In SwedishThe industry must address work environment issues
Sweden must participate actively in all issues concerning the work environment to stay in the forefront when it comes to rules and regulations, protective equipment and the lowest number of accidents.
In international terms, Sweden has a reasonable position but many countries have kept up with developments. We hope to get support from more countries and organisations. Some countries work against the introduction of new rules which could favour seamen.
The technical group Goal Based Standards (GBS), which works within the IMO MSC, does not seem to want to get involved with work environment issues at all. For two years we have put forward demands that ships, from the first pieces of steel, must be manufactured to suit those who are going to work onboard. The response from GBS is, ”Of course, that is important, but it is not really our concern so we are going to give the issue to another working group.”
The issue of seamen’s welfare has been pushed around as an item on different agendas without ever being given the status that it deserves. For this year’s IMO MSC meeting they have at least created a working group called Human Elements, and that is very positive.
The foundation Sveriges Sjömanshus as financing partner is very much looking forward to the first results of a research project in ergonomics and work environment in which machine rooms and control rooms are in focus. Results from this research project will naturally be examined by all interested parties in the shipping industry and each will try, in their own area, to bring about a better work environment at sea.
The industry must also address the issue of the contents of courses on fire prevention and dangerous goods. Since SBK (Marine Fire Protection Committee) was dissolved, the forum for discussions on specific maritime issues disappeared.
At Stena a machine officer has initiated a specially designed training course for leakage and firefighting of dangerous goods, and this should of course be given attention – at the same time as the industry in general, and Swedish Maritime Administration in the leading position, should rethink in this area.
Mikael Huss, ombudsman at Merchant Marine Officers’ Association, SAN board member
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