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

Occupational Health Services Convention, 1985 (No. 161) - Benin (Ratification: 1998)

Article 2 of the Convention. Legislation and adoption of a national policy on occupational safety and health. The Committee notes with satisfaction the adoption of Decree No. 207-410 of 31 August 2007 approving the national occupational safety and health (OSH) policy for Benin as well as a five year (2010–14) Action Plan concerning OSH. The Committee notes that, together with other legislative measures taken, including relevant provisions in the Labour Code (Act No. 98-004 of 27 January 1998), the National OSH Policy and Action Plan constitute a comprehensive framework for implementation of the Convention and a progressive improvement of occupational health services in the country giving effect to Article 2 of the Convention. The Committee notes, however the absence of information regarding the consultations held with the representative organizations of employers and workers in the elaboration of this Plan of Action. The Committee invites the Government to provide further information on the consultations held with representative organizations of employers and workers in the elaboration of the National OSH Policy as well as on progress in relation to its implementation.

ILO Plan of Action on occupational safety and health (2010–16). The Committee notes that the national OSH policy referred to above paves the way for a future ratification not only of the three key instruments in the area of OSH namely the Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155), its 2002 Protocol and the Promotional Framework for Promotional Framework for Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 2006 (No. 187), but also of more specific Conventions such as the Chemicals Convention, 1990 (No. 170). The Committee would like to take this opportunity to inform the Government that, in March 2010, the Governing Body adopted a plan of action to achieve widespread ratification and effective implementation of the three key instruments referred to above, and that, under this Plan of Action, the Office is available to provide assistance to Governments, as appropriate, to bring their national law and practice in conformity with these key OSH Conventions in order to promote their ratification and effective implementation. The Committee invites the Government to provide further information on any needs for technical assistance it may have in this respect.

The Committee is raising other points in a request addressed directly to the Government.