Demande directe (CEACR) - adoptée 2009, publiée 99ème session CIT (2010)

The Committee notes the information provided by the Government in its latest report indicating a number of recent legislative amendments which give further effect to the provisions of the Convention. The Committee also notes the responses provided indicating effect given to Article 1(2); Article 2(2); Article 5(e); Article 7; Article 11(b); and Article 19(e). The Committee asks the Government to continue to provide information on legislative measures undertaken with regards to the Convention.

Article 12, subparagraph (c). Studies and research by manufacturers, importers and providers of machinery, equipment and substances necessary to ensure their safe use. The Committee notes the information provided by the Government indicating the requirements under the Machinery Safety Rules for manufacturers to comply with essential health and safety standards when placing machinery on the market, and to provide technical documentation for every machine or safety component in accordance with Article 12(a) and (b). The Committee asks the Government to provide further information on measures taken or envisaged to ensure that those who design, manufacture, import, provide or transfer machinery, equipment or substances for occupational use, undertake studies and research, or otherwise keep abreast, of the scientific and technical knowledge as required by Article 12(c).

Part V of the report form. Application in practice. The Committee welcomes the comprehensive information available online in the Labour Inspectorate annual report for 2004, and statistical data on inspections in the field of occupational health and safety and on work accidents. The Committee notes that in 2004 there were 176,335 employers subject to inspection, employing a total of 782,206 employees. The Committee also welcomes the information indicating the continuing decrease in the number of fatalities and the number of serious workplace accidents, with the number of fatal accidents at work falling from 26 in 2002 to 13 in 2004, and the number of serious workplace injuries reported and investigated falling from 325 in 2003 to 323 in 2004. The Committee notes the statement that fatal accidents in 2004 occurred primarily at small businesses, and that the most common business activity involved in the 2004 cases was the construction industry. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on measures taken or envisaged to address the trends noted above, and to continue to provide updated information on the manner in which the Convention is applied in practice.