Observation (CEACR) - adopted 1992, published 79th ILC session (1992)

In comments it has been making since 1972, the Committee has noted the Government's indication that the regulations concerning the health and safety of workers would be revised in order to give effect to Article 14 of the Convention (the provision of suitable and sufficient seating for all workers) and Article 18 (the reduction of noise and vibrations likely to have a harmful effect on workers).

The Committee notes the information provided in the Government's latest report that a draft decree concerning general safety and health measures applicable in all establishments has been submitted to the President of the Republic for signature. It notes from the Government's report that this decree shall ensure that a suitable chair be provided for each worker whenever the work carried out is compatible with a continuous or intermittent sitting position and that, where this is not the case, a sufficient number of chairs will be made available near the workstation and the use of these chairs must be authorised whenever it is compatible with the work carried out. The Government has indicated that an internal circular shall determine the manner in which this rule shall be applied. The Committee would recall that Article 14 further provides that workers shall be given reasonable opportunity to use the chairs supplied to them. It therefore hopes that, workers who may be involved in work not considered to be compatible with the sitting position be nevertheless assured a reasonable opportunity to sit down.

The Committee trusts that the draft decree concerning general safety and health measures will be adopted in the near future and that it will ensure the application of Articles 14 and 18. It also hopes that the decree will give such effect as may be possible and desirable under national conditions 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 requested to provide information on the progress made in this regard in its next report and to provide the office with a copy of the decree as soon as it is adopted.