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The Committee notes the Government’s report in reply to its comments. It notes that, according to the Government, the rarity of cases of infringements brought before the courts reflects the generally high level of application of the law. However, the Committee notes in the statistical tables provided by the Government a constant increase in the number of industrial accidents and occupational diseases between 1991 and 1998, with the number of deaths being quadrupled during that period. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would provide information on the measures which have been taken or are envisaged to make the necessary improvements in occupational safety and health conditions and once again requests it to provide information on the draft legislation announced in its previous report to establish a coordinating body between the various ministries responsible for occupational safety.

The Committee also notes that, while the number of inspections and their purpose is indicated in the tables of the annual report, it remains difficult to assess the effectiveness of the inspection services in relation to the number of workplaces liable to inspection, which is not indicated. The Committee therefore once again requests the Government to indicate the number of workplaces liable to inspection so that it can evaluate the manner in which effect is given to Article 16 respecting the frequency and thoroughness of inspections.

Finally, the Committee once again requests the Government to provide information demonstrating that, in accordance with the requirements of Article 20, an annual report on the activities of the inspection services, covering the subjects enumerated in Article 21(a) to (g), is published within the required time limits.