Safety and Health in Construction Convention, 1988 (No. 167) - Colombia (Ratification: 1994)

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2022, published 111st ILC session (2023)

In order to provide a comprehensive view of the issues relating to the application of ratified occupational safety and health (OSH) Conventions, the Committee considers it appropriate to examine the application of Conventions Nos 13 (white lead, paint), 136 (benzene), 161 (occupational health services), 162 (asbestos), 167 (OSH in construction), 170 (chemicals) and 174 (major industrial accidents) together in a single comment.

The Committee notes the observations of the Single Confederation of Workers of Colombia (CUT), the Confederation of Workers of Colombia (CTC) and the General Confederation of Labour (CGT), received on 1 September 2018, on the application of Conventions Nos 136 and 162, and the joint observations of the CUT, CTC and CGT, transmitted with the Government’s report, on the application of Conventions Nos 136, 162 and 174. The Committee also notes the Government’s reply, received on 20 November 2018, in relation to the 2018 observations of the CUT, CTC and CGT.

A.General provisions

Occupational Health Services Convention, 1985 (No. 161)

The Committee notes the information provided by the Government in relation to its previous comments on Articles 9(1) and 11 (multidisciplinary nature of occupational health services and qualifications required for persons providing such services) of the Convention.

Articles 2 and 4 of the Convention. Coherent national policy on occupational health services. Implementation measures. Consultation with employers and workers organizations. With reference to its previous comments, the Committee notes the Government’s indication in its report that the National OSH Plan 2022-31 was adopted by Decision No. 3077 of 2022. The Plan was prepared in a consensual manner with all the actors in the General Labour Risks System (SGRL) and seeks to contribute to the improvement of the health and working conditions of all dependent, self-employed and own-account workers and vulnerable groups in the national territory. The Government specifies that the Plan was formulated with the participation of the National OSH Committee (of tripartite composition), Government bodies, employers and trade unions and workers. The Committee also welcomes the fact that the National OSH Plan envisages activities intended to: (i) articulate action for the surveillance of the health of workers with a view to the management of risks at the national and territorial levels (operational item 2.1); articulate action for the provision of services by health-care institutions, health promotion bodies and occupational risk administrators (ARLs) (operational item 2.2); (iii) develop and promote occupational medicine activities for the control of health risks (operational item 4.5); and (iv) promote the OHS management system (SG-SST) in enterprises and compliance with minimum standards (operational item 4.8). The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the progress achieved in the implementation of the National OSH Plan 2022-31, with particular reference to measures relating to occupational health services. The Committee also requests the Government to indicate the measures adopted for the periodic review of the Plan in consultation with the most representative organizations of employers and workers.

Articles 3 to 5. Progressive development of occupational health services for all workers. Consultation and functions. With reference to its previous comments, the Committee notes the Government’s indication in its report that, following the adoption of Decision No. 3710 of 2019, existing sectoral national OSH committees were restructured and others have been established for priority economic sectors, and that there are currently eleven committees at the national level (for the public, agricultural, health, construction, hydrocarbon, mining, electricity, transport, information and communication technology and small and medium-sized enterprise sectors and for pneumoconiosis agents), which are composed of representatives of workers, employers and State bodies, among other actors. The Committee notes this information, which addresses its previous request.

Article 5. Functions of occupational health services. 1. Adequate and appropriate functions for the occupational health risks of the enterprises. With reference to its previous comments, the Committee notes that, according to the information provided by the Government, amendments were made in 2018 and 2022 to Decree No. 1072 of 2015 issuing consolidated labour regulations, which regulates the SG-SST, which has to be implemented by all employers, irrespective of their nature or size, with the participation of workers, with a view to ensuring the application of OSH measures, the improvement of the behaviour of workers, working conditions and environment, and the effective control or risks and hazards at the workplace.

In this regard, the Committee notes that section 2.2.4.6.37 of Decree No. 1072, as amended in 2016 and 2017, provides that all public and private employers, contractors of personnel under any type of civil, commercial or administrative contract, solidarity economy and cooperative organizations, as well as temporary work enterprises, shall replace the occupational health programme by the SG-SST, as from 1 June 2017, and that as from that date a process shall be commenced which shall result in the implementation, follow up and regular inspection of the system. The Committee also notes that Decision No. 312 of 2019 has established minimum standards with which enterprises, employers and contractors must be in compliance within the framework of the SG-SST, and that the standards have been set as a function of the number of workers employed and the risk classification of their work. With reference to the latter issue, the Committee notes that the Decision establishes differentiated minimum OSH standards for three groups of enterprises, employers and contractors, classified according to the level of risk. In relation to the type of risks, the Committee notes that Decree No. 768 of 2022 approved an updated schedule of the classification of economic activities based on the type of risk involved. Recalling that in previous reports the Government indicated that the majority of the functions of occupational health services set out in Article 5 of the Convention are entrusted to occupational risk administrators (ARLs), the Committee requests the Government to provide updated information on the manner in which, within the framework of the SG-SST, such functions are implemented in each of the three groups of enterprises, employers and contractors indicated in Decision No. 312 of 2019, with an indication of whether they continue to be entrusted to the ARLs or to other entities responsible for occupational health services at the enterprise level.

2. Mining sector. The Committee notes the information provided by the Government in reply to its previous request concerning the national policy for the formalization of mining and the national mining safety policy, which has been updated by Decision No. 40209 of 2022, In particular, the Government explains that the policy was updated after a high rate of accidents and fatal occurrences had been noted in the context of the previous policy and that the updated policy has the objective of reducing that rate and improving the safety conditions of work in the mining sector through the development and implementation of a culture of prevention. Within the context of the updated policy, the objective is for the accident rate in mining in Colombia to be reduced by 40 per cent by 2025 in relation to the current rate and by 80 per cent by 2030. The Committee requests the Government to indicate whether specific measures have been adopted in practice to reinforce health services in the mining sector, and particularly: (i) the organization of first aid and emergency treatment (Article 5(j) of the Convention); and (ii) the participation of workers in analysis of occupational accidents and diseases (Article 5(k) of the Convention). The Committee also requests the Government to provide information on the implementation of the updated national mining safety policy, with an indication of the progress achieved in the reduction of the accident rate in the sector.

Article 10. Full professional independence of the personnel providing occupational health services. With reference to its previous comments, the Committee notes the Government’s indication that, in accordance with section 2.2.4.6.29 of Decree No. 1072 of 2015, with a view to complying with the requirement to carry out annual audits of the SG-SST, employers may have recourse to suitable internal personnel, who shall be independent of the activity, area or process under verification. As this provision does not address the substance of its previous comment, the Committee once again requests the Government to indicate the provisions adopted to ensure the full professional independence of the personnel providing occupational health services.

Article 14. Obligation of the employer and of workers to inform the occupational health services of any known factors and any suspected factors in the working environment which may affect the workers’ health. With reference to its previous comments, the Committee notes the Government’s indication that section 2.2.4.6.15 of Decree No. 1072 of 2015 provides that the employer shall inform the joint or monitoring OSH committee of the results of working environment evaluations so that it can issue the appropriate recommendations. The Committee requests the Government to indicate whether employers are required to transmit this information to the ARLs or other bodies responsible for health services at the enterprise level.

Article 15. Notification to occupational health services of occurrences of ill health among workers and absence from work. With reference to its previous comments, the Committee notes the Government’s indication that, following its amendment by Decision No. 2851 of 2015, section 3 of Decision No. 156 of 2005 adopting the format of employment injury and occupational disease notifications, provides that: (i) the employer or contractor shall notify the corresponding ARL of the occurrence of an occupational disease, submitting a report for that purpose within two working days of the diagnosis; (ii) workers or their representatives may submit the report to the ARL if the employer has not done so within the time limit indicated; and (iii) on the basis of the report received, among other evidence, the bodies established by law shall determine the origin of the disease. The Committee requests the Government to indicate whether measures have also been adopted to ensure that the ARLs or other entities responsible for health services at the enterprise level are informed of absences from work for health reasons in order to be able to identify whether there is any relation between the reasons for the absence and any health hazards which may be present in the workplace.

B.Protection against specific risks

1.While Lead (Painting) Convention, 1921 (No. 13)

Legislation. With reference to its previous comments, the Committee notes with interest the adoption of Act No. 2041 of 2020, guaranteeing the right of persons to develop physically and intellectually in an environment free from lead, and setting limits for its content in products commercialized in the country.

The Committee also notes the information provided by the Government in relation to its previous comments on Article 5(I) and (II) (requirement to regulate the use of white lead, sulphate of lead and any other product containing these pigments in operations for which their use is not prohibited) of the Convention.

Article 1 of the Convention. Prohibition of the use of while lead, sulphate of lead and all other products containing these pigments. Maximum authorized limit for the use of white pigments. Consultation of employers’ and workers’ organizations. With reference to its previous comments, the Committee notes that section 9 of Act No. 2041 of 2020: (i) prohibits the use, manufacture, import or commercialization in the country of architectural paint (also for decorative use or in the home or works) which contains lead in any of its forms at levels higher than those set out in the technical regulations issued by the Government; and (ii) provides that until such regulations are issued, the prohibition shall apply to architectural paint containing in excess of 90 parts per million (0.009 per cent) of lead. Recalling that, as a general rule, Article 1 of the Convention requires the prohibition of the use of sulphate of lead and all products containing these pigments in the internal painting of buildings, the Committee requests the Government to specify whether this prohibition is included in the prohibition of the use of architectural paint (also for decorative use or in the home or works) which contains lead, as envisaged in section 9 of Act No. 2041 of 2020. The Committee also requests it to provide information on the system that was used to consult the employers’ and workers’ organizations concerned prior to the adoption of the Act. It further requests the Government to provide information on the technical regulations that have been adopted with a view to establishing the maximum limits for lead permitted in paint in accordance with the recommendations of the World Health Organization and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, in conformity with sections 10 and 17 of the Act.

Also with reference to its previous comments, the Committee notes the Government’s indication in its report that project No. 9771 of the Global Environment Facility (GEF) on Global Best Practices on Emerging Chemical Policy Issues of Concern under the Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management envisages the promotion of regulatory and voluntary action by governments and industry to phase out lead in paint. The Committee also notes the Government’s indication that the implementation of the project in Colombia commenced in 2019 and that, within the context of the project, a market study on paint in Colombia on the baseline for paint containing lead was undertaken in 2020. The Committee notes that, according to the study, white lead is almost not used in the country. The Committee requests the Government to continue providing information on the measures adopted within the context of project No. 9771 of the GEF, and particularly on those that give effect to the provisions of the Convention.

Article 5(III). Requirement to regulate the use of white lead, sulphate of lead and any other product containing these pigments in operations for which their use is not prohibited. Health surveillance and special precautions. The Committee notes that section 13 of Act No. 2041 of 2020, guaranteeing the right of persons to develop physically and intellectually in an environment free from lead, provides that: (i) prior to the entry of the worker, an initial assessment shall be carried out of the levels of lead to ensure that they are below the legal limits and if the assessment indicates that any worker is subject to exposure that is equal to or higher than those limits, the employer, together with the ARL, shall carry out regular environmental controls with a view to reducing the sources of exposure in the enterprise and the re-establishment of the health of the worker; (ii) in those workplaces in which there exists a risk of exposure to lead, the employer shall carry out an evaluation of the maximum permissible limits of lead in working environments by gathering personal samples, equipping the worker with measuring devices, taking into account the work performed, the working conditions and the duration of exposure; and (iii) the Ministry of Labour, together with the Ministry of Health and Social Protection, shall determine the methods of sampling, conditions for sampling and analysis used and supervise their implementation. The Committee also notes that section 19 of the Act provides that the National OSH Committee shall ensure the execution, evaluation and implementation of the appropriate and necessary action to contribute to the preservation of the health of workers in environments in which lead is present. The Committee takes note of this information, which addresses its previous request.

Article 7. Statistics on lead poisoning among working painters and application in practice. With reference to its previous comments, the Committee notes the Government’s indication that, according to the information provided by the ARLs, in May 2021 there were 18 diagnosed cases of illnesses due to the toxic effects of lead and its compounds, of which ten had occurred in enterprises engaged in the manufacture of electrical accumulators and batteries, and there were no references to cases of lead poisoning or presumed lead poisoning among working painters.

The Committee also notes the Government’s comments in relation to the previous observations of the CUT, in which it refers to the measures adopted to increase the number of labour inspectors, as well as the establishment in 2022 of internal labour inspection groups for occupational risks at both the central level and in various territorial departments and special offices with a view to reinforcing inspection in this respect. The Committee also notes that section 7 of Act No. 2041 of 2020 provides that the health and labour authorities, within the scope of their competences, shall reinforce control and follow-up action with a view to controlling the exposure of workers to lead. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the measures adopted to ensure the enforcement in workplaces of the prohibition of the use of architectural paints (also for decorative use or in homes or works) containing lead, as envisaged in section 9 of Act No. 2041 of 2020.

2.Benzene Convention, 1971 (No. 136)

Article 4 of the Convention. Prohibition of the use of benzene. With reference to its previous comments, the Committee notes the Government’s indication in its report that, although OSH standards have been adopted that are applicable to workers engaged in high-risk activities, standards have not been adopted on specific substances, such as benzene. The Committee also notes the indication by the CTC, CUT and CGT in their observations that the standards adopted by the Government do not prohibit the use of benzene or of products containing benzene and reiterate that it is necessary for the Government to identify situations of risk in all activities in which workers are exposed to benzene and products containing benzene, which should be enumerated and regulated. The Committee also notes the Government’s reference to a draft Decision adopting technical OSH regulations for the prevention and control of the risk of exposure to benzene and its compounds, which is being reviewed for its technical and legal feasibility and will subsequently be referred for consultation with the actors concerned and published to gather observations. The Committee requests the Government to continue providing information on any progress achieved in the adoption of these regulations, with a view to determining the types of work in which the use of benzene and products containing benzene shall be prohibited.

Article 5. Preventive occupational hygiene and technical measures. With reference to its previous comments, the Committee notes the Government’s indication that: (i) the guide on comprehensive evidence-based occupational health care for workers exposed to benzene and its products (GATISO-BTX-EB) was produced with a view to issuing evidence-based recommendations for the comprehensive management (promotion, prevention, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of central and/or peripheral neurotoxicity associated with occupational exposure to benzene, with the indication that the Occupational Risks Department is reviewing the technical, legal and contractual feasibility of updating the guide; (ii) the ten-year plan for controlling cancer 2012-21 is still in the process of implementation at the national level, with the indication that under strategic item 1 controlling the risk of occupational carcinogens is envisaged (No. 1.5) and the objective is set of between 50 and 70 per cent of formal sector enterprises which handle the five principal occupational carcinogenic substances, which include benzene, will have levels of exposure below the permissible limit value; (iii) in 2016, the occupational cancer epidemiological surveillance system was created with the objective, for preventive purposes, of collecting and analysing reliable and updated information on the characteristics of occupational exposure, of workers exposed to carcinogenic substances and health events related to such exposure to the five carcinogenic substances referred to in the ten-year plan; (iv) in 2017, the Ministry of Labour and the National Cancerology Institute issued a booklet on the prevention of the chemical risk of exposure to asbestos, benzene and silica in motor mechanical workshops in Bogotá, with reference to the possibility of updating the booklet and issuing documents for the dissemination of preventive information; and (v) regulations are in the process of being drawn up on minimum preventive action for work involving toxic and carcinogenic substances, including benzene.

The Committee notes the indication by the CTC, CUT and CGT in their observations that the ARLs are not discharging effectively their function of providing technical support within the framework of the SG-SST and they consider it necessary for them to develop prevention mechanisms in view of the risk arising from benzene and products containing benzene. In this regard, the Government refers to the legislative provisions requiring the ARLs to provide technical advice and assistance to their member enterprises and workers in the context of the implementation of the SG-SST (section 2.2.4.6.9 of Decree No. 1072 of 2015) and regulating the promotional and preventive services for which they are responsible, including the development of risk prevention and surveillance activities and programmes in member enterprises and the provision of technical advice to carry out studies to assess occupational or industrial hygiene, the design and control of technical control measures, based on the risk level, with a view to reducing the exposure of workers to permissible levels (sections 10 and 11 of Act No. 1562 of 2012). The Committee requests the Government to continue providing information on the adoption and implementation of preventive technical and occupational hygiene measures to ensure the effective protection of workers exposed to benzene or products containing benzene, with an indication of the measures adopted in practice by the ARLs and the progress achieved in relation to the action referred to in the previous paragraph.

Article 9(1)(b). Periodic medical examinations of workers. With reference to its previous comments, the Committee notes that section 7.3.2 of the GATISO-BTX-EB indicates the manner in which surveillance must be maintained of the health of workers at risk of developing central or peripheral neurotoxicity and who are exposed to benzene and its derivatives, and that flow chart No. 4 of the guide indicates that the medical surveillance of the neurological pathology of exposed workers shall be carried out annually and if the result of the monitoring is positive, the worker concerned must be removed from exposure to benzene and its derivatives and subsequently reassessed. The Committee notes that section 1 of Decision No. 1013 of 2008 provides that the GATISO-BTX-EB is a required reference for employers and other actors in the SG-SST for the health surveillance of workers exposed to benzene and its derivatives. Nevertheless, the Committee notes the indication by the CTC, CUT and CGT in their observations that, at the operational level, the regular examinations of workers do not correspond to the specific needs and characteristics of the activities that they perform, including in the case of workers exposed to benzene. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the implementation in practice of the directives contained in the GATISO-BTX-EB on the health surveillance of workers exposed to benzene or products containing benzene.

3.Asbestos Convention, 1986 (No. 162)

Articles 4 and 10 of the Convention. Consultation of employers’ and workers’ organizations. Replacement of asbestos or the total or partial prohibition of its use. With reference to its previous comments, the Committee notes that Act No. 1968 of 2019 provides that: (i) as from 1 January 2021, it shall be prohibited to use, produce, commercialize, import, distribute or export any type of asbestos or products containing asbestos manufactured on the national territory, but that this prohibition does not cover asbestos installed prior to that data (section 2); (ii) as from the adoption of the Act, concessions, licences and permits shall not be granted or extended for the exploitation or exploration for asbestos in the national territory (section 4); (iii) a plan for the adaptation of work and the reconversion of production shall be drawn up for workers in asbestos mines and the asbestos industry (section 5); and (iv) the National OSH Commission on asbestos, chrysotile and other fibres shall cease to function as from 1 January 2021 (section 8).

The Committee also notes the Government’s indication that, within the framework of the Act, Decree No. 402 of 2021 was adopted establishing provisions related to the prohibition of the import and export of asbestos, and the National OSH Commission on pneumoconiosis agents has been established in accordance with Decision No. 3710 of 2019. The Committee notes that sections 29 and 32 of the Decision provide respectively that the National OSH Commission on pneumoconiosis agents is a technical and operational body for the policies and guidance of the SGRL in relation to the exploitation and safe use of pneumoconiosis agents and that it includes representatives of workers and employers among its members. The Government specifies that the Commission includes representatives of the CTC, CUT and CGT.

With regard to consultation, the Committee notes the Government’s indication that: (i) the former National OSH Commission on asbestos, chrysotile and other fibres, in which representatives of the social partners participated, formed part of the working group established to discuss the draft of the Bill prohibiting the use of asbestos; (ii) it is planned to reinforce mechanisms for the consultation of the most representative organizations of employers and workers to give effect to the provisions of Act No. 1968 of 2019; and (iii) in general, in the development and adoption of all rules on asbestos, special importance will be given to consultation and dialogue with workers’ and employers’ organizations. With reference to its request in relation to Articles 4 and 17, contained in its observation on Convention No. 162, the Committee requests the Government to continue providing information on the consultations held on this subject with the most representative organizations of employers and workers concerned, including the consultations held within the context of the National OSH Commission on pneumoconiosis agents.

Articles 19 and 21. Disposal of waste and protection of the environment. Surveillance of workers’ health. The Committee notes that sections 11 and 12 of Act No. 1968 of 2019 provide respectively that: (i) the Ministry of Labour, together with other ministries, shall develop campaigns for the dissemination and promotion of the appropriate handling of installed asbestos and its processing as a hazardous waste in accordance with Decree No. 4741 of 2005, which partially regulates prevention and the handling of hazardous waste and residues produced within the context of the overall management process; and (ii) a comprehensive process shall be established for care of persons exposed to asbestos, through which information and guidance will be provided on the available rights, measures and resources, and health care, including forensic medical and specialized examinations for diagnosis and treatment. The Government indicates that, with a view to the implementation of these provisions, in 2020 virtual consultations were held on the technical guide for the environmental management of asbestos waste, published in 2015, with the environmental authorities in the country (and it is hoped to repeat them face to face) and that the Ministry of Health and Social Protection has prepared a draft Decree issuing guidance for the comprehensive process for the health care of persons exposed to asbestos. The Committee notes the indication by the CTC, CUT and CGT in their observations that the adoption of Act No. 1968 is a positive step, while also expressing concern at the situation and the transition of workers who have been working in the asbestos industry and who suffer from illnesses related to asbestos and may be diagnosed with such diseases subsequently. The Committee requests the Government to continue providing information on the measures adopted or envisaged within the framework of Act No. 1968 of 2019 to give effect to each of the provisions of Article 19 (disposal of waste and protection of the environment). It also requests the Government to provide detailed information on the measures that are being adopted to ensure the necessary surveillance of the health of workers, including following their period of employment, in accordance with Article 21.

Application in practice. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that the Las Brisas mine, located in the north of the department of Antioquia, suspended the extraction of asbestos in 2018, and that it was the only mine for the extraction of asbestos in Colombia. The Government adds that the Ministry of Labour has produced a report on the characterization of asbestos in Colombia in 2015-20, which identifies economic sectors in which there was exposure to asbestos in the production process between 2015 and 2020, and the workers exposed to asbestos over that period. In their observations, the CTC, CUT and CGT call on the Government to provide detailed information on the findings of the report and express concerns with regard to inspection, surveillance and the enforcement of Act No. 1968 of 2019. The workers’ organizations also indicate that the legislation adopted by the Government to give effect to the Convention is not implemented in practice and that there is no information on the number of inspections, penalties and measures adopted to ensure the protection of workers exposed to asbestos. The Committee requests the Government to provide its comments in this regard, and to provide information on the activities undertaken in practice by the labour inspection services, including the penalties imposed, to ensure the application in practice of the provisions of the Convention, and particularly Article 17 (demolition and removal of asbestos from buildings and structures) and 19 (disposal of waste containing asbestos).

4.Chemicals Convention, 1990 (No. 170)

Article 3 of the Convention. Measures to give effect to the Convention and consultation of employers’ and workers’ organizations. The Committee notes the Government’s indication in its report that Decree No. 1630 of 2021 envisages in section 2 the implementation of four management tools: (i) a national inventory of chemicals for industrial use, which will act as a database for storing information on the chemicals produced and imported throughout the national territory; (ii) a tool for the prioritization of chemicals, which will be contained in the national inventory and will serve to identify chemicals considered to have the greatest impact on health and the environment; (iii) the risk evaluation for health and the environment; and (iv) a programme for the reduction and management of risks to the environment and health. The Committee notes that the Decree, in section 4, also contains provisions respecting the environmental monitoring of chemicals used in industry, and monitoring of the health effects of the use of such chemicals. The Committee requests the Government to continue providing information on the measures adopted for the comprehensive management, including the risk management, of chemicals used in industry within the framework of Decree No. 1630 of 2021 and their results, as well as on the consultations held in this regard with the most representative employers’ and workers’ organizations concerned.

Articles 6, 7 and 8. Classification systems. Labelling and marking. Safety data sheets. With reference to its previous comments, the Committee notes that Decree No. 1496 of 2018 provides that: (i) its provisions shall apply throughout the national territory to all natural persons and associations, public and private, in all economic activities involving the extraction, production, import, storage, transport, distribution, commercialization and the various uses of chemicals which have at least one of the characteristics of danger in accordance with the criteria of the Globally Harmonized System for Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS), irrespective of whether they are pure chemicals, diluted solutions or mixtures thereof (section 2); (ii) the classification of the hazards of chemicals shall be undertaken on the basis of the provisions of the GHS (section 4); (iii) labels and safety data sheets shall be adopted as means for the communication of hazards related to chemicals, and the labels shall contain the elements set out in the GHS (sections 1, 6 and 7); and (iv) the automotive land transport of chemicals shall be subject to the regulations respecting the road transport of hazardous goods envisaged in Decree No. 1079 of 2015, issuing consolidated regulations for the transport sector, including the applicable provisions of the GHS. After noting this information, the Committee requests the Government to indicate whether measures have been adopted to ensure that: (i) in the case of other types of transport (other than automotive land transport), the systems and criteria for classification and labelling or marking of chemicals take into account the United Nations Recommendations on the transport of dangerous goods (Articles 6(3) and 7(3)(2) of the Convention); and (ii) the classification systems and their application are progressively extended (Article 6(4) of the Convention).

Article 12(d). Keeping of records of the monitoring of the working environment and of the exposure of workers. With reference to its previous comments, the Committee notes that section 17 of Decree No. 1496 of 2018 provides that the employer shall guarantee that, in workplaces, when chemicals are handled, compliance is ensured with the provisions respecting exposure and monitoring set out in, among others, in Article 12 of the Convention and in Decree No. 1072 of 2015. In this regard, the Committee notes the Government’s reference to section 2.2.4.6.13 of the Decree, which provides that the employer shall keep, for a minimum period of 20 years following the termination of the employment relationship of the worker with the enterprise, the results of epidemiological health profiles and the recruitment, regular and retirement examinations of workers, and the results of measurements and monitoring of the working environment. The Committee requests the Government to indicate the manner in which it is guaranteed that the above information is accessible to workers and their representatives.

Article 18(3) and (4). Information to be provided to workers. With reference to its previous comments, the Committee notes that section 21 of Decision No. 773 of 2021 provides that employers shall: (i) ensure the communication of hazards to all workers in respect of hazardous chemicals to which they may be exposed (section 21.3); (ii) provide capacity-building and training for workers engaged in the handling of hazardous chemicals on labels, pictograms, safety data sheets and the GHS, among other measures, at least once a year, and on the hazards, risks and prevention measures for the safe use of and procedures for action in the event of emergencies involving chemicals (section 21.7); and (iii) ensure that workers are able, at any time, to have access to consult the safety data sheets of all the chemicals that are handled at the workplace (section 21.9). The Committee also notes that section 19 of the Decision provides that in the case of chemicals that include commercially sensitive information, the names of the chemicals, the description of their composition in mixtures, the Chemical Abstract Service (CAS) numbers may be omitted and it shall be indicated on the label and safety data sheet that it is a commercial secret, with the requirement to include the rest of the hazard information concerning the chemical concerned and to ensure that the use of the chemical is not prejudicial to the health and safety of the workers. While noting the provisions of section 21 of Decision No. 773 of 2021, which require employers to provide information to and to train workers principally in relation to hazardous chemicals, the Committee requests the Government to indicate the measures adopted to ensure that, in accordance with Article 18(3)(a) and (b) of the Convention, the workers concerned and their representatives shall have the right to: (i) information on the identity of chemicals used at work, the hazardous properties of such chemicals, precautionary measures, education and training; and (ii) the information contained in labels and the symbols of non-hazardous chemicals. With reference to Article 18(3)(d) of the Convention, the Committee requests the Government to refer to the comments made above on Article 12(d) (keeping of records of the monitoring of the working environment and of the exposure of workers). The Committee also requests the Government to indicate the measures adopted to ensure that, in accordance with Article 18(3)(d) of the Convention, the workers concerned and their representatives shall have the right to obtain any other information required to be kept by the Convention, with an indication of whether they have the right to information relating to the updated inventory of all chemicals that employers are required to keep under the terms of section 21(2) of the above Decision.

5.Prevention of Major Industrial Accidents Convention, 1993 (No. 174)

Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Scope of application. The Committee notes that Decree No. 1347 of 2021 provides that the provisions respecting the Programme for the Prevention of Major Accidents (PPAM): (i) shall apply throughout the national territory to natural persons and associations responsible for new and existing classified installations (section 2.2.4.12.2); and (ii) that, nevertheless, the transport of hazardous substances by, among other methods, pipes (except for pumping systems, temporary storage, definitive storage or transfer), the exploration and extraction of mineral and energy resources (with the exception of installations for processing following extraction) and sanitary fillers or safety fillers or cells (section 2.2.4.12.4). The Committee recalls the Government’s indication that the draft text of Decree No. 1347 of 2021 was referred to the National SST Committee for comment. The Committee also considers it appropriate to recall that, in accordance with Article 1(4), the Government may, after consulting the representative organizations of employers and workers concerned, exclude from the application of the Convention installations or branches of economic activity for which equivalent protection is provided. The Committee requests the Government to provide detailed information on the manner in which it is ensured that workers engaged in activities related to the transport of hazardous substances through pipes, the exploration and extraction of mining and energy resources and health and safety fillers, with the exceptions referred to above, are provided with protection equivalent to that afforded by the Convention.

Article 5. System for the identification of major hazard installations. With reference to its previous comments, the Committee notes that Decree No. 1347 of 2021 provides for: (i) a system for the classification of installations covered by the PPAM, with reference to a list of chemicals associated with major accidents and their presence above certain minimum threshold limits (section 2.2.4.12.3) and; (ii) those responsible for installations in which chemicals are present shall classify themselves the installations for which they are responsible as being classified or not classified, and register classified installations with the Ministry of Labour, in accordance with the reporting system and periods established (sections 2.2.4.12.7 and 2.2.4.12.8). The Committee notes that section 2.2.4.12.8 of the Decree provides that the Ministry of Labour shall determine the reporting system for classified installations and the reporting periods. The Committee requests the Government to continue its efforts to ensure that the classification system to which it refers is regularly reviewed and updated, in accordance with Article 5(2) of the Convention.

Article 6. Protection of confidential information. With reference to its previous comments, the Committee notes that section 2.2.4.12.15 of Decree No. 1347 of 2021 provides that information on the risks, strategies, action and behaviour to be adopted in the event of major accidents, which shall be provided by those responsible for installations classified with the Ministry of Labour, shall be considered to be information available to members of the public without them having to request it, which shall be made available to the public through the national information system for the management of the risk of disasters. The Committee notes that this provision provides that the Ministry of Labour shall establish guidance on the definition of the information to be provided to the public. The Committee also observes that the provision does not refer to the protection of confidential information. The Committee requests the Government to continue its efforts for the adoption of the necessary measures, in consultation with the representative organizations of employers and workers concerned, to ensure the protection of confidential information that employers transmit or make available to the competent authority, in accordance with Articles 8 (notification), 12 (safety report), 13 and 14 (accident report) of the Convention.

Article 8. Obligation of notification. With reference to its previous comments, the Committee notes that section 2.2.4.12.8 of Decree No. 1347 of 2021 provides that those responsible for installations in which chemicals are present shall classify themselves the installations for which they are responsible as being classified or not classified, and register classified installations with the Ministry of Labour, which shall determine the information to be reported. The Committee observes that this provision does not cover all the elements envisaged in Article 8 of the Convention in relation to the requirement for employers to notify the competent authority of any major hazard installation. The Committee requests the Government to continue its efforts to adopt the necessary measures to ensure that employers notify the competent authorities: (i) of any major hazard installation which they have identified within a fixed time frame for an existing installation and before it is put into operation in the case of a new installation (Article 8(1)(a) and (b) of the Convention); and (ii) before any permanent closure of a major hazard installation (Article 8(2) of the Convention).

Article 9(d)(ii) and (iii). Information on emergency plans for the competent authorities. With reference to its previous comments, the Committee notes that Decree No. 1347 of 2021 (sections 2.2.4.12.9, 2.2.4.12.10 and 2.2.4.12.17) and Decree No. 1081 of 2015 of the President of the Republic issuing consolidated regulations for the sector (section 2.3.1.5.2.1.1(3.1)) contain provisions which give effect to this Article of the Convention. The Committee takes note of this information, which addresses its previous request.

Articles 10, 11 and 12. Safety report. With reference to its previous comments, the Committee notes that section 2.2.4.12.11 of Decree No. 1347 of 2021 provides that: (i) those responsible for classified installations shall submit the safety report to the Ministry of Labour, in accordance with the provisions issued by the latter; and (ii) the report shall be updated every five years, or in the following cases: when a major accident occurs in the installation; when evidence is found which jeopardizes the safety of the installation through inspection, surveillance and monitoring processes; where there is new technological knowledge relating to the prevention of major accidents; when the list of hazardous chemicals associated with major accidents is modified; or, finally, if new installations are identified that must be classified as a result of new projects, extensions or due to an unexpected condition during operation which presupposes a major risk and which was not identified previously. Section 2.2.4.12.25 of the Decree provides for a period of two years, from the issue of guidance by the Ministry of Labour, for existing classified installations to submit the safety report. The Committee requests the Government to continue its efforts for the adoption of the necessary measures, during the process of the development of the guidance referred to above, to ensure that the safety report for which employers are responsible is drawn up in accordance with the requirements of Article 9 (arrangements at the level of the installation), both for existing major accident installations (within the period following notification prescribed by national laws or regulations) and for any new major hazard installation (before it is put into operation), in accordance with Article 10(1) and (2) of the Convention.

Article 13. Requirement to inform the competent authority of the occurrence of a major accident. With reference to its previous comments, the Committee notes that section 2.2.4.12.12 of Decree No. 1347 of 2021 provides that those responsible for classified installations shall keep a record of incidents and report the occurrence of any major accident within a period of no more than 24 hours of such occurrence. The Committee notes that this provision also requires the Ministry of Labour to determine requirements for the reporting of major accidents. The Committee observes that this provision does not specify the competent authorities or bodies to which a major accident shall be reported, nor that the accident shall be reported as soon as if occurs. The Committee requests the Government to continue its efforts to adopt the necessary measures to ensure that employers inform the competent authority and other bodies designated for this purpose as soon as a major accident occurs.

Article 14. Accident reporting. With reference to its previous comments, the Committee notes that section 2.2.4.12.13 of Decree No. 1347 of 2021 provides that, when a major accident occurs, the person responsible for the classified installation shall present a detailed report to the Ministry of Labour containing an analysis of the cause of the incident or accident, describing its immediate on-site consequences and any action taken to mitigate its effects. This section also provides that the Ministry of Labour may require the extension of or a more in-depth investigation and that it shall determine the requirements for the investigation of major accidents, as well as the procedure for the delivery of reports of the investigations by those responsible for classified installations, The Committee observes that this provision does not require the report on a major accident to be presented within a fixed time frame. The Committee requests the Government to continue its efforts to adopt the necessary measures to ensure that the report on a major accident is presented to the competent authority within a pre-established time frame (Article 14(1) of the Convention).

Articles 15 and 16. Plans for emergencies outside the installation. With reference to its previous comments, the Committee notes that Decree No. 1347 of 2021 provides that the person responsible for the classified installation shall deliver to the corresponding municipal or district authorities the following: (i) the emergency and contingency plan, for the purpose of its use as a technical input for the municipal plan for the management of the risk of disasters and the emergency response strategy and that the National Unit for the Management of the Risk of Disasters shall determine the requirements for the inclusion by municipal authorities of the risk of major accidents in municipal risk management (section 2.2.4.12.17); and (ii) specific information for the purposes of territorial planning, in relation to technical analyses of the risks of major accidents included in the safety report for the purpose of the inclusion by the authorities of this information in territorial planning processes, and that the Ministry of Housing, the City and the National Territory shall determine the requirements for the incorporation of the risk of major accidents in territorial planning (section 2.2.4.12.18).

Moreover, sections 2.2.4.12.15 and 2.2.4.12.16 of the Decree provide respectively that: (i) those responsible for classified installations shall provide the Ministry of Labour with information on the risks, strategies, action and behaviour to be adopted in the event of major accidents and that this information shall be considered as information available to members of the public without them having to request it, which shall be made available to the public through the national information system for the management of the risk of disasters; and (ii) the Ministry of Labour shall deliver to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs the information to be exchanged with other States in relation to the prevention, reporting and response to major accidents which could have transboundary effects. In view of the absence of specific provisions in this regard, the Committee requests the Government to continue its efforts to adopt the necessary measures to ensure that: (i) in the context of the territorial management of risks and the processes of territorial planning, emergency plans and procedures containing provisions for the protection of the public and the environment outside the site of each major hazard installation are updated at appropriate intervals and coordinated with the relevant authorities and bodies (Article 15 of the Convention); (ii) the information that is disseminated to members of the public liable to be affected by a major accident shall include information on safety measures and the correct behaviour to adopt in the case of a major accident, and is updated and re-disseminated at appropriate intervals (Article 16(a) of the Convention); (iii) warning is given as soon as possible in the case of a major accident (Article 16(b) of the Convention); and (iv) where a major accident could have transboundary effects, the information required in (ii) and (iii) above is provided to the States concerned (Article 16(c) of the Convention).

Article 17. Comprehensive siting policy. With reference to its previous comments, the Committee recalls the Government’s indication that there are no specific national provisions on the siting policy and it also notes that section 2.2.4.12.18 of Decree No. 1347 of 2021 provides that the Ministry of Housing, the City and the Territory shall determine the requirements for the inclusion of the risk of major accidents into territorial planning. The Committee requests the Government to continue its efforts to adopt the necessary measures to ensure that the competent authority establishes a comprehensive siting policy arranging for the appropriate separation of proposed major hazard installations from working and residential areas and public facilities, and appropriate measures for existing installations, in accordance with this Article of the Convention.

Article 18. Inspection. The Committee notes the indication by the CTC, CUT and CGT in their observations that, in the context of the ILO Conventions on labour inspection, they have reported the weakening of the labour inspection services and the urgent need to strengthen this mechanism for the enforcement of labour legislation. The Committee also notes that section 2.2.4.12.14 of Decree No. 1347 of 2021 contains provisions on inspection, surveillance and control of compliance with its provisions, as a function entrusted to the Ministry of Labour. The Committee requests the Government to refer to its comments on the application of the Labour Inspection Convention, 1947 (No. 81).

Article 20. Rights of workers and their representatives. With reference to its previous comments, the Committee notes that Decree No. 1347 of 2021 provides that: (i) the person responsible for the classified installation shall ensure the participation of workers in development of risk analyses and the emergency and contingency plan (section 2.2.4.12.19(9)); and (ii) in a classified installation, the workers shall inform the employer, contractor or the competent authorities if any potential danger that they consider could cause a major accident is not taken into account by the employer or contractor (section 2.2.4.12.20(3)). Noting the absence of specific provisions in this regard, the Committee requests the Government to continue its efforts to adopt the necessary measures to ensure that workers and their representatives: (i) are consulted in the preparation of the safety report and accident reports (Article 20(c)(i) and (iii) of the Convention); and (ii) take corrective action and if necessary interrupt the activity where, on the basis of their training and experience, they have reasonable justification to believe that there is an imminent danger of a major accident, without being placed at any disadvantage (Article 20(e) of the Convention).

Article 22. Responsibility ofexporting countries. The Committee observes that Decree No. 1347 of 2021 does not contain provisions which give full effect to this Article of the Convention. The Committee requests the Government to continue its efforts to adopt the necessary measures to ensure that when, in an exporting State, the use of hazardous substances, technologies or processes is prohibited as a potential source of a major accident, the information on this prohibition and the reasons for it shall be made available to any importing country, in accordance with this Article of the Convention.

C.Protection in specific branches of activity

Safety and Health in Construction Convention, 1988 (No. 167)

The Committee notes the information provided by the Government in relation to its previous comments on Article 32 (provision of drinking water, facilities for changing clothing, and separate sanitary and washing facilities for men and women workers) of the Convention.

Article 1 of the Convention, Scope of application. The Committee notes the Government’s reply to the previous observations of the CUT, received in 2015, in which it indicates that: (i) the General Labour Risks System (SGRL) also covers workers in the construction sector, who have the same rights as any other affiliated work, since the benefits of the system apply irrespective of the activity undertaken; and (ii) in the construction sector, as of May 2022, a total of 119,553 enterprises were affiliated to ARLs, with the consequent affiliation of 957,444 dependent workers and 33,313 self-employed workers. The Committee takes note of this information, which addresses its previous request.

Articles 3, 4 and 18. Consultations with the most representative organizations of employers and workers. Legislation. Work at heights. With reference to its previous comments, the Committee notes the Government’s indication, on the one hand, that the action of the National OSH Commission for the construction sector is currently regulated by Decision No. 3710 of 2019 (section 26 of which provides that the Commission shall be composed of representatives of employers and workers, among others) and, on the other, that the Commission discussed Decision No. 4272 of 2021 establishing the minimum safety requirements for the performance of work at heights. In this regard, the Committee notes that the Decision provides for: (i) prevention measures to warn and prevent falls by persons and objects during work at heights (sections 3 and 7 to 15); (ii) protection measures to halt falls by persons and objects when they occur or mitigate their effects (sections 3 and 22 to 26); and (iii) the requirement for employers to adopt prevention and protection measures in this regard, including the establishment of a programme of prevention and protection against falls from heights, the provision to workers of the necessary protection devices and the training required to perform their work, without cost to them, and regular inspection of the equipment and systems used for the prevention and protection against falls (sections 4 to 6 and 61). The Committee requests the Government to continue providing information on the consultations held within the framework of the National OSH Commission for the construction sector, and on its results, including the measures adopted as a result of such consultations.

Article 5. Technical standards or codes of practice. The Committee notes the information provided by the Government in response to its previous request in relation to Article 5 (technical standards or codes of practice) of the Convention, in which it refers to the adoption of Decision No. 312 of 2019 establishing minimum standards with which enterprises, employers and contractors shall comply in the context of the SG-SST. The Government indicates that enterprises are required to prepare a self-evaluation report on compliance with these standards. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the findings of the self-evaluations carried out by enterprises in the construction sector within the context of the SG-SST and on any measures adopted or envisaged in this regard.

Article 8(1) and (2). Cooperation between two or more employers undertaking activities simultaneously at one construction site. The Committee notes the Government’s indication in response to its previous request that, in accordance with section 20 of Decision No. 312 of 2019, although the SG-SST is the responsibility of each employer or contractor, they may associate to share human talent, technological resources, training procedures and activities, emergency brigades, first aid and evacuation, signalling, sports areas, road safety within the context of OHS, and may also undertake activities and develop plans and programmes jointly, without one enterprise or entity assuming or replacing the functions or obligations incumbent by law on the other. The Committee notes that this information does not address its previous request, as it does not cover the requirements of employers, contractors and/or self-employed workers undertaking activities simultaneously at one site, in accordance with this Article of the Convention. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the measures adopted or envisaged in order to ensure that: (i) when two or more employers undertake activities simultaneously at one construction site, the principal contractor, or other person or body with actual control over or primary responsibility for overall construction site activities, shall be responsible for co-ordinating the prescribed safety and health measures and, in so far as is compatible with national laws and regulations, for ensuring compliance with such measures (Article 8(1)(a) of the Convention); (ii) in so far as is compatible with national laws and regulations, where the principal contractor, or other person or body with actual control over or primary responsibility for overall construction site activities, is not present at the site, a competent person or body at the site shall be nominated with the authority and means necessary to ensure on their behalf coordination and compliance with the measures, as foreseen in the previous subparagraph (Article 8(1)(b) of the Convention); and (iii) whenever employers or self-employed workers undertake activities simultaneously at one construction site, they shall have the duty to cooperate in the application of the prescribed safety and health measures, as may be specified by national laws or regulations (Article 8(2) of the Convention).

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2022, published 111st ILC session (2023)

Previous comment on Conventions Nos 162, 170 and 174Previous comment on Convention No. 167: direct request

In order to provide a comprehensive view of the issues relating to the application of ratified occupational safety and health (OSH) Conventions, the Committee considers it appropriate to examine the application of Conventions Nos 162 (asbestos), 167 (OSH in construction), 170 (chemicals) and 174 (major industrial accidents) together in a single comment.

The Committee notes the joint observations of the International Organisation of Employers (IOE) and the National Employers Association of Colombia (ANDI), received on 31 August 2018, on the application of Convention No. 162, as well as the Government’s comments on these observations, received on 20 November 2018.

A.Protection against specific risks

1.Asbestos Convention, 1986 (No. 162)

Legislation. The Committee notes with satisfaction the adoption of Act No. 1968 of 2019, which prohibits the use of asbestos on the national territory as from 1 January 2021 and establishes guarantees for the health protection of nationals of Colombia.

Articles 3(2) and 14 of the Convention. Periodic review of national laws and regulations. Labelling of containers and products. With reference to its previous comments, the Committee notes with interestthe adoption of Decision No. 534 of 2020 issuing specific measures respecting the labelling of products containing asbestos, giving effect to a judicial ruling of 2020, which ordered the Ministry of Labour to issue regulations on this matter. The Committee notes that the Decision: (i) provides that all products manufactured, put up for sale, imported, exported or distributed which contain any type of asbestos in any proportion shall be marked with a visible label with the wording “warning this product contains asbestos”, without prejudice to the labelling and information requirements set out in other relevant standards (section 3); and (ii) contains specific provisions requiring that the label is visible immediately, truthful and adequate (section 4). The Committee notes this information, which responds to its previous request.

Articles 4 and 17. Consultations with employers’ and workers’ organizations. Demolition and removal. With reference to its previous comments, the Committee notes that Act No. 1968 of 2019 provides for: (i) the formulation of a public policy for the replacement of previously installed asbestos within a period of five years of its promulgation (section 3); and (ii) the creation of a National Commission for the Replacement of Asbestos, which the Committee observes includes representatives of five ministries and other actors, but does not appear to include representatives of the social partners among its members (section 6). The Government specifies that the policy will be focussed on promoting the overall management of installed asbestos products and their waste, and the strengthening of technical capacities, information management, communication and awareness-raising of strategic actors, based on the implementation of a plan of action for the period 2022–30.

The Committee also notes the Government’s indication that the public policy for the replacement of asbestos is being drawn up by the chemical safety working group of the National Technical Intersectoral Commission for Environmental Health (CONASA), under the leadership of the Ministry of the Environment and Sustainable Development and with the participation of the Ministry of Labour, other Ministries, Government bodies, various actors from the private sector, academics and social organizations. The Government emphasizes that in June 2021 consultations were held and the progress made in drawing up the policy was presented to the various actors, including the National Association of Public Service and Communication Enterprises of Colombia (ANDESCO), the Colombian Fibre Association (ASCOLFIBRAS) and the Colombia Free from Asbestos Foundation (FUNDCLAS). The Committee observes that it appears that workers’ organizations have not been participating in the process of drawing up the public policy for the replacement of asbestos.

The Committee also notes that the ANDI and the IOE indicate in their observations that the materials present in constructions are fibre-cement materials in which the fibres are coated in cement as a binder and there is no indication that friable asbestos has been used in construction in Colombia. With reference to these observations, the Government reiterates that, due to the environmental and geographical conditions in Colombia, asbestos and friable insulation materials containing asbestos have not been used in construction. The Committee requests the Government to adopt the necessary measures to ensure that, within the framework of the public policy for the replacement of installed asbestos it is guaranteed that: (i) both the demolition of installations or structures containing friable asbestos insulation materials, and the removal of asbestos from buildings or structures in which asbestos is liable to become airborne, may be undertaken only by employers or contractors who are recognized by the competent authority as qualified to carry out such work in accordance with the provisions of the Convention and who have been empowered to undertake such work (Article 17(1) of the Convention); (ii) before starting demolition work, the employer or contractor shall be required to draw up a work plan specifying the measures to be taken, including measures to provide all necessary protection to the workers, limit the release of asbestos dust into the air and provide for the disposal of waste containing asbestos (Article 17(2) of the Convention); and (iii) the workers or their representatives are consulted on the work plan referred to above (Article 17(3) of the Convention). The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the results of these measures.

The Committee also requests the Government to provide information on: (i) the process of the preparation and implementation of the public policy for the replacement of installed asbestos; and (ii) the functioning and activities of the National Commission for the Replacement of Asbestos. Moreover, while noting the Government’s indication that it plans to strengthen consultation mechanisms with the most representative organizations of employers and workers with a view to giving effect to the provisions of Act No. 1968 of 2019, the Committee requests it to specify whether the most representative organizations of employers and workers concerned have been consulted in relation to the public policy for the replacement of installed asbestos, including within the framework of the activities of the National Commission for the Replacement of Asbestos.

2.Chemicals Convention, 1990 (No. 170)

Legislation. The Committee notes with satisfaction the promulgation of Decree No. 1496 of 2018 adopting the United Nations Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS). The Government indicates that the draft text of the Decree was circulated in the National OSH Committee, which is a technical body composed of representatives of workers, employers and Government bodies.

Articles 9, 10 and 11 of the Convention. Responsibilities of suppliers. Responsibilities of employers for the identification and transfer of chemicals. With reference to its previous comments, the Committee notes that Decree No. 1496 of 2018 (sections 8, 9, 15 and 17), Decree No. 1076 of 2015 issuing the consolidated regulations for the environment and sustainable development sector (sections 2.2.7B.1.3.2(2) and 2.2.7B.1.2.6) and Decision No. 773 of 2021 determining the action to be taken by employers for the application of the GHS in the workplace (sections 5, 6 and 21(2), (4), (5) and (9)) contain provisions which give effect to these Articles of the Convention.

Article 18(1) and (2). Right of workers to remove themselves from danger and to be protected against undue consequences. The Committee once again urges the Government to adopt the necessary measures to ensure that workers have the right to remove themselves from danger resulting from the use of chemicals when they have reasonable justification to believe there is an imminent and serious risk to their safety or health and to be protected against undue consequences for doing so, in accordance with Article 18(1) and (2) of the Convention.

3.Prevention of Major Industrial Accidents Convention, 1993 (No. 174)

Article 4 of the Convention. National policy and consultation of employers’ and workers’ organizations. With reference to its previous comments, the Committee notes with satisfaction the adoption of Decree No. 1347 of 2021 amending Decree No. 1072 of 2015 issuing consolidated labour regulations, with a view to establishing provisions relating to the Programme for the Prevention of Major Accidents (PPAM). The Committee notes that, under the terms of sections 2.2.4.12.1 and 2.2.4.12.6 of the Decree, the PPAM includes all the comprehensive measures, procedures and interventions undertaken to increase the levels of protection of workers, the population and the environment through the management of the risk of major accidents in classified installations. The Committee also notes the Government’s indication that the draft text of the Decree was referred to the National OSH Committee in order to receive its comments. The Committee further notes that sections 2.2.4.12.21 to 2.2.4.12.23 provide for the creation, composition and functions of an interinstitutional technical working group in support of the PPAM composed permanently of representatives of various Government bodies, the responsibilities of which include the preparation of the necessary technical measures for the implementation of the PPAM. In this regard, the Committee recalls that Article 4 of the Convention provides that, in consultation with the most representative organizations of employers and workers, and in light of national conditions and practices, a coherent national policy concerning the protection of workers, the public and the environment against the risk of major accidents shall be implemented and periodically reviewed. The Committee therefore requests the Government to indicate the measures adopted for the implementation and periodic review of the PPAM in consultation with the representative organizations of employers and workers.

The Committee also notes the Government’s indication concerning the preparation of draft decisions to regulate specific aspects of Decree No. 1347 of 2021, including: the design, implementation and monitoring of the management system for the prevention of major accidents; the identification of hazards, analysis, evaluation and action to deal with risks of major accidents, and the notification, reporting and investigation of major accidents. The Committee encourages the Government, during the process of the adoption of any supplementary regulations under Decree No. 1347 of 2021, to take into account the matters addressed in its direct request on Convention No. 174 with a view to ensuring the conformity of the legal framework for the prevention of major industrial accidents with the Convention.

B.Protection in specific branches of activity

Safety and Health in Construction Convention, 1988 (No. 167)

Article 12(1) and (2) of the Convention. Right of workers to remove themselves from a situation of imminent and serious danger to their safety and health, and the employers’ obligation to stop the operation and evacuate workers. The Committee once again requests the Government to adopt the necessary measures to ensure that: (i) national laws or regulations provide that workers shall have the right to remove themselves from danger when they have good reason to believe that there is an imminent and serious danger to their safety and health, and the duty to inform their supervisor immediately (Article 12(1) of the Convention); and (ii) where there is an imminent danger to the safety of workers, the employer shall take immediate steps to stop the operation and evacuate workers as appropriate (Article 12(2) of the Convention).

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

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

The Committee notes the observations of the Single Confederation of Workers of Colombia (CUT) received on 2 September 2015. The Committee requests the Government to provide its comments in this respect.

The Committee notes the information provided on the following Articles of the Convention: Article 5 (technical standards and codes of practice); Article 26(1) and (3) (requirements for the construction, installation and maintenance of electrical equipment and installations); Article 27(b) (assignment of a competent person responsible for the storage, transportation, handling and use of explosives); Article 28(2) (replacement of hazardous substances by harmless or less hazardous substances); Article 29(1) and (2) (appropriate measures to ensure protection against the risk of fire); Article 30(2) (use of personal protective equipment); and Article 34 (requirements for the reporting of occupational accidents and diseases to the competent authority). The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the application in practice of each of these Articles.

Articles 3 and 4 of the Convention. Consultations with the most representative organizations of the employers and workers concerned. Legislation. The Committee notes the information provided by the Government in its report according to which the National Committee for Occupational Safety and Health in the construction sector holds monthly meetings with the participation of all actors in the sector. As a result of this work, in June 2015, the Ministry of Labour launched the Guide to safe work in excavations to prevent and control occupational risks related to excavation. Action has also been undertaken to improve the registration of workers in the construction sector in the social security system. Construction sector workers represent 11 per cent of the total number of workers registered with the occupational risks system. The Committee notes that the National Committee for Occupational Safety and Health in the construction sector is engaged in updating the regulations for the sector. The Committee requests the Government to continue providing information on the consultations held and their outcome, and on the measures and legislation adopted as a result of the consultations.

Article 8(1) and (2). Cooperation between two or more employers undertaking activities simultaneously at one construction site. The Committee requests the Government to indicate whether section 28 of Decree No. 1072 of 2015 covers cooperation between two or more employers undertaking activities simultaneously at one construction site, and to specify the manner in which it is applied in practice.

Article 12(1) and (2). The right of workers to remove themselves from a situation of imminent and serious danger to their safety and health, and the employer’s obligation to stop the operation and evacuate workers. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that Colombia is a member of the Andean Community of Nations and that section 21 of Decision No. 584 of the Andean Community of Nations is in conformity with Article 12(1) of the Convention on the right of workers to remove themselves from a situation of imminent and serious danger. However, the Committee recalls that Article 12(1) of the Convention has to be given effect by national laws or regulations. The Committee also notes the information provided by the Government on the effect given to Article 12(2) of the Convention on the obligations of employers in the event of imminent danger to the safety of workers. However, it notes that this information refers to the functions of the labour inspectorate and not to the obligations of employers, as required by Article 12(2) of the Convention. The Committee once again requests the Government to adopt the necessary measures to give effect to this Article of the Convention in national legislation, and to provide information in this regard.

Article 32. Provision of drinking water, facilities for changing clothing, and separate sanitary and washing facilities for men and women workers. The Committee once again requests the Government to provide information on the effect given to this Article of the Convention.

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

Article 3 of the Convention. Consultations with the most representative organizations of the employers and workers concerned. Further to its previous comments, the Committee notes that according to the Government, the National Occupational Health Committee of the Construction Sector, responsible for promoting, supporting and monitoring the implementation, development and consolidation of the public policy on the promotion of occupational health and the prevention of occupational risks in the construction sector, has held meetings since May 2002. The topics it has addressed include social security evasion on the part of a large percentage of employers and the breach of occupational health provisions, with implications for mortality and morbidity that are shown in the statistics supplied by the Government. The Committee trusts that these consultations will lead to the identification of the occupational safety and health problems facing the sector and the adoption of measures to resolve them. The Committee asks the Government in its next report to supply information on the subjects addressed by the abovementioned committee and in particular on the measures taken or envisaged to tackle such problems, particularly the evasion and circumvention of social security requirements as far as to the present Convention and the failure to apply occupational safety and health provisions, along with information on the application of such measures in practice.

Article 4. Legislation ensuring the application of the Convention adopted on the basis of an assessment of safety and health hazards. The Committee notes the information supplied by the Government to the effect that the process to update Resolution No. 2413 of 1979 issuing safety and health regulations for the construction industry is still under way. The National Committee referred to in the previous paragraph took part in this process and the draft text is currently before the Directorate of Occupational Hazards. Bearing in mind that ever since the Convention was ratified, the Committee has been noting that the process to update the abovementioned regulations is under way, it asks the Government to provide information on the obstacles to completion of this process. It also asks the Government to take the necessary steps to complete the draft and to ensure that the final text gives effect to the provisions of this Convention, and to report on progress made.

Article 5(1) and (2). Technical standards or codes of practice. The Committee notes that according to the Government, high-rise work accounts for 25 per cent of accidents in the sector with very serious consequences, such as invalidity and death, and that for this reason Resolutions Nos 3673 of 2008 and 736 of 2009 were issued setting forth technical regulations for safety in high-rise work. Furthermore, noting the Government’s statement that regulations on asbestos are being drafted and bearing in mind its observations of 2010 and 2011 on the Asbestos Convention, 1986 (No. 162) concerning, inter alia, communications from trade unions, indicating that asbestos handling has serious consequences in the construction sector in Colombia, the Committee requests the Government to adopt the necessary technical standards at an early date and to report on this matter.

Article 8(1) and (2). Cooperation between two or more employers undertaking activities simultaneously at one construction site. Further to its previous comments, the Committee notes that the Government has provided a copy of the Single Circular of 2004 indicating that effect was given to this provision of the Convention, but observes that the Circular in question appears not to give effect to this Article of the Convention. It also notes the copy of the draft resolution “to regulate the general occupational health provisions for the construction sector”, sent with the report, and notes that although section 2 refers to activities carried on simultaneously, it does not provide for the cooperation laid down in this Article of the Convention. The Committee urges the Government to give effect to this Article of the Convention in law and in practice and to provide information on the matter, including information on any relevance that the Single Circular of 2004 may have to this provision of the Convention.

Article 12(1) and (2). The worker’s right to removal in case of imminent and serious danger to his or her safety and health, and the employer’s obligation to stop the operation and evacuate workers. The Committee notes that under section 3.L of the draft regulations on the sector, the employer has a duty to take immediate measures, to interrupt activities and, if necessary, to authorize evacuation of the personnel when an imminent risk to the latter’s safety is identified on the site. The Committee observes, however, that the draft does not establish the workers’ right to removal from a hazardous situation when they have reasonable grounds for believing that there is an imminent and serious danger to their safety and health. The Committee requests the Government to take the necessary steps to give effect to this provision of the Convention in its legislation and, once such provisions have been adopted, to ensure that this right is exercised in practice, and to provide detailed information on the matter.

Article 26(1) and (3). Requirements concerning the construction, installation and maintenance of electrical equipment. The Committee notes that Resolution No. 180372 of 2004 gives effect to Article 26(3) of the Convention. Noting that the Government has provided no information on Article 26(1), which concerns a “competent person”, the Committee points out that according to Paragraph 2(g) of the Safety and Health in Construction Recommendation, 1988 (No. 175), the term “competent person” means a person possessing adequate qualifications, such as suitable training and sufficient knowledge, experience and skill for the safe performance of the specific work. The competent authorities may define appropriate criteria for the designation of such persons and may determine the duties to be assigned to them. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the manner on which it ensures that effect is given to Article 26(1) of the Convention.

Article 30(2). Providing the workers with appropriate means to enable them to use individual protective equipment and ensuring its proper use. Article 32. Provision of drinking water and separate sanitary and washing facilities and clothing rooms for men and women workers. The Committee notes that the draft regulations on occupational health for the construction sector will give effect to these provisions of the Convention. It requests the Government to provide information on all developments regarding this text and, once the draft has been adopted, to take the necessary measures to ensure that its provisions are applied in practice, and to provide information on the matter.

Article 34. Requirements for reporting occupational accidents and diseases to the competent authority. The Committee asks the Government to state whether the legislation sets a time limit for reporting occupational accidents and diseases to the competent authorities.

Article 27(b). Appointing a competent person to be responsible for storing, transporting, handling or using explosives; Article 28(2)(a) replacing hazardous substances by harmless or less hazardous substances; and Article 29(1) and (2). Appropriate measures to ensure protection against risks due to fire. The Committee notes that the Government provides no information on these Articles. It once again asks the Government to supply information on the effect given to these Articles of the Convention.

Part VI of the report form. Application in practice. The Committee notes the information supplied by the Government to the effect that the construction sector employs approximately 915,000 workers and that in 2006, only 33.2 per cent of total workers in the sector were protected by the General Occupational Risk System (SGRP), 39.7 per cent in 2007, and 51.34 per cent in 2008. The Government states that 9.82 per cent of SGRP members suffered accidents, which were fatal in the case of 83 workers. The Government also states that for construction workers who are not affiliated to the SGRP, there is no information on accident trends. The Committee notes the national meetings on occupational health in the construction sector and the development of a handbook as a tool for all involved in order to make occupational health management operational. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information on the practical effect given to the Convention, and in particular on the progress in the size of the SGRP membership.

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

1. The Committee notes the Government’s latest report including - in parts - replies to previous comments by the Committee. It notes the information about the application of Article 1, paragraph 2, of the Convention. The Committee requests the Government to provide further information on the following points.

2. Article 3. Consultations with the most representative organizations of the employers and workers concerned. The Committee notes the Government’s reference to activities, in the form of seminars and forums, through which the Government indicates it disseminates information on the content of the Convention. The Committee notes, however, that the report is silent as regards the effect given to the requirement to organize consultations with the most representative organizations of the employers and workers concerned. The Government is requested to describe the manner in which consultations are held with the most representative organizations of the employers and workers on measures taken to give effect to the Convention.

3. Article 4. Legislation ensuring the application of the Convention adopted on the basis of an assessment of the safety and health hazards. The Committee refers to its previous comments regarding the safety and health regulations of 1979. Noting that the report is silent in this respect, the Committee reiterates its request to the Government to indicate whether it has undertaken an evaluation of existing safety and health standards, with a view to taking the steps necessary in consequence to update the legislation applying the provisions of the Convention.

4. Article 5, paragraphs 1 and 2. Technical standards or codes of practice. In this context the Government refers in its report to draft technical regulations which were being drawn up for the construction sector, taking due account of the provisions of this Convention as well as specific standards in different Latin-American countries. The Committee hopes that such regulations will be adopted in the near future and requests the Government to supply a copy of this text after its adoption.

5. Article 7. Duty to comply with prescribed safety and health measures at the workplace. The Government refers to the creation, in accordance with resolution No. 01865 of 23 October 2001, of the National Commission for Occupational Health in the construction sector. The Committee hopes that the activities of the Commission will assist employers as well as self-employed persons to duly comply with safety and health measures. The Government is requested to keep the Committee informed of the progress achieved in this respect.

6. Article 8, paragraphs 1 and 2. Cooperation between two or more employers undertaking activities simultaneously at one construction site. With reference to its previous comments the Committee notes the Government’s reference in this respect to certain provisions of national legislation including the Unified Circular 2004. While the latter is not available to the Committee, it requests the Government, with the next report, to supply a copy of this instrument for further examination.

7. Article 12, paragraphs 1 and 2. The worker’s right to removal in case of imminent and serious danger to his or her safety and health, and the employer’s obligation to stop the operation and evacuate workers. The Committee refers to its previous comments where it requested the Government to indicate the legislative or other provisions which give effect to this Article. Taking into account that the worker’s right to removal under Article 12, paragraph 1, should be established in either a legal or regulatory text, the Committee hopes that the Government will take the necessary legislative measures to give due effect to this Article of the Convention.

8. Draft technical regulations. The Committee notes the Government’s reference to two draft technical regulations intended for the construction sector and for work at heights that are in preparation. It hopes that the two regulations will give due effect to the following provisions of the Convention: Article 13, paragraph 2 - indication of places of access to and egress from all workplaces; Article 15, paragraph 1(d) - recording of results of examinations and tests of every lifting appliance and item of lifting gear; Article 16, paragraphs 1 and 2 - requirements to guarantee that vehicles and earth-moving or materials-handling equipment are operated by workers who have received appropriate training; Article 17, paragraph 1(d) - ensuring that workers operating plant, machinery and equipment have received appropriate training; Article 17, paragraph 3 - ensuring that pressure plant and equipment shall be examined and tested by a competent person; Article 20 - determining characteristics of cofferdams and caissons, and ensuring that they are inspected and that their construction is supervised by a competent person; Article 21 - establishing the nature of the medical examinations required for workers carrying out work in compressed air and ensuring supervision of these operations by a competent person; Article 22 - the design and construction of structural frames and components, formwork, falsework and shoring, the precautions to guard workers using such frames and components against danger, and measures ensuring that their erection are carried out only under the supervision of a competent person; Article 23 - measures to protect workers undertaking work over or in close proximity to water.

9. Article 26, paragraphs 1 and 3. Requirements concerning the construction, installation and maintenance of electrical equipment. The Committee notes the Government’s reference to resolution No. 180372 of 2004, concerning technical regulation of electrical installations, which appear to contain requirements in relation to design and materials used for electrical installations. As this text is not available to the Committee, the Government is requested to supply a copy with the next report.

10. Finally, the Committee refers to its previous comments and asks the Government to indicate measures taken or envisaged to ensure application of the following provisions of the Convention: Article 27(b) - assigning a competent person responsible for storing, transporting, handling or using explosives; Article 28, paragraph 2(a) - replacement of hazardous substances with/by harmless substances or less hazardous substances; Article 28, paragraph 4 - destruction and disposal of waste on construction sites in a manner to avoid injuries to health; Article 29, paragraphs 1 and 2 - appropriate measures to guarantee protection against the risks due to fire; Article 30, paragraph 2 - providing workers with appropriate means to enable them to use individual protective equipment, and to ensure its proper use; Article 32 - supply of drinking water and installation of facilities for clothing and accommodation for taking meals, and separate sanitary and washing facilities for men and women workers; and Article 34 - reporting requirements concerning occupational diseases to the competent authorities.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1999, published 88th ILC session (2000)

The Committee notes the Government's first report and would be grateful if the Government would supply detailed information on the following points.

Article 1, paragraphs 2 and 3, of the Convention. The Committee observes that building maintenance and repair work are excluded from the scope of the Labour Code, under its section 309. The Committee asks the Government to indicate its reasons for the exclusion of building and construction maintenance and repair work, and whether the representative organizations of the employers and workers concerned were consulted.

Article 3. The Committee recalls that in conformity with the provisions of this Article, the Government must consult the representative organizations of the employers and workers concerned on the measures to be taken to give effect to the provisions of the Convention. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the manner in which the abovementioned organizations were consulted.

Article 4. The Committee notes that the Government adopted Safety and Health Regulations for the construction industry in 1979. Given the amount of time that has passed since the adoption of these Regulations, the Committee requests the Government to indicate whether it has undertaken an evaluation of existing health and safety hazards, with a view to taking the steps necessary in consequence to update the legislation applying the provisions of the Convention.

Article 5, paragraphs 1 and 2. The Committee notes that several guides and manuals have been published in respect of safety and prevention of accidents in the construction industry. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would include in its next report copies of the abovementioned publications, and indicate whether due account was taken of the relevant standards adopted by the international organizations recognized as standard-setting bodies, and if so, which.

Article 7. The Committee asks the Government to indicate how it ensures that employers and self-employed workers comply with the prescribed safety and health measures.

Article 8, paragraphs 1 and 2. The Committee notes that, in conformity with section 35 of the Labour Code, independent contractors are jointly responsible for wages, benefits and compensation due to workers. The Committee recalls that under this Article of the Convention, measures shall be adopted to ensure the coordinating of the prescribed safety and health measures and to establish responsibility for the effective application of such measures. The Committee requests the Government to indicate the measures adopted or envisaged to ensure application of this Article.

Article 12, paragraphs 1 and 2. The Committee recalls that under this Article a worker shall have the right to remove himself from danger when he has good reason to believe that there is an imminent and serious danger to his safety or health, and also that the employer is obliged to take immediate steps to stop the operation and evacuate workers as appropriate. The Committee requests the Government to indicate the legislative or regulatory provisions which give application to this Article.

Article 13, paragraph 2. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would provide information on the measures adopted to indicate places of access to and egress from all workplaces sufficiently, in accordance with the requirements of this provision of the Convention.

Article 15, paragraph 1(d). The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the provisions which stipulate that the results of examinations and tests of every lifting appliance and item of lifting gear shall be duly recorded.

Article 16, paragraphs 1 and 2. The Committee requests the Government to indicate the existing provisions which guarantee the requirements of this Article in respect of vehicles and earth-moving or materials-handling equipment, and also guaranteeing that such equipment should be operated by workers who have received appropriate training and that there is appropriate signposting and organization and control of vehicle traffic.

Article 17, paragraph 1(d). The Committee asks the Government to provide information on the measures adopted to ensure that workers operating plant, machinery and equipment have received appropriate training.

Article 17, paragraph 3. The Committee asks the Government to indicate the measures adopted to ensure that pressure plant and equipment shall be examined and tested by a competent person in cases and at times prescribed by national laws or regulations.

Article 20. The Committee asks the Government to indicate the provisions which establish the characteristics of cofferdams and caissons and guarantee that the work on and supervision thereof is undertaken by a competent person.

Article 21. The Committee asks the Government to indicate which provisions establish the nature of the medical examination which workers must pass in order to carry out work in compressed air and which ensure supervision of these operations by a competent person.

Article 22. The Committee asks the Government to provide information on the provisions which establish the characteristics of formwork, falsework and shoring, and also ensure that the erection of structural frames and components, framework, falsework and shoring are carried out only under the supervision of a competent person, so as to protect workers from the hazards involved in such operations.

Article 23. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would provide information on the measures adopted to protect workers undertaking work over or in close proximity to water.

Article 26, paragraphs 1 and 3. The Committee asks the Government to indicate the technical rules and standards in force to guard against danger from electrical equipment.

Article 27(b). The Committee asks the Government to indicate the provisions which ensure that a competent person is responsible for storing, transporting, handling or using explosives.

Article 28, paragraph 2(a) and (b). The Committee asks the Government to indicate the measures adopted to replace hazardous substances by harmless or less hazardous substances wherever possible, or the technical measures which shall be applied to the plant, machinery, equipment or process.

Article 28, paragraph 4. The Committee requests the Government to describe the measures envisaged to avoid destroying or disposing of waste on construction sites in a manner liable to be injurious to health.

Article 29, paragraphs 1 and 2. The Committee requests the Government to indicate the provisions in force which provide for appropriate measures to ensure protection against the risks due to fire.

Article 30, paragraph 2. The Committee asks the Government to indicate the provisions which guarantee that the employer shall provide the workers with the appropriate means to enable them to use the individual protective equipment, and shall ensure its proper use.

Article 32. The Committee asks the Government to indicate which measures have been adopted to ensure a supply of drinking water, the installation of sanitary and washing facilities, facilities for clothing and accommodation for taking meals and taking shelter at a distance, where work is being undertaken other than construction work for tunnels or galleries or where less than 50 workers are employed. The Committee would also be grateful if the Government would indicate the provisions which ensure separate sanitary and washing facilities for men and women workers.

Article 34. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would indicate the provisions in force to guarantee the reporting of occupational diseases to the competent authorities.