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The Committee takes note of the information supplied in the Government's last two reports concerning the Bill on general health and safety provisions. It notes in particular that the Bill contains provisions to ensure the application of Articles 14 and 18 of the Convention concerning the provision of seats for workers and measures to reduce noise and vibrations in the workplace, on which the Committee has been commenting since 1976.

It notes that section 23 of the Bill provides that a sufficient number of seats shall be made available close to workstations for general use by the workers when the work cannot be performed sitting and that the use of seats must be authorized to the greatest extent compatible with the performance of the work. Procedures for the enforcement of this rule are to be laid down in internal regulations. The Government is asked to indicate the measures taken or contemplated to ensure that workers covered by the Convention will be given the opportunity to use seats in the workplace, in accordance with Article 14 of the Convention.

The Committee notes from the Government's report that the Bill has been submitted for signature by the President of the Republic. It hopes that it will be adopted in the near future and will ensure that effect is given to Articles 14 and 18 and that such effect as may be possible and desirable under national conditions is given to the provisions of the Hygiene (Commerce and Offices) Recommendation, 1964 (No. 120), in accordance with Article 4(b) of the Convention. The Government is asked to provide information on progress made in this respect in its next report and to provide a copy of the Bill as soon as it is adopted.