Hygiene (Commerce and Offices) Convention, 1964 (No. 120) - Slovakia (Ratification: 1993)

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2024, published 113rd ILC session (2025)

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 120 (hygiene (commerce and offices)), 148 (working environment (air pollution, noise, vibration)), 161 (occupational health services), 167 (safety and health in construction), 176 (safety and health in mining) and 187 (promotional framework for OSH) together.

General provisions

Promotional Framework for Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 2006 (No. 187)

The Committee notes the information provided in the report of the Government concerning Article 2(2) (principles set out in ILO instruments) and Article 4(3)(f) (collection and analysis of data) of the Convention, which addresses its previous requests.

Article 2(3) of the Convention. Measures that could be taken, in consultation with social partners, to ratify relevant OSH Conventions. Following its previous comment, the Committee notes the indication of the Government that the Ministry of Labour, Social Affairs and Family will submit proposals to the new Government concerning the ratification of international treaties, taking into account proposals from specialised national bodies, such as the OSH Coordination Committee. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information regarding any developments in this respect.

Article 5. National OSH Programme. Following its previous comments, the Committee notes the adoption of the Strategy for Safety and Health Protection at Work of the Slovak Republic for the years 2021 to 2027 (OSH Strategy 2021–27). The Committee notes that, according to the Government, the primary goal of this Strategy is to adopt and enforce effective preventive measures at the state and enterprise level, with a view to maintaining a low rate of occupational accidents, minimizing the causes of occupational diseases, promoting prevention, strengthening the importance of OSH and spreading awareness. The Committee also notes the Government’s indication that the OSH Strategy 2021–27 is evaluated annually and was prepared in cooperation with all relevant stakeholders and social partners in order to achieve its set goals. The Committee further notes that the OSH Strategy 2021–27 was accompanied by an implementation programme and timetable 2021–23. The Committee requests the Government to provide further information on the measures taken to periodically review the national OSH programme, including the renewal of the implementation programme and timetable 2021–23. It requests the Government to indicate the consultations that took place in this regard with the most representative organizations of employers and workers, and to provide information on the targets and indicators of progress relating to the OSH Strategy 2021–27.

Occupational Health Services Convention, 1985 (No. 161)

The Committee notes the information provided in the report of the Government concerning legislative developments, which addresses its previous request.

Articles 2 and 3(1) of the Convention. Formulation, implementation and periodical review of a coherent national policy on occupational health services. Development of occupational health services for all workers, in all sectors. Application in practice. Following its previous comments, the Committee notes the Government’s indication that the national policy on occupational health services is integrated in the OSH Strategy 2021–27, while the activities performed by occupational health services are more clearly defined in Act (355/2007) on the Protection, Support and Development of Public Health (Public Health Act). Regarding the coverage of occupational health services for all workers in all sectors, the Committee notes that section 31 of the Public Health Act divides jobs into four categories according to risk. Section 30ab of the Public Health Act defines the functions of occupational health services in relation to workplaces in categories one and two (lower risk), while section 30ad of the same Act defines those activities in relation to jobs in categories three and four (higher risk). The Committee requests the Government to indicate the manner in which it ensures, in practice, that occupational health services are developed for all workers, in all branches of economic activity and all undertakings. The Committee requests the Government to provide statistical data, as available, on the number and the percentage of workers covered by occupational health services.

Article 12. Surveillance of workers' health as far as possible during working hours. The Committee requests the Government to indicate the measures taken to ensure that medical examinations of workers take place, as far as possible, during working hours, in accordance with Article 12.

Article 15. Information on occurrences of ill health amongst workers and absence from work for health reasons. The Committee requests the Government to indicate the measures taken to ensure that occupational health services are informed of occurrences of ill health amongst workers and absence from work for health reasons, to be able to identify whether there is any relation between the reasons for ill health or absence and any health hazards which may be present at the workplace.

Protection against specific risks

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

The Committee notes the information provided in the report of the Government concerning Article 5(1) and (2) (consultations) of the Convention, which addresses its previous request.

Article 8(2) and (3) of the Convention. Consultation of technically competent persons designated by employers’ and workers’ organizations and regular revision of exposure limits. While noting the information provided by the Government with regard to the participation of social partners in the Economic and Social Council, the Committee once again requests the Government to indicate whether, in practice, the Economic and Social Council has appointed any advisory body, pursuant to section 8 of its Standing Orders, for the purpose of consultations in the elaboration of the criteria and the determination of the exposure limits under Article 8(2) of the Convention. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information regarding any legislative developments or revisions of the exposure limits determined by national legislation.

Application of the Convention in practice. Following its previous comments, the Committee notes the statistics provided by the Government, which indicate that, out of 518 cases of occupational diseases recorded in 2022, 8.5 per cent were caused by work with vibrating work equipment, 2.7 per cent were caused by noise, and 1.5 per cent was caused by air pollution. The Committee requests the Government to provide further information on any measures taken to improve the application in practice of the Convention, particularly in respect of workplaces involving exposure to vibration.

Protection in specific branches of activity

Hygiene (Commerce and Offices) Convention, 1964 (No. 120)

The Committee notes the information provided in the report of the Government concerning Article 3 (determination of scope in case of doubt) of the Convention, which addresses its previous request.

Application of the Convention in practice. Following its previous comments, the Committee notes the Government’s indication that, in 2022, 3,114 OSH deficiencies were identified in the implementation of administrative and support services, representing an increase of 9.3 per cent compared to 2021. The Government further indicates that the violations detected in 2022 include deficiencies related to dust, noise and inadequate temperatures in the workplace, as well as the failure by employers to conduct hazard and risk assessments. While taking note of the measures already taken, including the fines imposed, the Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information on any violations detected, and on any measures taken to improve compliance with this Convention in practice, including measures taken in the context of the implementation of the OSH strategy 2021-27.

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

Legislation. The Committee notes the information provided by the Government concerning Decree No. 147/2013 of the Ministry of Labour, Social Affairs and Family, laying down the details to ensure the safety and health at construction works and related works and details of professional competence for the performance of certain work activities (Decree No. 147/2013), which addresses its previous request.

Article 23(b) and (c) of the Convention. Work over water. The Committee notes that paragraph 1.1 of Annex 6 of Decree No. 147/2013 provides that persons performing construction work must be secured against falls when working at a height and above depths. The Committee requests the Government to provide further information on the measures taken to ensure that there is adequate provision for the rescue of workers in danger of drowning and safe and sufficient transport, when work is done over or in close proximity to water.

Application of the Convention in practice. Following its previous comments, the Committee notes the statistics provided by the Government on occupational accidents and cases of occupational diseases detected in the construction sector in 2022, which include seven fatal occupational accidents and eight serious occupational accidents. The Government indicates that this represents 22.6 per cent of all fatal occupational accidents and 17.4 per cent of all serious occupational accidents recorded in 2022, respectively. Noting these figures and noting the indication of the Government under Convention No. 120 that the construction sector recorded the fourth highest number of OSH deficiencies in 2022, with 3,908 such deficiencies detected, the Committee requests the Government to strengthen the measures taken to achieve compliance with the applicable OSH regulations in the sector and to provide information in this respect.

Safety and Health in Mines Convention, 1995 (No. 176)

The Committee notes the information provided in the report of the Government concerning Article 5(4)(d) (safe storage, transportation and disposal of hazardous substances and waste), Article 7(g) (operation plan and procedures) and Article 13(4) (protection against discrimination and retaliation) of the Convention, which addresses its previous requests.

Article 3 of the Convention. National policy. Following its previous request on this matter, the Committee observes that the Government did not provide information on the elaboration by the Main Mining Authority (HBU) of an OSH policy specific to mining. The Government further indicates that the OSH Strategy 2021-27 does not include specific policies targeting OSH in mines. Accordingly, the Committee once again requests the Government to provide information on any developments regarding the elaboration of an OSH policy specific to mining by the HBU, and to provide a copy of such a policy once adopted.

Article 4(2). Technical standards, guidelines or codes of practice. Following its previous comments, the Committee notes the Government’s indication that, when violations are detected, mining inspectors can issue binding orders to employers, including orders for employers to complete the operational documentation of the mine. In the absence of information on this matter, the Committee once again requests the Government to indicate whether any other technical standards, guidelines or codes of practice on safety and health in mines have been adopted.

Application of the Convention in practice. Following its previous comments, the Committee notes the Government’s indication that 745 inspections have been carried out in 2022, with 522 focusing specifically on OSH and operational safety of mines. The Government indicates that there were 181 occupational accidents in the mining sector in 2022, compared to 171 in 2021 and 200 in 2020. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide statistics on the number of OSH violations detected in the mining sector and information on their causes, indicating the measures taken to achieve compliance with OSH regulations in the sector.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2014, published 104th ILC session (2015)

Article 3. Determination of the scope of application in case of doubt. The Committee notes the Government’s indication, in reply to its previous request, that while the tripartite Economic and Social Council has not held any discussions specifically regarding the applicability of the Convention, a number of issues falling within its scope were discussed as a part of other materials and strategies examined by the Council. The Committee requests the Government to supply information on possible cases concerning the scope of application of the Convention which have arisen and on the manner in which such cases may have been settled. The Committee also requests the Government to provide information on the issues discussed by the Economic and Social Council which fell within the scope of the Convention.

Application of the Convention in practice. The Committee notes the information that while infringements detected by labour inspectors have decreased by 2.02 per cent from 2012 (14,730 in 2013), the largest number of infringements were noted within smaller undertakings, mainly with regard to workplace equipment, health protection and the condition of listed equipment. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information in respect of the application of the Convention in practice, including extracts from inspection reports and statistics on the number and nature of infringements identified by the labour inspectorate and the measures taken in this respect.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2012, published 102nd ILC session (2013)

Legislation. The Committee notes the information provided by the Government in its latest report, and in particular its reference to recent legislation that has been adopted to give further application to the Convention, specifically: Act. No. 355/2007 on the protection, promotion and development of public health; Regulation of Government No. 391/2006 on minimum safety and health requirements for workplaces; and the Decrees of the Slovak Ministry of Health No. 544/2007 on the particulars of health protection against occupational exposure to heat and cold; No. 292/2008 on the particulars of the scope and content of the performance of occupational health services and the composition of the specialist team; No. 542/2007 on the particulars of health protection against physical stress; and No. 541/2007 on the particulars of lighting requirements at work. The Committee also notes the information provided concerning effect given to Articles 12, 14 and 16 of the Convention. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information on legislative developments in relation to the application of the Convention.

Article 3. Procedure to determine the scope of application in case of doubt. In relation to its previous comments, the Committee notes the Government’s indication that legislative proposals on occupational safety and health are discussed by the tripartite Economic and Social Council. The Committee therefore requests the Government to indicate whether the Economic and Social Council has had any discussions or made any determinations regarding the applicability of this Convention to certain establishments, institutions or administrative services.

Part IV of the report form. Application in practice. The Committee requests the Government to provide information in respect of the application of the Convention in practice, including extracts from inspection reports and statistics on the number and nature of infringements identified by the labour inspectorate and the measures taken in this respect.

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

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

Repetition

Article 3 of the Convention. Information on the procedure determining the establishment, institution or administrative service to which the Convention applies. The Committee requests the Government to indicate which procedure should be applied in the case in which it is doubtful whether an establishment, institution or administrative service is one to which this Convention applies, as well as in what manner it is ensured that the representative organizations of employers and workers concerned participate in such procedures.

Article 12. Measures to ensure a sufficient supply of drinking water. The Committee notes the Government’s reference to section 13 of Act No. 272/1994 on human health protection which deals with a control of the quality of the water destined for human consumption. The Government is requested to indicate legislative or other provisions ensuring that a sufficient supply of drinking water is made available to workers.

Article 14. Information on supply for workers sufficient and suitable seats. The Committee notes that in connection with the application of this Article of the Convention, the Government refers to point 16 of Annex No. 1 to Governmental Regulation No. 201/2001 on Minimum Safety and Health Requirements for the Workplace requiring the establishment of restrooms for employees with sufficient numbers of seats. The Committee notes that this provision of the Convention concerns the equipment in working premises not restrooms. The Government is therefore requested to indicate measures taken or envisaged to ensure that work premises are equipped with seats in sufficient numbers.

Article 16. Information on provisions ensuring that underground or windowless premises would comply with appropriate standards of hygiene. The Committee notes the Government’s reference to STS-CSS-36 0450 of 1986 –artificial illumination of internal premises dealing with requirements related to suitable lighting for underground and windowless premises. The Committee requests the Government to supply information in its next report on applicable standards regarding other hygienic aspects for such premises.

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

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

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

Article 3 of the Convention. Information on the procedure determining the establishment, institution or administrative service to which the Convention applies. The Committee requests the Government to indicate which procedure should be applied in the case in which it is doubtful whether an establishment, institution or administrative service is one to which this Convention applies, as well as in what manner it is ensured that the representative organizations of employers and workers concerned participate in such procedures.

Article 12. Measures to ensure a sufficient supply of drinking water. The Committee notes the Government’s reference to section 13 of Act No. 272/1994 on human health protection which deals with a control of the quality of the water destined for human consumption. The Government is requested to indicate legislative or other provisions ensuring that a sufficient supply of wholesome drinking water is made available to workers.

Article 14. Information on supply for workers sufficient and suitable seats. The Committee notes that in connection with the application of this Article of the Convention, the Government refers to point 16 of Annex No. 1 to Governmental Regulation No. 201/2001 on Minimum Safety and Health Requirements for the Workplace requiring the establishment of restrooms for employees with sufficient numbers of seats. The Committee notes that this provision of the Convention concerns the equipment in working premises not restrooms. The Government is therefore requested to indicate measures taken or envisaged to ensure that work premises are equipped with seats in sufficient numbers.

Article 16. Information on provisions ensuring that underground or windowless premises would comply with appropriate standards of hygiene. The Committee notes the Government’s reference to STS-CSS-36 0450 of 1986 –artificial illumination of internal premises dealing with requirements related to suitable lighting for underground and windowless premises. The Committee requests the Government to supply information in its next report on applicable standards regarding other hygienic aspects for such premises.

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

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

Article 3 of the Convention. Information on the procedure determining the establishment, institution or administrative service to which the Convention applies. The Committee requests the Government to indicate which procedure should be applied in the case in which it is doubtful whether an establishment, institution or administrative service is one to which this Convention applies, as well as in what manner it is ensured that the representative organizations of employers and workers concerned participate in such procedures.

Article 12. Measures to ensure a sufficient supply of drinking water. The Committee notes the Government’s reference to section 13 of Act No. 272/1994 on human health protection which deals with a control of the quality of the water destined for human consumption. The Government is requested to indicate legislative or other provisions ensuring that a sufficient supply of wholesome drinking water is made available to workers.

Article 14. Information on supply for workers sufficient and suitable seats. The Committee notes that in connection with the application of this Article of the Convention, the Government refers to point 16 of Annex No. 1 to Governmental Regulation No. 201/2001 on Minimum Safety and Health Requirements for the Workplace requiring the establishment of restrooms for employees with sufficient numbers of seats. The Committee notes that this provision of the Convention concerns the equipment in working premises not restrooms. The Government is therefore requested to indicate measures taken or envisaged to ensure that work premises are equipped with seats in sufficient numbers.

Article 16. Information on provisions ensuring that underground or windowless premises would comply with appropriate standards of hygiene. The Committee notes the Government’s reference to STS-CSS-36 0450 of 1986 –artificial illumination of internal premises dealing with requirements related to suitable lighting for underground and windowless premises. The Committee requests the Government to supply information in its next report on applicable standards regarding other hygienic aspects for such premises.

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

1. The Committee notes the Government’s latest comprehensive report as well as the relevant national legislation referred to therein. It notes that national legislative and other texts give effect to the majority of provisions of the Convention. The Committee requests the Government to supply supplementary information with its next report concerning the following points.

2. Article 3 of the Convention. Information on the procedure determining the establishment, institution or administrative service to which the Convention applies. The Committee requests the Government to indicate which procedure should be applied in the case in which it is doubtful whether an establishment, institution or administrative service is one to which this Convention applies, as well as in what manner it is ensured that the representative organizations of employers and workers concerned participate in such procedures.

3. Article 12. Measures to ensure a sufficient supply of drinking water. The Committee notes the Government’s reference to section 13 of Act No. 272/1994 on human health protection which deals with a control of the quality of the water destined for human consumption. The Government is requested to indicate legislative or other provisions ensuring that a sufficient supply of wholesome drinking water is made available to workers.

4. Article 14. Information on supply for workers sufficient and suitable seats. The Committee notes that in connection with the application of this Article of the Convention, the Government refers to point 16 of Annex No. 1 to Governmental Regulation No. 201/2001 on Minimum Safety and Health Requirements for the Workplace requiring the establishment of restrooms for employees with sufficient numbers of seats. The Committee notes that this provision of the Convention concerns the equipment in working premises not restrooms. The Government is therefore requested to indicate measures taken or envisaged to ensure that work premises are equipped with seats in sufficient numbers.

5. Article 16. Information on provisions ensuring that underground or windowless premises would comply with appropriate standards of hygiene. The Committee notes the Government’s reference to STS-CSS-36 0450 of 1986 - artificial illumination of internal premises dealing with requirements related to suitable lighting for underground and windowless premises. The Committee requests the Government to supply information in its next report on applicable standards regarding other hygienic aspects for such premises.