Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2006, published 96th ILC session (2007)

In reference to its observation, the Committee would be grateful if the Government would provide further information on the following points.

Article 5 of the Convention. Extension of the inspection system to non-salaried agricultural workers. The Committee asks the Government to indicate if it envisages extending the inspection system in agriculture in such a way as to ensure the coverage of one or more of the categories of non-salaried workers referred to in Article 5, particularly in respect of the provision of technical information on occupational hygiene, health and safety relating to the use of machinery or the handling of chemical substances that are toxic or harmful to the environment, or on social security issues.

Article 17. Preventive control of new plant, new material or substances, and new methods of handling products. In reference to it previous comments, the Committee notes that the special regulations applicable to the agricultural sector, as envisaged by section 2 of the Regulations on Safety and Health in Workplaces, have not yet come into effect. It notes, however, that the legislation relating to occupational safety and health is currently under review and that a general bill on risk prevention in the workplace, including in the agricultural sector, has been submitted to Congress. The Government is requested to keep the Office informed of any developments in this regard and to communicate a copy of any text adopted.

Safety conditions for labour inspectors. In reference to its previous comments, the Committee asks the Government, once again, to provide information on any steps taken or envisaged to ensure the safety of men and women labour inspectors in the performance of their duties in the agricultural sector, in view of the particular risks to which they are exposed.