Medical Examination of Young Persons (Underground Work) Convention, 1965 (No. 124) - Bolivia (Plurinational State of) (Ratification: 1977)

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2023, published 112nd ILC session (2024)

Previous comment under Conventions Nos 77 and 78 and previous comment under Convention No. 124

In order to provide an overview of the issues concerning the application of the Conventions on the medical examination of young persons, the Committee considers it appropriate to examine Conventions Nos 77, 78 and 124 in a single comment.

Article 2(1) of Conventions Nos 77 and 78. Medical examination for fitness for employment. The Committee notes, from the Government’s report, the adoption of Law No. 1139 of 20 December 2018 which amends the Code for Children and Young Persons 2014. It notes with interest that section 131 of the Code for Children and Young Persons 2014, as amended, provides that young persons of at least 14 years of age who wish to engage in employment: (1) must freely express their willingness to carry out any labour activity or work, (2) whether it relates to work on their own account or on account of another, must obtain the authorization from the Ombudsperson for Children and Adolescents; and (3) in either case, the Ombudsperson for Children and Adolescents, before granting the authorization to work, must order a comprehensive medical assessment certifying the young person’s health and their physical and mental capacity for the performance of the corresponding work or the work activity. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on how the application of section 131 of the Code for Children and Young Persons is ensured in practice.

Medical examination for fitness for employment and periodic re-examinations required for persons under 21 years of age in underground work (Article 2(1) of Convention No. 124). Periodical medical examinations (Article 3(2) and (3) of Conventions Nos 77 and 78). Medical examinations required until the age of 21 years in occupations which involve high health risks (Article 4 of Conventions Nos 77 and 78). Appropriate measures for the vocational guidance and physical and vocational rehabilitation of young persons found by medical examination to be unsuited to certain types of work or to have physical handicaps or limitations (Article 6 of Conventions Nos 77 and 78). Further to its previous comments, the Committee notes with concern, the Government’s indication that the Bill on occupational safety and health, is still waiting to be adopted by the Parliament. It notes the Government’s repeated statement that it undertakes to monitor the status of this issue in front of the Parliament and promote discussions on the matter in the legislative body. Recalling that the Government has been referring to the Bill on occupational safety and health since 2011, the Committee urges the Government to take all the necessary measures to ensure that the Bill is adopted without delay and to ensure observance of these provisions of the Conventions. It requests the Government to provide information on any progress made in this regard.

Article 7(2) of Convention No. 78. Supervision of the application of the system of medical examination for fitness for employment to children and young persons engaged either on their own account or on account of their parents. Noting that the Government remains silent on this point, the Committee requests it to ensure: (i) the adoption, without delay, of the Bill on occupational safety and health; and (ii) that it will contain provisions determining the measures of identification to ensure the application of the system of medical examination for fitness for employment to children and young persons engaged either on their own account or on account of their parents in itinerant trading or in any other occupation carried out in the streets or in places to which the public have access, as well as any other methods of supervision to be adopted to ensure the strict enforcement of the Convention, in accordance with Article 7(2) of the Convention. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on any progress made in this regard.

Application of the Conventions in practice. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that all authorizations to work need to be recorded in a Register of authorizations and must contain compulsory information, including but not limited to, the name, age and activity of the child, as well as the medical examination report and the official Form of authorization signed by a parent or legal guardian and issued by the Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Welfare (MTEPS) (section 42 of the Supreme Decree No. 2377 regulating Law No. 548 on the Code for Children and Young Persons). The Government also states that section 138 of the Code for Children and Young Persons provides that it is the Ombudsperson for Children and Adolescents who is responsible for the Register of authorizations of all children engaged in work, and upon request, the Ombudsperson shall submit copies of the Register to the MTEPS for the purposes of inspection and supervision. The Committee notes that, in 2022, the MTEPS issued a request to all municipal authorities to provide copies of their Registers of authorization of children in work and received information from 21 municipalities. Out of the replies received, only four municipalities had dealt with procedures of authorization of work of young persons, for a total of 48 authorizations. The Government indicates that all these 48 cases complied with the requirement of medical examinations. However, the Committee notes that it is not clear if this includes the requirement of periodical medical examinations (Article 2(1) of Convention No. 124 and Article 3 of Conventions Nos 77 and 78). The Government adds that it will endeavour to obtain the requested information from all municipalities and ensure that further information is provided on the type of work authorized to be performed by young persons, in order to provide comprehensive statistical data to this Committee. The Committee requests the Government to continue to collect and provide information on the number of children and young persons who are engaged in work and have undergone the periodical medical examinations envisaged in the Conventions. Considering the low number of registered authorizations, the Committee encourages the Government to strengthen its efforts to ensure that all young persons who work in the country will progressively be covered by the protection afforded by the Conventions, including children and young persons engaged either on their own account or on account of their parents, in itinerant trading or in any other occupation carried out in the streets or in places to which the public have access. Please also provide extracts from the reports of the inspection services relating to any infringements reported and the penalties imposed.

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2021, published 110th ILC session (2022)

The Committee notes that the Government’s report has not been received. It is therefore bound to repeat its previous comments.

Repetition

Article 2(1) of the Convention. Medical examination for fitness for employment and periodic re-examinations required for persons under 21 years of age. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that the Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Welfare was drafting a new Bill on occupational safety and health. The Committee notes the Government’s indication in its report that the Bill on occupational safety and health has not yet been adopted. Recalling that the Plurinational State of Bolivia ratified the Convention more than 30 years ago, the Committee requests the Government to take the necessary measures to ensure that the Bill on occupational safety and health is adopted as soon as possible in order to give effect to the provisions of the Convention. It requests the Government to provide information on any progress made in this regard.

Application of the Convention in practice. In its previous comments, the Committee noted the description by the Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Welfare of the child labour inspection system (SITI), through which it will be possible to obtain information on the number of children and young persons working in the country. It noted that the inspection system is based on a standard questionnaire which seeks to evaluate the working conditions of these children and young persons and which is particularly concerned with the issue of the medical examination for fitness for employment. Noting the absence of information on this subject, the Committee requests the Government to provide information on the number of children and young persons covered by the Convention and extracts from the reports of the inspection services.

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

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2016, published 106th ILC session (2017)

Article 2(1) of the Convention. Medical examination for fitness for employment and periodic re-examinations required for persons under 21 years of age. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that the Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Welfare was drafting a new Bill on occupational safety and health. The Committee notes the Government’s indication in its report that the Bill on occupational safety and health has not yet been adopted. Recalling that the Plurinational State of Bolivia ratified the Convention more than 30 years ago, the Committee requests the Government to take the necessary measures to ensure that the Bill on occupational safety and health is adopted as soon as possible in order to give effect to the provisions of the Convention. It requests the Government to provide information on any progress made in this regard.

Application of the Convention in practice. In its previous comments, the Committee noted the description by the Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Welfare of the child labour inspection system (SITI), through which it will be possible to obtain information on the number of children and young persons working in the country. It noted that the inspection system is based on a standard questionnaire which seeks to evaluate the working conditions of these children and young persons and which is particularly concerned with the issue of the medical examination for fitness for employment. Noting the absence of information on this subject, the Committee requests the Government to provide information on the number of children and young persons covered by the Convention and extracts from the reports of the inspection services.

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

In its previous comments the Committee noted that the Ministry of Labour, with the technical assistance of the Bolivian Standardization and Quality Institute (IBNORCA), had drafted the implementing regulations for the General Act concerning occupational safety, health and welfare, in relation to the work of young persons in industry, commerce, mining and agriculture. It requested the Government to provide information on the progress made with regard to the adoption of this legal text.

The Committee notes the information supplied in the Government’s report concerning the Medical Examination of Young Persons (Industry) Convention, 1946 (No. 77), according to which the implementing regulations for the General Act concerning occupational health, safety and welfare have not been approved. However, the Government indicates in its report that the Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Welfare is drafting a new bill concerning occupational safety and health. Observing that the Plurinational State of Bolivia ratified the Convention more that 30 years ago, the Committee expresses the firm hope that the bill concerning occupational safety and health will be adopted in the near future in order to give effect to the provisions of the Convention. It requests the Government to provide information in its next report on any progress made in this regard.

Part V of the report form. Application of the Convention in practice. Further to its previous comments, the Committee notes the Government’s indication that the Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Welfare presented, on 22 August 2011, the child labour inspection system (SITI), which will make it possible to obtain information on the number of children and young persons working in the country. It notes that this inspection system is based on a standard questionnaire which seeks to evaluate the conditions of work of these children and young persons and which is particularly concerned with the issue of the medical examination concerning fitness for employment. Further to the introduction of the new child labour inspection system, the Committee requests the Government to provide information in its next report on the number of children and young persons covered by the Convention and also extracts from the reports of the inspection services.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2010, published 100th ILC session (2011)

The Committee notes that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous direct request, which read as follows:

The Committee noted that the Government has adopted a number of regulations on the work of minors (Supreme Decree No. 27443 regulating the Boys, Girls and Adolescents Code, of 8 April 2004); resolution No. 001 of 11 May 2004 issued by the Ministries of Labour, Health and Sport; Biministerial resolution No. 299/04 of 4 June 2004; and Ministerial resolution No. 301/04 of 7 June 2004 on the form pertaining to fulfilment of fundamental rights at work. The Committee also noted the Government Plan for the Gradual Elimination of Child Labour 2000–10. It noted in particular that, according to the Government, with technical assistance from the Bolivian Standardization and Quality Institute (IBNORCA) the Ministry of Labour has drafted enabling regulations for the General Act on Occupational Safety and Health and Well-being, concerning work by young persons in industry, commerce, mining and agriculture. The above regulations are to take effect shortly. The Committee accordingly requests the Government to provide information on progress made towards the adoption of the regulations and to send a copy of them as soon as they are adopted.

Part V of the report form. Practical application. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the practical effect given to the Convention, such as extracts of inspection reports, any statistics on the number of young person’s covered by the Convention and any other information pertaining to the practical application of the Convention.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2009, published 99th ILC session (2010)

The Committee notes that the Government’s report contains no reply to its previous comments. It hopes that the next report will include full information on the matters raised in its previous direct request, which read as follows:

The Committee noted that the Government has adopted a number of regulations on the work of minors (Supreme Decree No. 27443 regulating the Boys, Girls and Adolescents Code, of 8 April 2004); resolution No. 001 of 11 May 2004 issued by the Ministries of Labour, Health and Sport; Biministerial resolution No. 299/04 of 4 June 2004; and Ministerial resolution No. 301/04 of 7 June 2004 on the form pertaining to fulfilment of fundamental rights at work. The Committee also noted the Government Plan for the Gradual Elimination of Child Labour 2000–10. It noted in particular that, according to the Government, with technical assistance from the Bolivian Standardization and Quality Institute (IBNORCA) the Ministry of Labour has drafted enabling regulations for the General Act on Occupational Safety and Health and Well-being, concerning work by young persons in industry, commerce, mining and agriculture. The above regulations are to take effect shortly. The Committee accordingly requests the Government to provide information on progress made towards the adoption of the regulations and to send a copy of them as soon as they are adopted.

Part V of the report form. Practical application. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the practical effect given to the Convention, such as extracts of inspection reports, any statistics on the number of young person’s covered by the Convention and any other information pertaining to the practical application of the Convention.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2008, published 98th ILC session (2009)

The Committee notes with regret that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous direct request, which read as follows:

The Committee noted that the Government has adopted a number of regulations on the work of minors (Supreme Decree No. 27443 regulating the Boys, Girls and Adolescents Code, of 8 April 2004); resolution No. 001 of 11 May 2004 issued by the Ministries of Labour, Health and Sport; Biministerial resolution No. 299/04 of 4 June 2004; and Ministerial resolution No. 301/04 of 7 June 2004 on the form pertaining to fulfilment of fundamental rights at work. The Committee also noted the Government Plan for the Gradual Elimination of Child Labour
2000–10. It noted in particular that, according to the Government, with technical assistance from the Bolivian Standardization and Quality Institute (IBNORCA) the Ministry of Labour has drafted enabling regulations for the General Act on Occupational Safety and Health and Well-being, concerning work by young persons in industry, commerce, mining and agriculture. The above regulations are to take effect shortly. The Committee accordingly requests the Government to provide information on progress made towards the adoption of the regulations and to send a copy of them as soon as they are adopted.

Part V of the report form. Practical application. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the practical effect given to the Convention, such as extracts of inspection reports, any statistics on the number of young persons covered by the Convention and any other information pertaining to the practical application of the Convention.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2007, published 97th ILC session (2008)

The Committee notes with regret that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous direct request, which read as follows:

The Committee noted that the Government has adopted a number of regulations on the work of minors (Supreme Decree No. 27443 regulating the Boys, Girls and Adolescents Code, of 8 April 2004); resolution No. 001 of 11 May 2004 issued by the Ministries of Labour, Health and Sport; Biministerial resolution No. 299/04 of 4 June 2004; and Ministerial resolution No. 301/04 of 7 June 2004 on the form pertaining to fulfilment of fundamental rights at work. The Committee also noted the Government Plan for the Gradual Elimination of Child Labour
2000–10. It noted in particular that, according to the Government, with technical assistance from the Bolivian Standardization and Quality Institute (IBNORCA) the Ministry of Labour has drafted enabling regulations for the General Act on Occupational Safety and Health and Well-being, concerning work by young persons in industry, commerce, mining and agriculture. The above regulations are to take effect shortly. The Committee accordingly requests the Government to provide information on progress made towards the adoption of the regulations and to send a copy of them as soon as they are adopted.

Part V of the report form. Practical application. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the practical effect given to the Convention, such as extracts of inspection reports, any statistics on the number of young persons covered by the Convention and any other information pertaining to the practical application of the Convention.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2006, published 96th ILC session (2007)

The Committee notes that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous direct request, which read as follows:

The Committee notes that the Government has recently adopted a number of regulations on the work of minors (Supreme Decree No. 27443 regulating the Boys, Girls and Adolescents Code, of 8 April 2004); Resolution No. 001 of 11 May 2004 issued by the Ministries of Labour, Health and Sport; Biministerial Resolution No. 299/04 of 4 June 2004; and Ministerial Resolution No. 301/04 of 7 June 2004 on the form pertaining to fulfilment of fundamental rights at work. The Committee also notes the Government Plan for the Gradual Elimination of Child Labour 2000-10. It notes in particular that, according to the Government, with technical assistance from the Bolivian Standardization and Quality Institute (IBNORCA) the Ministry of Labour has drafted enabling regulations for the General Act on Occupational Safety and Health and Well-being, concerning work by young persons in industry, commerce, mining and agriculture. The above regulations are to take effect shortly. The Committee accordingly requests the Government to provide information on progress made towards the adoption of the regulations and to send a copy of them as soon as they are adopted.

Part V of the report form. Practical application. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the practical effect given to the Convention, such as extracts of inspection reports, any statistics on the number of young persons covered by the Convention and any other information pertaining to the practical application of the Convention.

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

The Committee notes the Government’s report. It also notes the information supplied by the Government in 2004 on the application of the Medical Examination of Young Persons (Industry) Convention, 1946 (No. 77).

The Committee notes that the Government has recently adopted a number of regulations on the work of minors (Supreme Decree No. 27443 regulating the Boys, Girls and Adolescents Code, of 8 April 2004); Resolution No. 001 of 11 May 2004 issued by the Ministries of Labour, Health and Sport; Biministerial Resolution No. 299/04 of 4 June 2004; and Ministerial Resolution No. 301/04 of 7 June 2004 on the form pertaining to fulfilment of fundamental rights at work. The Committee also notes the Government Plan for the Gradual Elimination of Child Labour 2000-10. It notes in particular that, according to the Government, with technical assistance from the Bolivian Standardization and Quality Institute (IBNORCA) the Ministry of Labour has drafted enabling regulations for the General Act on Occupational Safety and Health and Well-being, concerning work by young persons in industry, commerce, mining and agriculture. The above regulations are to take effect shortly. The Committee accordingly requests the Government to provide information on progress made towards the adoption of the regulations and to send a copy of them as soon as they are adopted.

Part V of the report form. Practical application. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the practical effect given to the Convention, such as extracts of inspection reports, any statistics on the number of young persons covered by the Convention and any other information pertaining to the practical application of the Convention.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2001, published 90th ILC session (2002)

The Committee notes that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous direct request, which read as follows:

1. Article 2, paragraph 1, of the Convention. The Committee notes that in its report the Government indicates that the Committee’s comments on the application of the Convention will be taken into account in the Regulations of the Act on Health, Occupational Safety and Welfare and in the Regulations on Medical Services in Enterprises which are in the process of being drafted. The Committee hopes that there will be specific provisions in the above legislation on the medical examination of young person employed underground. The Committee draws the Government’s attention to the need to make this medical examination mandatory and to ensure that it certifies not only the young person’s state of health, but also his fitness for carrying out such work. Furthermore, for many years the Committee has been pointing out that, in view of the health hazards of underground work in mines, such examinations should, in accordance with the Convention, be conducted at intervals of not more than one year up to the age of 21 years.

2. Article 4, paragraph 4. In its previous comments the Committee has drawn the Government’s attention to the need to require the employer to include in the records he must keep for persons employed or who work in the underground part of the mine, and who are under 21 years of age: (a) the date of birth, duly certified wherever possible; (b) an indication of the nature of their occupation; (c) a certificate which attests fitness for employment, but does not contain medical data.

The Committee noted with interest the Government’s indication that the Ministry of Labour was preparing a form to be used by enterprises in the public and private sector for keeping the compulsory records of their employees under 21 years of age, indicating the nature of their occupations, wages, training, medical examinations, level of education and other particulars. The Committee hopes that the information to be recorded includes the date of birth, duly certified where possible, and a certificate attesting to fitness for employment. It asks the Government to provide a model form as soon as it has been approved and the text of the provisions requiring employers to keep such records.

3. Article 4, paragraphs 1 and 2. The Committee asks the Government in its next report to supply information on the practical activities undertaken to ensure the effective application of the Convention and the corresponding legislation, stating in particular the number of inspection visits carried out by the various competent services, any infringements reported and the penalties imposed.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2000, published 89th ILC session (2001)

The Committee notes that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous direct request, which reads as follows:

1.  Article 2, paragraph 1, of the Convention.  The Committee notes that in its report the Government indicates that the Committee’s comments on the application of the Convention will be taken into account in the Regulations of the Act on Health, Occupational Safety and Welfare and in the Regulations on Medical Services in Enterprises which are in the process of being drafted. The Committee hopes that there will be specific provisions in the above legislation on the medical examination of young person employed underground. The Committee draws the Government’s attention to the need to make this medical examination mandatory and to ensure that it certifies not only the young person’s state of health, but also his fitness for carrying out such work. Furthermore, for many years the Committee has been pointing out that, in view of the health hazards of underground work in mines, such examinations should, in accordance with the Convention, be conducted at intervals of not more than one year up to the age of 21 years.

2.  Article 4, paragraph 4.  In its previous comments the Committee has drawn the Government’s attention to the need to require the employer to include in the records he must keep for persons employed or who work in the underground part of the mine, and who are under 21 years of age: (a) the date of birth, duly certified wherever possible; (b) an indication of the nature of their occupation; (c) a certificate which attests fitness for employment, but does not contain medical data.

The Committee noted with interest the Government’s indication that the Ministry of Labour was preparing a form to be used by enterprises in the public and private sector for keeping the compulsory records of their employees under 21 years of age, indicating the nature of their occupations, wages, training, medical examinations, level of education and other particulars. The Committee hopes that the information to be recorded includes the date of birth, duly certified where possible, and a certificate attesting to fitness for employment. It asks the Government to provide a model form as soon as it has been approved and the text of the provisions requiring employers to keep such records.

3.  Article 4, paragraphs 1 and 2.  The Committee asks the Government in its next report to supply information on the practical activities undertaken to ensure the effective application of the Convention and the corresponding legislation, stating in particular the number of inspection visits carried out by the various competent services, any infringements reported and the penalties imposed.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1995, published 82nd ILC session (1995)

1. Article 2, paragraph 1, of the Convention. The Committee notes that in its report the Government indicates that the Committee's comments on the application of the Convention will be taken into account in the Regulations of the Act on Health, Occupational Safety and Welfare and in the Regulations on Medical Services in Enterprises which are in the process of being drafted. The Committee hopes that there will be specific provisions in the above legislation on the medical examination of young person employed underground. The Committee draws the Government's attention to the need to make this medical examination mandatory and to ensure that it certifies not only the young person's state of health, but also his fitness for carrying out such work. Furthermore, for many years the Committee has been pointing out that, in view of the health hazards of underground work in mines, such examinations should, in accordance with the Convention, be conducted at intervals of not more than one year up to the age of 21 years.

2. Article 4, paragraph 4. In its previous comments the Committee has drawn the Government's attention to the need to require the employer to include in the records he must keep for persons employed or who work in the underground part of the mine, and who are under 21 years of age: (a) the date of birth, duly certified wherever possible; (b) an indication of the nature of their occupation; (c) a certificate which attests fitness for employment, but does not contain medical data.

The Committee noted with interest the Government's indication that the Ministry of Labour was preparing a form to be used by enterprises in the public and private sector for keeping the compulsory records of their employees under 21 years of age, indicating the nature of their occupations, wages, training, medical examinations, level of education and other particulars. The Committee hopes that the information to be recorded includes the date of birth, duly certified where possible, and a certificate attesting to fitness for employment. It asks the Government to provide a model form as soon as it has been approved and the text of the provisions requiring employers to keep such records.

3. Article 4, paragraphs 1 and 2. The Committee asks the Government in its next report to supply information on the practical activities undertaken to ensure the effective application of the Convention and the corresponding legislation, stating in particular the number of inspection visits carried out by the various competent services, any infringements reported and the penalties imposed.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1993, published 80th ILC session (1993)

The Committee takes note of the information supplied by the Government in its last report.

1. Article 2, paragraph 1, of the Convention. In the comments it has been making for a number of years, the Committee has drawn the Government's attention to the need to take the necessary measures to ensure that, in the case of persons of under 21 years of age employed, or working underground in mines, periodical examinations are carried out at intervals of not more than one year in accordance with this provision of the Convention.

In its 1986 report the Government indicated that the general regulations to apply the Convention could be issued when the National Council of Occupational Health, Safety and Welfare, envisaged in Legislative Decree No. 16998 of 1979, came into operation. The Committee notes from the information in the Government's last report that the above Council still is in the process of being reconstituted and that it is expected to deal with this matter in due course. It also notes the Government's indication that the regulation of the medical examination and underground work of young persons is the joint responsibility of the Ministry of Labour and other state bodies, and trusts that, regardless of the future of the National Council of Occupational Health, Safety and Welfare which is provided for in the Legislative Decree of 1979 but which has not yet been constituted, the necessary steps will be taken at an early date to adopt regulations giving effect to the Convention, and that the Government will not fail to report on the matter.

Article 4, paragraph 4. In its previous comments, the Committee drew the Government's attention to the need to ensure that employers include in the records they are required to keep for all persons under the age of 21 employed or working underground: (a) the date of birth, duly certified wherever possible; (b) an indication of the nature of their occupation; (c) a certificate which attests their fitness for employment.

The Committee notes with interest the indications in the Government's last report that the Ministry of Labour is in the process of devising a record form for compulsory use by public and private sector enterprises employing persons under 21 years of age, to record the nature of their occupation, wages, training, medical examinations, level of education and other particulars. The Committee hopes that these particulars will include the date of birth, duly certified where possible and a certificate attesting fitness for work. It asks the Government to provide a sample of the form as soon as it has been approved along with a copy of the provisions requiring employers to keep the corresponding records.

3. Article 4, paragraphs 1 and 2. The Committee asks the Government to provide information in its next report on the practical steps taken to ensure the effective enforcement of the Convention and the relevant legislation, specifying the number of inspection visits carried out by the various departments involved, any infringements registered and the sanctions imposed.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1991, published 78th ILC session (1991)

The Committee notes that the Government's report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the following matters which were raised in its previous direct request.

The Committee noted the information supplied by the Government in its report.

It had requested the Government to take the necessary measures in order to ensure that, in the case of persons less than 21 years of age, periodical examinations are carried out at intervals of not more than one year in accordance with Article 2, paragraph 1, of the Convention. The Government stated in its report of 1986 that the National Council of Occupational Health, Safety and Welfare, envisaged in Legislative Decree No. 16998 of 1979, would come into operation in the near future, and would take the necessary measures to ensure that effect was given to this provision of the Convention in all the sectors in question. The Committee noted this statement. It requests the Government to inform it of any developments in this respect. The Committee also requests the Government to indicate the measures that it is planning to take to bring employers to:

- keep records, in accordance with Article 4, paragraph 4, containing, in respect of persons under 21 years of age, their date of birth, and an indication of the nature of their occupation and a certificate attesting fitness for employment; and to

- make available to the workers' representatives at their request, the above information, in accordance with the provisions of Article 4, paragraph 5.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1987, published 74th ILC session (1987)

The Committee takes note of the information supplied by the Government in its report.

It had requested the Government to take the necessary measures in order to ensure that, in the case of less than 21 years of age, periodical examinations are carried out at intervals of not more than one year in accordance with Article 2, paragraph 1, of the Convention. The Government states in its report that the National Council of Occupational Health, Safety and Welfare, envisaged in Legislative Decree No. 16998 of 1979, which will come into operation in the near future, will take the necessary measures to ensure that effect is given to this provision of the Convention in all the sectors in question. The Committee notes this statement and requests the Government to inform it of any developments in this respect. The Committee also requests the Government to indicate the measures that it is planning to take to bring employers to:

- keep records, in accordance with Article 4, paragraph 4, containing, in respect of persons under 21 years of age, their date of birth, and an indication of the nature of their occupation and a certificate attesting fitness for employment; and to

- make available to the workers' representatives at their request, the above information, in accordance with the provisions of Article 4, paragraph 5.