Individual Case (CAS) - Discussion: 1992, Publication: 79th ILC session (1992)

A Government representative requested an extension of the deadline for supplying the Government's inspection reports. In order to obtain the statistics and information needed under the Convention, it was necessary to contact various government bodies such as the Directorate of Social and Labour Affairs. Moreover, this information concerning the different districts had to be authenticated by the Central Statistical Office. He indicated that it was necessary for the Government to enter into consultation with the employers' and workers' organisations to improve labour inspection. Finally, he noted that he had supplied a first inspection report to the ILO, and he hoped that this would satisfy the Committee.

The Employers' members stated that they could not comment on the substance of the matter because the Experts' report noted only that inspection reports had not been supplied for several years. They were aware that preparation and publication of these reports required time. Nevertheless, they emphasised that the obligation under the Convention was to publish and supply such reports to the ILO on an annual basis. The Employers' members noted that the Government had supplied inspection reports immediately prior to the Conference, which amounted to a first step, and hoped that such reports would be supplied regularly in the future.

The Workers' members joined in the comments and the request of the Employers' members.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2023, published 112nd ILC session (2024)

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2020, published 109th ILC session (2021)

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2016, published 106th ILC session (2017)

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2015, published 105th ILC session (2016)

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2013, published 103rd ILC session (2014)

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2011, published 101st ILC session (2012)

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2009, published 99th ILC session (2010)

Content of the information sent in response to the Committee’s comments. Legal aspects and practical scope. While noting the information on the process under way to adopt a new Labour Code concerning health supervision in enterprises, and certain information on the policy to prevent discrimination, prohibit human trafficking and protect domestic workers, the Committee notes that the Government has not replied to its previous comments, particularly those on the effect given in law and in practice to the provisions of the Convention.

It further notes that despite the Government’s stated intention, no annual inspection report has reached the Office. It points out that this is an obligation deriving not only from Articles 20 and 21 of the Convention, but also from section 41 of the regulations governing the bodies competent for health and safety. Furthermore, as the Government observes, labour inspection is high on the list of priorities in the Decent Work Country Programme agreed with the social partners in 2008 and publication of an inspection report has been recognized as essential, as the Committee has pointed out consistently since 2001.

The Committee is therefore bound to ask the Government in its next report to provide more than merely general or theoretical information on the manner in which effect is given to the Convention. It reiterates its previous request for the Government to provide copies of all the implementing texts adopted in the areas covered by the Convention, particularly regarding the establishment and operation in practice of occupational safety and health committees, and to send information to the Office, including relevant figures, on the impact of these measures in terms of the inspections carried out and trends in the occupational accidents and cases of occupational disease recorded.

Noting that the Government’s report does not reply to the Committee’s request for specific information on the role attributed to labour inspectors in the implementation of projects for international cooperation in the area of labour migration, and says nothing of the role they are called on to play in the context of the widespread shift towards enterprise privatization, the Committee once again asks the Government to provide this information together with statistics and any other relevant documentation.

The Committee also once again asks the Government to ensure, in accordance with Article 20, that an annual report on the work of the inspectorate containing the information requested under Article 21(a)–(g) is actually published by the central inspection authority and that a copy is sent to the ILO as soon as it is published. Compliance with this obligation is doubly essential: first, for the Committee and the other ILO supervisory bodies in performing their functions with respect to this Convention; and, secondly, for the need for the central labour inspection authority, other competent authorities and the social partners to be informed about the work of the labour inspectorate in law and in practice, with a view to contributing to its improvement.

Lastly, the Committee would be grateful if the Government would keep the ILO informed of any developments in the functioning of the labour inspectorate in the context of implementation of the Decent Work County Programme.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2008, published 98th ILC session (2009)

Article 5(b) of the Convention. Collaboration between officials of the labour inspectorate and employers and workers or their organizations. With reference to its previous comments, the Committee notes with interest the information describing the measures taken in accordance with Article 5(b) of the Convention in order to promote collaboration between the labour inspection services and employers and workers and their organizations with regard to prevention of occupational safety and health risks. It notes that other measures are planned, such as: holding symposiums aimed at increasing employers’ interest in prevention; developing statistics reflecting the real situation with regard to industrial accidents and occupational diseases; finding resources to encourage employers and workers to become involved in achieving the goal of reducing occupational risks; using posters, radio programmes and other media to publicize the importance of occupational safety and health and their impact on the protection of workers and also environmental protection; actions to promote the role and activities of labour inspectors, and also the cooperation of workers during inspections; and, finally, setting up a national tripartite committee for occupational safety and health. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would keep the ILO informed of the practical implementation of such measures, and also of the impact of the measures implemented on changing the situation with regard to occupational health and safety, in terms of industrial accidents and cases of occupational disease. The Government is also requested to indicate whether, as advocated by Paragraph 4(2) of Labour Inspection Recommendation, 1947 (No. 81), safety and health committees are operating within undertakings or establishments and, if so, to send copies of texts concerning their establishment, role and functioning.

Articles 20 and 21. Publication of an annual report on the work of the inspection services. Further to its previous comments and with reference to the Government’s statement that an annual inspection report is being prepared and should be published within the prescribed deadline, the Committee hopes that the necessary steps will be taken as soon as possible and a copy of such a report will be sent immediately to the ILO.

Regional and international cooperation. The Committee notes that a mission from the ILO Bureau for Workers’ Activities (ACTRAV), received in Damascus from 14 to 17 December 2007, was invited to open a seminar of Arab women trade union leaders and meet officials of the International Confederation of Arab Trade Unions (ICATU) and also the president of the General Federation of Syrian Trade Unions (GFSTU). Noting that the subjects covered concerned in particular the fight against discrimination, measures to improve working conditions of migrant workers, and also the impact of the vast movement for the privatization of enterprises in the country, the Committee would be grateful if the Government would supply information to the Office on any involvement of the labour inspection services in any actions contemplated in response to the concerns expressed.

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2005, published 95th ILC session (2006)

The Committee notes the Government’s report and the documents attached. Referring to its previous comments, it requests the Government to provide in its next report additional information on the following points.

Collaboration between employers and workers. Please describe the measures taken or envisaged in accordance with Article 5(b) of the Convention in order to encourage collaboration between the labour inspection services and the employers or workers or their organizations with a view, among other things, to the implementation of preventive occupational safety measures.

Publication of an annual report. The Committee notes that since 2001 no annual report on the work of the inspection services has been communicated to the International Labour Office. It points out in this regard the importance of publishing and communicating regularly to the International Labour Office an annual report that complies in both form and substance with the provisions of Articles 20 and 21 of the Convention. The Committee invites the Government to ensure that such a report is regularly published and communicated to the International Labour Office.

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2003, published 92nd ILC session (2004)

The Committee notes the Government’s report and the information it contains in reply to its previous comments, as well as the transmission of the 2001 annual inspection report and the decrees issued in 2001 fixing the minimum age for admission to certain occupations. It takes note with interest of the Circular of 26 April 2001 requesting the regional directorates to provide the labour inspection services with the human resources and the material means which would enable them to carry out the inspections of the undertakings falling within their field of competence, with a view to supervising the compliance with the recently amended legal provisions concerning the minimum age for admission to employment.

In addition, the Committee notes the information regarding the content of the Order of the President of the Council of Ministers No. 2907 of 2003 regarding the obligation of all public institutions to incorporate into their work regulations general principles in respect of safety and health at the workplace and the working environment. It further notes with interest the information concerning the priority accorded by the Government and the General Confederation of Workers to the question of occupational risks and the measures aiming at raising the workers’ awareness both in the public and the private sectors. The Committee would be grateful to the Government for providing a copy of the abovementioned Order as well as information on any cooperation between the inspection services and workers’ and employers’ organizations with a view to applying preventive measures in matters of work safety.

Finally, the Government is requested to indicate whether the annual report of the Labour Inspectorate concerning agricultural enterprises has been published as provided for in Article 20, paragraphs 1 and 2 of the Convention. If this is not the case, the Committee hopes that the Government will ensure that measures are taken to give effect to these provisions so that the social partners concerned are informed of the efforts undertaken to progressively adapt the means at the disposal of labour inspection services to current needs and so that they may also express their views on possible improvements.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2002, published 91st ILC session (2003)

The Committee notes the Government’s report, the replies to its previous comments, the annual inspection report and the statistical tables for 1999.

Labour inspection and child labour. With reference to its general observation of 1999, the Committee notes with interest the provisions of Law No. 24 of 2000 amending certain provisions of the Labour Code, and particularly those relating to the minimum age for employment. It hopes that this law will rapidly be supplemented by regulations for its implementation in practice and that inspectors will be provided with the necessary means to supervise its application in an effective manner. It would be grateful if the Government would provide copies of such texts and keep the ILO informed of the progress attained in relation to the Bill on compulsory education prepared in collaboration between the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labour and the other state bodies concerned.

Improvement of occupational safety and health. The Committee notes with interest the establishment of six additional occupational safety and health centres, thereby bringing their number to ten throughout the country. The Government indicates that the functions of these centres are, firstly, to provide guidance to enterprises in the field of occupational safety and health and, secondly, to inspect the above enterprises, and that the centres have been allocated technical human resources and equipment for preventive care. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would provide copies of the basic texts determining the establishment, functions and operation of these centres and details of the composition of their technical staff.

The Committee would also be grateful if the Government would provide information on the number and categories of persons who benefited, in the context of the national occupational safety and health programme, from awareness-raising sessions for workers exposed to occupational risks over recent years.

Statistics on workplaces liable to inspection by the labour inspectorate. With reference to its previous comments and noting, firstly, the detailed information provided by the Government on the nature and aims of labour inspections carried out by the inspection services and, secondly, the relevant statistical tables for 1999, the Committee reminds the Government that, in order to assess the effectiveness of labour inspection, it is necessary to have information available on the number of workplaces liable to inspection (Article 21(c) of the Convention). It therefore once again requests the Government to ensure that this information is henceforth included in the annual inspection report.

Publication of an annual report on the inspection services. With reference to its previous comments, the Committee would be grateful if the Government would take the necessary measures to ensure that the annual inspection report is published and communicated to the ILO within the time limits set out in Article 20 of the Convention.

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

The Committee notes the Government’s report in reply to its comments. It notes that, according to the Government, the rarity of cases of infringements brought before the courts reflects the generally high level of application of the law. However, the Committee notes in the statistical tables provided by the Government a constant increase in the number of industrial accidents and occupational diseases between 1991 and 1998, with the number of deaths being quadrupled during that period. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would provide information on the measures which have been taken or are envisaged to make the necessary improvements in occupational safety and health conditions and once again requests it to provide information on the draft legislation announced in its previous report to establish a coordinating body between the various ministries responsible for occupational safety.

The Committee also notes that, while the number of inspections and their purpose is indicated in the tables of the annual report, it remains difficult to assess the effectiveness of the inspection services in relation to the number of workplaces liable to inspection, which is not indicated. The Committee therefore once again requests the Government to indicate the number of workplaces liable to inspection so that it can evaluate the manner in which effect is given to Article 16 respecting the frequency and thoroughness of inspections.

Finally, the Committee once again requests the Government to provide information demonstrating that, in accordance with the requirements of Article 20, an annual report on the activities of the inspection services, covering the subjects enumerated in Article 21(a) to (g), is published within the required time limits.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1999, published 88th ILC session (2000)

The Committee notes the detailed information contained in the Government's report received in August 1997. It also notes the annual reports of the inspection services for 1995, 1996 and 1997. The Government attention is drawn to the following points.

Articles 3, 13, 16 and 17 of the Convention. The Committee notes the small number of reports referred to justice following infringements of labour legislation relative to the number of routine inspection visits. It observes that the only cases subject to legal proceedings are those arising from receipt of complaint or denunciation. In this connection, the Committee notes from the information contained in the annual report for 1997, that inspection visits consist of questioning workers and employers and by examining various records. This procedure does not seem to answer fully to the requirements of Article 16 of the Convention, which stipulates that workplaces should be inspected as thoroughly as is necessary. This provision implies that labour inspectors should also carry out thorough inspections of the premises, installations, and, where necessary the living accommodation provided for the workers on or near the workplace, in particular testing the safety of working equipment and tools and also the quality and storing of products and provisions. Respect of the pertinent legislation is only possible through thorough inspection visits, to reveal such anomalies as may jeopardize safety and health at work or endanger the well-being of workers, and allowing the removal of these anomalies or the initiation of civil or criminal proceedings in conformity with Articles 13 and 17. However, the Committee notes that a large proportion of the activities of the labour inspectorate consists in resolving individual or collective disputes to the detriment of inspection activities. The Committee must remind the Government that if the Convention is to be correctly applied, the principal functions of the labour inspection services must be those set forth in Article 3, paragraph 1, and that, if any further duties are entrusted to labour inspectors, they must not, according to paragraph 2 of the same Article, be such as to interfere with the effective discharge of their primary duties or to prejudice in any way the authority and impartiality which are necessary to inspectors in their relations with employers and workers. The Government should take the appropriate measures in the near future to reassert the principal duties of the labour inspection services in the terms defined by the Convention, as opposed to such functions as mediation, arbitration or the resolving of individual or collective disputes. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would indicate in its next report the measures taken or envisaged in this regard.

Article 5. With reference to a Government report announcing a draft Act establishing a coordinating body between the various Ministries responsible for the safety of workers, the Committee requests the Government to supply all information or a copy of any text in this connection.

Article 8. Noting with interest the consistent increases in the number of inspectors from 1996 to 1997, as well as the information that the Acts governing the public service statute of 1950 and 1985 do not provide for any discrimination on the basis of sex for appointment to posts in the public service, the Committee would be grateful if the Government would provide details on the number and distribution by sex of labour inspectors and indicate in what manner effect is given to this provision of the Convention, specifying, where necessary that special duties may be assigned to men and women inspectors.

Articles 20 and 21. The Committee notes with interest the information supplied in the annual reports of the inspection services regarding Article 21(a), (b), (d), (e), (f), and (g). To allow an overall appreciation of the application of the Convention, information should also be provided on Article 21(c), regarding statistics of workplaces liable to inspection and the number of workers employed therein. Please also indicate whether the annual reports of the inspection services are published regularly within the time limits set forth in Article 20 so that the information contained therein may be brought to the attention of the parties concerned. The Committee requests the Government to supply this information in its next report.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1995, published 83rd ILC session (1996)

Article 5(a) of the Convention. Further to its previous comments, the Committee notes that the Government's report repeats the information that the Bill to provide for a coordinating body of the various ministries involved in the safety of workers and the working environment to be named the Environmental Safety Organization has not yet been adopted but that the Ministry of Labour has requested the Social Security Institution as well as the Ministry of the Environment to provide it with information on developments in this respect. The Committee renews its hope that the Government will adopt the Bill shortly and send a copy of the adopted text.

Articles 8, 10 and 21(a). Further to its observation, the Committee notes that the annual inspection reports for 1992 and 1993 do not provide information on the number of inspectors of different categories, taking also into account the requirements of Article 8 of the Convention, and including particulars of the geographical distribution of the inspection services. The Committee hopes future annual inspection reports will contain these particulars as required by these provisions of the Convention and the report form approved by the Governing Body.

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 1995, published 83rd ILC session (1996)

Article 20 of the Convention. Further to its previous comments, the Committee notes with interest that the annual inspection reports for 1992 and 1993 have been received. It hopes the Government will continue to publish and transmit annual reports for subsequent years within the time-limits set out in Article 20 of the Convention.

The Committee is addressing certain other points in a direct request.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1994, published 81st ILC session (1994)

Article 5(a) of the Convention. Further to its previous comments, the Committee notes that the Bill to provide for a coordinating body of the various ministries involved in the safety of workers, entitled the Environmental Safety Organization, has not yet been adopted. It again requests the Government to indicate in its next report whether the Bill has become law, and to supply a copy.

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 1994, published 81st ILC session (1994)

Further to its previous observation the Committee notes the information supplied to the Conference Committee in 1992, the Government's report and the annual labour inspection reports for 1990 and 1991. It recalls the importance attached under Articles 20 and 21 of the Convention to the compilation and timely publication of such annual reports on labour inspection and again draws the Government's attention to the need for such reports at both the national and international levels to assess whether workplaces are being inspected as often and as thoroughly as necessary, in accordance with Article 16. The Committee is addressing a direct request to the Government concerning another point.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1992, published 79th ILC session (1992)

Article 5(a) of the Convention. Further to its earlier comments, the Committee notes that the Bill to provide for a coordinating body of the various ministries involved in the safety of workers, entitled the Environmental Safety Organisation, has been approved by the Council of Ministers but not yet adopted. It asks the Government to indicate in its next report whether the Bill has become law, and to supply a copy.

Articles 20 and 21. 1. Further to its observation, the Committee notes the report on the activities of the labour inspection service for 1989. The Committee would recall that under Article 20 a report of a general nature on the work of the inspection service must be published and communicated to the ILO each year. Please indicate whether the 1989 report has been published as required.

2. The Committee also notes that incomplete information is provided in the report with respect to the staff of the labour inspection service (Article 21(b)) and that statistics of workplaces liable to inspection and the number of workers employed therein (Article 21(c)) have not been provided. The Committee trusts that in the future reports containing information on all the subjects listed under Article 21, will be published and transmitted to the ILO within the periods laid down in Article 20.

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 1992, published 79th ILC session (1992)

In comments made over several years, the Committee has drawn attention to the need to compile, publish and transmit to the ILO each year inspection reports containing all the information required by the Convention (Articles 20 and 21). Such reports, duly prepared, are essential at both the national and international levels in order to assess whether workplaces are being inspected as often and as thoroughly as necessary, in accordance with Article 16. The Committee is again addressing a direct request to the Government concerning the implementation of these Articles.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1990, published 77th ILC session (1990)

The Committee notes that the Government's report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous direct request, which read as follows:

Article 5(a) of the Convention. With reference to its previous direct request, the Committee notes that the Bill to provide for the establishment of a co-ordinating body of the various ministries involved in the safety of workers, entitled the "Environmental Safety Organisation", has not yet been adopted. It reiterates the hope that this Bill will shortly be adopted and that a copy will be sent to the Committee.

Articles 10, 16, 20 and 21. The Committee recalls that under Article 20 of the Convention an annual report of a general nature on the work of the inspection services must be published and communicated to the ILO within 12 months from the end of the year covered. The Committee trusts that in the future, such reports, containing information on the subjects listed under Article 21, will be published and transmitted to the ILO within the periods laid down in Article 20.