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

Hungary

Maximum Weight Convention, 1967 (No. 127) (Ratification: 1994)
Working Environment (Air Pollution, Noise and Vibration) Convention, 1977 (No. 148) (Ratification: 1994)
Occupational Health Services Convention, 1985 (No. 161) (Ratification: 1988)

In order to provide a comprehensive view of the issues relating to the application of ratified Conventions on occupational safety and health (OSH), the Committee considers it appropriate to examine Conventions Nos 161 (occupational health services), 127 (maximum weight) and 148 (working environment (air pollution, noise and vibration)) together.

Occupational Health Services Convention, 1985 (No. 161)

Articles 8, 9 and 16 of the Convention. Supervision of the operation of occupational health services. The Committee notes the observations made by the workers’ representatives of the Tripartite National ILO Council, included in the Government’s report, according to which cost considerations by employers in the employment of private external occupational health services sometimes have a negative effect on the quality of these services. The workers’ representatives indicate that, in practice, occupational health services: (1) do not always cooperate with workers and their representatives, as provided for by Article 8; and (2) are not always of a multidisciplinary nature as required by Article 9. In this context, the Committee also notes the indications made by the workers’ representatives that there are no data on the operation of occupational health services, and that there are no clear regulations on inspections of the relevant service providers. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the manner in which it ensures the multidisciplinary character of occupational health services, and to provide further information on the manner in which their operation is supervised by the labour inspection services (including their cooperation with workers and their representatives).

Maximum Weight Convention, 1967 (No. 127)

Article 5 of the Convention. Application in practice and adequate training on working techniques for the manual transport of loads. The Committee notes the observations made by the workers’ representatives of the Tripartite National ILO Council included in the Government’s report, that there are no specific rules guaranteeing the training on the manual handling of goods, and that the Government’s report does not specify to what extent relevant training is provided in practice. The Committee notes that the Government indicates that in 2014, 1,326 targeted inspections were carried out, and provides general information on the results of inspections relating to risk assessments and training, without providing specific data in relation to the manual movement of material. The Committee requests the Government to provide statistical information on the violations detected during inspections concerning the manual transport of loads, as well as the measures taken to ensure that workers assigned to the manual transport of loads receive adequate training with a view to protecting their health and preventing accidents.

Working Environment (Air Pollution, Noise and Vibration) Convention, 1977 (No. 148))

Articles 4 and 12 of the Convention. Prevention, control of and protection against occupational hazards in the working environment concerning noise and vibration. The Committee notes the Government’s reiterated indication that there are no notification obligations with respect to risks related to vibration and noise at workplaces. It notes the Government’s indication that the National Health and Medical Office establishes an annual report based on the risks identified by the occupational health services, which also includes information on the number of workers exposed to noise and vibration. It further notes that the Government indicates that a reporting obligation is not necessary, as the thresholds for noise and vibration are verified through labour inspection, and remedial measures ordered, if necessary. In this context, the Committee also notes from the information provided in the Government’s report that noise and vibration are frequent omissions in risk assessments undertaken by employers. The Committee requests the Government to indicate the measures taken to ensure that effective preventive measures are taken in practice for the protection of workers from health risks relating to noise and vibration, including the measures it is taking to ensure that these issues are included in the relevant risk assessments.

Article 11(3). Provision of alternative employment. The Committee notes the Government’s reference in reply to the Committee’s previous request, to the rules on the transfer of workers that have been exposed to air pollution, noise or vibration. The Committee also notes the Government’s indications made in reply to the Committee’s request concerning the maintenance of the income of workers who are required to discontinue work in view of having been exposed to the above risks. In this respect, the Committee refers the Government to its comments under the Workmen’s Compensation (Accidents) Convention, 1925 (No. 17), and the Workmen’s Compensation (Occupational Diseases) Convention (Revised), 1934 (No. 42).