Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2018, published 108th ILC session (2019)

Norway

Labour Inspection Convention, 1947 (No. 81) (Ratification: 1949)
Labour Inspection (Agriculture) Convention, 1969 (No. 129) (Ratification: 1971)

In order to provide a comprehensive view of the issues relating to the application of the ratified Conventions on labour inspection, the Committee considers it appropriate to examine Conventions Nos 81 (labour inspection) and 129 (labour inspection in agriculture) together.

The Committee notes the observations of the Norwegian Confederation of Trade Unions (LO), communicated with the Government’s report.

Article 14 of Convention No. 81, and Article 19 of Convention No. 129. Notification of occupational accidents and diseases to the labour inspection services. In its previous comments, the Committee noted the Government’s indication that Statistics Norway was the authority responsible for the registration of occupational accidents. It requested information on the notification of industrial accidents and cases of occupational disease to the labour inspectorate, including those of persons not covered by accident insurance, given the Government’s indication that most farmers are not covered by the insurance scheme. The Committee notes the Government’s indication in its report that the Labour Inspection Authority (LI) has developed an electronic system for the registration of notifications of occupational accidents and work related diseases, which facilitates the production of statistics. The Government also indicates that the LI is informed about occupational diseases by medical practitioners but that employers are not required by law to notify the LI about occupational diseases. The Government further states that the LI participates in a pilot project on the joint reporting of work related diseases and occupational deaths, together with the Norwegian Labour and Welfare Organization (NAV) and the Petroleum Safety Authority (PSA). In addition, the Committee notes the observations of the LO that the development of a register for recording injuries and diseases, supervised by Statistics Norway and NAV has taken a very long time. The LO further emphasized the importance of a well-functioning system for collection and recording occupational injuries and diseases. The Committee requests the Government to provide further information on the functioning of the electronic system for the registration of notifications of occupational accidents and work-related diseases, including the manner in which the system helps to ensure that industrial accidents and cases of occupational disease in the country are notified to the labour inspectorate. Recalling that it previously noted the Government’s indication with respect to the under-reporting of cases of occupational disease to the labour inspectorate, the Committee also requests the Government to continue to provide information on the activities undertaken by the labour inspectorate to ensure that legal reporting obligations concerning occupational accidents and diseases are complied with, including further information on the current development of the pilot project on joint reporting in conjunction with the NAV and the PSA.

Articles 20 and 21 of Convention No. 81, and Articles 26 and 27 of Convention No. 129. Annual reports on labour inspection, particularly concerning coverage of the agricultural sector. In its previous comments, the Committee observed an absence of information in the annual labour inspection report concerning statistics on the activities of the labour inspection services in agriculture. In this respect, the Committee notes the Government’s statement that it will take measures to ensure that information or regulations needed to fulfil the obligations of the Convention are made available to the LI. The Committee notes that the 2017 annual labour inspection report, available on the web page of the LI, contains statistics on the number of inspections performed and guidance given in agriculture and forestry. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information on the measures taken to give full effect to Articles 26 and 27 of Convention No. 129, in particular with regard to the required information listed under Article 27(a), (b), (c), (e), (f), and (g) of Convention No. 129. It further requests the Government to take measures to ensure that copies of its annual report are transmitted to the ILO within the timeframes prescribed by Article 20 of Convention No. 81 and Article 26 of Convention No. 129.