The International Convention for Safe Containers, 1972 (CSC 1972) has two goals: to maintain a high level of safety of human life in the transport and handling of containers by providing acceptable test procedures and related strength requirements; and to provide uniform international safety regulations, equally applicable to all modes of surface transport, thereby avoiding the proliferation of divergent national regulations. The amendments to CSC 1972 adopted by resolution MSC.355(92) entered into force on 1 July 2014 and include: new definitions at the beginning of annexes I and II, along with consequential amendments to ensure uniform usage of terminology throughout CSC 1972; amendments to align all physical dimensions and units to the SI system; the introduction of a transitional period for marking containers with restricted stacking capacity, as required under the relevant standard; the inclusion in annex III of the list of deficiencies which do not require an immediate out-of-service decision by the control officer but do require additional safety measures to enable safe ongoing transport.

The use of freight containers, swap bodies, vehicles or other cargo transport units substantially reduces the physical hazards to which cargoes are exposed. However, improper or careless packing of cargoes into/onto such units may be the cause of personnel injury or serious and costly damage to the cargo or equipment. A great many people in the transport chain rely on the skill of those working in cargo transport units, including road vehicle drivers and other road users, rail workers, crew members of vessels on inland waterways, handling staff at transfer terminals, dock workers, crew members of seagoing ships, those inspecting cargoes and those who unpack the units. This code of practice outlines best practices for cargo transport units. Co-published with the IMO and UNECE.

A comprehensive, global review of the impact ships have on the environment, covering pollutant discharges, non-pollutant impacts and international legislation.

Port work is still considered an occupation with very high accident rates. This essential code of practice, intended to replace both the second edition of the ILO Code of Practice on Safety and Health in Dock Work (1977) and the ILO Guide to Safety and Health in Dock Work (1976), provides valuable advice and assistance to all those charged with the management, operation, maintenance and development of ports and their safety. Offering many detailed technical illustrations and examples of good practice, the provisions of this code cover all aspects of port work where goods or passengers are loaded or unloaded to or from ships. It is not limited to international trade but applies equally to domestic operations, including those on inland waterways. New topics are: traffic and vehicular movements of all types; activities on shore and on ship; amended levels of lighting provision; personal protective equipment; ergonomics; provisions for disabled persons; and the specific handling of certain cargoes, for example logs, scrap metal and dangerous goods.