Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2002, published 91st ILC session (2003)

Hygiene (Commerce and Offices) Convention, 1964 (No. 120) - Finland (Ratification: 1968)

1. The Committee takes note of the comments made by the Service Union United (PAM), a member of the Central Organization of Trade Unions (SAK), which are supplied with the Government’s report. The PAM indicated that acts of violence or threat of such acts remain a problem for workers working alone in stores, petrol stations and kiosks, for it has not been possible to organize these work facilities in a manner to prevent employees from being a target of acts of aggression. The PAM considers that a factor related to this problem is the neglect in using security and alarm systems and the lack of explanations of work-related risks to workers. The Committee, while taking note with concern, reveals that the issues raised by the PAM does not fall within the scope of application of this Convention.

2. The Committee notes the Government’s report, in particular on the following point and asks the Government to provide further information as required.

Article 6 of the Convention, in conjunction with Part IV of the report form. The Committee notes the information contained in the Government’s report concerning the number of occupational safety and health inspections carried out between 1997 and 2001. With regard to the organizational changes in inspection services, which took place in 1997, the Committee notes the Government’s indication that the aim of these changes was not to increase the number of inspections, and the reorganization itself has not changed the supervision functions. In this respect, the Government however indicates that the Minister of Social Affairs and Health has established in 2001 a tripartite working group which examined the need for additional staff resources in the occupational safety and health inspectorates as well as other measures required. The decisions taken by this working group are currently being implemented. The Committee accordingly requests the Government to continue to provide additional information on the findings of the tripartite working group, the decisions taken and the manner in which these decisions are implemented.