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

Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155) - Iceland (Ratification: 1991)

Article 4 of the Convention. National policy. With reference to its previous request for information on the periodic review of the national policy on occupational safety and health (OSH), the Committee notes the information provided by the Government regarding the legislative framework on OSH in the country. In this regard, the Committee recalls that a national policy can be formalized in many different ways, depending on the national situation and practice, including through a comprehensive legislative framework accompanied by an ongoing tripartite process for the review of this framework. The Committee therefore requests the Government to provide information on any measures taken to periodically review the OSH legislative framework in the country, in consultation with the most representative organizations of employers and workers.

Application of the Convention in practice. The Committee notes the information provided by the Government in response to its previous request regarding the number of occupational accidents for the period from June 2010 to May 2015. The figures presented show in general stability in the number of occupational accidents reported during the cited period and a limited increase in the number of occupational accidents in the fishing, transportation and public administration sectors. The Government indicates that the increase in the number of accidents in those sectors should be understood as a result of a prompt reporting process including the possibility to report electronically and of a better awareness of the importance of reporting. The Committee notes that the Administration for Occupational Safety and Health (AOSH) has been conducting campaigns aimed at reducing occupational accidents in these sectors. In addition, the Committee notes the statistical information provided by the Government on the improvement notices issued and that the total number of notices declined from 86 in 2010 to 72 in 2014. However, it notes the Government’s indication that this is due to the decreased number of inspectors. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on further measures taken to progressively reduce the number of occupational accidents in the country. With reference to its comments under the Labour Inspection Convention, 1947 (No. 81), the Committee also requests the Government to take measures to ensure the effective enforcement of OSH standards, including by ensuring that there are a sufficient number of labour inspectors for all sectors.