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

Iceland

Occupational Cancer Convention, 1974 (No. 139) (Ratification: 1991)
Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155) (Ratification: 1991)
Promotional Framework for Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 2006 (No. 187) (Ratification: 2018)

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) and 187 (promotional framework for OSH) together.

General provisions

Application of Conventions Nos 155 and 187 in practice. The Committee notes the information provided by the Government regarding the period 2016–23 in its report, indicating that the number of occupational accidents reported and the number of improvement instructions issued in relation to workplace safety remained relatively stable and that improvements were made to the reporting system in 2020. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information on the application in practice of the Conventions, and on the further measures taken to progressively reduce the number of occupational accidents in the country.

Action at the national level

Article 2(3) of Convention No. 187. Measures that could be taken, in consultation with social partners, to ratify relevant OSH Conventions. Noting the absence of information in this respect, the Committee once again requests the Government to indicate whether consideration has been given to the ratification of ILO OSH Conventions and to provide information on the outcome of the consultations held with the social partners in this respect.

National policy

Article 4 of Convention No. 155 and Article 3 of Convention No. 187. National OSH Policy. The Committee notes the measures taken by the Government to periodically review the national legislative framework on OSH, including the recent amendment to Act No. 46/1980 on Working Environment, Health and Safety in Workplaces, introduced by Act No. 105/2024, which, among other provisions, provides additional resources to the Administration of Occupational Safety and Health (AOSH) to address violations of the Act. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the manner in which the social partners are consulted on revisions of the national legislative framework on OSH.

National system

Article 4(1) of Convention No. 187. National system for OSH. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that structural changes have been made to the AOSH in 2022 in order to prioritize goal setting and performance measurement with innovation, improvement and simplification as main aspects of the work of the Administration. While taking note of these developments, the Committee requests the Government to provide information on the consultations held with social partners in the periodical review of the OSH system.

Article 4(3)(e) of Convention No. 187. Research on OSH. Noting the Government’s indication on the need to assess and respond to the effects of the increased digitalization of the working environment,the Committee requests the Government to provide information on any research conducted by the national system in this respect.

Article 4(3)(h) of Convention No. 187. Support mechanisms for progressive improvement of OSH conditions in microenterprises, SMEs and in the informal economy. The Committee once again requests the Government to provide information on the existing or envisaged support mechanisms for progressively improving occupational safety and health conditions in microenterprises, in small and medium-sized enterprises and in the informal economy.

National programme

Article 5(1) and (2)(d) of Convention No. 187. National OSH Programme. Objectives, targets and indicators of progress. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that the current Strategy of the AOSH, which is valid until the end of 2028, seeks to ensure that everyone is able to return home safely from work. The Government reports that the AOSH has defined initiatives under each goal. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the implementation of the Strategy of the AOSH for 2023–2028, including the activities carried out and the results achieved within its framework. The Committee also requests the Government to provide information on the targets or indicators of progress that make it possible to evaluate to what extent the objectives of the Strategy are being achieved, in line with Article 5(2)(d) of the Convention.

Article 5(2)(e) of Convention No. 187. Complementary national programmes and plans. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that, in 2023, two awareness-raising campaigns were jointly launched by the social partners, the Directorate of Health, and the Office of Equality: one on working together against sexual harassment, and the other on working together to promote a healthy workplace culture. The Government reports that the aim of these campaigns was to encourage dialogue on the importance of healthy workplace culture, communication, and psychosocial safety, in order to promote well-being and prevent negative behaviour. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information on any programmes or plans complementary to the Strategy of the AOSH that assist in achieving progressively a safe and healthy working environment.

Article 5(3) of Convention No. 187. Publicizing the national programme. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that the national programme – including promotional and educational materials on workplace needs and social dialogue on the importance of occupational safety and health – is increasingly publicized through advertisements that appear on television, radio, billboards, web media, and social media. The Committee also notes that the two awareness-raising OSH campaigns launched in 2023, were made available on the AOSH’s website and through media advertisements. The Committee notes this information, which responds to its previous request.

Protection against specific risks

Occupational Cancer Convention, 1974 (No. 139)

Article 1(2) of Convention No. 139. Exemptions from prohibition. The Committee notes that while the Government provides information on the exemption from the prohibition on the use of asbestos under Regulation No. 430/2007, it does not provide information regarding exemptions from the prohibition on the use of other carcinogenic substances or agents. The Committee notes the lack of up-to-date information on the implementation of section 51(3) of Act No. 46/1980, as amended, which requires the issuance of regulations on the conditions to be met for licences concerning exemptions from prohibition, as well as on the use of such licences that may adversely impact workers’ health or workplace environments. The Committee requests the Government to indicate any regulations, or measures taken or envisaged, to grant exemptions from prohibition by issue of a certificate specifying in each case the conditions to be met.

Application of Convention No. 139 in practice. The Government reports that, although information on occupational cancer is limited, exposure to asbestos is a major factor known to be responsible for the development of mesothelioma. The Committee notes that, based on the periodic updates provided by the Icelandic Cancer Registry (ICR), 32 people contracted mesothelioma between 2015 and 2023. The Committee also notes the Government’s indication that the ICR is updating their system, and more detailed information will be available soon. The Committee further notes that, while the AOSH maintains a registry of workers exposed to asbestos, the Government’s report does not provide information on records of workers exposed to other carcinogenic substances or agents. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information on the manner in which the Convention is applied in practice in the country, including available statistical information on reported cases of occupational cancer and on workers exposed to carcinogenic substances or agents.