Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2013, published 103rd ILC session (2014)

Occupational Health Services Convention, 1985 (No. 161) - Seychelles (Ratification: 2005)

The Committee notes the information provided by the Government in its first report on the application of the Convention.

Article 1 of the Convention. Definitions. The Committee notes the information that the objective of the occupational health unit within the Ministry of Health is to contribute towards the achievement of a healthy workforce in the Seychelles by providing occupational health services. It however notes that the Government’s report does not provide any definition of the abovementioned services. The Committee therefore requests the Government to provide further information on the definition of occupational health services in accordance with Article 1(a) of the Convention.

Article 2. National policy on occupational health services. The Committee notes that, according to the Government, a national health and safety policy has been formulated by the Ministry of Labour and Human Resource Department in consultation with the employers’ and workers’ organizations, to demonstrate the Government’s full commitment relating to occupational safety and health in the Seychelles. The policy should integrate the aspect of occupational health services. It also notes the information that the policy has been finalized and will come into force after validation from all stakeholders, including the social partners and endorsement by the Cabinet. The Committee requests the Government to provide a copy of the national health and safety policy once it has been validated.

Article 3. Occupational health services. The Committee notes that no legislative reference has been provided regarding the functions of the occupational health services referred to in the report. It also notes that while the occupational health services provided by the Occupational Health Unit of the Ministry of Health reportedly are available to all workers, it is not clear how the Government ensures that these services are adequate and appropriate to the specific risks of the undertakings in all branches of economic activity and in all undertakings. Moreover, the Committee observes that the obligation to provide for safety officers and occupational safety and health representatives depends on the classification of the undertaking as involving a particular risk to safety and health The Committee requests the Government to provide further information on measures taken to ensure that full effect is given to Article 3, in law and in practice.

Article 5. Functions of the occupational health services. The Committee notes the information according to which effect is given to Article 5(b), (e), (f) and (i). The Committee requests the Government to indicate the measures taken to give full effect to Article 5(a), (c), (d), (g), (h), (j) and (k) of the Convention.

Article 8. Cooperation and participation of the employers, the workers and their representatives where they exist, in the implementation of measures relating to occupational health services. The Committee asks the Government to indicate the measures taken to bring about the cooperation and participation of the parties concerned.

Article 10. Independence of personnel providing occupational health services. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the measures adopted to guarantee the professional independence of the personnel.

Article 11. Qualification of personnel providing occupational health services. The Committee requests the Government to indicate the qualifications required for the personnel which have been determined by the competent authority