In order to provide a comprehensive view of the issues relating to the application of the ratified Conventions on occupational safety and health (OSH), the Committee considers it appropriate to examine Conventions Nos 13 (white lead, painting), 119 (guarding of machinery), 139 (occupational cancer) and 148 (working environment, air pollution, noise and vibration) together.

Legislative developments. The Committee notes that the Labour Code is in the process of being revised. In this regard, it requests the Government to provide information on any progress achieved in the adoption of the new Labour Code and to provide a copy when it has been adopted.

Application in practice of Conventions Nos 119, 139 and 148. The Committee notes the table provided by the Government in its reports containing limited information on certain violations and statistics on the number of accidents reported, including mortal accidents, for the period 2021–23. It also notes the Government’s indication that, in practice, supervisory missions on conformity with the legislation are organized regularly in enterprises. Noting that the statistics provided are of a general nature, the Committee requests the Government to provide detailed and up-to-date information on the application of Conventions Nos 119, 139 and 148 in practice, and particularly on the number, nature and causes of the cases of occupational disease and industrial accidents reported in relation to the above Conventions and, if possible, to indicate the number of cases related to machinery, occupational cancer and air pollution, noise and vibration.

P rotection against specific risks

White Lead (Painting) Convention, 1921 (No. 13)

Article 7 of Convention No. 13. Statistics concerning morbidity and mortality among working painters. The Committee notes that, in reply to its previous request, the Government indicates that efforts are being made to collect and communicate information on statistics concerning morbidity and mortality due to lead poisoning among working painters. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the measures adopted or envisaged to give full effect to this Article of the Convention.

Guarding of Machinery Convention, 1963 (No. 119)

Article 11(1) of Convention No. 119. Prohibition on using machinery without the guards provided being in position. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that the possibility for an employer to authorize the removal of safety devices has been removed in the new provisions of the draft revised Labour Code. With reference to its comments above concerning legislative developments, the Committee requests the Government to indicate the provisions of the new Labour Code that give full effect to this Article of the Convention.

Working Environment (Air Pollution, Noise and Vibration) Convention, 1977 (No. 148)

Article 1(1) of Convention No. 148. Scope of application. Public service. Further to its previous comments, the Committee notes the adoption of Act No. L/2019/0027/AN issuing the General Regulations for State Employees of 7 June 2019 revising the Public Service Regulations. However, it notes that the national legislation does not ensure the application of the Convention in the public service. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that Act No. L/2019/0027/AN issuing the General Regulations for State Employees of 7 June 2019 is under revision. It also notes the Government’s indication that it will take measures to ensure the application of the Convention to all branches of economic activity. The Government adds that a copy of the revised Public Service Regulations will be provided once they have been adopted. The Committee requests the Government to take all the necessary measures to ensure the application of the Convention in all branches of economic activity, including the public service. It requests the Government to continue providing detailed information on the progress achieved in this regard.

Articles 4, 8, 9 and 10. Prevention and control of, and protection against, occupational hazards. Establishment of criteria for determining the hazards of exposure to air pollution, noise and vibration and the determination of exposure limits. Technical and supplementary organizational measures. Personal protective equipment. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that the draft order establishing occupational safety and health measures at the workplace takes into account the measures to give effect to Articles 4, 8, 9 and 10 of the Convention. With reference to its observation concerning the national legislation, the Committee requests the Government to indicate the specific provisions of the order that give effect to Articles 4, 8, 9 and 10 of the Convention and to provide information on any other measures adopted, in law or practice, to ensure the full application of these Articles of the Convention.