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The Committee notes the information provided by the Government in its report. It also notes the observations by the Federation of Progressive Unions of 28 October 1999 concerning the application of the Convention.

In its observations the Federation of Progressive Unions cites health hazards faced by workers from exposure to toxic substances such as benzene and asbestos as well as from dust, noise and environmental pollution. It refers to the virtual absence of medical examinations, the poor enforcement of the Occupational Safety and Health Act, the lack of a competent central authority, and the dispersion of responsibilities among different ministries with the resulting problems of monitoring. In addition, the Federation alleges that 12 factory inspectors for a workforce of 500,000 is inadequate, inspectors carrying out visits on dangerous sites lack sufficient protective equipment, and the wages for inspectors are not commensurate with their qualifications.

According to the Government's report, there were 55 labour inspector positions as of 31 May 1999, of which only 39 (including seven trainee inspectors) were filled. Likewise, there were 25 factory inspector positions monitoring occupational safety and health legislation, but only 13 positions were filled.

Taking note of the Government's intention to nominate additional inspection staff in the field of safety and health, the Committee hopes that the Government will provide information in its next report on any measures taken in this regard as well as its comments on the issues raised by the Federation of Progressive Unions.