CMNT_TITLE

1.  The Committee notes the information supplied by the Government in its two most recent reports, on the evolution of labour inspection activities which, from 1 January 1999, extend to all mining product extraction (underground and above ground) undertakings and for which the advisory activities concerning compliance with the provisions on workers’ protection have been intensified. Referring to the fears expressed by the Federal Chamber of Labour (BAK) that these advisory activities would be conducted to the detriment of supervisory activities, the Committee notes that, according to the indications in the annual labour inspection report for 1997, the first appraisal shows that these fears are unfounded. The Committee requests the Government to supply in its next report indications on all positive effects noted recently in regard to the increase of advisory activities (Article 3(1)(b), of the Convention). Noting also the comments of the BAK on the decrease in the number of inspections and, in addition, the Government’s reference to activities in relation to occupational authorizations and penal procedure matters, which have not had a negative influence on the number and quality of inspection visits, the Committee requests the Government to supply details on the development of these activities and their possible negative impact on the frequency and extent of inspections (Articles 10 and 16). Noting, furthermore, that the last annual inspection report received by the ILO dates from 1997, the Committee hopes that the Government will, in future, transmit regularly such reports containing the information required (Articles 20 and 21).

2.  With reference to its comments on inspection activities regarding illegal work, the Committee notes in the 1997 annual inspection report the intention to transfer these duties to the Ministry of Finance. The Committee requests the Government to supply information on the decisions taken in this respect and their possible effects in lightening the inspection workload.