Safety and Health in Agriculture Convention, 2001 (No. 184) - Republic of Moldova (Ratification: 2002)

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

In order to provide a comprehensive view of the issues relating to the application of ratified Conventions on occupational safety and health (OSH), the Committee considers it appropriate to examine Conventions Nos 119 (guarding of machinery), 155 (OSH), 184 (safety and health in agriculture) and 187 (promotional framework for OSH) together.

A. General provisions

1. Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155)

2. Promotional Framework for Occupational Safety and Health Convention (No. 187)

I. Action taken at the national level

Article 2(3) of Convention No. 187. Consultation with the social partners to ratify relevant OSH Conventions. The Committee previously noted the Government’s statement that the Occupational Health Services Convention, 1985 (No. 161), was being targeted by the Ministry of Health for the preparation of ratification. The Committee notes that the Government report contains no information on this matter. The Committee therefore once again requests the Government to provide information on the consideration given, in consultation with the social partners, to the ratification of additional ILO conventions on OSH, including Convention No. 161.

B. National policy

Articles 4 and 7 of Convention No. 155, and Article 3(1) of Convention No. 187. Periodic review of the national policy and situation regarding occupational safety and health. The Committee notes that, in response to its previous comments, the Government once again refers to section 222 of the Labour Code and sections 4 and 5 of the Law on OSH, which provide for the areas to be covered by the state OSH policy, and the consultation that shall take place for its development and review. However, the Committee notes that a national OSH policy has not yet been adopted.  The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the steps taken for the formulation and implementation of a coherent national policy on occupational safety and health, and to provide information on the measures adopted to periodically review this policy, in consultation with the most representative organizations of employers and workers.

C. National system

Article 4(1) of Convention No. 187. Progressive development and periodic review in consultation with the most representative organizations of employers and workers. System of inspection. The Committee notes that, according to the Government’s report submitted for the Labour Inspection Convention, 1947 (No. 81), following the adoption of Law No. 191 of 2020 which amends a number of labour laws, supervision in the field of OSH, including the investigation of occupational accidents, was transferred from ten sectoral agencies to the State Labour Inspectorate (SLI) on 1 January 2021. With reference to its comment under Convention No. 81, the Committee requests the Government to continue providing information on the measures taken or envisaged to progressively develop a national OSH system in consultation with the social partners for the continuous improvement of OSH in the country.

Article 4(3)(d) of Convention No. 187. Occupational health services. The Committee previously requested the Government to provide information on how occupational health services are provided in undertakings with fewer than 50 workers. The Committee notes the Government’s reference to Chapters II, IV and V of the Regulation on the organization of activities for the protection of workers at work and occupational risk prevention, approved by Government Decision No. 95/2009, which regulates the organization and development of internal and external protection and prevention services. It also notes that, in accordance with section 11(4) of the Law on OSH, if the resources are not sufficient for the organization of protection activities, the employer is obliged to resort to external protection and prevention services accredited in the manner provided by law. Moreover, pursuant to section 7(12) of the Regulations on the organization and operation of the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, approved by Government Decision No. 149/2021, the Ministry is responsible for ensuring, through the subordinated institutions, the provision of services in the fields of its competence. The Committee requests the Government to provide practical information on the provision of occupational health services in undertakings with fewer than 50 workers, particularly where provided by external services, including the number or proportion of such undertakings using internal and external protection and prevention services. The Committee also requests the Government to provide information on the accreditation of external occupational health services, as foreseen in section 11(4) of the Law on OSH, as well as on the subordinated institution of the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection that is responsible for occupational health services.

Article 4(3)(e) of Convention No. 187. Research on occupational safety and health. The Committee notes the Government’s reference to the checklist in the field of OSH used by the SLI when carrying out supervisory activities which, however, does not refer to research on occupational safety and health. The Committee once again requests the Government to provide information on the measures taken to carry out research on occupational safety and health.

Article 11(c) of Convention No. 155 and Article 4(3)(f) of Convention No.187. Procedures for the notification of accidents and diseases and the collection and analysis of data. In its previous comment, the Committee requested the Government to provide information on the mechanisms for the collection and analysis of data on cases of occupational disease. The Committee notes that Government Decision No. 1282 of 2016 on the Approval of the Sanitary Regulation Regarding the Research and Establishment of the Diagnosis of Occupational Disease (intoxication) provides that the investigation of suspected cases of occupational diseases (including poisoning), their registration and reporting, as well as the recommendation of measures to improve working conditions, are the responsibility of the specialists of the public health centres of the National Agency for Public Health. This Agency is a subordinate institute of the Ministry of Health. The Committee also notes that the labour inspection report 2020 does not provide statistics on occupational diseases. According to this report, the delayed or missing communication to the SLI by the employer of the occurrence of the accident itself is an obstacle to the investigation of the circumstances and causes of occupational accidents. The Committee requests the Government to provide further information on the activities of the National Agency for Public Health with regard to the collection and analysis of data on cases of occupational disease, including relevant statistics. It also requests the Government to indicate the measures adopted to ensure coordination and exchange of information between the National Agency for Public Health and the SLI. Furthermore, the Committee requests the Government to provide information on the measures taken to reinforce the application of procedures for the notification of occupational accidents and diseases by employers.

Article 4(3)(h) of Convention No. 187. Support mechanisms for progressive improvement of OSH conditions in micro-enterprises, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and the informal economy. Noting the absence of information on this point in the Government’s report, the Committee once again requests the Government to indicate whether support mechanisms for the progressive improvement of OSH conditions in micro-enterprises, SMEs and the informal economy have been set up and implemented, and if so, to provide information on the measures taken.

D. National programme

Article 5 of Convention No. 187. Formulation, implementation, monitoring, evaluation and periodic review of a national programme on OSH, in consultation with the most representative organizations of employers and workers. In its previous comment, the Committee urged the Government to pursue its efforts to formulate, adopt and implement a national OSH programme, in consultation with the most representative organizations of employers and workers. The Committee notes that one of the outcomes of Decent Work Country Programme (DWCP) 2016–2020 aimed at improving the capacity of tripartite constituents to effectively implement a gender-sensitive national OSH programme. Noting the absence of information on the progress made in this regard, the Committee once again urges the Government to pursue its efforts to formulate, adopt and implement a national OSH programme, in consultation with the most representative organizations of employers and workers, as required by Article 5(1) of the Convention.

II. Action at the level of the enterprise

Article 20 of Convention No. 155 and Article 4(2)(d) of Convention No. 187. Arrangements to promote, at the level of the enterprise, cooperation between management, workers and their representatives. Micro-enterprises and SMEs. The Committee notes the Government’s reference to section 14(1)(a) of the Law on OSH regarding the employers’ responsibility in providing information and taking protective and preventive measures at the level of the enterprise. It notes, however, that the Government does not provide any specific information concerning micro-enterprises and SMEs. The Committee once again requests the Government to provide specific information on any measures taken or envisaged to further promote OSH with respect to micro enterprises and SMEs.

Application of Conventions Nos 155 and 187 in practice. The Committee previously requested the Government to provide statistical information on the number and nature of contraventions reported and the number, nature and causes of occupational accidents. It also requested the Government to indicate the measures adopted in order to ensure continuous improvement of occupational safety and health in the country. The Committee notes that the statistics contained in the labour inspection report for 2020 include information on the number of controls carried out by OSH inspectors and the number of violations recorded. The labour inspection report also includes breakdowns on sector-based occupational accidents and fatalities as well as information on the causes of accidents. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide statistical information on the number and nature of the contraventions reported and the number, nature and causes of occupational accidents.

E. Protection against specific risks

Guarding of Machinery Convention, 1963 (No. 119)

Article 1(3) of the Convention. Application of the provisions of the Convention to road and rail vehicles and to mobile agricultural machinery. The Committee previously noted that paragraph 2(e), Chapter I, of the Government Decision No. 130 of 2014 on the approval of Technical Regulations on Industrial Machines, excludes from the scope of its application: tractors and trailers intended for use in agriculture, except machinery mounted thereon; vehicles and their trailers, designed and constructed for use on the road; and means of transport by railroad tracks, except machinery installed thereon.

The Committee notes the Government’s indication that the relevant requirements are contained in OSH-related documents relevant for the activity of the Moldavian Railway Company and other road transport companies. The Government also refers to the provisions of Government Decision No. 603/2011 on minimum safety and health requirements for the use of work equipment by workers at work, which provides requirements applicable to mobile work equipment, self-propelled or not. The Committee requests the Government to provide further details on the provisions of the OSH-related documents that regulate the activity of the Moldavian Railway Company and other road transport companies giving effect to the provisions of the Convention. With regard to the exclusion of means of transport intended for use in the agriculture and forestry sector, the Committee refers to its comment below on Convention No. 184.

Articles 2 and 4. Prohibition of the sale and hire, transfer or exhibition of machinery without appropriate guards. The Committee previously noted that the obligation contained in paragraph 6 of the Technical Regulations on Industrial Machines refers to manufacturers or their authorized agent. The Committee requested the Government to indicate the measures adopted to give effect to Article 4 of the Convention, which provides that the obligation to ensure compliance with the requirements of Article 2 of the Convention shall rest on the vendor, the person letting out on hire or transferring the machinery in any other manner, on the exhibitor and, where appropriate under national laws or regulations, on their respective agents. Noting the absence of information on the matter, the Committee once again requests the Government to indicate the measures taken to give effect to Article 4 of the Convention.

Articles 6 and 11(1). Prohibition of the use of machinery without appropriate guards. Prohibition of a worker from using, or being required to use machinery without the guards provided being in position. Noting the absence of information in the Government’s report, the Committee once again requests the Government to indicate the measures that have been taken or are envisaged to: (i) prohibit the use of machinery, any dangerous part of which, including the point of operation, is without appropriate guard; and (ii) prohibit a worker from using or being required to use machinery without the guards provided being in position.

Article 13. Application to self-employed workers of the obligations of employers and workers contained in Part III of the Convention. Noting the absence of information in this regard, the Committee requests the Government to provide information regarding the application of Article 13 of the Convention.

Application in practice. The Committee notes that, according to the labour inspection report of 2020, the number of accidents, including fatal accidents, in the manufacturing industry is the highest after the public sector, including defence. The labour inspection report also indicates that accidents caused by catching, hitting or crushing of machineries and other equipment is the most common cause of occupational injuries. The Committee requests the Government to continue providing information on the application of the Convention in practice including statistics disaggregated by gender if available, on the number of workers covered by the legislation, the number and nature of the contraventions reported, the number, nature and causes of the accidents reported, and information on any practical difficulties in the application of the Convention.

F. Protection in specific branches of activity

Safety and Health in Agriculture Convention, 2001 (No. 184)

Article 4 of the Convention. National policy on safety and health in agriculture. Consultations with the representative organizations of employers and workers. The Committee previously requested the Government to provide information on the agricultural component of the draft National OSH Strategy and on the consultations held with employers’ and workers’ organizations for the elaboration of the strategy. Noting the absence of information in the Government’s report, the Committee requests the Government to provide information on any development regarding the elaboration of a national OSH strategy, indicating any provisions which specifically concern safety and health in agriculture, and on the manner in which the employers’ and workers’ organizations concerned have been consulted in the elaboration of this strategy.

Article 9. Technical standards. Machinery safety and ergonomics. Manufacturers, importers and suppliers. The Committee previously noted that the Technical Regulations on Industrial Machines do not apply to means of transport intended for use in the agriculture and forestry sector (tractors, trailers, towed machines, etc.). Noting the absence of information in the Government’s report, the Committee once again requests the Government to provide further information on the manner in which it is giving effect to Article 9 with regard to means of transport in the agricultural sector.

Article 11(1). Establishing safety and health requirements for the handling and transport of materials. Following its previous comments, the Committee notes with interest the Government’s indication in its report that the minimum requirements for safety and health at work for manual handling of loads presenting risks to workers was approved by Government Decision No. 584 of 2016. In accordance with section 5, when the manual handling of loads cannot be avoided, the employer must organize the work in such a way that the handling is as safe as possible for the health of workers. The employer is also obliged to evaluate in advance the OSH conditions in which the work is performed, taking into account the elements specified in Annex I, including characteristics of loads (maximum weight for different workers and situations), physical efforts required, characteristics of the working environment, activity requirements and individual risk factors. The Committee takes note of this information, which addresses its previous requests.

Article 12. Appropriate system for the importation, classification, packaging and labelling of chemicals, and adequate information. Disposal of chemical waste. Following its previous comments, the Committee notes that the several provisions of the Law on Chemicals, adopted in 2018, give effect to Article 12 of the Convention. Chapter III provides for the responsibilities and obligations of operators in the supply chain (manufacturers, importers and any other operators), including in particular section 13 (hazardous and risk information on chemical substances and mixtures), section 14 (packaging of chemical substances and chemical mixtures) and section 15 (presentation of information regarding chemicals). Section 31(2) provides that the collection, disposal and packaging of hazardous chemicals shall be carried out in accordance with the Law on waste (adopted in 2016). The Committee also notes that, according to section 46(2) of the Law on Chemicals, the Government shall ensure the gradual establishment of the classification and labeling system and inventory within three years of the entry into force of this Law. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on any development regarding the establishment of a classification and labelling system and inventory, as required by section 46(2) of the Law on Chemicals.

Article 13. Preventive and protective measures for the use of chemicals and handling of chemical waste at the level of the undertaking. The Committee notes that the Government’s report does not contain any information on the law and practice on preventive and protective measures for the use of chemicals and handling of chemical waste at the level of the undertaking. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the law and practice followed in application of Article 13.

Article 14. Animal handling and protection against biological risks. The Committee previously requested the Government to provide information on progress made in adopting national provisions giving effect to Article 14 of the Convention. Noting the absence of information in this regard, the Committee once again requests the Government to provide information on progress made in adopting national provisions giving effect to Article 14 of the Convention and to supply a copy of these provisions once adopted.

Article 19(b). Minimum accommodation standards for agricultural workers. The Committee once again notes the absence of information on this point. It therefore requests the Government to indicate the legislation or other provisions prescribing minimum accommodation standards for workers who are required by the nature of the work to live temporarily or permanently in the undertaking, and to supply information on consultations held with representative organizations of employers and workers concerned in this regard.

Application in practice. The Committee refers to its comment on the application in practice of the Labour Inspection (Agriculture) Convention, 1969 (No. 129).

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2015, published 105th ILC session (2016)

Article 4 of the Convention. National policy on safety and health in agriculture. Consultations with the representative organizations of employers and workers. The Committee notes from the Government’s report that among other actions envisaged to enhance occupational safety and health (OSH) in the country, the Government refers to the elaboration of a National OSH Strategy, designed for a period of three to four years, and its implementing plan of actions. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on provisions contained in the draft National OSH Strategy which specifically concern safety and health in agriculture, and on the manner in which the employers’ and workers’ organizations concerned were consulted in the elaboration of this strategy.

Article 9. Technical standards. Machinery safety and ergonomics. Manufacturers, importers and suppliers. In reply to the Committee’s previous request for information on the effect given to this Article of the Convention, the Government refers to Government Decision No. 603 of 11 August 2011 on minimum safety and health requirements for the use of work equipment which is applicable to all workers, including agricultural workers. The Committee notes in particular that Annexes 2 and 3 to the Decision set out a number of requirements regarding the installation, use, maintenance and safeguard of machinery and equipment, including personal protective equipment. It further notes the Government’s reference to Government Decision No. 138 of 10 February 2009 approving technical regulations, which also lays down rules regarding personal protective equipment, and to Government Decision No. 130 of 21 February 2014 approving technical regulations on industrial machinery which sets out requirements for the design, construction and placing on the market of machinery. It also notes that this latter Decision does not apply to means of transport intended for use in the agriculture and forestry sector (tractors, trailers, towed machines, etc.). The Committee requests the Government to provide further information on the manner in which it is giving effect to Article 9 as regards means of transport in the agricultural sector.

Article 11(1). Establishing safety and health requirements for the handling and transport of materials. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that the Ministry of Labour, Social Protection and Family is currently elaborating a draft Government Decision to transpose European Union Council Directive 90/269/EEC of 29 May 1990 on the minimum health and safety requirements for the manual handling of loads where there is a risk particularly of back injury to workers. It adds that the Act is due to enter into force in 2015 or 2016. The Committee draws the attention of the Government to the fact that the safety and health requirements envisaged in Article 11(1) of the Convention shall be based on risk assessment, technical standards and medical opinion, and established after consultation of the representative organizations of employers and workers concerned. The Committee requests the Government to transmit a copy of the Government Decision once it has been adopted and to provide information on the consultations carried out with the representative organizations of employers and workers concerned.

Article 12. Appropriate system for the importation, classification, packaging and labelling of chemicals, and adequate information. Disposal of chemical waste. The Committee notes the Government’s reference to Government Decision No. 324 of 30 May 2013 approving the sanitary regulations on occupational safety and health ensuring the protection of workers from risks due to chemical agents at the workplace. However, the Committee notes that while this Decision sets out general obligations for employers to assess, prevent and protect workers against risks due to chemical agents, it does not seem to contain provisions which would give effect to Article 12 of the Convention. In this respect, the Committee recalls that Article 12 provides for the institution of a national system establishing criteria for the importation, classification, packaging and labelling of chemicals used in agriculture, and for their banning or restriction; adequate and appropriate information to the users; and the establishment of a system for the safe collection, recycling and disposal of chemical waste. Therefore, the Committee requests the Government to provide information on the manner in which effect is given to Article 12 of the Convention, as regards:

• -the establishment of a national system specifying the criteria for the importation, classification, packaging and labelling of chemicals used in agriculture and for their banning or restriction (Article 12(a));
• -the obligation of those who produce, import, provide, sell, transfer, store or dispose of chemicals used in agriculture to comply with national safety and health standards and to provide adequate and appropriate information to the users in the appropriate official language of the country and, on request, to the competent authority (Article 12(b)); and
• -the establishment of a suitable system for the safe collection, recycling and disposal of chemical waste, obsolete chemicals and empty containers of chemicals (Article 12(c)).

Article 13. Preventive and protective measures for the use of chemicals and handling of chemical waste. The Committee notes the information provided by the Government in reply to its previous comment regarding the effect given to Article 13 of the Convention on preventive and protective measures for the use of chemicals and handling of chemical waste. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information in relation to the law and practice in relation thereto.

Article 14. Animal handling and protection against biological risks. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that effect will be given to this Article of the Convention through the transposition of Directive 2000/54/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 September 2000 on the protection of workers from risks related to exposure to biological agents at work and Commission Directive 91/322/EEC of 29 May 1991 on establishing indicative limit values by implementing Council Directive 80/1107/EEC on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to chemical, physical and biological agents at work. The transposition of these directives is planned for 2016. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on progress made in adopting national provisions which give effect to Article 14 of the Convention and to supply a copy of these provisions once they have been adopted.

Article 19(b). Minimum accommodation standards for agricultural workers. In the absence of the Government’s reply on this point, the Committee once again requests the Government to indicate the legislation or other provisions prescribing the minimum accommodation standards for workers who are required by the nature of the work to live temporarily or permanently in the undertaking and to supply information on consultations held with representative organizations of employers and workers concerned in this regard.

Application in practice. The Committee notes the detailed information provided by the Government regarding inspections visits carried out by the State Labour Inspectorate in 2013–14 and the results thereof. It notes in particular that according to national statistics, 8 per cent of the workers in the country are employed in conditions which do not meet OSH standards and are thus exposed to heat; noise or vibration levels above maximum exposure limits; gas, dust and other air impurities in high concentrations; and increased air humidity, etc. Furthermore, the Committee takes note of the statistical data provided by the Government concerning work-related accidents reported between 2009 and 2012. In this regard, it notes that the agricultural sector is still among high-risk sectors with 138 occupational accidents and 30 fatalities reported between 2009 and 2013. The Committee further notes that in general, injuries sustained are caused by falls, accidents due to machines and tools or falling objects. Finally, the Committee notes the Government’s indication that investigation of work-related accidents by the Labour Inspectorate is still hindered by delays in or lack of reporting of such occurrences by employers. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information on the manner in which the Convention is applied in practice, including information on the number of agricultural workers covered by the legislation, on activities carried out by the State Labour Inspectorate (monitoring and investigation of accidents) and the results thereof, and on the number, nature and causes of work-related accidents and cases of occupational diseases reported in the agricultural sector. It also requests the Government to supply specific information on measures, taken or envisaged, to ensure that work-related accidents are duly and timely reported and to address the causes of such accidents.

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

The Committee notes with interest the information provided by the Government in its latest report, and the attached documentation, indicating recent legislative amendments, which give  further effect to the Convention, including the Law on Occupational Safety and Health of 10 July 2008, No. 186-XVI. The Committee also notes the responses provided with regard to effect given to Articles 6(2) and 7(c) of the Convention. The Committee refers the Government to its previous comments on the Government’s proposed 2003 Plan of Measures to implement the provisions of the Convention and would be grateful if the Government would provide information on progress achieved in this respect. The Committee also reiterates its request that the Government submit a copy of Ordinance No. 193 of 3 September 2003.

The Committee notes that the Government has not provided supplementary information, as requested in the Committee’s previous comments, on effect given to the following provisions of the Convention:

Article 9, paragraph 1. Measures prescribing that personal protective equipment comply with recognized safety and health standards. Information on legislative or other provisions prescribing that personal protective equipment used in agriculture comply with national or other recognized safety and health standards.

Article 9, paragraphs 2 and 3. Provision of information on machinery safety and ergonomics. Measures to ensure that manufacturers, importers and suppliers comply with the technical standards and provide adequate and appropriate information, in the official language or languages of the user country, to the users and, on request, to the competent authority, and that employers ensure that workers receive and understand such information.

Article 11, paragraph 1. Establishing safety and health requirements for the handling and transport of materials. Measures to establish safety and health requirements, based on risk assessment, technical standards and medical opinion, for the handling and transport of materials, particularly on manual handling.

Article 12. Measures to be taken by the competent authority. Measures to ensure that the competent authority establish a system for the importation, classification, packaging and labelling of chemicals used in agriculture and for their banning or restriction as well as a system for the safe collection, recycling and disposal of chemical waste, obsolete chemicals and empty containers of chemicals; provision of adequate and appropriate information to the users from those who produce, import, provide, sell, transfer, store or dispose of chemicals used in agriculture.

Article 13. Preventive and protective measures. Measures to ensure that there are preventive and protective measures for the use of chemicals and handling of chemical waste at the level of the undertaking as well as for the preparation, handling, application, storage and transportation of chemicals.

Article 14. Activities to comply with national or other recognized health and safety standards. Information on national laws or regulations ensuring that risks such as those of infection, allergy or poisoning are prevented or kept to a minimum when biological agents are handled, and activities involving animals, livestock and stabling areas, comply with national or other recognized health and safety standards. Please also include information on legislative or other measures – including the development of national standards – specifically as regards the handling of poultry and the possible risks related thereto.

Article 19, paragraph (b). Minimum accommodation standards for workers. Information on legislative or other provisions prescribing the minimum accommodation standards for workers who are required by the nature of the work to live temporarily or permanently in the undertaking.

Part V of the report form. Application in practice. The Committee notes that the Government refers to the report on the activity of the labour inspection for 2008 regarding general information on the procedure of ensuring occupational safety and health in agriculture. The Committee requests the Government to submit relevant extracts of the latest labour inspection report as well as to provide information on any other measures taken or envisaged with regard to the application of the Convention in practice.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2005, published 95th ILC session (2006)

1. The Committee takes note of the comprehensive Government’s first report, including information on the practical application of the Convention through the Report on the Labour Inspection Activities for 2003, which allows the Committee to appreciate the manner in which the Convention is applied in practice in the country. It appears from the information available that legislative conformity is ensured with the main provisions of the Convention and that complementary information is required on the application of a number of points referred to in the following. The Committee takes this opportunity to refer to a project from 2003 to adopt a plan of measures to implement the provisions of the Convention and would be grateful if the Government would provide any information on progress achieved in this respect. The Government is requested to provide, in its next report, the information concerning the following points.

2. Article 6, paragraph 2, of the Convention. Information on the provisions of national laws and regulations or other measures taken by the competent authority regulating the prescribed cooperation in applying safety and health requirements between two or more employers that undertake activities in an agricultural workplace.

3. Article 7, paragraph (c). Information on legislative or other provisions containing the employers’ obligation to take immediate steps to stop any operation where there is an imminent and serious danger to safety and health and to evacuate workers.

4. Article 9, paragraph 1. Information on legislative or other provisions prescribing that personal protective equipment used in agriculture comply with national or other recognized safety and health standards.

5. Article 9, paragraphs 2 and 3. Measures to ensure that manufacturers, importers and suppliers comply with the technical standards and provide adequate and appropriate information, in the official language or languages of the user country, to the users and, on request, to the competent authority, and that employers shall be sure that workers receive and understand such information.

6. Article 11, paragraph 1. Measures to establish safety and health requirements, based on risk assessment, technical standards and medical opinion, for the handling and transport of materials, particularly on manual handling.

7. Article 12. Measures to ensure that the competent authority establish a system for the importation, classification, packaging and labelling of chemicals used in agriculture and for their banning or restriction as well as a system for the safe collection, recycling and disposal of chemical waste, obsolete chemicals and empty containers of chemicals; provision of adequate and appropriate information to the users from those who produce, import, provide, sell, transfer, store or dispose of chemicals used in agriculture.

8. Article 13. Measures to ensure that there are preventive and protective measures for the use of chemicals and handling of chemical waste at the level of the undertaking as well as for the preparation, handling, application, storage and transportation of chemicals.

9. Article 14. Information on national laws or regulations ensuring that risks such as those of infection, allergy or poisoning are prevented or kept to a minimum when biological agents are handled, and activities involving animals, livestock and stabling areas, comply with national or other recognized health and safety standards. Please also include information on legislative or other measures - including the development of national standards - specifically as regards the handling of poultry and the possible risks related thereto.

10. Article 19, paragraph (b). Information on legislative or other provisions prescribing the minimum accommodation standards for workers who are required by the nature of the work to live temporarily or permanently in the undertaking.

11. Part V of the report form. The Committee notes with interest the detailed information regarding the practical application of the Convention including the information contained in the report from the Labour Inspectorate Activities for 2003 as well as the institutional cooperation established between the labour inspectorate and the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry through Ordinance No. 193 of 3 September 2003 on measures related to labour protection. The Committee notes with concern that the labour inspectorate reports that in the course of inspections carried out in almost 300 agricultural undertakings, some 3,000 cases of infringements of legislative and other provisions in the area of occupational safety and health have been reported. The Committee also notes that, according to information in the report, the inspectorate exercises its authority, inter alia, through the granting of authorizations to undertakings to carry out productive activities and that such authorizations can be conditioned on establishing suitable occupational safety and health conditions. The Committee requests the Government to keep it informed of all these developments with its next report and to include information on any other measures taken or envisaged to address these concerns as well as a copy of Ordinance No. 193 of 3 September 2003.