Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2010, published 100th ILC session (2011)

The Committee notes the information provided by the Government in its latest report and in particular the numerous legislative amendments and executive orders adopted, guidelines developed, and new maximum penalties introduced for the violation of the Working Environment Act, which give further effect to the provisions of the Convention. The Committee further notes the references provided by the Government to relevant provisions giving effect to Articles 19, 25 and 27 of the Convention. The Committee asks the Government to continue to provide information on legislative measures undertaken with regards to the application of the Convention.

Article 22(1) of the Convention. Structural frames and formwork. The Committee notes the response provided by the Government which indicates the relevant provisions of the Executive Order on the Performance of Work, the Executive Order on the Design of Technical Equipment and the Executive Order on the Use of Work Equipment, which give effect to the majority of the requirements under this Article. The Committee asks the Government to provide further information on the specific provisions which ensure that the erection of structural frames and components, formwork, false work and shoring are to be carried out only under the supervision of a competent person.

Article 23(b). Work over water. The Committee notes the response provided by the Government which indicates the relevant provisions of the Executive Order on the Conditions at Construction Sites and Similar Places of Work, which give effect to paragraphs (a) and (c) of Article 23. The Committee asks the Government to provide further information on the specific provisions which ensure the rescue of any workers in danger of drowning where work is done over, or in close proximity to, water, as required by paragraph (b) of Article 23.

Part VI of the report form. Application in practice. The Committee notes with interest the information provided by the Government on the special efforts being undertaken by the Working Environment Authority between 2007 and 2010, to carry out intense inspections in trades and enterprises where significant health and safety challenges exist; and the intention to use these inspections to put the focus on the working environment problems particularly related to ergonomics and the psychological working environment. Noting the high number of accidents (5,732) and diseases (902) reported in the construction industry in 2008, the Committee welcomes the information that during 2009–10 the building and construction trades will be the subject of the abovementioned special efforts. The Committee asks the Government to provide information on the outcome of the references efforts and to continue to provide information on the application of the Convention in practice.