Safety and Health in Mines Convention, 1995 (No. 176) - Slovakia (Ratification: 1998)

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 of the Convention. National policy. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that the Main Mining Authority (HBU) is presently elaborating its occupational safety and health policy (hereinafter the “OSH policy relating to mines”) on the basis of the newly adopted Occupational Safety and Health Protection Strategy in the Slovak Republic up until 2020 (hereinafter the “2020 strategy”) and its implementation programme for the years 2013–15. However, the Committee notes that the 2020 strategy and the Government’s report does not contain any details about specific policies or programmes for mines. The Committee requests the Government to provide more details on the OSH policy relating to mines, elaborated by the HBU, and to provide a copy of this policy once it is adopted.

Article 4(2). Technical standards, guidelines or codes of practice. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that the HBU and the district mining authorities are competent to control the application of internal regulations on safety in mines (that is, operational documentation), which employers are obliged to develop to ensure the safety and protection of health at work. The Committee requests the Government to provide further information on the internal regulations employers are obliged to develop including, for instance, their scope of application and content. It also 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. If so, please transmit a copy of such documents.

Article 5(4)(d). Safe storage, transportation and disposal of hazardous substances and waste. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that sections 21 and 37 of Act No. 364/2004 Coll. on Waters, applicable to natural and legal persons, regulates the management of waste water. Regarding the transportation of mine waste, the Committee notes that the Government refers to section 3 of Act No. 514/2008 Coll. concerning the management of waste from the extractive industry. However, section 3 of the Act refers only to the storage and disposal of mining waste. The Committee therefore once again requests the Government to provide additional information as to how transportation of mine waste is regulated.

Article 7(g). Operation plan and procedures for a safe system of work. The Committee notes that the Government refers to its reply concerning Article 3 and does not provide the information requested in its previous comments. Therefore, once again, the Committee requests the Government to provide further information on employers’ obligations regarding the drawing up and implementation of an operating plan and procedures to ensure a safe system of work and the protection of workers.

Article 13(4). Protection against discrimination and retaliation. The Committee notes that pursuant to section 9 of Act No. 365/2004 Coll. on Equal treatment, every person is entitled to equal treatment and protection against discrimination, while section 19(5) of Act No. 124/2006 provides that the employer must create the conditions required for the execution of the employee safety representatives’ function. The Committee requests the Government to provide further information on the measures taken, in law and in practice, to ensure that the rights of workers and their representatives, set out under Article 13(1) and (2) of the Convention, can be exercised without retaliation.

Application of the Convention in practice. The Committee notes that, according to the report of the HBU, 255 occupational accidents were recorded in 2013, compared to 275 in 2012. It also notes that the number of injuries in surface workplaces increased from 52 in 2012 to 60 in 2013, and that 52 new cases of occupational diseases were identified by the HBU, as opposed to 38 in 2012. The Committee requests the Government to continue providing information on the practical application of the Convention, including, for instance: the number of workers covered by the measures giving effect to the Convention, disaggregated by gender; the number and nature of accidents and diseases at mines; and extracts from the annual reports of the HBU or the labour inspectorate, showing the number and nature of infringements and sanctions imposed.

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

Article 3 of the Convention. National policy. The Committee notes the information provided by the Government, in particular a copy of the Concept of Safety and the Protection of Health at Work for the period of 2008 to 2012, approved by Government Resolution No. 114 of 20 February 2008 (hereinafter the “OSH Concept”). It recalls in this connection that the Convention requires the formulation, carrying out and reviewing of a national policy on safety and health in mines, particularly regarding the measures to give effect to the provisions of the Convention. It notes that the OSH Concept is of a general nature and does not appear to contain specific policies or programmes for mines. The Committee therefore requests the Government to clarify whether any relevant authorities, such as the Main Mining Authority (HBU), has adopted and implemented policies and programmes specifically concerning safety and health in mines, following the adoption of the OSH Concept, and, if so, to provide a copy of such policies and programmes.

Article 4(2). Technical standards, guidelines or codes of practice. The Committee notes that the Slovak Standards Institute (SUTN) adopted technical standards on specific equipment used and various operations in mines. The Committee requests the Government to indicate whether any other technical standards, guidelines or codes of practices on safety and health in mines have so far been adopted, for instance, those for the use of the employers and workers at mines. If so, please transmit a copy of such documents.

Article 5(4)(d). Safe storage, transportation and disposal of hazardous substances and waste. The Committee notes the Government’s reference to Act No. 514/2008 Coll. concerning the management of waste from the extractive industry. In particular, it notes that section 1(2)(b) of the Act provides that the Act does not apply to waste water. The Committee requests the Government to clarify how the management of waste water from mines is regulated. The Committee also notes that the Act does not appear to expressly provide for transportation of mining waste. Section 3 of the Act on basic duties refers only to storage and disposal of mining waste, and section 5(2) on waste management plans provides for treatment and disposal of waste from mines, but not specifically for their transportation. The Committee therefore requests the Government to provide additional information as to how transportation of mine waste is regulated.

Article 7(g). Operation plan and procedures for a safe system of work. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that section 6 of Act No. 51/1988 Coll. on mining process, explosives and State Mining Administration provides all of the foreseeable risks against which employers are required to take accident prevention measures. The Committee requests the Government to provide further information on employers’ obligations regarding the drawing up of an operating plan and procedures to ensure a safe system of work and the protection of workers.

Article 12. Two or more employers undertake activities at the same mine. The Committee notes the Government’s reference to Government Regulation No. 117/2002 Coll. and to the Decrees of the HBU Nos 21/1989 Coll. 29/1989 Coll., and 50/1989 Coll. on safety and the protection of health at work and safety of mining operation and process. The Committee reiterates, however, that while they provide for cooperation between the different enterprises operating in the same mine and the role of the employer responsible for the mine to “coordinate” the implementation of safety and health measures, they do not specifically provide that this employer must assume primary responsibility for the safety of the operations. The Committee requests the Government to provide further information on the effect given to this Article.

Article 13(2) and (3). Rights and duties of safety and health representatives. The Committee notes that section 19 of Act No. 124/2006 Coll. provides for an employee safety representative. This section prescribes the procedure for appointment, the powers of the representative and the obligations of employers with respect to the employee safety representatives. While noting that this section gives effect to many of the provisions under Article 13(2) and (3) of the Convention, the Committee requests the Government to explain how the following provisions of the Convention are given effect: Article 13(2)(b)(i) and (f) and Article 13(4). Furthermore, the Government is also requested to provide a copy of any relevant regulations providing for details on the procedures for the exercise of the rights and duties of the employee representatives on safety.

Part V of the report form. Application in practice. The Committee notes the report of the State Mining Administration on the status of safety and the protection of health at work; developments in occupational accidents and diseases; and other damage to health. It also notes a copy of the evaluation report on the performance of the OSH Concept. It further notes the latest annual report (2010) of the HBU, in which the HBU refers to the increased emphasis of inspection placed on health and safety, resulting in a 50 per cent increase in administrative operations. The HBU also reports on the investigation into the causes of fatal accidents in cooperation with the mine trade unions and the petroleum industry. The Committee requests the Government to continue providing information on the practical application of the Convention, including, for instance, the number of workers covered by the measures giving effect to the Convention, disaggregated by gender; the number and nature of accidents and diseases at mines; and extracts from the inspection reports of the HBU or the labour inspectorate, showing the number and nature of infringements and sanctions imposed.

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. Formulation, carrying out and periodic review of a national policy. The Committee notes the information provided by the Government in which reference is made to general actions taken in the area of occupational safety and health. With reference to the more specific requirements in Article 3 of the Convention, the Committee would be grateful if the Government would provide additional information on whether any national policy on safety and health in mines has been formulated and whether measures have been taken to implement and periodically review this policy.

Article 4(2). Technical standards, guidelines and codes of practice. The Committee notes that while the Government refers to a large number of legislative instruments giving effect to the Convention, the Committee notes that the Government’s report is silent on the more specific issue as to whether more technical standards, guidelines of codes of practice have been developed to assist in the practical implementation of the Convention. The Committee requests the Government to indicate whether technical standards, guidelines or codes of practice supplementing the national laws and regulations have been adopted giving effect to the Convention.

Article 5(4)(d). Safe storage, transportation and disposal of hazardous substances and waste produced at the mines. The Committee notes that section 32 of Decree No. 21/1989 provides that the employer shall identify sites for waste bins and waste must be removed from the underground areas at regular intervals. The Committee requests the Government to provide more specific information on how the safe storage, transportation and disposal of hazardous substances used in the mining process and waste produced at the mine is ensured in practice.

Article 12. Responsibilities of the employer in charge of the mine when two or more employers undertake activities at the same mine. The Committee notes that section 3(4) of Decree No. 117/2002 provides that when different employers work together at the same workplace, each employer shall be held responsible for the activities of which she/he is in charge and that the employer responsible for the workplace shall coordinate the implementation of all measures concerning employees’ safety and health protection. The Committee requests the Government to indicate whether specific provisions of national legislation according to which employer in charge of the mine is held primarily responsible for the safety of operations, when two or more employers undertake activities at the same mine.

Noting that the Government’s report is silent on these issues, the Committee requests the Government to provide information on how effect is given to the following provisions of the Convention:

• – Article 7(g). Operation plan and procedures ensuring a safe system of work;
• – Article 13(2)(c). Rights of safety and health representatives to have recourse to advisers and independent experts; and
• – Article 13(3). Rights and duties of workers and their representatives.

Part V of the report form. Application in practice. In order to be able to appreciate the application in practice of the present Convention in Slovakia, the Committee requests the Government to provide a general appreciation of how it is applied and to supply extracts from inspection reports, and where such statistics exist, information on the number of workers covered by the measures giving effect to the Convention, disaggregated by gender, if possible, the number and nature of the infringements, etc.

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:

Article 3 of the Convention. Formulation, carrying out and periodic review of a national policy. The Committee notes the information provided by the Government in which reference is made to general actions taken in the area of occupational safety and health. With reference to the more specific requirements in Article 3 of the Convention, the Committee would be grateful if the Government would provide additional information on whether any national policy on safety and health in mines has been formulated and whether measures have been taken to implement and periodically review this policy.

Article 4(2). Technical standards, guidelines and codes of practice. The Committee notes that while the Government refers to a large number of legislative instruments giving effect to the Convention, the Committee notes that the Government’s report is silent on the more specific issue as to whether more technical standards, guidelines of codes of practice have been developed to assist in the practical implementation of the Convention. The Committee requests the Government to indicate whether technical standards, guidelines or codes of practice supplementing the national laws and regulations have been adopted giving effect to the Convention.

Article 5(4)(d). Safe storage, transportation and disposal of hazardous substances and waste produced at the mines. The Committee notes that section 32 of Decree No. 21/1989 provides that the employer shall identify sites for waste bins and waste must be removed from the underground areas at regular intervals. The Committee requests the Government to provide more specific information on how the safe storage, transportation and disposal of hazardous substances used in the mining process and waste produced at the mine is ensured in practice.

Article 12. Responsibilities of the employer in charge of the mine when two or more employers undertake activities at the same mine. The Committee notes that section 3(4) of Decree No. 117/2002 provides that when different employers work together at the same workplace, each employer shall be held responsible for the activities of which she/he is in charge and that the employer responsible for the workplace shall coordinate the implementation of all measures concerning employees’ safety and health protection. The Committee requests the Government to indicate whether specific provisions of national legislation according to which employer in charge of the mine is held primarily responsible for the safety of operations, when two or more employers undertake activities at the same mine.

Noting that the Government’s report is silent on these issues, the Committee requests the Government to provide information on how effect is given to the following provisions of the Convention:

–      Article 7(g). Operation plan and procedures ensuring a safe system of work;

–      Article 13(2)(c). Rights of safety and health representatives to have recourse to advisers and independent experts; and

–      Article 13(3). Rights and duties of workers and their representatives.

Part V of the report form. Application in practice. In order to be able to appreciate the application in practice of the present Convention in Slovakia, the Committee requests the Government to provide a general appreciation of how it is applied and to supply extracts from inspection reports, and where such statistics exist, information on the number of workers covered by the measures giving effect to the Convention, disaggregated by gender, if possible, the number and nature of the infringements, etc.

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 matters raised in its previous direct request, which read as follows:

Article 3 of the Convention. Formulation, carrying out and periodic review of a national policy. The Committee notes the information provided by the Government in which reference is made to general actions taken in the area of occupational safety and health. With reference to the more specific requirements in Article 3 of the Convention, the Committee would be grateful if the Government would provide additional information on whether any national policy on safety and health in mines has been formulated and whether measures have been taken to implement and periodically review this policy.

Article 4, paragraph 2. Technical standards, guidelines and codes of practice. The Committee notes that while the Government refers to a large number of legislative instruments giving effect to the Convention, the Committee notes that the Government’s report is silent on the more specific issue as to whether more technical standards, guidelines of codes of practice have been developed to assist in the practical implementation of the Convention. The Committee requests the Government to indicate whether technical standards, guidelines or codes of practice supplementing the national laws and regulations have been adopted giving effect to the Convention.

Article 5, paragraph 4(d). Safe storage, transportation and disposal of hazardous substances and waste produced at the mines. The Committee notes that section 32 of Decree No. 21/1989 provides that the employer shall identify sites for waste bins and waste must be removed from the underground areas at regular intervals. The Committee requests the Government to provide more specific information on how the safe storage, transportation and disposal of hazardous substances used in the mining process and waste produced at the mine is ensured in practice.

Article 12. Responsibilities of the employer in charge of the mine when two or more employers undertake activities at the same mine. The Committee notes that section 3(4) of Decree No. 117/2002 provides that when different employers work together at the same workplace, each employer shall be held responsible for the activities of which she/he is in charge and that the employer responsible for the workplace shall coordinate the implementation of all measures concerning employees’ safety and health protection. The Committee requests the Government to indicate whether specific provisions of national legislation according to which employer in charge of the mine is held primarily responsible for the safety of operations, when two or more employers undertake activities at the same mine.

Noting that the Government’s report is silent on these issues, the Committee requests the Government to provide information on how effect is given to the following provisions of the Convention:

–      Article 7(g). Operation plan and procedures ensuring a safe system of work;

–      Article 13(2)(c). Rights of safety and health representatives to have recourse to advisers and independent experts; and

–      Article 13(3). Rights and duties of workers and their representatives.

Part V of the report form. Application in practice. In order to be able to appreciate the application in practice of the present Convention in Slovakia, the Committee requests the Government to provide a general appreciation of how it is applied and to supply extracts from inspection reports, and where such statistics exist, information on the number of workers covered by the measures giving effect to the Convention, disaggregated by gender, if possible, the number and nature of the infringements, etc.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2006, published 96th ILC session (2007)

1. The Committee notes the information contained in the Government’s reports and the attached legislation. While effect appears to be parts of the Convention, the Committee requests the Government to provide additional information on the following points.

2. Article 3 of the Convention. Formulation, carrying out and periodic review of a national policy. The Committee notes the information provided by the Government in which reference is made to general actions taken in the area of occupational safety and health. With reference to the more specific requirements in Article 3 of the Convention, the Committee would be grateful if the Government would provide additional information on whether any national policy on safety and health in mines has been formulated and whether measures have been taken to implement and periodically review this policy.

3. Article 4, paragraph 2. Technical standards, guidelines and codes of practice. The Committee notes that while the Government refers to a large number of legislative instruments giving effect to the Convention, the Committee notes that the Government’s report is silent on the more specific issue as to whether more technical standards, guidelines of codes of practice have been developed to assist in the practical implementation of the Convention. The Committee requests the Government to indicate whether technical standards, guidelines or codes of practice supplementing the national laws and regulations have been adopted giving effect to the Convention.

4. Article 5, paragraph 4(d). Safe storage, transportation and disposal of hazardous substances and waste produced at the mines. The Committee notes that section 32 of Decree No. 21/1989 provides that the employer shall identify sites for waste bins and waste must be removed from the underground areas at regular intervals. The Committee requests the Government to provide more specific information on how the safe storage, transportation and disposal of hazardous substances used in the mining process and waste produced at the mine is ensured in practice.

5. Article 12. Responsibilities of the employer in charge of the mine when two or more employers undertake activities at the same mine. The Committee notes that section 3(4) of Decree No. 117/2002 provides that when different employers work together at the same workplace, each employer shall be held responsible for the activities of which she/he is in charge and that the employer responsible for the workplace shall coordinate the implementation of all measures concerning employees’ safety and health protection. The Committee requests the Government to indicate whether specific provisions of national legislation according to which employer in charge of the mine is held primarily responsible for the safety of operations, when two or more employers undertake activities at the same mine.

6. Noting that the Government’s report is silent on these issues, the Committee requests the Government to provide information on how effect is given to the following provisions of the Convention:

–      Article 7, paragraph (g). Operation plan and procedures ensuring a safe system of work;

–      Article 13, paragraph 2(c). Rights of safety and health representatives to have recourse to advisers and independent experts; and

–      Article 13, paragraph 3. Rights and duties of workers and their representatives.

7. Part V of the report form. Application in practice. In order to be able to appreciate the application in practice of the present Convention in Slovakia, the Committee requests the Government to provide a general appreciation of how it is applied and to supply extracts from inspection reports, and where such statistics exist, information on the number of workers covered by the measures giving effect to the Convention, disaggregated by gender, if possible, the number and nature of the infringements, etc.