Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2014, published 104th ILC session (2015)

Promotional Framework for Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 2006 (No. 187) - Republic of Korea (Ratification: 2008)

Other comments on C187

Observation

2014
2010

Direct Request

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The Committee notes the observations of the Federation of Korean Trade Unions (FKTU) and the Government’s reply thereto, both received with the Government’s report on 4 September 2014.

Article 4(2)(c) of the Convention. Mechanisms for ensuring compliance. Further to its previous observation, the Committee notes the Government’s indication that the number of industrial safety inspectors has continuously increased in the past five years. The Committee also notes that, according to the FKTU, the number of industrial safety inspectors, approximately 300, is clearly insufficient to prevent industrial accidents in the country and that employers are less motivated to comply with their duties due the scarcity of inspection personnel. The FKTU calls on the Government to hire more industrial safety inspectors with expertise. In its reply, the Government acknowledges the shortage of labour inspection personnel and indicates that currently, one industrial safety inspector is in charge of approximately 6,900 workplaces and 54,000 workers. It also mentions that, in 2013, a reorganization plan was carried out by the Ministry of Employment and Labour which led to the assignment of 35 inspectors to workplaces with high accident rates. Finally, the Government indicates its intention to address this issue in collaboration with the competent administration. Keeping in mind its observation concerning the application of the Labour Inspection Convention, 1947 (No. 81), the Committee requests the Government to take all the necessary measures to strengthen its labour inspection system in particular with respect to the effective implementation of occupational health and safety standards. The Government is also requested to provide information on such measures and on the results achieved.

The Committee is raising other matters in a request addressed directly to the Government.

[The Government is asked to reply in detail to the present comments in 2016.]