Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2000, published 89th ILC session (2001)

The Committee notes with satisfaction the Government’s report, the detailed information provided in reply to its previous comments and the abundant documentation on the legislative and practical measures taken with a view to a substantial improvement in the application of the Convention.

1.  Role of the labour inspectorate in the supervision and control of services engaged in activities related to the supervision of the legislation respecting conditions of work.  The Committee notes the information and documents indicating that the labour inspectorate is once again entrusted with duties relating to the supervision of occupational health and safety, which had previously been transferred to local health units and which had been criticized by employers’ and workers’ organizations. Although noting that the duties of the labour inspectorate in this field are still limited and only apply to workplaces characterized by major risks to health and safety, the Committee nevertheless notes that, in accordance with Articles 4 and 5 of the Convention, the labour inspectorate acts as a central authority and coordinates between the various services engaged in activities relating to occupational safety and health in all sectors of activity. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would indicate the manner in which the organizations of employers and workers have reacted to the legislative texts which have been adopted recently re-establishing the duties of the labour inspectorate in relation to occupational safety and health.

2.  Child labour.  With reference also to its general observation of 1999 concerning labour inspection and child labour, the Committee notes with particular interest the initiatives recently taken to combat child labour, and particularly the adoption of legislative measures respecting the strengthening of compulsory education and the drafting of a decree to give effect to European Directive No. 94/33/EC on the protection of young people at work. It hopes that the Government will transmit a copy of the above decree to the ILO once it has been published.