Observation (CEACR) - adopted 1995, published 82nd ILC session (1995)

Labour Inspection Convention, 1947 (No. 81) - Malawi (Ratification: 1965)

The Committee notes the information provided by the Government in reply to its previous comments. It would be grateful if the Government would provide further information on the points raised below.

Articles 10 and 16 of the Convention. The Committee notes that there are seven factory inspectors (for aspects of safety, health and welfare of workers), and 13 labour inspectors (for general questions such as wages, hours of work, overtime, leave pay and other working conditions) who are responsible for inspecting the 4,340 workplaces employing 473,263 workers that are liable to inspection in the three regions of the country. Please indicate what measures are contemplated to increase the number of labour and factory inspectors to a sufficient level to secure the effective discharge of their duties, having due regard to all the factors mentioned in Article 10(a) of the Convention. Please indicate also the measures taken or contemplated to ensure adequate frequency and thoroughness of the inspection visits.

Article 11. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would provide general information on the arrangements made to furnish labour and factory inspectors with local offices that are suitably equipped in accordance with the requirements of the service and accessible to all persons concerned. The Committee notes that the Government's report indicates that due to inadequate funds, transportation is only provided to the three regional offices and to inspectors in the field, on a rotational basis. It further indicates that officers are encouraged to purchase their own vehicles which they can then use to carry out inspection visits and that travelling and other incidental expenses like food and accommodation are reimbursed or fully paid for by the Government. Please indicate what kind of encouragement is given to labour and factory inspectors to purchase their own vehicles and whether other expenses resulting from the use of private vehicles for inspection visits are taken into account in reimbursing them for transportation expenses.

Articles 20 and 21. The Committee notes that annual inspection reports have not been published but that the Government is fully aware of their importance. The Committee notes the statistics of the workplaces liable to inspection and the number of workers employed therein as required by paragraph (c) of Article 21. It trusts the Government will take the necessary measures to publish and communicate such reports within the time-limits provided for in Article 20 and that they will contain all the particulars listed in Article 21 including those in paragraphs (a), (b), (d), (e), (f) and (g).

The Committee wishes to suggest to the Government if it would consider exploring the possibility of seeking the technical assistance of the Office in taking measures to ensure that effect is given to the provisions of the Convention.