Human Element Work at IMO

The human element is a standing agenda item at IMO’s Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) and Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) meetings. The MCA is active at these committees, and at others where there is a need for human element input to the discussions and work.

Recent examples of human element achievements at IMO:

MEPC 53 Human Element Working Group 18-22 July 2005

The joint MSC/MEPC Human Element Working Group made several positive steps when reconvened. The 25 member states and 6 non-governmental organisations which were represented drafted four MSC/MEPC Circulars to raise awareness and encourage further action by IMO and its members. These were approved by MEPC but also need approval at MSC81 (May 2006) for full ratification. They will be refined over time, following experience of their use and new developments.

The Circulars are:

The Organization’s strategy to address the human element, including an ‘action plan’ for several key issues; a checklist to encourage IMO bodies to consider human element issues when developing and amending mandatory and non-mandatory instruments; encouragement for those with human element expertise/knowledge/interest to participate in relevant Sub-Committees, to strengthen human element input; and a framework for consideration of ergonomics and the work environment.

The Group also endorsed with some minor comments a draft Circular from the Sub-Committee on Bulk Liquids and Gases (BLG); “Guidelines on basic elements of a shipboard occupational health and safety programme”. It was felt that this would assist ISM Code implementation.

A suite of five documents will therefore be available shortly. Along with the imminent ILO Consolidated Maritime Labour Convention, a wide range of guidance will be available on considering the human element.