Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155) - Republic of Korea (Ratification: 2008)

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2025, published 114th ILC session (2026)

In order to provide a comprehensive view of the issues relating to the application of ratified Conventions on occupational safety and health (OSH), the Committee considers it appropriate to examine Conventions Nos 115 (radiation protection), 139 (occupational cancer), 155 (OSH), 162 (asbestos), 170 (chemicals) and 187 (promotional framework on OSH) together.

The Committee notes the observations of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU) on Conventions Nos 115, 139, 155, 162, 170 and 187, and the observations of the Federation of Korean Trade Unions (FKTU) on Conventions Nos 115, 155, 170 and 187, both received in 2024, as well as the Government’s responses thereto. It also notes the observations of the Korea Employers’ Federation (KEF), transmitted with the Government’s reports.

A. General provisions

Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No.155) , and Promotional Framework for Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 2006 (No. 187)

The Committee takes note of the information provided by the Government in its reports regarding the application of Articles 10 (guidance to workers and employers), 11(f) (knowledge and risk assessment), and 12(b) (responsibilities of designers, manufacturers, importers and others to make information available) of Convention No. 155, which addresses its previous requests.

Application of Conventions Nos 155 and 187 in practice. The Committee notes the statistics provided by the Government regarding the number of occupational accidents and diseases recorded, including fatalities recorded. The Committee notes that those numbers have increased over time, from 94,047 accidents and 15,195 cases of occupational injuries in 2019 to 113,465 accidents and 23,331 cases of occupational diseases in 2023. The Committee requests the Government to indicate the reasons behind this increase, as well as the measures taken to reduce the number of occupational accidents and diseases, and to continue providing statistics in this regard.

Action at the national level

Article 1 of Convention No. 155. Scope of application. Further to its previous comments on the scope of the OSH Act, the Committee notes the Government’s indication that the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSH Act 2020) applies to all businesses. Numerous businesses are, however, still exempt from applying some of its provisions pursuant to Appendix 1 of the OSH Enforcement Decree. The Committee notes that, in its response to the KCTU’s concerns regarding those exemptions, the Government indicates that some industries, such as mining, nuclear power plant facilities, aviation, and shipping, cannot be regulated effectively under the OSH Act due to their specific risks. The Committee requests the Government to provide further information on the measures taken to protect workers in the excluded sectors. The Committee also requests the Government to continue to indicate any developments towards a wider application of the OSH Act 2020.

Article 2(3) of Convention No. 187. Measures that could be taken to ratify relevant OSH Conventions. The Committee requests the Government to provide updated information on any measures taken or envisaged to ratify relevant OSH Conventions.

National policy

Articles 4, 5(d) and 7 of Convention No. 155 and Articles 2(1) and (2) and 3 of Convention No. 187. Coherent national policy in consultation with the social partners. Further to its previous comments, the Committee notes the results of the 6th Working Environment Survey, of December 2021, provided by the Government. The Committee also notes the Government’s indication that consultations with social partners took place before the adoption of the 5th Five-Year Plan for Industrial Prevention (2020–24). The FKTU and the KCTU nevertheless object that consultations within the Industrial Accident Compensation Insurance and Prevention Review Committee have been superficial, with limited meetings of the Expert Committee on OSH within it. In this regard, the Committee notes the Government’s intention to make efforts to ensure that the Expert Committee on OSH, which includes representatives of social partners, operates more effectively. The Committee requests the Government to provide further information on the consultations undertaken with social partners, in the formulation and implementation of the 6th Five-Year Plan for Industrial Prevention, as well as the efforts to ensure the effective operation of the Expert Committee on OSH.

Article 3(3) of Convention No. 187. Measures to promote basic OSH principles and to develop a national preventive safety and health culture. Following its previous comments on the risk assessment system, the Committee notes the Government’s indication that, while the 2019 Working Environment Survey recorded around 34 per cent of workplaces without risk assessments, around 72 per cent of workplaces now had experience with risks assessments following the 2023 reform of the system. According to the KCTU, however, the current risk assessment system focuses on the convenience of small businesses, while participation of workers remains a formality. The FKTU also expresses concern that workplace risk assessments alone will not foster a national preventive safety and health culture. In response, the Government underlines that the OSH Act 2020 has already expanded the right of participation of workers in risks assessments, which now covers all steps of the process. It further considers that training and capacity-building should be prioritized over the introduction of sanctions. Regarding sanctions, the Committee refers the Government to its comments formulated under the Labour Inspection Convention, 1947 (No. 81). In addition, the Committee requests the Government to continue to indicate the measures taken to develop a national preventive safety and health culture, including information on the compliance rate of undertakings with the risk assessment system and consultation with workers in such processes.

Articles 4 and 16 of Convention No. 155. Minimizing, as far as is reasonably practicable, the causes of hazards inherent in the working environment. Ensuring that workplaces are safe and without risk to the safety and health of workers. Following its previous comments, the Committee notes the Government’s indication that, pursuant to section 487 of the Technical Rules of Occupational Safety and Health, employers are required to remove, replace or cover asbestos-containing materials when workers are at risk of exposure due to damage and aging of buildings and facilities. The Committee nevertheless notes the KCTU’s observations, alleging that OSH measures regarding asbestos remain minimal in the context of routine maintenance work at workplaces and that even when works are conducted according to asbestos mapping, there are many instances where protection measures for workers in nearby areas are insufficient. The Committee requests the Government to provide further information on the regulations in place for employers to ensure that workers who do not usually work with asbestos are protected from exposure to asbestos in the workplace.

National system

Article 8 of Convention No. 155 and Article 4(1) and (2)(a) of Convention No. 187. Progressive development and periodic review of the national system. OSH legislation. Consultations. The Committee notes that, according to the KCTU and the FKTU, consultations have been lacking and superficial prior to the adoption of the OSH Act 2020, with little to no reflection of their opinions in the final version. In this regard, the Committee notes the indication of the Government concerning the different rounds of consultations organized since 2018 and that some amendments on which workers and employers’ views diverged sharply were revised by the National Assembly. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information on the consultations undertaken with social partners in any future legislative reform on OSH.

Article 9 of Convention No. 155 and Article 4(2)(c) of Convention No. 187. System of inspection and adequate penalties. Mechanisms for ensuring compliance. Noting the FKTU and the KCTU’s observations on OSH inspections, the Committee refers the Government to its comments formulated under the Labour Inspection Convention, 1947 (No. 81).

Article 11(c) and (e) of Convention No. 155 and Article 4(3)(f) of Convention No. 187. Notification of occupational accidents and diseases. Production of statistics and annual publication of information. Following its previous comments on the publication of information, the Committee notes the extracts of the Employment and Labour White Paper provided by the Government, containing statistics on occupational accidents and diseases. The Committee nevertheless notes the observations of the KCTU, referring to under-reporting of accidents and cases of occupational disease, and alleging that the current system is ineffective, as it only requires reporting fatal incidents or those with three or more days of absence. The Committee notes the Government’s response that it is undertaking investigations into concealment of industrial accidents, and that it will strive to establish, through guidance, a culture that encourages reporting. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the effectiveness of the measures taken to improve the reporting rates of occupational accidents and diseases.

Article 14 of Convention No. 155. Including OSH at all levels of education and training. Following its previous comments on this matter, the Committee notes that the Government provides information on awareness-raising campaigns and initiatives, carried out through media and broadcasting outlets, and on OSH training at the workplace level. The Committee requests for further information on the actions taken, including by the Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency (KOSHA), to promote the inclusion of OSH at all levels of education.

Article 15 of Convention No. 155. Arrangements for coordination and consultation with workers’ and employers’ representatives. Following its previous comments, the Committee notes the Government’s indication that discussions within the Occupational Safety Committee, established under the Economic, Social and Labour Council, culminated in the adoption of a Tripartite Agreement for the Prevention of Serious Industrial Accidents in 2023. The Committee further notes that, pursuant to section 25 of the KOSHA Act, an OSH Council shall be established to promote OSH projects and foster cooperation with related organizations. The Committee requests the Government to provide further information on the coordination mechanisms between authorities or bodies responsible for OSH, including the cooperation activities of the OSH Council under the KOSHA Act.

Article 4(3)(h) of Convention No. 187. OSH in microenterprises, in SMEs and in the informal economy. Following its previous comments, the Committee notes the information provided by the Government on the support given to SMEs, including consulting services, financial measures, and promotional measures for risk assessments. The Committee also notes that according to the FKTU and the KCTU, governmental support remains insufficient and the proportion of businesses implementing OSH management systems after receiving governmental guidance is extremely low. In response, the Government indicates that it has issued industry-specific guides to establish OSH management systems in small businesses, among other measures. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information on the results of the support it gives to SMEs and to indicate any measures taken or envisaged to provide support in the informal economy.

National programme

Article 5 of Convention No. 187. National OSH programme. The Committee notes the Government’s indication regarding the evaluation of the 4th Industrial Accident Prevention 5-Year Plan, which was done through research services, and the adoption of the 5th Five-Year Plan for Industrial Accident Prevention (2020–24). In this regard, the KCTU refers to the lack of deliberations in the Industrial Accident Compensation Insurance and Prevention Deliberation Committee regarding this programme. The Government states that the 6th 5-Year Plan will be established after gathering opinions of experts, workers and employers, and after deliberation by the Industrial Accident Compensation Insurance and Prevention Deliberation Committee. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the review of the 5th Five-Year Plan for Industrial Accident Prevention (2020–24) and the consultations that took place with social partners in the formulation of the 6th Five-Year Plan. The Committee also requests the Government to indicate how the 6th Five-Year Plan gives effect to Article 5(2) and (3) of Convention No. 187.

Action at the level of the undertaking

Article 17 of Convention No. 155. Collaboration between several employers present at the same workplace. Following its previous comments on measures to apply this Article, the Committee notes that the KCTU indicates in their observations that industrial accidents continue to occur at construction sites and other sites with multiple employers. The Committee notes that, in construction work, measures to prevent accidents include the preparation of safety and health plans at different stages of the work, pursuant to section 67 of the OSH Act 2020. The Government also refers to sections 62 and 64 of the OSH Act 2020, which cover the responsibilities of persons in respect of the contractors working at their place of business and those contractors’ workers. The Committee once again requests the Government to indicate how it ensures that two or more undertakings who engage in activities at one workplace simultaneously collaborate in applying OSH requirements, even without a contractual relationship.

Article 19(d) of Convention No. 155 and Article 4(3)(c) of Convention No 187. OSH training. The Committee notes the observations of the FKTU, noting that workplaces with less than 50 employees are exempt from providing OSH training, even though they account for 70 per cent of occupational accidents. The KCTU also refers to workers being compelled to certify that they have completed safety training when they have not, as well as to gaps in the training provided to migrant workers. The Committee notes the response of the Government acknowledging that some workplaces with lower risks and fatality rates are exempted from providing OSH training, and that educational content that is easy to understand has been provided to support migrant workers. Noting the high rates of accidents in SMEs, the Committee requests the Government to indicate the measures taken or envisaged to give full effect to Article 19(d) of Convention No. 155 and Article 4(3)(c) of Convention No. 187, and to ensure that OSH training is provided in all undertakings.

Article 21 of Convention No. 155. OSH measures at no cost for the workers. Following its previous comments, the Committee notes that according to the KCTU’s observations, construction workers are required to pay the costs of their OSH training in practice. The Government indicates that workers who have paid for their training can claim reimbursement from the employer. The Committee requests the Government to provide further information on how it ensures that, in law and in practice, OSH measures do not involve any cost for workers.

B. Protection against specific risks

Application in practice of Conventions Nos 139 and 162. Following its previous comments, the Committee notes the information provided by the Government on the application in practice of these Conventions, including statistics on the number of workers subject to health examinations after asbestos exposure and the number of occupational diseases detected. The Committee notes the observations of the KCTU alleging that 30 per cent of health screenings show abnormal findings for occupational cancer, in workers with 10 years of service in school catering and over 55 years old. In this regard, the Government refers to measures taken, such as the dissemination of the revised Technical Guidelines for Ventilation in Facilities for Food Service to the Ministry of Education, and on-site investigations into the working environment. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information on the application of Conventions Nos 139 and 162 in practice, including on labour inspection activities. The Committee requests the Government tocontinue to indicate the measures taken to reduce the number of work-related diseases caused by asbestos and other carcinogenic substances, and to provide information on their impact. The Committee also requests the Government to provide information on the number of workers exposed to asbestos in the course of work.

Radiation Protection Convention, 1960 (No. 115)

The Committee takes note of the information provided by the Government in its report concerning the application of Articles 9, 10 and 12 (appropriate warnings, adequate instruction, notification and medical examinations) of Convention No. 115, which addresses its previous request.

Articles 1 and 2 of Convention No. 115. Consultation with employers’ and workers’ representatives concerning the application of the Convention. Following its previous comments regarding consultations, the Committee notes the Government’s indication in its report that it listened to the opinions of social partners when establishing criteria for radiation exposure in 2017. The KCTU, however, indicates that no substantial discussion took place on how to address the fragmentation of responsibilities under the OSH Act 2020 and the Nuclear Safety Act, as concerns workers in the nuclear sector. The FKTU also indicates that the annual meetings between the Nuclear Safety and Security Commission and stakeholders are limited to nuclear safety, which leaves out other work involving radiation. In its response, the Government takes the view that the OSH Act 2020 and the Nuclear Safety Act leave no gap in application. The Committee requests the Government to provide further information on the outcomes of consultations with social partners regarding the scope of application of the national legislation.

Article 14. Discontinuation of assignment to work involving exposure to ionizing radiation pursuant to medical advice and alternative employment. Following its previous comments, the Committee notes section 138 of the OSH Act 2020, which requires employers to restrict or prohibit work that is contrary to medical advice. It also notes section 132(4) of the OSH Act, pursuant to which, when deemed necessary to maintain the health of employees based on the results of any health examination, an employer shall take appropriate measures, which may include transfer to a different work position. The Government refers to one case of reassignment to a suitable alternative employment in practice, in the healthcare sector. According to the KCTU, however, tasks with a high risk of exposure are often assigned to subcontractors and temporary workers, and that the lower rates of medical examinations for these workers render the application of this Article difficult in practice. The Committee requests the Government to provide further information on how this Article is applied in practice, including with respect to sub-contracted and temporary workers.

Article 15. Inspection services. The Committee notes the information provided by the Government regarding the inspection activities related to radiation conducted since 2020. The KCTU nevertheless takes the view that supervision in this field is practically non-existent and that only reactive measures are taken. In this respect, the Government indicates that the KOSHA is implementing the Technical Guidelines on Radon Health Management in the Workplace and providing technical support to workplaces. The Government indicates it guides, annually, 10 workplaces with risks of radiation exposure to establish appropriate OSH measures. It further indicates that inspections are conducted by the Ministry of Employment and Labour (MOEL) as part of the quintennial comprehensive plans established by the Nuclear Safety and Security Commission for Protection from Radiation in Natural Environments. The Committee requests the Government to provide further information on how it ensures that appropriate inspections are carried out in workplaces involving exposure toionizing radiations, by providing specific information on the results of such inspections.

Occupational Cancer Convention, 1974 (No. 139)

The Committee takes note of the information provided by the Government in its report on the application of Article 2(1) (replacement of carcinogenic substances and agents) of Convention No. 139, which addresses its previous request.

Article 1(1) of Convention No. 139. Periodic updating of the carcinogenic substances and agents which are prohibited or subject to authorization or control. Following its previous comments on the review of carcinogenic substances and agents, the Committee notes that the Government has provided the Regulations on the Harm and Hazard Assessment of Chemicals (Established Rules of the MOEL No. 203 of 2023), which sets out an assessment and classification system, conducted by a Chemical Substances Assessment Working Committee. The Government also indicates that the Expert Committee on OSH serves as the Chemical Substance Assessment Deliberation Committee under section 105 of the OSH Act 2020 and the Regulations on the Harm and Hazard Assessment of Chemicals. In this regard, the KCTU refers, in its observations, to a lack of discussions in recent years in the Expert Committee on OSH regarding carcinogenic substances and agents, while the KEF considers that the Government strives to periodically identify carcinogenic substances and agents, replace them with non-carcinogenic alternatives, and update administrative rules accordingly. The Government indicates that issues related to carcinogenic substances are continuously discussed in the Chemical Substance Assessment Working Committee, but that in the future, those matters will be submitted to the Expert Committee on OSH to strengthen the system. The Committee requests the Government to providethe up-to-date list of the carcinogenic substances and agents to which occupational exposure has been prohibited or made subject to authorization or control.

Asbestos Convention, 1986 (No. 162)

The Committee takes note of the information provided by the Government in its report regarding the application of Articles 10, 11 and 12 (prohibition of the use of asbestos, crocidolite and spraying), 13 (notification of certain types of work) and 18 (work clothing and special protective clothing) of Convention No. 162, which addresses its previous requests.

Articles 3 and 4 of Convention No. 162. Periodic review of the national legislation. Following its previous comments on the laws or regulations aimed at the prevention and control of, and protection of workers against, health hazards due to occupational exposure to asbestos, the Committee notes the Government’s reference to provisions of the Asbestos Safety Management Act and the OSH Act 2020. The Committee also notes the provisions covering asbestos dismantlement and removal work, under Part 3, Chapter 2, prevention of health problems caused by harmful substances requiring authorization and asbestos of the Technical Rules of Occupational Safety and Health (Technical Rules of OSH). The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information onany review of the national legislation in the light of technical progress and advances in scientific knowledge. It also requests the Government to provide information on the consultations with social partners in this respect.

Article 6(3). Responsibilities of employers. The Committee requests the Government to indicate the measures taken to ensure that workers’ representatives are consulted in the preparation of emergency procedures.

Articles 15 and 16. Measures taken to limit the exposure of workers to asbestos. Prevention and control of the exposure. Following the adoption of the OSH Act 2020, the Committee notes that the MOEL is required to determine exposure limits to hazardous factors, pursuant to section 106 of the OSH Act. Pursuant to section 107 of the Act, employers shall ensure that exposure levels in the workplace comply with the limits prescribed by the MOEL, subject to certain exceptions, such as temporary and short-term work. In addition, the Committee notes that, pursuant to section 497-2 of the Technical Rules of OSH, where asbestos dismantlement and removal work involves 1 per cent or less of asbestos content, sections 489 to 497 of the Technical Rules of OSH (preventive and protective measures in asbestos dismantling and removal work) do not apply. The Committee requests the Government to provide up-to-date information on: (i) any periodic review of the applicable exposure limits to asbestos in the workplace; and (ii) the provisions giving effect to Articles 15(3) and (4) and 16 in workplaces where workers may be exposed to asbestos but not in the context of dismantling and removal work, or in workplaces where sections 489 to 497 of the Technical Rules of OSHdo not apply.

Articles 17 and 19. Demolition and removal of asbestos and disposal of waste containing asbestos. Following its previous comments, the Committee notes the provisions under the Asbestos Safety Management Act concerning the obligation to appoint registered supervisors for the safe management of asbestos dismantling and removal work (sections 30 and 30-2). The Committee also notes the duties of employers under section 489 of the Technical Rules of OSH, to establish asbestos dismantling and removal work plans, covering procedures and working methods, equipment and disposal methods, and measures to protect workers. The Committee further notes that, in accordance with section 489(2) of the Technical Rules of OSH, workers must be informed of the work plans. The Committee requests the Government to indicate how workers or their representatives are consulted on project plans for dismantling or removing asbestos, in accordance with Article 17(3). In addition, the Committee requests the Government to indicate the classification of waste containing asbestos under the Waste Control Act (industrial or designated waste).

Article 22(3). Written policies and procedures. The Committee takes note of the information provided by the Government regarding the content of training to be included for workers engaged in asbestos dismantling and removal. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the application of this Article in practice.

Chemicals Convention, 1990 (No. 170)

The Committee takes note of the information provided by the Government in its report on the application of Article 19 (responsibility of exporting states) of Convention No. 170, which addresses its previous request.

Articles 1, 7, 8 and 9 of Convention No. 170. Special provision to protect confidential information. Safety and health of workers. Labelling and marking of chemical substances. Chemical safety data sheets. Responsibilities of suppliers.Application in practice. Following its previous comments, the Committee notes that the KCTU’s observations under Article 12 of Convention No. 155 take issue with the system under section 112 of the OSH Act 2020, pursuant to which persons can apply to the MOEL for non-disclosure of data in material safety data sheets (MSDS) considered as trade secrets. In this regard, the KCTU expresses its concern that companies have abused this system by falsifying MSDS, and that over 90 per cent of applications to the MOEL are successful. The Government, in response, indicates that annual inspections are conducted to ensure the proper application of the MSDS system, and that approval for non-disclosure is only granted following a comprehensive review by the KOSHA. The Committee notes with concern, from the statistics provided by the Government, that labour inspections revealed a 44.1 per cent MSDS-related violation rate. The Committee requests the Government to provide further information on how it ensures that the safety and health of workers are not compromised when applying the non-disclosure system under section 112 of the OSH Act 2020, including by indicating how it ensures that there is no falsification of MSDS. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide statistics on the application in practice of legal provisions related to MSDS, including the violations uncovered through inspections and measures taken in response.

Article 4. National policy on safety in the use of chemicals at work. Following its previous comments on this matter, the Committee notes the information provided by the Government on the functions and meetings of the Expert Committee on OSH, which serves as the Deliberation Committee that deliberates on the assessment results of hazards and dangers posed by chemicals. The Government also indicates that the Convention is applied in accordance with relevant regulations under the OSH Act 2020. The FKTU and KCTU, in their observations, express concerns that the Expert Committee on OSH is currently almost inactive, with its last meeting taking place in 2020. The Government responds that it will strengthen the Expert Committee on OSH’s operations. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information on the activities of the Expert Committee on OSH in relation to chemicals and on measures taken to strengthen its operation. It requests the Government to continue to provide information on any legislative developments in the field of OSH in relation to chemicals.

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2025, published 114th ILC session (2026)

In order to provide a comprehensive view of the issues relating to the application of ratified Conventions on occupational safety and health (OSH), the Committee considers it appropriate to examine Conventions Nos 139 (occupational cancer), 155 (OSH), 162 (asbestos), and 187 (promotional framework on OSH) together.

The Committee notes the observations of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU) on Conventions Nos 139, 155, 162 and 187, and the observations of the Federation of Korean Trade Unions (FKTU) on Conventions Nos 155 and 187, both received in 2024, as well as the Government’s responses thereto.

Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No.155) and Promotional Framework for Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 2006 (No. 187)

A. General provisions

Articles 5(e) and 13 of Convention No. 155. Right of workers to remove themselves. Protection from disciplinary measures. Following its previous comments on these Articles, the Committee notes that sections 23 and 24 of the Occupational Safety and Health Act 2020, as amended (OSH Act 2020) prohibit discrimination against members of workplace OSH committees and workers appointed as honorary occupational safety inspectors. Section 52(4) of the OSH Act 2020 also prohibits unfavourable treatment of workers who exercise their right to suspend work, when they have reasonable grounds to believe that an imminent danger exists. The Government indicates in its report that workers are not required to report to their supervisors before exercising this right. The Committee nevertheless notes that, according to the KCTU and the FKTU, employers discipline and seek damages from workers who exercise their right under section 52 in practice, and that such employers are not sanctioned. In response, the Government indicates that workers can seek remedies through the Labour Relations Commission and courts in such cases. Recalling that, in accordance with Article 5(e) of Convention No. 155,the national OSH policy shall take account of the protection of workers and their representatives from disciplinary measures as a result of actions properly taken by them in conformity with the policy, the Committee requests the Governmentto take the necessary measures to ensure the full application of Articles 5(e) and 13 of Convention No. 155, in law and in practice. The Committee requests the Government to provide further information on the measures taken to ensure the respect of section 52(4) of the OSH Act 2020 in practice.

Articles 19(b), (c), (e) and 20 of Convention No. 155 and Article 4(2)(d) of Convention No 187. Cooperation between management and workers and/or their representatives on OSH. Following its previous comments, the Committee notes that pursuant to Appendix 9 of the OSH Enforcement Decree, workplaces engaged in hazardous work with 50 or more regular workers must establish OSH committees, while the threshold is higher for other workplaces (300 regular workers for certain defined workplaces like software development, and 100 for other businesses). The Government further indicates that workplaces with 30 or more regular employees must establish a labour management council with worker representation and consult it on matters including OSH, pursuant to sections 4 and 6 of the Act on the Promotion of Employees’ Participation and Cooperation. The Committee also notes that the OSH Act 2020 provides rights of information to workers and their representatives, including a right to receive information on work environment measurements, and the right of representatives to participate in health assessments and work environment measurements. According to the Government, OSH committees can invite external experts based on mutual agreement with management, as necessary. Nevertheless, the Committee notes the concern of the KCTU that 80 per cent of serious accidents occur in companies with less than 50 workers. The FKTU also indicates that worker participation in risk assessments remains superficial. In response, the Government notes the existing rights under national legislation for workers’ participation and the need to examine the evolving hazards and risks and the employer’s ability to comply with the law before expanding the scope of the law. The Committee requests the Government to take measures to strengthen the arrangements for cooperation in undertakings that are not required to establish OSH committees and to provide information on those measures.

B. Protection against specific risks

Article 5 of Convention No. 139 and Article 21 of Convention No. 162. Medical examinations of workers during the period of employment and thereafter. Following its previous comments, the Committee notes the Government’s indication regarding workers who qualify for “health management cards”, allowing them to receive specialized medical examination once a year to check for medical conditions. The Government indicates that workers who have been issued health management cards, who are no longer working in asbestos-related jobs, can still receive a special medical examination related to asbestos once a year, at no cost. The Government further refers to the payment of insurance benefits for occupational diseases recognized to be caused by asbestos exposure. The Committee notes that, according to the KCTU, asbestos dismantling and demolition work is often carried out in small businesses involving temporary workers, which leads to OSH violations and neglect of the requirement for regular health surveillance. In this respect, the Government indicates that pre-employment health examination is provided to workers regardless of whether they are daily workers, and that workers without a certificate of employment can also obtain health management cards through a separate form written by two or more workers, after verification of the facts. The Government indicates that it is conducting awareness-raising to ensure that workers who are eligible for health management cards are aware of the system. The Committee requests the Government to take the necessary measures for the full application of Article 5 of Convention No. 139 andArticle 21 of Convention No. 162 and in practice, with a view to ensuring that workers are provided with the necessary medical examinations, and to provide further information in this regard.

Asbestos Convention, 1986 (No. 162)

Article 20 of Convention No. 162. Monitoring of theexposure of workers to asbestos. Right to request monitoring of the working environment and right to appeal to the competent authority concerning results. The Committee notes that section 125 of the OSH Act 2020 provides for requirements regarding the measurement of the working environment in workplaces where the work conducted is considered harmful to safety and health, and that according to section 125(8), the methods and frequency for the monitoring shall be prescribed by Ministerial Decree of the Ministry of Employment and Labour. Furthermore, following its previous comments, the Committee notes the Government’s indication that there are no regulations stipulating procedures as provided under Article 20(4) of the Convention. The Committee requests the Government to take the necessary measures to give effect to Article 20(4) of the Convention in law and in practice to ensure that workers or their representatives have the right to request the monitoring of the working environment and to appeal to the competent authority concerning the results of the monitoring. It also requests the Government to provide information on the provisions prescribing: (i) the interval at which monitoring of the working environment takes place and the methods for it; and (ii) the period for which the records of the monitoring of the working environment and of the exposure of workers to asbestos shall be kept.

The Committee is raising other matters in a request addressed directly to the Government.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2014, published 104th ILC session (2015)

Article 1 of the Convention. Scope of application. Further to its previous comment, the Committee takes note of the revised table 1 of the Enforcement Decree of the Occupational Safety and Health Act which, according to the Government, expands the scope of application of the national legislation giving effect to the Convention. The Committee requests the Government to indicate the reasons for the exclusion of the branches of economic activity listed under table 1, the manner in which the representative organizations of employers and workers concerned were consulted and the measures taken to give adequate protection to workers in the excluded branches as well as on any progress towards wider application of the relevant legislation.

Articles 4, 5(d) and 7. Formulating, implementing and periodically reviewing a coherent national policy in consultation with the social partners, in view of the situation in the country. In its previous comment, the Committee noted that the current national policy on occupational safety and health (OSH) is articulated in the Third Five-Year Plan for Industrial Prevention, adopted in 2010, and its implementation is supervised by the Deliberation Committee on Industrial Accident Compensation Insurance and Prevention. Regarding consultations held in this context, the Government indicates in its present report that the expert committee on OSH, set up within the abovementioned Deliberation Committee and comprising representatives of employers’ and workers’ organizations, convenes at least once a year to discuss occupational accident prevention and major policies. Furthermore, the Government indicates that comprehensive surveys on the working environment and working conditions have been conducted respectively every five and three years and that industrial accidents and diseases have been analysed with a view to evaluating the state of safety and health in the country and to setting out the order of priorities reflected in the policies. The Committee requests the Government to provide further information on the work of the expert committee on OSH and the Deliberation Committee on Industrial Accident Compensation Insurance and Prevention, with regard to the periodical review of the Five-Year Plan for Industrial Prevention, and on the results of the fact-finding surveys on working conditions and the working environment conducted as part of the reviewing process.

Articles 4 and 16. Minimizing, as far as is reasonably practicable, the causes of hazards inherent in the working environment. Ensuring that workplaces are safe and without risk to the safety and health of workers. The Committee notes the observation made by the Federation of Korean Trade Unions (FKTU) on the application of the Asbestos Convention, 1986 (No. 162), considering that it is related to this Convention. In its observation, the FKTU indicates that little effort is made to protect the workers’ health from exposure to asbestos contained in old buildings or materials and that provisions should be made to introduce into the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSH Act) an obligation for employers to draw up a map reporting the presence of asbestos in the worksite, as already provided by the Asbestos Safety Management Act. The Committee takes note of the Government’s reply in which it recalls the obligations resting on employers to carry out investigations to detect asbestos and to remove and replace asbestos-containing materials. The Government adds that in view of the legislation in force, the adoption of new legislative provisions is unnecessary. The Committee recalls that, in applying Article 16, it is for the Government to provide for legislative or other provisions requiring employers to take the necessary actions to ensure that workplaces are safe and without risk to health. The Committee requests the Government to provide further information on the provisions concerning the obligation of employers in relation to safety measures in workplaces containing asbestos.

Articles 5(e) and 13. Right of workers to remove themselves from situations presenting imminent and serious danger and protection from disciplinary measures. The Committee notes the Government’s reference to section 26.3 of the OSH Act which protects workers from dismissal and other unfair treatment when they remove themselves from a situation which they have reasonable grounds to believe presents an imminent danger of industrial accident or disease. The Committee recalls its previous request for clarification regarding the conditions set out under section 26.2 of the OSH Act which provides that workers shall report any imminent risk to their immediate superior. In the absence of the Government’s reply to this point, the Committee again requests the Government to clarify whether under section 26.2 of the OSH Act, the right to removal of workers is subject to prior notification to their superior.

Article 9. System of inspection and adequate penalties. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that since 2012, it has adopted a new approach to labour inspection activities, shifting from corrective measures to the imposition of fines and penalties. It also takes note of the revision of the manual for OSH labour inspectors with a view to redefining the criteria for measures against violations and the types of inspection visits to be conducted. It further notes the statistical data provided by the Government showing the significant increase in the number of undertakings facing sanctions or judicial action between 2010 and 2013. Referring to its observations concerning the application of the Labour Inspection Convention, 1947 (No. 81), and the Promotional Framework for Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 2006 (No. 187), the Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information on the measures taken to strengthen its labour inspection system and to enforce the laws and regulations concerning OSH, through the imposition of adequate penalties, as well as on the results obtained.

Article 10. Provision of guidance to workers and employers. The Committee notes that the Government’s report refers to the duties of workers with regard to safety and health at the workplace but does not provide information on this matter. The Committee therefore reiterates its request for information on measures taken to provide guidance to employers and workers, as prescribed by this Article of the Convention.

Article 11(e). Annual and publication of information on the implementation of the national policy. The Committee takes note of the Government’s indication that information on employment and labour policies is published annually in the Employment and Labour White Paper. The Committee requests the Government to include a summary of the most recent White Paper in its next report.

Article 11(f). Knowledge and risk assessment. Further to its previous comment, the Committee notes from the Government’s report that the Occupational Safety and Health Research Institute continuously studies the harmfulness and hazardousness of chemical, biological, physical and ergonomic agents in the workplace as well as occupational accidents and diseases which may be caused by such agents. It also notes that the Institute has established a chronic inhalation toxicity test facility to evaluate the harmfulness of chronic exposure to low concentrations of dangerous agents. It further notes that the Government has initiated campaigns to address emerging occupational risks related to psychological factors and work-related stress. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information on the activities of the Occupational Safety and Health Research Institute aimed at examining potential hazards to the workers’ health.

Article 12(b). Responsibilities of designers, manufacturers, importers, etc. to make information available. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that employers using certain machinery and equipment are required to provide workers concerned with safety information (characteristics of the machines, occupational hazards, instructions for safe use). The Committee wishes to draw the Government’s attention to the fact that the scope of Article 12(b) is broader as it calls for the definition of obligations applying to “those who design, manufacture, import, provide or transfer machinery, equipment or substances for occupational use”. In this connection, the Committee refers to paragraphs 163–165 of its 2009 General Survey on occupational safety and health on the scope of this Article. The Committee requests the Government to indicate the measures, taken or envisaged, to ensure full compliance with Article 12(b) of the Convention.

Article 14. Including OSH at all levels of education and training. The Committee takes note of the many initiatives and programmes undertaken by the Government to promote and disseminate information on OSH culture in schools and specialized vocational high schools. It also notes that since 2011, the Government has provided training on basic safety and health measures to 708,046 workers and employers in the construction sector, targeting different groups such as safety and health management personnel or daily workers. The Committee also notes that the Government offers courses on safety and health in the workplace where micro-businesses face difficulties in providing their workers with such training. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information on the measures taken to give effect to this Article of the Convention.

Article 15. Arrangements for coordination and consultation with workers’ and employers’ representatives. The Government indicates that consultation with the social partners at the national level is ensured through the periodical meetings of the Deliberation Committee on Industrial Accident Compensation Insurance and Prevention and of its expert committee on OSH, which are tripartite bodies. Referring to its previous comment, the Committee recalls the Korea Employers Federation’s observation, according to which consultations with the social partners cannot be carried out effectively due to time constraints imposed by the Government. The Committee requests the Government to provide its comments in this respect and to supply information on any other measures taken or envisaged to give effect to this Article of the Convention.

Article 17. Collaboration between several employers present at the same workplace. The Committee notes the Government’s reiterated reference to section 29 of the OSH Act which sets out obligations concerning safety and health measures for employers engaged in a contractual relationship. The Committee again requests the Government to indicate how it is ensured that employers engaged in activities simultaneously at one workplace but who are not in a contractual relationship are required to collaborate in applying OSH measures.

Articles 19(b) and 20. Cooperation between management and workers and/or their representatives on OSH. Further to its previous comment, the Committee notes from the Government’s report that OSH committees are to be set up in undertakings of 100 workers and more for six branches of activity considered as very harmful or hazardous, or in undertakings of 300 workers and more in other branches of activity. The Committee requests the Government to indicate the measures taken or envisaged to ensure cooperation between management and workers and/or their representatives in undertakings which do not meet these thresholds.

Article 19(c) and (e). Arrangements at the level of the undertaking. While noting the Government’s reference to several provisions of the OSH Act concerning cooperation between the employer and workers and their representatives on OSH issues, the Committee notes that the Government does not provide a reply to its last comment. The Committee therefore reiterates its request for information on any measures taken with regard to the right of workers’ representatives to consult with their representative organizations (Article 19(c)) and to the right of workers to bring in outside experts when needed (Article 19(e)).

Article 21. OSH measures at no cost for the workers. Further to its previous comment, the Committee notes the Government’s indication that under section 6 of the OSH Act, workers observe OSH measures adopted by the employer without incurring any costs. However, the Committee notes that the text of the OSH Act made available in English does not contain any mention of this. The Committee requests the Government to clarify how it is ensured that OSH measures do not involve any expenditure for the workers.

Application of the Convention in practice. The Committee takes note of the detailed statistics provided by the Government on occupational injuries and on violations detected between 2010 and 2013. The Committee requests the Government to provide a general appreciation of the manner in which the Convention is applied in the country and to continue to supply statistical data on the number, nature and cause of accidents and occupational diseases reported and the number and nature of contraventions detected.

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

Further to its observation, the Committee requests the Government to provide additional information on the following points.

Article 4(1) of the Convention. Periodical review of the national policy. Article 7. Review of the national situation at appropriate intervals. The Committee notes the Government’s response that, in accordance with Article 4 of the Convention, and section 8 of the OSH Act, the Korean national policy on occupational safety and health (OSH) has been articulated, inter alia, through the adoption of the Third Five-Year Plan for Industrial Accident Prevention which is implemented through an annual task plan. This policy focuses on six strategies: (1) enhancing prevention activities through legislation; (2) diversifying delivery through participation and cooperation; (3) promoting effective implementation through specific prevention measures; (4) establishing a proactive management system for disease prevention; (5) enhancing safety awareness by spreading a safety culture; and (6) increasing the capacity of the OSH administrations. The Government also states briefly that, when the plan was established, the objectives, target numbers, performance indicators and future tasks were set up on the basis of the results of the analysis of various safety and health culture project and safety and health promotion projects conducted from 2005 to 2009, but that little further is provided on the review of the national policy process. In this respect, the Committee refers to the 2009 General Survey on occupational safety and health, in which it is emphasized that it is of crucial importance not only to formulate and implement a national policy on occupational safety and health but also to periodically review this policy (Article 4), inter alia, in the light of an analysis of the national situation (Article 7) and that this periodical review and evaluation of past performance should inform future policies and plans enabling an effective operation of the dynamic national policy process envisaged in Article 4. The Committee requests the Government to provide further information on how the required periodical review of the national policy according to Article 4 and the review of the national situation at appropriate intervals according to Article 7 of the Convention are carried out.

Article 5(b). Relationships between the material elements of work and the persons who carry out or supervise the work. The Committee notes the reference made in the report to employers’ obligations in this respect and to the standards adopted, including a standard on the Scope of Work Causing Excessive Burdens on the Musculoskeletal System. The Committee requests the Government to provide further information on the account taken of this sphere of action in its national policy.

Article 5(e). The protection of workers from disciplinary measures. The Committee notes the reference made by the Government to article 19(7) of the OSH Act, which provides protection for the members of the OSH committee. The Committee notes, however, that the scope of Article 5(e) is wider, offering protection to actions taken by any worker. The Committee requests the Government to provide further information on measures taken to give full effect to this provision.

Article 11(d). Holding of inquiries. The Committee notes the information provided by the Government that, when a serious accident happens resulting in the death of at least one person, the Ministry of Employment and Labour may conduct an investigation to identify its cause and establish prevention measures. The Committee also notes that, in order to diagnose occupational diseases and identify their causes, the Ministry of Employment and Labour, may, if necessary, conduct an epidemiological investigation to find out the correlation between the disease affecting the worker and the hazards in the workplace. The Government is requested to provide further information on the relevant legal provisions and application in practice of this provision, including examples of inquiries held and their results.

Article 11(e). Publication of information on the implementation of the national policy. The Committee notes the information provided regarding the annual publication of statistics. However, no information has been provided regarding the publication of information on measures taken in pursuance of the policy in accordance with Article 4. The Government is requested to provide information on measures taken progressively to ensure that the functions referred to in Article 11(e) are carried out.

Article 11(f). Knowledge and risk assessment. The Government refers to article 40 of the OSH Act, which provides for risk assessments to be carried out by manufacturers or importers, particularly in relation to chemicals. The Committee also notes that the OSH Research Institute under the Korea OSH Agency (KOSHA) conducts research on industrial accidents and occupational diseases, including, research on the harmfulness and hazardousness of industrial chemicals. However, no information is provided regarding risk assessments in relation to substances other than chemicals, such as physical, biological and psychosocial agents. The Committee notes the emphasis on risk assessment as a preventive measure within the current five-year plan and that the Government plans to introduce a generalized requirement to carry out such risk requirements. The Government is requested to provide information on measures taken progressively to ensure that the functions referred to in Article 11(f) are carried out.

Article 12(b). Responsibilities of designers, manufacturers, importers, etc. to make information available. In relation to Article 12(b) the Committee notes the information provided by the Government relating to obligations imposed on employers who intend to manufacture, import, use, transport or store a chemical or chemical-containing preparations so as to make information available, inter alia, in the form of the provisions of Material Safety Data Sheets, however, such information provided relates to measures taken to give effect to other aspects of this subparagraph. As regards to Article 12(c), the Committee notes the Government’s reference to research carried out by the OSH Research Institute under the KOSHA. The Government is requested to provide information on measures to give full effect to the provisions in this subparagraph.

Article 13. Protection of workers removed from situations presenting imminent and serious danger. The Committee notes the Government’s reference to sections 26(2) and (3) of the OSH Act. The Committee notes that it is not entirely clear that the abovementioned sections (in the English version available to the Committee) give full effect to Article 13. With reference to the more detailed discussion on this Article in paragraphs 145–152 in the 2009 General Survey on Occupational Safety and Health, the Committee requests the Government to clarify whether section 26(2) of the OSH Act entitles workers to remove themselves from work situations which they have reasonable justification to believe present an imminent and serious danger to their life or health.

Article 17. Collaboration between several employers present in the same workplace. The Committee notes the reference made by the Government to sections 18 and 29(1) of the OSH Act which regulate employers’ OSH duties. The Committee notes, however, that the provisions do not seem to regulate collaboration between several employers present in the same workplace as prescribed by this Article. The Government is requested to provide further information on measures taken to give effect to this provision.

Articles 19(b) and 20. Cooperation between management and workers and/or their representatives on OSH. The Committee notes the Government’s response in that, by virtue of section 19 of the OSH Act employers should establish and operate OSH committees, composed of an equal number of workers and employers, so as to deliberate or decide on important OSH matters. The Committee also notes that by virtue of section 19(8), further regulations on such OSH committees, including, the category and scale of the business for which an OSH committee is to be established, shall be enacted by presidential decree. The Committee requests the Government to provide further information on whether further legislation has been adopted to regulate the setting up and operation of OSH committees at the level of the enterprise, and, in particular, whether section 19 of the OSH Act applies to all businesses, irrespective of size.

Article 19(c) and (e). Arrangements at the level of the undertaking. The Committee notes the information provided by the Government regarding the application of sections 5, 11(1) and (2) of the OSH Act on the employers’ obligation to provide workers with OSH information and monitoring results. However, no specific information is provided on consultations with the representative organizations with regards to information provided by the employer under Article 19(c), nor regarding the right of representatives in these respects or the rights of workers to bring in outside experts when needed. The Committee asks the Government to provide further information on measures taken to give full effect to Article 19(c) and (e).

Article 21. OSH measures at no cost for the workers. The Committee notes the reference made by the Government to section 5 of the OSH listing employers’ OSH duties and obligations. This provision does not, however, expressly articulate that OSH measures should not involve expenditures to workers. The Committee requests the Government to provide further information on measures taken to give full effect to this Article.

Part V of the report form. Application of the Convention in practice. The Committee notes from the Government’s report that the overall trend of occupational injuries has decreased since 2002. The Committee asks the Government to continue to give a general appreciation of the manner in which the Convention is applied in the country, and to provide, where such statistics exist, information on the number of workers covered by the legislation, the number and nature of the contraventions reported, and the number, nature and cause of accidents and occupational diseases reported.

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

The Committee notes the Government’s first report including the legislative texts attached. The Committee also notes the comments by the Korea Employers Federation (KEF) and the Federation of Korean Trade Unions (FKTU) attached to the Government’s report. The Committee further notes the comments transmitted by the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU) on 27 August 2010 and the Government’s response thereto submitted on 28 October 2010.

Article 1 of the Convention. Scope of application. The Committee notes the information provided by the Government regarding the effect given to the Convention, inter alia, through the Occupational Safety and Health Act No. 4220 of 13 January 1990 (as amended until 4 June 2010) (OSH Act), its Enforcement Decree and related regulations. The Enforcement Decree has not been made available to the Committee. The Committee notes that the OSH Act applies to all businesses, workplaces and workers; however, the Government indicates that, by virtue of the Enforcement Decree, certain businesses, workplaces and workers, listed in table 1 to the Enforcement Decree, have been excluded from certain provisions of the OSH Act. As noted by the FKTU, the Government has not provided any information on progress towards a wider application of the Convention. The Government is requested to provide further information on measures taken to give effect to this provision of the Convention and to make available a copy of the Enforcement Decree to the OSH Act including, its table 1.

Article 4(1). Formulating, implementing and periodically reviewing a coherent national policy in consultation with the most representative organizations of employers and workers. Article 5(d). Communication and cooperation. The Committee notes the information provided that the current national policy, as articulated in the Third Five-Year Plan for Industrial Prevention, was established following a meeting in April 2010 to gather opinions from workers’ and employers’ representatives. The Committee also notes that the Government periodically checks the implementation of each task in this plan through expert committees under the Deliberation Committee on Industrial Accident Compensation Insurance and Prevention, including, employers, workers and public interest members, and that this Deliberation Committee is tasked with the consideration and coordination of mid- and long-term basic OSH plans on industrial accident prevention and major policies. The Government also refers to the Deliberation Committee in the context of the application of Article 5(d). The Committee notes, however, that, according to the FKTU, the referenced expert committees have not been set up. In this context, the Committee would like to refer the Government to paragraph 49 of the 2009 General Survey on occupational safety and health, in which it is stated as follows: “The social partners are thus to be involved in all stages of the national policy-making process. It should be underscored that the wording in Article 4(1) … refers to action to be taken in consultation with representative organizations of employers and workers, as opposed to after consultation with, as often provided for in other ILO Conventions. As indicated in the preparatory work [of Convention No. 155] this implied an obligation not merely to consult once but to have a continuing dialogue as necessary. It also implied that this obligation did not affect the authority of the member States, as the case may be, its legislature, to take the final decision.” Against this background, and in light of the comment from the FKTU, the Committee requests the Government to provide further information on how the consultations are carried out with the most representative organizations of employers and workers as prescribed in the Convention including, in particular, in Articles 4(1) and 5(e).

Article 9(2). Adequate penalties. The Committee notes the information provided by the Government regarding functioning of the labour inspectorate and the penalties that can be imposed pursuant to Chapter IX of the OSH Act. The Committee also notes that, according to the KCTU, the Government is not applying these provisions properly, and that the inspectorates mainly impose corrective orders rather than fines, although the latter have a stronger preventive effect. The KCTU refers to statistics from 2007 indicating that, in 96.2 per cent of all cases, only corrective orders were issued including two specific cases with further details where, according to the KCTU, the orders were ignored which in both cases resulted in the death of a worker. The Committee notes the Government’s response that the main purpose of sanctions is not to punish employers but to prevent accidents and, in any event, it does not only issue corrective orders, but also takes the proper administrative and judicial actions, such as suspension of the use of machines, suspension of work, imposition of fines, prosecution, etc. While not disputing the statistics referred to by the FKTU, the Government indicates that, according to section 15 of the code of practice for occupational safety and health inspectors (Order No. 703 of the Minister of Employment and Labour, 31 July 2009), a correction order is used as a punishment for minor violations in accordance with specified criteria and this sanction can accomplish its purpose without excessively limiting the rights of those subject thereto. The Committee also notes that, according to the Government’s report, it introduced in May 2007 a reliability assessment system to assess the accuracy and precision of the results monitoring of the work environment. In this respect, the Committee notes that the FKTU states that no reliability assessment was conducted until the end of July 2010. The Committee requests the Government to provide further information on measures taken to give effect to the present Article, with reference to the comments by the KCTU and the FKTU.

Article 10. Provision of guidance to workers and employers. The Committee notes the information provided by the Government that, in 2008 and 2009 respectively, a total of 35,325 and 30,772 workplaces were provided with “guidance and inspection”. The Committee also notes that, according to the KEF, the Government should also ensure that guidance is provided to workers so as to ensure their compliance with legal obligations. The Committee requests the Government to provide further information on measures taken to give effect to the present Article, with reference to the comment by the KEF.

Article 14. Including OSH at all levels of education and training. The Committee notes the reference made by the Government to education materials distributed in schools to promote safety culture. The Committee also notes the comments by the FKTU that this Article also requires the Government to take measures so as to promote the provision of information to meet the training needs of workers. The Committee requests the Government to provide further information on measures taken to give effect to the present Article, with reference to the comment by the FKTU.

Article 15. Arrangements for coordination and consultations with workers’ and employer’s representatives. The Committee notes the information provided  by the Government that the Ministry of Employment and Labour coordinates the activities of various authorities and bodies at the national level and that it consults with workers’ and employers’ representatives on occupational safety and health legislation. The Committee also notes the comments by the KEF that the referenced consultations with the most representative organizations of employers and workers cannot be carried out effectively due to time constraints imposed by the Government. The Committee requests the Government to provide further information on measures taken to give effect to the present Article, with reference to the comment by the KEF.

The Committee is raising other points in a request addressed directly to the Government.