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With reference to its previous observation, the Committee notes with interest the adoption of the General Regulations respecting inspection and the imposition of penalties for violations of labour legislation, of 6 July 1998. It also notes that 116 Official Mexican Occupational Safety and Health Standards have been adopted. In particular, in recent years, the following standards have been adopted: NOM-122-STPS-1996, NOM-121-STPS-1996 and NOM-026-STPS-1998. These standards reflect, among other initiatives, the action taken by the Government to apply the national occupational safety and health policy. The Committee requests the Government to continue providing information on the laws and regulations adopted which contribute to defining and implementing an occupational safety and health policy.

The Committee also notes with interest the measures taken by the Government to launch programmes of preventive action for the reduction of employment accidents and diseases. It notes in particular the programme "Self-management of safety and health in work centres". It notes that technical assistance workshops have been held to facilitate preventive programmes and evaluation guides, that preventive measures and standards have been disseminated through the review Condiciones de trabajo and other media (radio and television), and the other training activities carried out by the Mexican Social Security Institute and other institutions, including academic institutions.

Finally, the Committee notes with interest the copy which was provided of the court decision establishing case law relating to the right of workers to be protected when they withdraw on justifiable grounds from their place of work because they consider that there is an imminent and serious danger to their life or health (Articles 13 and 19(f) of the Convention).

The Committee refers to other matters in a request addressed directly to the Government.