Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2011, published 101st ILC session (2012)

Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155) - Ethiopia (Ratification: 1991)

Further to its observation, the Committee notes the information provided by the Government in its latest report and the attached legislation. The Committee also notes the Government’s responses indicating effect given to Articles 11(a), 11(c) and (f), 12(a)–(b), 14 and 19(e), of the Convention. With reference to its 2001 comments, the Committee wishes, however, to request the Government to provide information about the measures taken or envisaged to give effect to Articles 11(b) and (e), 12(c), 13, 15, 17, 19(e) and (f), 20 and 21 of the Convention. Further clarifications and supplementary information is also requested in respect of the following points.

Article 1(1)–(3). Applicability to public servants. With reference to its previous comments, the Committee notes the Government’s reference to the adoption of the Federal Civil Servant Proclamation No. 515/2007 which contains rules of occupational health and safety for “public civil servants”. The Committee requests the Government, however, to provide information on the measures taken or envisaged to ensure that the application of the provisions of the Convention covers also public civil servants, and, in particular, to clarify whether the recently adopted Occupational Safety, Health, and Working Environment Directive (OSH Directive) applies also to public civil servants.

Articles 4, 7 and 8. Obligation to formulate, implement and periodically review a coherent national policy on occupational safety, occupational health and the working environment. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that the formulation of a coherent OSH national policy is in progress and has not been adopted yet. The Committee hopes that the Government will soon be in a position to report on the adoption of the named OSH national policy and requests the Government to provide the Office with a copy.

Technical assistance. The Committee notes again the interest of the Government in receiving technical assistance from the Office to develop structures for effective implementation of the provisions of the Convention, to improve its system of labour inspection and to build capacity among the relevant authorities. The Committee invites the Government to formally request the ILO technical assistance.

The Committee hopes that the Government will make every effort to take the necessary action in the near future.