Observation (CEACR) - adopted 1991, published 78th ILC session (1991)

Maximum Weight Convention, 1967 (No. 127) - Chile (Ratification: 1972)

The Committee takes note of the information provided by the Government to the effect that a copy of its observations has been transmitted to the special committee that is studying the draft General Regulations of the Labour Code.

The Committee notes that the Government's report contains no information on the questions raised in its previous observation. It asks the Government in its next report to supply information on the following matters.

Article 3 of the Convention. The Committee noted that Circular No. 30 of 4 December 1985, from the Director of Labour to the Regional Directors of Labour and the Provincial and Communal Labour Inspectors, lays down instructions on the maximum weight that may be manually transported by workers. This Circular gives effect to Articles 3, 4 and 7, paragraph 2, of the Convention by reducing the maximum weight of a load permitted to be manually transported to 55 kg, which is the weight recommended in Recommendation No. 128, and by specifying that the maximum weight of loads for women and young workers shall be substantially less than that permitted for adult male workers.

The Committee noted the above Circular with interest and asked the Government to indicate:

- whether sections 57 and 252 of Presidential Decree No. 665 of 7 March 1941 laying down the general regulations on occupational safety and health, which fix a maximum weight of 80 to 86 kg have been repealed and, if so, by virtue of which provisions; and

- whether the Circular has been published and distributed to employers, workers, courts and all other persons concerned.

Article 6. The Committee noted that section 8 of Circular No. 30 prescribes that mechanical devices shall be used for the transport of loads weighing over 55 kg. While this represents an improvement over the former weight limit of 80 kg for the use of such devices to be required, the Committee points out that Article 6 of the Convention requires suitable technical devices to be used as much as possible, not only for loads over the 55 kg weight limit. Please indicate the measures taken or envisaged in order to apply fully this provision of the Convention.

Article 7, paragraph 1. The Committee notes that Circular No. 30 does not provide that the assignment of women and young workers to manual transport of loads other than light loads shall be limited. The Committee again expresses the hope that the Government will take the necessary measures to ensure full compliance with this provision of the Convention.

Article 7, paragraph 2. The Committee notes that section 4 of Circular No. 30 prescribes that the maximum weight of loads for women and young workers shall be substantially less than that permitted for adult male workers, without specifying maximum limits. Please indicate whether weight limits have been prescribed or are envisaged in this regard.