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

Argentina

Occupational Cancer Convention, 1974 (No. 139) (Ratification: 1978)
Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155) (Ratification: 2014)
Safety and Health in Agriculture Convention, 2001 (No. 184) (Ratification: 2006)
Promotional Framework for Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 2006 (No. 187) (Ratification: 2014)

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), 184 (OSH in agriculture) and 187 (promotional framework for OSH) together.

The Committee notes the observations of the General Confederation of Labour of the Argentine Republic (CGT RA) on Conventions Nos 139, 155, 184 and 187, received on 29 August 2025, the observations of the Confederation of Workers of Argentina (CTA Autonomous) on Conventions Nos 139, 155 and 187, received on 1 September 2025, and the observations of the Confederation of Workers of Argentina (CTA Workers) on Conventions Nos 155 and 187, received on 5 August 2021.

A. General provisions

Action at the national level

National system

Article 9 of Convention No. 155 and Article 4(2)(c) of Convention No. 187. Adequate and appropriate inspection system. With reference to its previous comments, the Committee notes the information provided by the Government in its report, according to which cooperation agreements between the Occupational Risk Supervisory Authority (SRT) and local labour administrations are renewed annually to ensure the implementation of supervisory action in relation to OSH in accordance with the principles of coordination, cooperation, co-participation and co-responsibility. The Committee also notes the emphasis placed by the CGT RA on the weakening of inspections in relation to the implementation of OSH standards as a consequence of the cost-cutting and austerity policy. In particular, it considers that it is necessary for inspections to be focused on industries with high injury rates, such as construction, agro-industry and manufacturing, and for greater rapidity in the application of fines in the event of serious violations of OSH regulations. With reference to its comments on the Labour Inspection Convention, 1947 (No. 81), and the Labour Inspection (Agriculture) Convention, 1969 (No. 129), the Committee requests the Government to take the necessary measures to ensure that the enforcement of OSH laws and regulations is ensured by an adequate and appropriate inspection system and that the enforcement system includes adequate penalties in the event of violations.

B. Protection against specific risks

Occupational Cancer Convention, 1974 (No. 139)

Article 5 of the Convention. Medical examinations for workers during the period of employment and thereafter. With reference to its previous comments, the Committee notes that the Government refers to section 6 of Decision No. 37/2010 of the Occupational Risk Supervisory Authority, which establishes the responsibility of the occupational risk insurer or the self-insured employer to carry out termination examinations, of an optional nature, between ten days prior to and 30 days after the termination of the employment relationship. In this regard, the Committee notes that the Decision does not provide for medical examinations to be carried out after the period of 30 days following the termination of the employment relationship. The Committee therefore once again requests the Government to take the necessary measures to ensure in law and practice that such medical examinations are provided for workers as are necessary to evaluate their exposure and supervise their state of health in relation to the occupational hazards, including after the period of employment.

C. Protection in specific branches of activity

Safety and Health in Agriculture Convention, 2001 (No. 184)

Article 5 of the Convention.Adequate and appropriate system of inspection. With reference to its previous comments, the Committee notes the information provided by the Government on the technological progress introduced in carrying out OSH inspections, including the development of the “Single Digital Record” and the provision of equipment to all jurisdictions. However, the Committee notes that specific information has not been provided on the system of labour inspection in agriculture. The Committee also refers to its comments on the Labour Inspection (Agriculture) Convention, 1969 (No. 129), and notes the indication by the CGT RA that the number of inspectors in the agricultural sector is insufficient to cover the whole of the territory adequately. The Committee requests the Government to take the necessary measures to ensure that an adequate and appropriate system of inspection for agricultural workplaces is in place and is provided with adequate means in relation to OSH. It also requests the Government to provide information on the progress achieved in this respect.

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