Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2004, published 93rd ILC session (2005)

Hygiene (Commerce and Offices) Convention, 1964 (No. 120) - Portugal (Ratification: 1983)

The Committee notes the information provided by the Government in its report in reply to its previous comments.

Part IV of the report form. Practical application. The Committee notes that, under Act No. 116 of 4 August 1999 establishing general procedures relating to labour law contraventions, the General Labour Inspectorate (IGT) has competence for imposing sanctions according to the gravity of the infringement, the size of the enterprise and the degree of culpability.

The Committee also notes the measures taken following a considerable increase in the number of contraventions recorded by the General Labour Inspectorate (IGT) in 2001 by comparison with 2000. In this regard, it notes the campaigns launched in the context of European Week for Safety and Health in 2000, 2002 and 2003, which were respectively concerned with back pain and musculoskeletal disorders, stress at work and dangerous substances. The Government indicates that, although the campaigns dealt with risks inherent in all sectors of activity, particular interest was devoted to the sectors of health, education, banking and insurance, central and local public administration, and commerce. The Committee also notes that the aim of the campaigns was to provide information on and raise awareness of the prevention of occupational risks which constitute the main sources of complaints from workers in the country and to publicize the applicable legislation. The Committee also notes the publication of a handbook on hazardous substances in hospitals and the production of various brochures accompanying the abovementioned campaigns.

Referring to the statistics on contraventions recorded during 2002 and 2003, the Committee notes that the total number of contraventions recorded increased in 2003 by comparison with 2002 but that, at the same time, the number of inspections carried out rose considerably. The number of contraventions recorded in the area of occupational safety and health, on the other hand, decreased slightly. The Committee therefore encourages the Government to maintain its efforts to implement the practical measures intended to improve the practical application of the legislation giving effect to the Convention.