Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2015, published 105th ILC session (2016)

Hygiene (Commerce and Offices) Convention, 1964 (No. 120) - Portugal (Ratification: 1983)

The Committee notes the observations made by the General Workers’ Union (UGT) received on 1 October 2014.

Application of the Convention in practice. The Committee notes that, according to the UGT, the incidence of musculoskeletal injuries continues to be the main occupational safety and health (OSH) problem in commerce and offices. Despite two European campaigns in 2000 and 2007 on the prevention of musculoskeletal disorders, the UGT is of the view that much remains to be done to prevent such injuries, and refers to its plans to organize a joint campaign with the Portuguese Commerce and Services Confederation (CCP) on the subject.

The Committee notes the detailed statistical information provided by the Government in its report concerning the OSH activities undertaken by the Working Conditions Authority (ACT) in all sectors, and the information on its activities to prevent musculoskeletal injuries. It further notes the Government’s indications that awareness raising and the provision of training and information are best suited to avoid musculoskeletal disorders, such as back injuries resulting from the inadequate manual handling of loads. With reference to the statistics provided, the Government indicates that the 2007 campaign on the handling of loads significantly increased the understanding of employers and workers in this area (as the number of infringement reports increased after the campaign, but decreased as of 2009). The Committee requests the Government to continue providing information on the application of the Convention in practice and, in particular, on developments regarding occupational diseases in relation to the Convention, as well as on the measures adopted to prevent musculoskeletal injuries and the impact of these measures.