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News Shipbreaking in the Spotlight at ILO Existing international and national regulations do not specifically address shipbreaking, widely regarded as one of the world's most hazardous occupations. Some sites where shipbreaking takes place are referred to as 'time bombs' as they hold potentially dangerous long- term effects for public and environmen- tal health. "Although working conditions vary from country to country, workers in shipbreaking are exposed to extremely hazardous working conditions with high accident rates leading to injuries and fatalities," said Dr. Jukka Takala, director of the International Labor Organization (ILO)'s InFocus Program on Safety and Health at Work and the Environment. "Inadequate safety controls, badly monitored operations, exposure to high- ly toxic substances, a high risk of explo- sions and a lack of adequate training exacerbate the situation." The ILO. concerned by the lack of protection for workers in this area, held a Tripartite Meeting of Experts on Safety and Health in Shipbreaking from October 7-14 in Bangkok. During the meeting, guidelines for responsible ship dismantling and the provision of support for improved safety and health in ship- breaking were revised and adopted. "Our long-term objective is to improve the health and safety conditions for workers in shipbreaking operations by transforming it from the informal sector into a sustainable industry in the formal sector, thus contributing to poverty alleviation." Takala explained. The program aims at the establishment of sound national frameworks for Pictured are shipbreaking operations in Bangladesh, as seen through the lens of photographer Edward Burtynsky, and as originally published in the June 2002 edition of Maritime Reporter & Engineering News. Burtynsky's graphic images helped educate many on the brutal conditions encountered in shipbreaking operations in the developing world. The International Labor Organization addressed the matter in a recent meeting. (Image by Edward Burtynsky, and courtesy of the Charles Coweles Gallery, New York, NY) 0 PETROCOM Making remote possibilities ... Experience the power of Petro www.petrocom.com For over 18 years, PetroCom has been helping the energy industry communicate across the globe, from large cities to the most remote locations. Working closely with each individual client, we're developing the tools and solutions to help people, networks and companies realize their full potential. PetroCom offers a broad spectrum of products and services designed to meet the distinctive communication needs of the energy industry: Offshore Cellular Service Phones and Accessories Payphones & Prepaid Solutions Satellite Voice and Data Networks LAN/WAN Connectivity Engineering and Project Management New Orleans 5901 Earhart Expressway Harahan LA 70123 Houston 5300 West Sam Houston Parkway N. Houston TX 77041 Lafayette Suite 101 850 Kaliste Saloom Road • Suite 115 Lafayette LA 70508 Circle 307 on Reader Service Card 14 Maritime Reporter & Engineering News