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1. The Committee notes the information contained in the Government’s report. It notes in particular the information on the application of Article 1(a) and (b) of the Convention (definition of the terms “manual transport of loads” and “regular manual transport of loads”).

2. Article 5. Steps to ensure adequate training in working techniques with a view to safeguarding the health of workers and preventing accidents. The Committee notes the reference made by the Government in its report to section 282 of the Labour Code, which contains a general provision on the obligation of all employers to apply the measures that are necessary to afford effective protection for the life and health of their workers and to ensure their safety and safeguard their health by adopting measures to prevent, reduce and eliminate occupational risks in workplaces. It also notes that, according to the Government’s report, employers are obliged to inform workers engaged in the manual transport of loads of good practices for the lifting and transport of loads, and that the Ministry of Employment and Labour Development and the Social Security Fund provide training free-of-charge to workers through talks and practical demonstrations. The Committee requests the Government to indicate the legislative or other provision which guarantees the necessary training for workers prior to their assignment to work.

3. Part V of the report form. Application of the Convention in practice. The Committee notes the information provided on inspection activities and the accidents that occurred during the period between 2000 and 2003. It also notes that, according to the Government’s report, the official inspection reports do not contain specific references reporting violations of the provisions of the Labour Code on the protection of the health of workers engaged in the manual transport of loads. The Committee requests the Government to continue providing information on the practical application of the Convention.