Observation (CEACR) - adoptée 1998, publiée 87ème session CIT (1999)

The Committee notes the Government's report for the period ending 31 May 1998.

Article 13, paragraphs 2(b) and 3, of the Convention. Remedial powers. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that there were no provisions in the national legislation empowering factory inspectors to require measures with immediate executory force in the event of imminent danger to the health and safety of workers and expressed the hope that the Government would be in a position to adopt in the near future a law including such provisions. The Committee notes the indication of the report that Industrial Safety Inspectors are not empowered to take the steps stated in paragraph 2, except in the construction industry where the inspectors can issue stop orders, but that they may apply to the courts for a court order to stop or prevent the operation of a factory in the event of imminent danger to the health or safety of workers. The Committee further notes the indication in the report that the Occupational Health and Safety Act which is being drafted will provide labour inspectors with the powers prescribed in Article 13. The Committee asks the Government to provide information, including the relevant texts of the specific provisions of the national legislation empowering inspectors to issue stop orders in the construction industry and to apply to the courts for a court order in other cases. It hopes that the Government will also report on progress made in the adoption of the Act on Occupational Health and Safety.