Repetition

The Committee takes note of the Government’s first report.

Article 2(3) of the Convention. Measures that could be taken to ratify relevant ILO occupational safety and health (OSH) Conventions. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the periodic consideration of measures that could be taken to ratify relevant OSH Conventions, including in the context of discussions in the tripartite Health and Safety at Work Council (HSWC), and on the outcome of the consultations held during the period covered by the next report.

Article 3. Formulation of a national policy. The Committee notes the information provided in the Government’s report that the new National Programme (NP) on Health and Safety at Work was developed by the Government through extensive discussions at the tripartite HSWC comprising representatives of the social partners and external experts, taking into account the assessment and analysis of the first NP adopted in 2013 and the changing environment of health and safety at work. Referring to its previous comments on the application of the Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155), the Committee notes with interest that the Resolution of this NP on Health and Safety at Work (2018–27) was adopted in March 2018 by the National Assembly.

Article 4(3)(h). Mechanisms for the progressive improvement of OSH conditions in microenterprises, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and in the informal economy. The Committee notes the information provided in the Government’s report that it has joined the project for developing online interactive tools for risk assessment (OiRA), under the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (EU-OSHA). This project takes into account the specific needs of micro and small enterprises and enterprises carrying out an individual economic activity. The Government indicates that, together with the social partners, it has so far posted 17 OiRA tools. The Committee also notes that the NP makes an explicit reference to the EU Strategic Framework on Health and Safety at Work 2014–20 and that Framework’s identification of challenges that require EU action, including improving the implementation of regulations in Member States, in particular by enhancing the capacity of micro and small enterprises to put in place effective and efficient risk-prevention measures. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the outcome of the promotion and dissemination of the OiRA tools on OSH conditions in small and microenterprises and in the informal economy, as well as any other measures taken implemented in that respect.

Article 4(3)(b) and (d). Quality of internal safety officers and external expert service providers. The Committee notes that the labour inspection report for 2017, available on the website of the labour inspectorate, raises concerns regarding the quality of internal safety officers and external expert service providers that are authorized in accordance with Chapter VIII of the Health and Safety at Work Act. These concerns are related to the capacity and knowledge of these officers and providers, as well as the consistency in quality assurance processes. Noting the important role that safety officers and external expert service providers play in improving safety and health at work, the Committee takes note that the NP establishes objectives, performance targets, and measurement criteria with a view to addressing this issue. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information on any action taken to improve the quality of internal and external safety and health services, including progress achieved in relation to the objectives established in the NP.

Article 5(1). Implementation, monitoring, evaluation and periodic review of the national OSH programme. The Committee notes with interest that the NP 2018–27 will be implemented through a three-year action plan, which identifies measures, implementing bodies, the financial resources required, timelines and monitoring procedures. The NP indicates that the first three-year action plan will be adopted by the Government after consultations with the tripartite Economic and Social Council within 90 days of the adoption of the NP. The NP also states that an analysis of the implementation of the plan will be prepared after each three-year period expires and a new three-year plan will be prepared based on the analysis, as well as the OSH situation, for adapting it to the changes identified. The NP further identifies various ways of monitoring its implementation, including the use of statistical data, qualitative impact assessment, surveys and questionnaires. The Committee requests the Government to provide a copy of the first three-year action plan, as well as information on the results achieved through the implementation of the action plan, including relevant statistics and any impact assessments undertaken.