Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2006, published 96th ILC session (2007)

The committee notes with interest the information provided in reply to its previous comments and the annual activity report of the Health and Safety Inspectorate for 2004, which was communicated in accordance with Article 20 of the Convention. It also notes with interest that the coverage of the services of the Health and Safety Inspectorate includes all workplaces, including the establishments and services covered by the 1995 Protocol.

1. Article 3 of the Convention. Functions of the system of labour inspection, provision of technical information and advice to employers and workers. The Committee notes with interest the significant volume of information and advisory services provided by the Health and Safety Inspectorate, including replies to telephone queries (3,000 in the year 2005). It also notes that, with a view to remedying the increase in the number of occupational diseases related to asbestos, a new code of practice was introduced on 1 January 2005 to provide employers with information on measures to give effect to the provisions of the Health and Safety at Work (Jersey) Law, 1989.

2. Article 5(b). Effective collaboration between the inspectorate and employers and workers. The Committee notes with interest that the close collaboration with the Jersey Council for Safety and Health at Work, the Jersey Occupational Health and Safety Association, as well as with the Major Contractors’ Group of the Jersey Building and Allied Trades Employers’ Federation, has resulted in a decrease in the number of employment accidents, particularly through actions such as the scheme to increase awareness among persons who work on and visit construction sites.

3. Article 14. Notification to the labour inspectorate of industrial accidents and cases of occupational disease. The Committee notes with satisfaction the information on the web site of the Health and Safety Executive that a new computer system has been developed in the Employment and Social Security Department to process claims for compensation, with the result that the compilation of statistics on industrial accidents and occupational diseases is now computerized. In addition, this system allows the labour inspectorate to conduct more in-depth surveys of their causes. The annual inspection review indicates that the information provided through this system has already been used by the inspectorate to review the manner in which employers should approach the management of occupational health.

4. Article 20. Publication of an annual inspection report and other relevant information. The Committee finally notes with satisfaction the publication and dissemination on the Internet of the annual report on the activities of the Health and Safety Inspectorate, as well as a large volume of information on the working methods of the Inspectorate and guidance for the use of workers and employers. The dissemination of this information offers greater transparency with regard to the operation of the Inspectorate, and therefore an opportunity for the social partners, as well as any other public or private institution concerned, to express their views for its improvement.

The Committee is addressing a request directly to the Government on one issue.