| Creators: |
Fotteler, Marina L. and Jensen, Olaf C. and Andrioti, Despena |
| Title: |
The Impact of the MLC2006 and Health and Safety on Board – Results from a Pilot Study |
| Item Type: |
Conference or Workshop Item |
| Event Title: |
15th International Symposium on Maritime Health (ISMH) „Sea, port, health & environment“ |
| Event Location: |
Hamburg, Germany |
| Event Dates: |
12.-15. Juni.2019 |
| Date: |
14 June 2019 |
| Divisions: |
Gesundheitsmanagement |
| Abstract (ENG): |
Background. Seafarers are exposed to unique and often hazardous conditions that can negatively impact physical and mental health. The Maritime Labour Convention 2006 (MLC2006) entered into force in 2013 and comprises the first set of comprehensive standards for better working and living conditions of seafarers. In five titles, it regulates aspects such as wages, contracts, food, medical care and social security. A pilot study was conducted to investigate the impact of the MLC2006 as perceived by seafarers. This abstract presents results on health and safety.
Methods. The Yale Study of Seafarer Health and Wellbeing was chosen and permission for use was obtained from the Yale Maritime Research Center. An online questionnaire was posted in two Facebook groups for seafarers in February 2018. A consent form was obtained by each respondent. 55, mostly Danish seafarers answered. Additionally, a focus group interview was conducted with four Danish officers.
Results. Almost half of the respondents (N=27, 49.1%) stated that the MLC2006 improved their working and living conditions only a little or not at all. The focus group agreed, that the MLC2006 did not bring improvements but mostly increased paperwork. Safety was a major concern for almost half and only 22% (N=12) reported that their safety system always works. Most injuries (71%) and sicknesses (57.6%) happened more than one year ago and the majority had the parameters blood pressure, blood sugar and dental health examined within the last two years. 40% (N=22) woke up fresh and rested most or all of the time during the previous two weeks. Almost one third reported suffering from stress and pressure. The focus group confirmed this, emphasizing difficulties with low manning and compliance with the MLC’s rest hour requirements. 50.9% (N= 28) stated that their workplace was either rather or very much competitive. 67.3% (N=37) think their workplace is rather or very much rigid and rule-based.
Conclusion. Many Danish seafarers do not see a major improvement through the MLC2006. Problems connected to health and safety, such as safety training, long work hours, low manning, food and social difficulties have not been adequately addressed. The focus group acknowledged an increase in safety awareness, which the MLC2006 might have indirectly contributed to. This pilot study can only give indications and the impact of the MLC2006, especially for ships flying flags from other states than Denmark, must be further investigated. |
| Forthcoming: |
No |
| Language: |
English |
| Citation: |
Fotteler, Marina L. and Jensen, Olaf C. and Andrioti, Despena
(2019)
The Impact of the MLC2006 and Health and Safety on Board – Results from a Pilot Study.
In: 15th International Symposium on Maritime Health (ISMH) „Sea, port, health & environment“, 12.-15. Juni.2019, Hamburg, Germany.
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