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Previous comment on Conventions Nos 81 and 129.
Previous comment on Convention No. 150.
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The Committee notes the Government’s report received by the ILO on 14 September 2009.
Articles 6(1)(a) and (b), and 22–24, of the Convention. Inspection activities in relation to prevention, prosecution and penalties for infringements. Further to its previous comments on this point, the Committee requests the Government to refer to its observation made in connection with Article 3(1)(a) and (b) and Articles 17 and 18 of the Labour Inspection Convention, 1947 (No. 81). The Committee further notes the observations made by the General Union of Workers (UGT) received on 14 September 2009 and attached to the Government’s report, which reiterate, as in 2005 and 2007, that the situation in agriculture does not appear to have changed. There is still a large number of small agricultural enterprises, especially family enterprises, and this makes the task of enforcement difficult. Whatever the action taken, it still remains inadequate in a sector as specific as agriculture. In this regard the Committee notes the information contained in the annual report on the work of the Authority for Conditions of Work (ACT) for 2008, which contains some information on this sector. The Government indicates that 98 inspections in relation to safety and health were conducted in agriculture, giving rise to 15 reports of infringements. The annual report also indicates that 7.5 per cent of fatal accidents took place in agriculture.
As regards enforcement and prevention measures taken by the labour inspectorate in agriculture, particularly pursuant to EU occupational safety and health strategies, the Committee notes that the strategy adopted at national level is principally concerned with: (1) the coherence and effectiveness of public policies, resulting from the linkage which exists between the various departments of the administration; and (2) the promotion of safety and health in the workplace. According to the Government, the task of the labour inspectorate is very general and mainly covers two essential areas, namely occupational safety and health and industrial relations. However, another task of the labour inspectorate is to promote and enforce the application of laws which transpose the provisions of EU directives into the national legislation. The Committee notes that in 2007 a plan to promote decent work and a reduction in occupational accidents and diseases was established with a focus on the sectors where the mortality rate is particularly high, including agriculture. The plan established for 2008–10 provides for action by the labour inspectorate in the areas of risk evaluation and prevention and the promotion of occupational safety and health, particularly in small enterprises. This plan also includes inspections in agriculture. These entail prevention and enforcement of the occupational safety and health provisions in this sector and also relate to plant and equipment, movement of persons, exposure of workers to risks arising from chemical and biological agents, information for and training of workers, and responsibility in the event of industrial accidents. While noting this information, the Committee notes that the report on the work of the ACT for 2008 only contains very general information with regard to agriculture, which still focuses on occupational safety and health without taking account of the other areas which should be covered by enforcement and prevention. In view of the specific features of this sector, the Committee again requests the Government to supply more detailed information in this area, and to ensure that information on enforcement and prevention activities appear in a distinct manner in the annual report.
Articles 9(3) and 14. Reinforcement of inspection staff numbers and training in agriculture. As regards the content of the training given in 2005 and 2006, the Committee notes that the objective of this training was to enable labour inspectors to identify the main occupational hazards and preventive measures to be taken and also to use inspection service procedures while taking account of the specific features of the agricultural sector. The Committee notes that in 2008 other training was given with the same objectives in the forestry and stock-rearing sectors. This training was mainly concerned with the risks arising from the use of equipment, forestry operations, the use of pesticides and other chemical products, treatment of animals, handling and storage of waste and of cereals and fodder. The training programme also included preparedness for situations involving serious and imminent danger, the identification of risk prevention measures with reference to the applicable legislation, and the preparation, implementation and expansion of inspections in this regard.
As regards inspection staff, the Committee refers to its observation made in connection with Articles 10 and 16 of Convention No. 81. The Committee requests the Government to keep the Office informed of any new measures or initiatives taken or contemplated for reinforcing the inspection services in agriculture. It also requests the Government to supply information on the impact of the abovementioned training on the working methods of inspectors and their capacity for detecting infringements and preventing accidents.
Article 27. Content of the annual inspection report. The Committee notes that, according to the annual report of the ACT, 615 inspections were conducted in 2008 in 564 undertakings, resulting in 57 cautions and 181 reports of infringements, which differ from the figures quoted above. As regards the regions of the Azores and Madeira, the Committee notes that the report on inspection activities in the Azores does not contain any information on the agricultural sector and that the report on inspection activities in Madeira will be sent in due course. The Committee requests the Government to supply detailed statistics on the inspection activities of the ACT in agriculture on the mainland and also in the regions of the Azores and Madeira. It also requests the Government to indicate the reasons for the difference between the figures supplied by the Government in its report and those contained in the annual report of the ACT for 2008.
The Committee notes the Government’s report for the period from 1 June 2005 to 31 May 2007, the replies to its previous comments, and the additional information subsequently supplied by the General Labour Inspectorate with regard to the application of the Convention.
It also notes the comments on the application of the Convention from the Confederation of Retail and Services of Portugal (CCP), the General Confederation of Portuguese Workers (CGTP-IN) and the General Union of Workers (UGT), forwarded by the Government with its report. With regard to the points raised by the CGTP-IN, the Committee refers to its observation under Convention No. 81. It also notes that the comments from the UGT relate to the same points as those forwarded by the Government with its report in 2005.
1. Article 6, paragraph 1(a) and (b), and Articles 22, 23 and 24 of the Convention. Inspection activities in relation to prevention, prosecution and sanction of contraventions. According to the CCP, the labour inspection situation in agriculture justifies the implementation of an integrated inspection model in which the enforcement of the legislation would be accompanied by the promotion of a culture of prevention. The Committee notices that this view was already expressed in 2005 by the Portuguese Confederation of Tourism (CTP).
The UGT considers that the existence of a large number of small enterprises, especially family enterprises, makes the task of enforcement difficult. Whatever the scale of action on the part of the labour inspectorate, it would still be far from adequate in a sector as specific as agriculture. The union continues to regret the failure to follow up certain initiatives, such as campaigns which did not yield the expected results.
The Committee notes the information supplied by the Government with regard to enforcement and prevention activities on the part of the labour inspectorate in agriculture. In particular, it notes that the General Labour Inspectorate encourages improvements in conditions of work not only by means of technical information or advice which it gives to employers, workers or their representatives regarding the best way to apply the provisions of the legislation or agreements but also by means of reports ordering the adoption of measures within a reasonable period, and investigations made with a view to penalizing contraventions. It also notes that, even though the General Labour Inspectorate implements a culture of prevention by means of activities of a pedagogical nature, penalties are also imposed on employers guilty of contraventions considered to be serious or very serious. The Committee notes with interest that agriculture constitutes one of the priority sectors of labour inspection activity and that cross‑cutting activities are conducted relating to minimum conditions of occupational safety and health, undeclared work, extensions of hours of work, manual transportation of loads, and also in relation to information, consultations and worker participation. The objectives in terms of safety and health is the prevention of occupational risks linked to the use of equipment, pesticides and other chemical substances, the handling of animals, the elimination or storage of residues, the storage of grain and fodder and other agriculture products. Social partners participate in this activity in the context of an agriculture working group mandated to evaluate the results of inspection work. The Government also emphasizes the importance of the implementation of the community occupational health and safety strategy for 2007 replacing the one established for the 2002–06 period. This strategy entails a comprehensive approach to occupational welfare and aims in the long-term to enhance performance in occupational safety and health with the focus on: (a) promotion of the preventive approach; (b) improvements to the legislation; (c) improvements to the practical application of legal provisions; and (d) reinforcement of inspection controls.
The Committee notes that the information contained in the annual report on the work of the General Labour Inspectorate for 2006 on inspection visits in agriculture cover only occupational safety and health. However, even though it has been recognized that agriculture is one of the sectors in which the greatest number of occupational accidents occur, the number of visits to agricultural undertakings targeting safety issues decreased significantly between 2002 and 2006. However, the Committee regrets that the disaggregation of the information supplied by the Government – which also appeared in the annual inspection report for 2006 – does not make it possible to distinguish the inspection activities relating to areas other than occupational safety and health which specifically concern the agricultural sector (inspection of general conditions of work, provision of technical advice and information, reports of contraventions, penalties imposed). The Committee requests the Government to ensure that information concerning the enforcement and prevention activities of the labour inspectorate in agriculture appears distinctly in the annual general report on the work of the labour inspectorate. It would be grateful if the Government would continue supplying information on any measure taken or envisaged to strengthen the enforcement and prevention functions of the labour inspectorate in agriculture, especially resulting from community the strategy on occupational safety and health.
2. Article 9, paragraph 3, and Article 14. Quantitative and qualitative reinforcement of labour inspection staff in agriculture. With reference to its observation under Convention No. 81 concerning the increase in the number of inspectors and the progression envisaged in the near future, and training activities for inspectors in 2005 and 2006, the Committee notes that 31 inspectors underwent a six-hour period of training on occupational safety and health in agriculture. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would supply further details of the content of this training and also indicate the impact of the quantitative and qualitative reinforcement of inspection staff overall on the functioning of labour inspection in agricultural undertakings. It also requests it to indicate in particular all measures taken to ensure, in conformity with Article 9, paragraph 3 of the Convention, adequate training for inspectors for the performance of their duties in agriculture and further in-service training.
3. Article 17. Association of the labour inspectorate in prior controls of workplaces, activities and manufacturing processes and use of new products and substances. According to the Government, the association of the inspectorate in prior controls takes the form of joint inspections and the issuing of opinions in the context of authorization procedures concerning the installation, modification and functioning of workplaces. While noting this information with interest, and the information to the effect that, during the period from 1 June 2006 to 30 May 2007, the General Labour Inspectorate conducted 69 inspection visits in the agricultural sector and issued 14 opinions in favour of the authorization of operations, the Committee would be grateful if the Government would indicate whether these inspections and opinions also concerned the use of new products and substances likely to endanger the health or safety of workers in agricultural undertakings.
4. Article 27. Content of the annual inspection report. The Committee hopes that the Government will ensure that the annual inspection report contains specific, distinct information concerning agriculture and that, as announced, an annual report concerning the autonomous regions of the Azores and Madeira will also be published and sent to the ILO.
The Committee notes the Government’s report for the period ending on 31 May 2005, the legislation, the annual inspection report for 2005 and a detailed report on the application of the Convention in the Autonomous Region of the Azores, where the main economic activity is agriculture. It further notes the new comments on the application of the Convention made by the General Workers’ Union (UGT) and the Portuguese Confederation of Tourism, sent to the ILO with the Government’s report. The Committee notes that in its new comments, the UGT repeats in part the observations sent to the ILO on 9 September 2002. The Committee notes that the Government has not given its views on the abovementioned observations and hopes that it will not fail to do so in its next report and that it will be in a position to report progress in the application of the Convention. Since the comments of the Portuguese Confederation of Tourism likewise concern the application of the Labour Inspection Convention, 1947 (No. 81), the Committee requests the Government to refer to its observation under that Convention. Please also provide additional information on the following points.
1. Article 17 of the Convention. Preventive control of new plant, activities, manufacturing processes and the handling of new products and substances. Referring to its previous comment that measures were needed to ensure that the labour inspection services in agriculture are associated with the preventive control of new plant, new substances and new methods of handling or processing products which appear likely to constitute a threat to health or safety, the Committee takes note of the Government’s view that to ensure that risks are eliminated, the labour inspectorate should be invited in by the establishment and begin its intervention at the project phase. Pursuant to article 10(1)(g) of Legislative Decree No. 102/2000 issuing the General Regulations of the Labour Inspectorate, labour inspectors carry out joint visits with a view to delivering permits for the setting-up, modification and operation of establishments, and the report on the application of the Convention in the Autonomous Region of the Azores mentions an increase in inspection activities in agriculture during periods of intensive machine use. The Committee requests the Government to provide information showing how these provisions are implemented in practice in agricultural enterprises in order to prevent the occupational risks inherent in new plant, new substances and new methods of handling or processing products.
2. Article 27. Content of annual inspection reports. The Committee notes with satisfaction that the annual inspection reports for the years 2004 and 2005 contain statistics of agricultural undertakings liable to inspection and the number of persons working in them (point (c)), such data being essential in order for the central inspection authority to assess how effective the labour inspection system is. However, the Committee requests the Government to ensure that such information is supplemented by statistics on the causes of occupational accidents and diseases in agriculture (points (f) and (g)), such information being particularly useful to the development of a policy of prevention.
The Committee notes the Government’s statement that individual annual inspection reports are envisaged for the two autonomous regions of the Azores and Madeira. The Committee hopes that such reports will be published shortly and will cover all the items under Article 27, and that a copy will be duly sent to the ILO.
With reference also to its observation, the Committee draws the Government’s attention to the following points.
Application of the Convention to the autonomous regions of the Azores and Madeira. The Government indicates that the annual inspection report does not cover the autonomous regions of the Azores and Madeira. It nevertheless provides the legislative texts, information and statistics relating to the inspection activities in these two regions. The Committee therefore notes that the Regulations of the Regional Inspectorate of the Azores adopted in 2001 includes, in accordance with the Regulations of the General Labour Inspectorate, a provision requiring the inspectors to make the information of the results of inspections available to the trade union representatives. It also notes that, in order to benefit from assistance, farmers in the Madeira region must follow sound agronomic practices when using agricultural chemicals, particularly phytopharmaceutical products, as this type of assistance as well as technical assistance is granted to all farmers who request it and that, according to the annual report of the Regional Inspectorate of the autonomous region of the Azores, no measures are taken by the competent authority to promote effective cooperation between the inspection services in agriculture and government services and public or approved institutions which may be engaged in similar activities, in accordance with Article 12, paragraph 1, of the Convention. The Committee trusts that measures will be taken to harmonize the operation of the labour inspectorate, countrywide, both in law and practice, and that the annual inspection report required by Articles 26 and 27 of the Convention will also cover the autonomous regions of Madeira and the Azores. It requests the Government to provide information on any measures taken to this end together with a copy of the text making the granting of assistance to farmers subject to good agronomic practices.
Article 15, paragraphs 1(b) and 2. The Government is asked to specify the legislation that addresses the reimbursement of the expenses incurred by labour inspectors in the performance of their duty.
The Committee notes the information provided by the Government for the period ending in May 2003, the inspection reports for the years 1999-2001 and the annual report of the regional labour inspectorate of the autonomous region of the Azores. It also notes the texts of Regional Regulatory Decree No. 19/97/M of 25 August 1997 issuing the regulations of the Regional Inspectorate of the autonomous region of Madeira; Legislative Decree No. 102/2000 of 2 June 2000 issuing the regulations of the General Labour Inspectorate; Regional Regulatory Decree No. 21/2000/A of 27 July 2000 on the staff salary scales of the inspectorate and higher inspectorate of the autonomous region of the Azores; and Regional Regulatory Decree No. 14/2001/A of 22 October 2001 issuing the regulations of the Regional Labour Inspectorate of the autonomous region of the Azores. The Committee further notes the observation made by the General Workers’ Union (UGT) sent by the Government on 9 September 2002 asserting that the agricultural sector consisted largely of numerous small enterprises, family businesses in the main, making any type of inspection difficult. Despite efforts to increase the human and material resources allocated to the general inspectorate and to raise awareness among workers, employers and even the regional inspection services, the campaign carried out in the agricultural sector suffered from a lack of continuity. The Union further asserts that, although more enterprises are being inspected, to a large extent at the request of unions, in particular in the areas where the largest enterprises are concentrated and in the sectors requiring special attention (forestry saws), there are still many instances of clandestine work being subcontracted out and performed in unacceptable conditions, over which the inspectorate has no control. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would communicate its views on the problem and indicate the measures taken or envisaged to address the specific difficulties encountered by the inspection system in the agricultural sector.
Article 18, paragraph 4, of the Convention. The Committee notes with satisfaction that, following its repeated comments, section 12(2) of Legislative Decree No. 102/2000 on the General Labour Inspectorate amended the previous legislation by prescribing that labour inspectors shall, prior to leaving the establishment visited, transmit the inspection results both to the employer or employer’s representative and to the enterprise’s trade union representatives. It nevertheless requests the Government to take measures to ensure that, in the absence of a trade union representative in the agricultural enterprise, the results of inspection are made available to workers’ representatives, and would be grateful if the Government would communicate any information on these measures to the Office.
Articles 14, 21, 26 and 27. With reference to its previous comments under these Articles of the Convention, the Committee once again requests the Government to take the necessary measures to ensure that the number of agricultural enterprises liable to inspection and the number of persons employed in these enterprises is regularly included in the annual inspection report together with information on the causes of employment accidents and occupational diseases in the agricultural sector (Article 27(c), (f) and (g)).
Article 17. Further to its previous comments, the Committee notes the statement that agricultural installations are not subject to any authorization. Drawing the Government’s attention to the risks inherent in certain agricultural activities for the health and safety of workers and their families, the Committee once again requests it to take the necessary measures to adopt legislation ensuring that, in accordance with this Article of the Convention, the labour inspection services in agriculture shall be associated, in such cases and in such manner as may be determined by the competent authority, in the preventive control of new plant, new materials or substances and new methods of handling or processing products which appear likely to constitute a threat to health or safety.
The Committee hopes that the Government will provide the information requested on the content of the training given to labour inspectors in the context of the agreement concluded with the Santarem Higher School of Agriculture and on the number of inspectors receiving such training and the extent of their involvement in the 1999 European campaign on health and safety in agriculture.
The Committee is addressing a request directly to the Government concerning certain points.
Referring also to its observation on the Convention, the Committee notes the replies provided by the Government, and requests it to supply additional information on the following points.
Application of the Convention to the autonomous regions of Madeira and the Azores. The Committee requests the Government to give precise information on whether the annual inspection report covers the two autonomous regions. It would be grateful if the Government would indicate, if the case arises, sufficiently distinct information on these two regions.
Prevention of risks linked to the use of dangerous substances. The Committee notes with interest the information supplied on the campaign to prevent occupational risks in agricultural undertakings which are most exposed, and its dissemination series provided to interested workers on the use of agricultural pesticides, and machines which culminated in the conclusion of a training agreement for labour inspectors, by Santarem Higher School on Agriculture. It further notes that subsequent measures shall be taken within the framework of the European occupational health and safety campaign in the sector of agriculture. The Committee requests the Government to supply as detailed information as possible on the substance of the training provided to labour inspectors during the prevention campaign which ended in 1998, as well as information on the numbers of inspectors, form and level of involvement in the abovementioned European campaign.
Means of transport of labour inspectors and reimbursement of travelling expenses (Article 15, paragraphs 1(b) and 2, of the Convention). With reference to its previous request in this regard, the Committee takes note of the information supplied, and especially the table on the geographical distribution of transport vehicles among the various services of labour inspection. Noting the indication of an existing law which authorizes labour inspectors in agriculture to use their own vehicles for professional missions, and their reimbursement for the expenses incurred, the Committee would be grateful if the Government would transmit a copy of this law.
Women inspectors in agriculture. Noting the information supplied by the Government on the size of the labour inspectorate, as well as its distribution according to sex, the Committee would be grateful if it would indicate in its next report, as specified in Article 10, the special tasks entrusted to women inspectors especially in relation to Article 6, paragraph 2, on the advisory or enforcement functions relating to conditions of life of workers and their families.
The Committee notes the information provided by the Government in its report for the period ending 31 May 2000, and the annual inspection reports for the period 1999 2000. The Committee requests the Government to provide additional information on the following points.
1. Staff of the labour inspectorate and number of enterprises liable to inspection (Articles 14, 21, 26 and 27) of the Convention. Noting that the labour inspectors who cover agriculture are the same as those covering other sectors of the economy, the Committee notes that their overall number fell between 1998 and 2000 from 325 to 316, and that the number of inspections carried out in agriculture (Article 27(d)) fell over the same period from 2,874 to 587, with the number of enterprises inspected declining from 2,097 in 1998 to 493 in 2000. The Committee notes that the number of enterprises liable to supervision by the labour inspectorate (Article 27(c)) is not provided, with the result that it does not have sufficient information available to assess the level of application of the Convention in relation to needs. It requests the Government to take the necessary measures to ensure that this information is provided regularly in the annual inspection report, along with information on the subjects enumerated in Article 27(a) to (g).
2. The preventive control of new plant, new materials or substances and new methods of handling or processing products (Article 17). The Committee would be grateful if the Government would provide information on the measures taken to give effect to this provision of the Convention or, in the event that no measures have yet been taken, requests it to take the necessary steps for this purpose and to provide all relevant information.
3. Labour inspection and child labour in agriculture. With reference to its general observation of 1999, the Committee notes the information provided by the Government concerning the involvement of the general labour inspectorate in the context of a plan to eliminate the exploitation of child labour (PEETI). The Committee also notes the statistics concerning the incidence of working children in the various sectors of the economy over recent years and notes that the figures concerning child labour in agriculture are only provided for 1999 (15 children), but that no figure is given under this item for 2000. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would indicate the measures which have been taken to provide labour inspection services with the necessary resources to combat unlawful situations of child labour continuously and effectively, and if it would provide information on the results achieved in this respect, particularly in the agricultural sector.
With reference to its observation on the Convention, the Committee requests the Government to provide additional information on the following points:
1. The Committee notes the Government's statement that a national campaign for the prevention of occupational risks in agriculture was conducted between June 1995 and May 1997. It requests the Government to provide detailed information on the situation encountered and the lessons learned from this campaign, including with regard to the use of dangerous substances.
2. Article 18, paragraph 4. In reply to its previous comments on the application of this provision, under which the defects noted by the inspector when visiting an undertaking shall be immediately made known to the representatives of the workers, the Government states that instructions are set out in a draft amendment to Legislative Decree No. 441/91 of 14 November 1991 that, irrespective of the sector, representatives of the workers shall be notified during the inspection visit. The Committee requests the Government to indicate whether such a procedure is applied in practice and, if not, to provide full information on the measures which have been taken or are envisaged to give effect to this provision.
3. Articles 26 and 27. The Committee notes the transmission of copies of the annual inspection reports for 1996 and 1997 and observes that these reports do not contain the information required by Article 27(g) concerning statistics of occupational diseases. It hopes that such information will be provided in future annual reports. The Government is also requested to provide information in its next report on the manner in which effect is given to Article 26, paragraph 2, with regard to the period within which such reports are published, and to indicate in particular the measures taken to ensure that they are available to the parties concerned.
The Committee notes the Government's report. It also notes the communication of the annual inspection reports for 1996 and 1997, as well as the observations made by the General Confederation of Portuguese Workers (CGTP), which were transmitted by the Government with its report.
Article 15 of the Convention. According to the CGTP, the labour inspection system does not have at its disposal the necessary human and material resources for the effective discharge of inspection activities. In view of the insufficient number of vehicles available to the General Inspectorate of Labour (IGT), it states that inspectors can only travel on public transport using the travel vouchers provided, in accordance with section 41 of Legislative Decree No. 219/93 of 16 June 1993, by the Institute for the Development and Inspection of Working Conditions (IDICT), which leads to them focusing their activities on urban areas and neglecting rural areas in which agricultural activities are carried out. The Committee considers that such provisions are an obstacle to the correct application of the Convention, of which Article 15 requires that the necessary arrangements be made to furnish labour inspectors in agriculture with the transport facilities necessary for the performance of their duties in cases where suitable public facilities do not exist (paragraph 1(b)), and the reimbursement to labour inspectors in agriculture of any travelling and incidental expenses which may be necessary for the performance of their duties (paragraph 2). The Committee therefore requests the Government to take these measures and to supply information in its next report on the progress achieved in this respect, with particular reference to the geographical distribution of the number of vehicles furnished to labour inspectors in agriculture and the measures which have been taken or are envisaged to ensure that labour inspectors in agriculture are reimbursed any expenses covered by this provision of the Convention.
Article 17. In reply to the Committee's previous comments under this provision, the Government states that Legislative Decree No. 441/91 of 14 November 1991 establishes the principles for the extension to the agriculture sector of occupational safety and health standards and that a Legislative Decree of 1 February 1994 issued under section 23 of the above text determines the organization and activities of the services responsible for these areas. The Government states that these provisions apply to agriculture and that, subject to authorization, the employer may exercise these activities if he has the necessary training. It also states that, in the field of occupational health, prevention and supervision are the responsibility of the institutions and services responsible for public health. The Government also states that there is no provision, as there is in the industrial sector, providing for the approval of agricultural and similar installations, but that with regard to the approval of agro-industry enterprises, the general labour inspectorate participates in the approval procedure alongside the technicians of the Ministry of Agriculture and is therefore associated with preventive control procedures. The Committee would appreciate if the Government would provide information on the cases and conditions in which the general labour inspectorate participates in the agro-industry sector in the procedures for the approval and preventive control of new installations, new substances and new methods of handling or processing products which appear likely to constitute a threat to health or safety.
The Committee is addressing a request directly to the Government concerning the application of Articles 18, paragraph 4; 26 and 27 of the Convention.
Further to its previous comments, the Committee notes the information supplied in the Government's report and, particularly, Legislative Decrees Nos. 219/93 and 441/91. It requests the Government to supply additional information on the following points:
Article 17 of the Convention. The Committee notes that Legislative Decree No. 441/91 also applies to the agricultural sector, but that it does not specifically provide that the labour inspection services in agriculture shall be associated in the preventive control of new plant, new materials or substances and new methods of handling or processing products which appear likely to constitute a threat to health or safety. Furthermore, the Committee notes the information that a working group has been established to prepare the regulations provided for in section 23 of the above Legislative Decree. Nevertheless, it notes that the application of this provision of the Convention is not included among the matters which are to be given priority in regulations. It hopes that the Government will nevertheless supply information on the cases and conditions under which the labour inspection services are so associated as provided for in this Article of the Convention. In this respect, the Committee notes the comments made by the General Confederation of Portuguese Workers concerning the absence of the preventive control by the labour inspection services of the plant, materials and substances set out above.
Article 18. The Committee notes that the national legislation does not provide for defects observed, measures ordered or requested by labour inspectors to be immediately made known to the representatives of the workers but that, according to the Government, this is the practice of the labour inspection services in accordance with the instructions received by inspectors, which have been strengthened in the light of section 12(2) of Legislative Decree No. 219/93. The Committee also notes the comments made by the above Confederation to the effect that, in practice, the representatives of the workers are not informed of the defects or faults observed by inspectors, as required by paragraph 4 of this Article. The Committee requests the Government to supply details on this point.
Article 19. This matter is dealt with under Article 14 of Convention No. 81.
Article 26, paragraph 1. The Committee notes the information that the attention of the labour inspection services has been drawn to the need to distinguish, in their annual reports, between information concerning agriculture and other sectors. Furthermore, it notes the comment of the above Confederation that it is not kept informed about annual labour inspection reports and that it would be essential for it to have access to them. Please indicate any additional measure taken in this respect to give full effect to the Convention.
Articles 17 and 19, paragraph 1, of the Convention. Further to its previous comments regarding regulations concerning safety and health in agriculture, the Committee notes that this matter is still in the drafting stage. The Committee looks forward to learning that progress has been achieved in this respect, in order to ensure the association of the agricultural labour inspectorate in preventive control.
Article 18, paragraph 4. Further to previous comments concerning the incorporation into regulations of the practice of inspectors immediately making known to workers' representatives the defects noted during inspections, the Committee notes that legal consideration of the matter is expected shortly. The Committee hopes that the question of revision of section 50, paragraph 2, of Decree No. 327/83 will soon be undertaken to take into account the provisions of this Article.
Article 26, paragraph 1. The Committee notes the useful information provided in the Annual Report of the Inspectorate of Labour for 1990. While the Convention authorises publication of an annual report on the work of the inspection services in agriculture as part of a general annual report of the central inspection authority, the Committee has difficulty in distinguishing in the 1990 Annual Report matters concerning inspection in agriculture from inspection in other sectors. The Committee would be grateful if consideration could be given to this matter in the presentation of data in future annual reports.
Articles 17 and 19, paragraph 1, of the Convention. The Committee notes that the Regulations concerning Occupational Health and Safety which, according to the information provided by the Government in its 1987 report, are to give effect to these provisions of the Convention, are still in the process of being drafted. It trusts that the Government will not fail to take appropriate measures to ensure that the Regulations are adopted shortly.
Article 18, paragraph 4. The Committee takes note of the Government's statement that the comments on the application of this provision of the Convention, contained in its previous direct request, will be taken into account. It therefore reiterates the hope that section 50(2) of Decree No. 327/83 to establish the conditions of service of the general labour inspectorate will be completed so as to provide that the results of inspection visits shall be communicated to the representatives of the workers.