A further Decree in the same connection,
No. 14,535 of 31 October 1927, Btates that expectant mothers shall not be employed
on heavy work or work requiring a considerable prolonged effort, particularly the
transport of loads on the head.
33.
In the U.A.R. (Egypt), Order Ho. 154 of 25 August 1959 states that young
persons under 15 years of age shall not be employed on the transport of loads exceeding 10 kgs. for boys and 7 kgs. for girls.
If the transport is by truck on rails,
the maximum loads are 300 kgs. for boys and 150 kgs. for girls.
Transport of loads
on wheelbarrows with one or two wheels is prohibited.
Furthermore, Order No. 155
of 1959, relating to the employment of young persons, states that persons under 17
years of age shall not be employed on the loading or unloading of goods in docks, on
quays, etc., or in warehouses.
Order No. 64 of I960 extends the scope of these
provisions to adult women.
34.
In the United Kingdom, the Woollen and Worsted Textiles (Lifting of Heavy
Weights) Regulations 1926 provide the following maximum weights in pounds (the first
figure in each case applies where the material is "a reasonably compact or rigid
body"; the second figure, where it is not):
Transport by hand
Hales under 16 years
Males over 16 and under 18 years
Female8 under 18 years
Females of 18 years and over
50
(23 kgs.)
65
(29.5 kgs.)
50
65
40
(18 kgs.)
50
(23 kgs.)
40
50
The Pottery(Health and Welfare) Special Regulations, 1950, prescribe that the
maximum permissible load to be lifted or carried by a young person who has not attained 18 years of age shall be 20 lbs (9 kgs.).
This maximum can, however, be
fixed at a higher level which must be specified by a medical certificate issued by
the appointed factory doctor.
In particular cases (loading of damp day, clay
dust, etc.), this maximum for young persons and women may in no case exceed 40 IDS.
- 31 -
(18 kgs.) over a distance of 50 yards. The regulations also provide that women Bar
not lift or carry saggars the weight of which exceeds 30 lbs. (13.500 kgs.) (or 50 lbs
(23 kgs.) if not moved more than six feet), these limits being raised to 50 and 80 lbs
respectively where the saggars are lifted by two persons.
The Jute(Safety, Health and Welfare) Regulations, 1948, prescribe the following
maximal
Compact
load
Load
Not Comnact
Young persons aged 16 years and under
40 lbs
(18 kgs.)
35 lbs
(16 kgs.)
Hale young persons aged over 16 and
under 18 years
65 lbs
(30 kgs.)
50 lbs
(23 kgs.)
Female young persons aged over 16 and
under 18 years
50 lbs
40 lbs
Females aged 18 years and over
65 lbs
50 lbs
When a load is lifted by more than pne person, its weight must not exceed the
applicable maximum weight multiplied by. the number of persons participating.
35•
In the U.S.S.R., a Decree concerning the maximum permissible loads to be
raised or moved by women and young persons, dated 14 March 1921, states that young
persons under 18 years of age shall not be permanently employed on the transporting
of loads exceeding approximately 9 lbs., and that the maxima which may be moved by
persons aged 16-18 years are as follows (approximate weight in lbs.):
Male workers
Transport
Transport
Transport
Transport
Transport
by
by
by
by
by
hand
trucks on rails
wheelbarrows
two-wheeled barrows
three-or four-wheeled barrows
36
1,092
108
247
180
(16.4 kgs.)
(492 kgs.)
(49 kgs.)
(ll5 kgs.)
(82 kgs.)
Female workers
Transport
Transport
Transport
Transport
Transport
by
by
by
by
by
hand
trucks on rails
wheelbarrows
two-wheeled barrows
three- or four-wheeled barrows
22 (10 kgs.)
720 (328 kgs.)
Prohibited
Prohibited
126 (57 kgs.)
Regulations on the conditions of work of persons engaged in loading and unloading, No. 254 of 30 September 1931, provide that young persons under 16 years
shall not be employed on such work; among the loading and unloading work which is
permissible for young persons aged 16-18 years and for women, the Regulations include
goods in bulk, light goods, goods in loose units and saw-mill goods; they also
state that "young persons aged not less than 16 nor more than 18 years and women
shall not be employed in carrying goods weighing more than 20 kilogrammes, or more
than 50 kilogrammes, if the load is carried between two persons".
Order No. 145 respecting maximum loads for adult women, dated 14 August 1932,
fixes the following limits "exclusive of the weight of the appliances" for "carriage
or conveyance"; by hand on a level surface, 20 kgs.; on barrow with one wheel,
50 kgs. (must be on plank runways, maximum gradient not to exceed 0.02); on handtruck with three or four wheels, 100 kgs. (maximum gradient not to exceed 0.01);
on handtruck with two wheels, 115 kgs. (on smooth floor, maximum gradient not to
exceed 0.02) or 60 kgs. (on uneven surface, maximum gradient not to exceed 0.01);
on truck running on rails, 600 kgs. (maximum gradient not to exceed 0.01).
- 32 -
This Order also states that "in all work where women carry loads by hand, handbarrows
shall be used wherever the nature of the work admits thereof.
Handbarrows shall be
provided with legs.
The weight of the load, together with the handbarrow shall not
exceed 50 kilogrammes for two persons.
36.
In Switzerland a Factory Aot Amendment Order of 17 September 1923 includes
among the branches of industry and processes in which young persons under 16 years of
age may not be employed, "work consisting of lifting, carrying, or moving heavy
loads".
37.
In Turkey, a Ministerial Decision relating to the tobacco industry states
that loads shall not exceed 20 legs, in the case of children and 60 kgs. in the case
of adult women.
Provisions concerning Adult Workers
38.
As stated in the introduction, there are few provisions applying to adult
workers.
In some cases they apply to all goods handled; in other cases, to certain
types of load, such as sacks, or to particular branches of industry.
39.
In Chile. Act. No. 3915 of 9 Pebruary 1923 and Administrative Regulations
No. 2494 of 27 August 1923 state that "the weight of sacks containing goods of any
kind which are to be carried by manpower shall not exceed 80 kgs." and that "sacks
containing foreign goods which weigh more than the legal weight shall not be carried
on the shoulder unless the weight is reduced to 80 kgs." (with an exception to this
rule in the case of loads "liable to increase in weight owing to damp or for other
reasons"). Decree No. 217 "to approve regulations respecting industrial health
and safety", dated 30 April 1926, applies to "sacks, cases and goods" and states
that when the weight exceeds 80 kgs. "use shall be made of wheelbarrows or stretchers
carried by two men".
Legislative Decree No. 178 (Labour Code), dated 13 May 1931,
confirms the above maximum for sacks.
However, it tolerates a margin in the case
of nitrate (3 kgs. per sack up to a maximum of 10 per cent, of those in any batch);
and sacks of cement or wheat may weigh up to 86 kgs.
The Decree also states that
sacks weighing more than the prescribed maximum must be transported by mechanical
means approved by the competent technical office and that sacks of foreign produce
weighing more than the amount specified shall not be placed on a worker's back until
the weight has been reduced to 80 kgs.
40.
In Costa Rica. Act No. 2 to promulgate the Labour Code dated 27 August 1943,
states that "the weight of sacks containing produce or merchandise of any kind
which are to be carried by manpower shall not exceed 80 kgs.
Nevertheless, sacks
weighing 15 per cent, in excess of the above amount may be carried by manpower in
special cases to be prescribed by the Regulations".
In virtue of this section of
the Code, Regulations issued on 20 January 1932 state that sacks containing any
agricultural product for the home market, if they are to be carried by manpower,
may exceed the limit of 80 kgs. by 15 per cent. - i.e. may weigh 92 kgs. or 200 lbs provided the handling is done by men over 20 years of age; sacks containing other
products, if they are to be carried, may in no case exceed 80 kgs.; heavier loads
must be transported by mechanical means.
41.
In Spain, the Order of 20 May 1952, respecting occupational safety and
health regulations for the building trade, prescribes that the maximum load to be
handled by one worker must not exceed 80 kgs.
Subsequently, the Order of 2 June 1962
extended the application of this provision to ports, jetties, factories, workshops
and generally to all workplaces.
It states in particular that it is forbidden to
use in such places sacks, packs or any other gear for the transport of goods the
weight of which, together with the load, exceeds 80 kilogrammes.
42.
In the Dnlted States, there are no federal laws or regulations on this
point.
However, in the enactments of certain states, statutory provisions do exist.
Thus the general law of Massachusetts State prescribes that no person employed in a
textiles factory and assigned to the maintenance and repair of machines may lift by
hand objects weighing more than 325 pounds.
On the other hand, the regulations
pertaining to conditions of work in foundries, sets this maximum at 100 pounds.
- 33 -
In the State of Porto Rico, the law prescibes a maximum of 150 lbs for all
workers.
43.
In Haiti, the Labour Code provides that "the weight of a sack containing any product or material, if it is to be carried by a single person, shall not
exceed 80 kgs." and that "objects of greater weight must be transported by mechanical means".
44.
In Honduras. Decree No. 189 of 1 June 1959 (Labour Code) states that
industrial and commercial establishments shall take action to limit the weight of
any sack or package carried by a worker to 50 kgs., with a margin of up to 10 per
cent, in special cases specified in regulations; heavier loads must be moved by
mechanical means.
45.
In India, (State of Madras) the Factories' Regulations 1950, as amended
by an Ordinance of 1955, provide that no worker shall lift, carry or move a load
weighing more than 165 pounds.
46.
In Mexico, the Industrial Safety Regulations of 28 November 1934 state
that the maximum weight which may be transported by a worker, by hand or on his
back, shall be 75 kgs., including the packing.
Regulations for maize milling and
manufacture and sale of maize products in the Federal District, dated 3 August 1929,
provide that "if dough is carried from the mills to the tortilla shops by manpower,
the weight of each load shall not exceed 50 kgs.".
47.
In Panama. Act No. 67 to promulgate the Labour Code dated 11 November 1947,
states that in industrial and commercial establishments "the weight of sacks or packages to be carried by the employees shall not exceed 80 kgs., subject to authorisation of not more than 10 per cent, in excess of this in special cases to be specified in the Regulations.
Heavier weights must be moved by mechanical means".
48.
In Peru, the Executive Order of 24 August 1946 prescribes that the
maximum weight of sacks that may be transported by one worker, without mechanical
aid, must not exceed 80 kilogrammes.
49.
In the United Kingdom, the above-mentioned Regulations of 1926 (see paragraph 26) provide that in the wool industry the maximum permissible weight which
may be lifted by hand shall be 150 lbs (68 kgs.) if the material is "a reasonably
compact or rigid body" or 120 lbs (54 kgs.) if it is not.
The Regulations also
state that "no person employed shall engage, in conjunction with others, in lifting
by hand any material, yarn, cloth, tool or,appliance, if the weight thereof exceeds
the lowest weight fixed by the schedule for any of the persons engaged multiplied
by the number of persons engaged".
The Agriculture (Lifting of Heavy Weights)
Regulations, 1959, which will come into operation on 1 July 19"65, prescribe that
the maximum weight of any load which may be lifted or carried by a worker, unaided,
shall be 180 lbs (82 kgs.).
50.
In the U.S.S.R., the Conditions of Employment Loading and Unloading)
Regulations, No. 254 of 20 September 1931> state that a single loader shall not
carry a load weighing more than 80 kgs.; that if the weight exceeds 50 kgs. the
load shall be lifted onto the loader's back and removed from it with the help of
others, and shall not be carried by a single loader for more than 60 metres; that
if a greater distance is to be covered, relays shall be organised or appliances
provided for conveyance of the load; and that, where loads (not exceeding 80 kgs.)
are being moved to a higher level, "the height to which the loader must ascend with
the load by means of an inclined gangway shall not exceed 3 metres measured vertically", and "the length of the incline shall be at least three times the height of
the rise".
Furthermore, special regulations for certain industries prescribe
particular standards for the transport of loads.
Regulations concerning safety
in the production of mineral salts and certain acids, dated 10 April 1922, state
that "the acids and finished goods shall not be transported by hand save by adults,
over distances not exceeding 22 yards, and the weight of the recipient when full
shall not exceed 70 lbs. per worker".
An Order respecting the construction and
- 3* -
maintenance of tanneries, dated 30 June 1922, states that "the tranopcrt by hand of
the raw materials, partly processed products, finished products and construction
material by an adult male shall not exceed 90 lbs"; this limit was reduced to 88 lbs
by Order No. 323 of 8 October 1929.
Order No. 64/329 respecting the protection of
loaders in the transport industry, dated 14 February 1924, states that "in the loading, unloading and shifting of goods, a loader shall not work without assistance if
the packages weigh more than 108 lbs; goods must be lifted onto and removed from
the loader's back with the assistance of other loaders":
51.
In some tropical countries, maximum weights are prescribed for lo".ds
carried long distances by the porters.
Thus, in the Territory of New guinea
(Australian Trusteeship), the Native Labour Ordinance 1935 states that "a labourer
engaged in carrying shall not be required to carry a greater load than 50 lbs for
any distance exceeding 12 miles in any one day".
52.
In what is now the Congo (Leopoldville), Ordinance No. 55/AIMO respecting industrial hygiene and. safety, of 18 June 1930, stated that a porter should not
be required to carry a load (including baggage and food) in excess of 25 legs, (or
45 kgs., if to be carried by two porters), or to march more than 15 kilometres a
day in hilly or swampy country, or 25 kilometres elsewhere.
II.
COLLECTIVE AGREEMENTS AND CODES OP PRACTICE
53*
It is clear from the above review of laws and regulations that there are
many provisions affecting women and children but few which relate to adult men.
The slight amount of statutory protection for a class of workers whose employment
is often very arduous caused certain abuses to arise in the past.
Moreover, the
traditionally high maxima for men's loads, which may have been suitable for big,
robust workers living in temperate climates and satisfactorily nourished have sometimes proved excessive when applied to men of weaker constitution with insufficient
or ill-balanced food, working in arduous climatic conditions or on ill-prepared or
otherwise unsuitable ground.
It was for these reasons that in some countries the
trade unions concerned sought to conclude collective agreements which would fix
maximum loads for certain operations or industries.
54.
The information now available to the Office indicates that the number of
collective agreements covering this subject is not large.
Difficulties of many
kinds, due mostly to traditional methods of composing and packing loads, have hampered the conclusion of such agreements, and where they exist are mostly at the
regional or industrial level or even restricted to certain transport or delivery
operations.
Moreover, in the developing countries, where regulation of this subject is perhaps even more necessary than elsewhere, the trade unions often have not
sufficient authority to deal with the matter by collective agreement.
Accordingly,
practice as regards the maximum weight differs considerably from one country to another and even between the industries of a given country.
55.
For this reason, apart from the action taken at the national level by
the particular trade unions, the international organisations of these unions, particularly the Transport Workers' Federation (I.T.F.) and the Federation of Food and
Drink Workers' Unions have called on governments and on the I.L.O. to establish
maxima for loads to be carried by hand.
The figures proposed have varied somewhat,
ranging from the 75 kgs. suggested by the I.T.F. in 1925 to the 50 kgs. suggested
at the Congress of the International Federation of Food and Drink Workers in 1952.
The collective agreements known to the Office place the figures, as a rule, at some
point between the two extremes indicated above, according to the industry and the
conditions in which the work is done.
56.
In Argentina, a collective agreement dated 7 February 1947 stipulated
that the maximum weight to be lifted or carried by one man should not exceed 70 kgs.
in the case of specified kinds of goods and 50 kgs. in all other cases.
57.
In Austria, a collective agreement concluded between the pottery industry
and the workers' organisations fixed at 10 kilogrammes the maximum weight of loads
that may be transported by women.
- 35 -
58.
In Canada, collective agreements concluded by a shipping company with
several locals of a nation-wide union provide as follows: two men should not be
required to pile 100-pound bags to a height exceeding 7 ft.; sacks exceeaing
140 pounds must be handled by four men; the maximum height of stacking varies with
the weight; if workers are carrying long iron or steel or pipes on their shoulders,
two other men must be kept at the pile where it is being picked up. Another agreement states that a man may not pile freight exceeding 80 pounds above 4 ft. 6 ins.
without assistance.
59In the united States, certain collective agreements regardi'^; wrsi.time
workers, dock workers, workers in the printing trade, etc. prescribe limits to the
weight for certain operations.
For example, the agreement between the Maritime
Association of Chicago and the International Longshoremen's Association prescribes
the limits of weight for loads to be piled by two workers.
These limits vary
between 100 and 200 pounds according to the height up to which the loads ere to be
piled.
Another agreement, between the Industry Area Newsdealers Companies of New
York and the Newspapers and Mail Deliverers' Union, New York, prescribes a maximum
weight of 50 pounds.
60.
In Israel, by an agreement concluded between the Israel Salt Company and
the workers' organisations, the weight of the sacks of salt which was previously
100 kilogrammes was reduced, as from 1 January 1962, to 60 kilogrammes 500.
61.
In Portugal, a collective agreement dating from 1957 between the Fish
Canneries Association, Setubal, and the National Onion of Cannery Workers of the
same region provides that women shall not carry individual loads exceeding 21 kgs.
Another agreement in the same industry, for the Oporto district, fixes the maximum
permissible load for women at 23 kgs. A collective agreement of 1952 between the
employers' and workers' organisations in the pottery industry states that workers
under 18 years and women shall not handle pieces exceeding 6 kgs. or carry loads
exceeding 10 kgs. by hand or 20 kgs. on the head or shoulders.
62.
In the United Kingdom, a collective agreement concluded by the General
Post Office prescribes the following maxima for postment:
Postmen on foot
Postmen on bicycle
Postmen on tricycle
35 lbs (17 kgs.)
50 lbs (23 kgs.)
70 lbs (32 kgs.)
For young persons and women, the quantities approved for the carrying of loads on
foot and on bicycle are, respectively, as follows;
On Foot
Young persons under 15 years of age
Young persons under 16 years of age
Young persons under 17 years of age
Women
15
20
28
28
lbs
lbs
lbs
lbs
On Bicycle
20 lbs
26 lbs
35-40 lbs
40 lbs
As regards the other post office handling operations, the maximum weight for
young persons between the ages of 16 and 18 is 60 lbs. in the case of intermittent
work and 45 lbs. in the case of continuous work.
63.
In other cases, collective agreements are recognised by the public
authorities and incorporated in semi-official regulations.
This is sometimes the
procedure with dockers' agreements, which have been approved and incorporated in
port regulations.
64.
Thus, in Italy, the regulations for the port of Genoa fix the maximum
permissible weight which may be moved by hand at 100 kgs. When coal is unloaded
in skips their capacity is to correspond to a weight of 100 kgs.; but when coal is
loaded into a vessel for use on board, the skips must have a capacity not exceeding
40 kgs. Similar rules apply in the other ports of Italy, but at Catania the capacity of skips used for unloading coal may not exceed 60 kgs.
-36 -
65.
In Turkey, regulations dated 1948 prohibit dockers and other workers
concerned with transport by sea from carrying loads in excess of 40 kgs.
For
transport by vehicle, the maximum permissible weights are: by bicycle or other
small vehicle, 50 kgs.; by wheelbarrow, 100 kgs.j by tip truck on rails (gradient
not to exceed 10 per cent.), 300 kgs.
- 38 -
I.
COSCIiUSIOHS
1. The information given in the preceding chapters brings out the size,
scope and complexity of the problem.
The observations of a general nature have
been made, the conclusions reached by the Meeting of Experts and the outline of
national law and practice, while they take into account the difficulties involved in the adoption of a solution applicable to all workers engaged in the
lifting and carrying of loads, do make it possible to define a number of points.
2. As regards adult male workers, it appears possible to reach agreement
on a permissible maximum for moving loads by hand.
Although there are few
statutory provisions on this subject, the limits laid down in the countries
where such action has been taken fall within a narrow range.
The occupational
organisations concerned have sought to obtain lower maxima in certain circumstances: this method would enable two major difficulties to be overcome - the
position of persons with different physical strength, and the big additional
physiological strain which may be caused by climatic or other background conditions.
Furthermore, it would be appropriate for the limits indicated by the
Conference to be applicable without distinction to all operations of lifting
and carrying.
In fact, if a limitation of the maximum weight of the load were
to be established, it would no doubt have repercussions on the methodB of packaging.
Thus it would seem to be undesirable to make provision for different
categories of workers, and hence for different limits of weights, in order to
avoid practical difficulties that may arise in different phases of handling
operations.
It should be noted that the conclusions reached by the Meeting of
Experts provide both an objective basis and a number of practical suggestions
for the evaluation of the various factors to be taken into account..
3. As regards women and children, there should be no particular difficulty.
Many countries have thought it necessary to fix limits; most of the
figures are fairly close together; and classifications by age are also based
on similar criteria.
It should, however, be observed that the I.L.O. Model
Code for Safety Regulations provides for the exclusion of young persons under
18 from work involving regular employment in the lifting and carrying of loads
and that it subjects the employment of women in this work to a number of guarantees and restrictions.
It will no doubt have been noted in the outline of law
and practice that certain countries have also considered it advisable to establish comparatively high minimum ages for young people, particularly girls, and
to reduce the hours of work.
With regard to women, restrictions are sometimes
imposed on account of the nature of the path to be covered, the condition of
pregnancy, etc.
The Meeting of Experts has recommended prohibiting in principle the allocation of young persons and women to the regular carrying of loads,
and for practical reasons has suggested maximum weights for young persons of
both sexes aged from 16 to 18 and for women.
4. One point which seems important, and figures explicitly in the Model
Code, is training.
There is no need to describe in detail the risks of
accident involved in use of unsuitable techniques for lifting, moving and setting down very heavy loads.
Suffice it to say that vocational schools, safety
institutions and employers are seeking more and more to teach safe methods of
doing these things to workers whose job it is to do them.
Appropriate training in this field is increasingly regarded as an indispensable means of reducing
the accident risk and an important factor in increasing efficiency; it would
appear extremely useful to give such training systematically.
It should cover
not only appropriate methods of lifting and carrying to be used for the most
common types of goods or of packaging, but also safe practices for stacking and
stowing of loads.
5. There appears no longer any doubt that medical supervision of these
matters is also useful.
It seems to be increasingly applied in practice.
Such supervision prevents an excessive strain from being imposed on individuals
whose physical powers or state of health do not permit them either to make a
big systematic effort without risk or to compensate in a normal manner the
energy necessarily expended in carrying loads.
Medical supervision also makes
it possible to check on a worker's job adjustment, to diagnose in good time any
injuries to the locomotor system and any organic disturbances likely to be
aggravated by the effort involved in carrying loads, to discover chronic fatigue
or physical deterioration and to give the workers such advice On health and
hygiene as they may require.
- 39
6. Another element whose importance is generally recognised in practice
and which might perhaps be taken into account in the conclusions of the Conference is the method of packaging of the goods.
It is obvious that the effort
required to transport loads of the same weight may vary largely with the form,
the dimensions, and the rigidity of the packaging.
The type of material used
for packing as well as the provision of handles or other arrangements to facilitate grasping the load and to avoid discomfort caused by the shape of the load
may diminish fatigue and the risk' of accidents.
In the same connection, it
should perhaps be recommended that every technical device likely to facilitate
the lifting and putting down of the load should be made available to workers
engaged in the manual transport of loads.
II.
POINTS PROPOSED POR DISCUSSION
7. The Governing Body, when it referred the question to the Preparatory
Technical Conference, requested the latter to formulate conclusions that could
be submitted to a session of the International Labour Conference with a view to
the adoption by the single-discussion procedure of one or more instruments concerning the maximum permissible weight to be carried by one worker.
8. In order to facilitate the discussion of the question and to provide
a working basis for the formulation by the Conference of its conclusions, the
I.L.O. has prepared a questionnaire, which it has sent to all States Members,
requesting them to furnish their observations.
This questionnaire, which is
reproduced below, takes into account the main aspects of the problem that the
Conference will have to deal with in the light both of the common elements
derived from the study of existing legislation on the subject and of the conclusions reached by the Meeting of Experts.
9. Report II, which will also be submitted to the Conference, will give
an analysis of the replies and comments, which are to reach the I.L.O. by
15 October 1965 at the latest, and will include a revised text of the points
proposed for discussion based on this analysis.
Questionnaire
1.(1) Do you consider it desirable that the Preparatory Technical Conference should recommend the International Labour Conference to adopt an international instrument or international instruments concerning the maximum permissible weight to be carried by one worker?
(2) If so, do you consider that this instrument or these instruments
should take the form of a Convention or that of a Recommendation?
(3) Should conclusions of a different nature be considered, at least in
respect of some of the points proposed for discussion?
Definition
2. Do you consider that for the purpose of the texts in question the
expression "manual transport of loads" should also cover the lifting and putting
down of loads?
Scope
3.(1) Do you consider that the texts in question should apply to commercial, industrial and agricultural activities and, in general, to all forms
of remunerated activity?
(2) If you consider the scope referred to under (1) to be too wide, to
what activities do you propose that the texts in question should be applied?
4.(1) Do you consider that, in the framework of the agreed activities,
exemptions should be authorised in connection with the performance of certain
work?
- 40 -
(2)
If so, what exemptions would you propose?
5. Do you consider that, in the framework of the agreed activities, the
texts in question should apply:
(a)
only to workers engaged in regular load-carrying?
(b)
to all workers engaged in load-carrying, whether regularly or casually?
6. If you reply to question 5(b) in the negative, do you consider that
the texts in question should include a definition of the expression "regular
load-carrying"?
7. If so, do you consider that the expression "regular load-carrying"
should apply:
(a)
to activities continuously or principally devoted to the carrying of loads?
(b)
to activities normally including the carrying of loads, oven intermittently
(that of the driver-deliveryman, for example)?
(c) have you any other suggestions?
Definition of Maximum Weight
General Provision
8. Do you consider that the texts in question Bhould specify that no
worker should be instructed to carry a load of a weight likely to affect his
health?
(a) Men
9.(1) Do you consider that the texts in question should specify the
maximum permissible weight to be carried by one adult male worker?
(2)
If so, what weight would you propose for adult male workers?
(b) Women
10.(1) Do you consider that it should be permissible to allocate women to
the regular manual transport of loads?
(2)
If so, do you consider that reotrictions should be adopted in rsspent.
of:
(a)
pregnant women?
(b)
hours of work spent in load-carrying?
(c) have you any other suggestions?
11.(1) Do you consider that the texts in question should specify the
maximum permissible weight to be carried by women?
(2) If so, what weight would you propose for women?
(o) Young Workers
12.(1) Do you consider that it should be permissible to allocate young
workers of both sexes to the regular manual transport of loads?
(2)
(a)
If so:
do you consider that the texts in question should specify the minimum age
at which young workers of each sex may be- allocated to the manual transport
of loads?
- 41 -
(b) what minimum age would you propose:
(i)
for boys?
(ii)
for girls?
.
13.(1) Bo you consider that, in the application of maximum weight limits,
age groups between the minimum age and adult age should be established for
boys and girls?
(2)
If so, what age groups would you propose:
(i)
for boys?
(ii)
for girls?
14.(1) Do you oonsider that the texts in question should specify the
maximum permissible weights to be carried by young workers?
(2) If so, what figures, taking into account each of the age groups indicated under 13(2),.would you propose for:
(i)
boys?
(ii)
girls?
15.(1) Do you consider that the texts in question should specify the
hours of work that young workers may spend in load-carrying?
(2) If so, would you kindly suggest, taking into account each of the age
groups indicated under 13(2), the hours of work that might be spent in loadcarrying:
(i)
by boys?
(ii)
by girls?
16. Have you any other suggestions concerning the allocation of young
workers to the regular manual transport of loads?
Technical Devices and Packaging
17.
Do you consider it desirable to recommend the use, as frequently as
possible, of suitable technical devices to facilitate the lifting and putting down
of manually transported loads?
18. Do you oonsider it desirable to recommend that the packages of loads
that may be transported manually should be provided as far as possible with
devices for holding, such as ears on sacks and handles or hollows for the hand
on rigid packages?
19.
Have you any other suggestions on this subject?
Yooational Training
20. Do you oonsider that workers regularly employed in the manual transport of loads should, before being allocated to it, receive adequate vocational
training?
21. Do you oonsider it desirable to provide all workers liable to be
allocated occasionally to the manual transport of loads with basic training on
the methods of lifting and carrying loads?
22. Do you consider that this vocational training should be given by
persons or Institutions approved by the competent authorities?
- *2 -
Medical Supervision
23.(1) Do you consider that no worker should be allocated to the regular
manual transport of loads unless he has been passed as fit for this work by a
thorough medloal examination?
(2)
should:
If so, do you consider that the medical examination referred to
(a)
be carried out by a qualified physician approved by the competent
authorities?
(b)
be oarried out in accordance with conditions prescribed by the oompetent
authorities?
(o)
be reoorded in a medical certificate or in an entry on the work permit
or work book?
24.(1) So you consider that the fitness of workers engaged in the regular
manual transport of loads should be subject to periodical medical checks?
(2) If so, do you consider that these medical checks should be carried
out:
(a)
at intervals not exceeding one year?
(b)
at intervals not exceeding some other period that you may wish to
specify?
25.(1) Do you consider that young workers engaged in the regular manual
transport of loads should be the subject of special provisions regarding
medical supervision?
(2) If so, do you consider that there should be provision for supplying
young workers whose fitness for work is not clearly established with:
(a)
temporary medical certificates valid for a limited period at the end of
which the young worker shall be required to undergo another examination?
(b)
certificates Imposing special conditions of work?
(c)
have you any other suggestions?
General Provisions
26. Do you consider that the vocational training and medical examination
that may be provided for in the texts In question should involve no expense on
the part of the worker or his legal guardian?
27. Do you consider that the national legislation should specify the
authority responsible for supervising the application of the above provisions
and lay down detailed instructions for the drawing up and issuing of the documents mentioned in paragraphs 23(2)(c) and 25(2)?
28. Do you consider that the national legislation should lay down that
the authority responsible for supervising the application of the above provisions should be able at all times to carry out a check of the health conditions of workers engaged in the regular manual transport of loads or to call
exceptionally for further medical examinations?