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

Legislation. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that Decree No. 374/1990 Coll. on the safety of work and technological equipment at construction sites has been replaced by 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. However, Decree No. 147/2013 was not communicated with the report and the Committee is therefore unable to assess its impact on the application of the Convention. The Committee requests the Government to provide a copy of Decree No. 147/2013, if possible in one of the working languages of the ILO, and to continue to communicate information on legislative developments in relation to the application of the Convention.

Application of the Convention in practice. The Committee notes the statistical information provided by the Government showing the number of occupational accidents and diseases, but notes that specific information on the construction industry, including the number of workers, is not provided. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the practical application of the Convention, including excerpts of reports of the labour inspection service, information on the number of workers covered by the legislation, the number and nature of the contraventions reported and the resulting action taken, and the number of occupational accidents and diseases reported including the main causes of accidents in the construction sector.

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

Legislation. The Committee notes the information contained in the Government’s latest report, and in particular notes the reference to recent legislation that has been adopted to give further application to the Convention. The Committee also notes the information provided concerning effect given to the following Articles of the Convention: Articles 2(f), 17(2), 21(2), 24, 26(3) and 28(4). The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information on legislative developments in relation to the Convention.

Article 8(1)(a) of the Convention. Two or more employers simultaneously undertaking activities. The Committee notes the explanations provided by the Government that pursuant to section 3(1) of Government Regulation No. 396/2006 Coll. concerning minimum safety and health requirements for construction sites, every builder designates a safety coordinator with respect to a construction site where more than one employer or more than one natural person, who is an entrepreneur and not an employer, performs work. Section 6(1) of the Government Regulations provides that the coordinator’s role is to ensure the implementation of work at the construction site in respect of safety and health protection, and that the safety coordinator may be a natural person authorized to perform the activities of a construction site manager or of construction supervision, or an authorized safety engineer. In this connection, section 24(1) of Act No. 124/2006 concerning safety and protection of health at work provides the necessary educational background, work experience and examinations for authorized safety engineers. The Committee requests the Government to clarify whether it is the principal contractor, or other person or body with actual control over, or primary responsibility for, overall construction site activities, that is responsible for designating a safety coordinator, and for the overall responsibility for coordinating the prescribed safety and health measures.

Part VI of the report form. Application in practice. The Committee notes the detailed information provided by the Government concerning the number of employees working in the construction industry and an overview of the Concept of Safety and Protection of Health at Work for the Period 2008–12, which contains measures aimed at the gradual reduction of the number of occupational accidents per 100 employees by 25 per cent compared to the situation in 2006. It also notes the statistical information provided by the Government showing the number of occupational accidents and diseases. The Committee invites the Government to continue to provide information on the practical application of the Convention, including excerpts of reports of the labour inspection service, showing the number and nature of contraventions of the national legislation mentioned in the Government’s report and the 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 2(f) of the Convention. Qualifications and skills of responsible employees. The Committee notes the Government’s statement that section 2(t) of Decree No. 374/1990 on labour safety and technical devices at building works defines a “responsible employee” as an employee in charge of work management within their assigned sector, authorized to take decisions. The Committee requests the Government to clarify whether and how it is ensured that responsible employees have the qualifications, experience and skills required for ensuring safe performance of work as provided in this provision.

Article 8(1)(a). Cooperation concerning OSH measures between two or more employers simultaneously undertaking activities at one construction site. The Committee notes the Government’s statement that section 9 of Act No. 330/1996 of 12 June 1989 on occupational safety and health provides that if two or more employers undertake activities at the same time at one construction site, employers shall cooperate in the prevention, preparation and execution of measures to guarantee occupational safety and health coordination of their activities. In this regard, written agreement needs to be concluded amongst them, defining who is responsible, and in what regard, for creating conditions for occupational safety and health protection at the one construction site. If agreement is not reached, each of the parties is fully accountable. The Committee requests the Government to clarify how effect is given to this paragraph if an agreement is not reached between the different contractors.

Article 17(2). Provision of OSH instructions and information in a form understood by workers. The Committee notes the Government’s statement that section 7 of Regulation No. 470/2003 on minimum safety and health requirements for using personal protective equipment governs issues related to informing and briefing employees using work equipment. In this regard, the employer shall adopt measures to inform and brief employees on using the work equipment, in compliance with special regulation (Act No. 330/1996, as amended), and, if needed, provide them with written operational instructions for the working tool. The Committee notes that there is no reference in the legislative text to instruction for safe use “in a form understood by workers”, and therefore, the said section 7 does not ensure that instructions are understood by illiterate workers or those who may not speak the local language, such as migrant labour. The Committee requests the Government to indicate how effect is given to this provision of the Convention.

Article 21(2). Aptitude for work in compressed air. The Committee notes the Government’s statement that work in compressed air is “work with special risks”. It also indicates that employers are obliged to allocate jobs considering the employee’s health condition, skills and competencies. Section 8(a), subsection 1(l), of Act No. 330/1996, as amended, provides that work is assigned to employees only when it corresponds to their state of health. Employers are also obliged under section 8(a), subsection 1(o), to arrange for regular health surveillance with respect to the nature of the work. Section 8(a), subsection 1(n), also states that, according to the health hazard rate and for selected occupations, they shall provide regular preventive medical exams, as laid down in special regulations. The Committee requests the Government to clarify whether the aptitude of workers in the context of work in compressed air also is verified through medical surveillance.

Article 24. Precautions in case of demolition of buildings that might present a danger to the public. The Committee notes the Government’s statement that Annex 3, Part II, subparagraph 11, of Regulation No. 510/2001 on minimum safety and health requirements at construction sites, provides that necessary measures shall be taken and safe work procedures applied when the demolition of any building or structure might present a danger to workers. Work is planned and executed under permanent supervision of a competent responsible person. The Committee requests the Government to provide further information on the precautions applied in the context of demolition of buildings containing asbestos.

Article 26(3). Technical rules and standards for the laying and maintenance of electrical cables. The Committee notes that the Government’s report is silent on this issue. The Committee therefore requests the Government to indicate applicable technical rules and standards for laying and maintenance of electrical cables.

Article 28(4). Disposal of waste at construction sites. The Committee notes the Government’s statement that Decree No. 59/1982 on the principal requirements to ensure occupational safety and safety of technical equipment as amended, provides that waste materials must be removed from the place of their generation in order to avoid their hazardous influence on work safety. If waste materials are hazardous, necessary measures shall be taken to guarantee occupational health and safety at the place where these are generated, collected and disposed of. The Committee requests the Government to indicate how effect is given to this provision as regards the disposal of asbestos waste.

Part VI of the report form. Application in practice. The Committee notes the statistical information provided by the Government that during the period from 1998 to 2003, the number of inspections increased from 245 to 2,482. It also notes that 7,478 infringements were reported in 1998 against 4,781 in 2003, which is a significant decrease. It also notes that the number of serious accidents have decreased from 52 in 1993 to 31 in 2003. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information on the practical application of the Convention, as well as on the number of workers covered by the legislation. The Government is also requested to indicate what further measures have been taken or are envisaged to continue to bring down the number of accidents in the construction industry.

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 2(f) of the Convention. Qualifications and skills of responsible employees. The Committee notes the Government’s statement that section 2(t) of Decree No. 374/1990 on labour safety and technical devices at building works defines a “responsible employee” as an employee in charge of work management within their assigned sector, authorized to take decisions. The Committee requests the Government to clarify whether and how it is ensured that responsible employees have the qualifications, experience and skills required for ensuring safe performance of work as provided in this provision.

Article 8(1)(a). Cooperation concerning OSH measures between two or more employers simultaneously undertaking activities at one construction site. The Committee notes the Government’s statement that section 9 of Act No. 330/1996 of 12 June 1989 on occupational safety and health provides that if two or more employers undertake activities at the same time at one construction site, employers shall cooperate in the prevention, preparation and execution of measures to guarantee occupational safety and health coordination of their activities. In this regard, written agreement needs to be concluded amongst them, defining who is responsible, and in what regard, for creating conditions for occupational safety and health protection at the one construction site. If agreement is not reached, each of the parties is fully accountable. The Committee requests the Government to clarify how effect is given to this paragraph if an agreement is not reached between the different contractors.

Article 17(2). Provision of OSH instructions and information in a form understood by workers. The Committee notes the Government’s statement that section 7 of Regulation No. 470/2003 on minimum safety and health requirements for using personal protective equipment governs issues related to informing and briefing employees using work equipment. In this regard, the employer shall adopt measures to inform and brief employees on using the work equipment, in compliance with special regulation (Act No. 330/1996, as amended), and, if needed, provide them with written operational instructions for the working tool. The Committee notes that there is no reference in the legislative text to instruction for safe use “in a form understood by workers”, and therefore, the said section 7 does not ensure that instructions are understood by illiterate workers or those who may not speak the local language, such as migrant labour. The Committee requests the Government to indicate how effect is given to this provision of the Convention.

Article 21(2). Aptitude for work in compressed air. The Committee notes the Government’s statement that work in compressed air is “work with special risks”. It also indicates that employers are obliged to allocate jobs considering the employee’s health condition, skills and competencies. Section 8(a), subsection 1(l), of Act No. 330/1996, as amended, provides that work is assigned to employees only when it corresponds to their state of health. Employers are also obliged under section 8(a), subsection 1(o), to arrange for regular health surveillance with respect to the nature of the work. Section 8(a), subsection 1(n), also states that, according to the health hazard rate and for selected occupations, they shall provide regular preventive medical exams, as laid down in special regulations. The Committee requests the Government to clarify whether the aptitude of workers in the context of work in compressed air also is verified through medical surveillance.

Article 24. Precautions in case of demolition of buildings that might present a danger to the public. The Committee notes the Government’s statement that Annex 3, Part II, subparagraph 11, of Regulation No. 510/2001 on minimum safety and health requirements at construction sites, provides that necessary measures shall be taken and safe work procedures applied when the demolition of any building or structure might present a danger to workers. Work is planned and executed under permanent supervision of a competent responsible person. The Committee requests the Government to provide further information on the precautions applied in the context of demolition of buildings containing asbestos.

Article 26(3). Technical rules and standards for the laying and maintenance of electrical cables. The Committee notes that the Government’s report is silent on this issue. The Committee therefore requests the Government to indicate applicable technical rules and standards for laying and maintenance of electrical cables.

Article 28(4). Disposal of waste at construction sites. The Committee notes the Government’s statement that Decree No. 59/1982 on the principal requirements to ensure occupational safety and safety of technical equipment as amended, provides that waste materials must be removed from the place of their generation in order to avoid their hazardous influence on work safety. If waste materials are hazardous, necessary measures shall be taken to guarantee occupational health and safety at the place where these are generated, collected and disposed of. The Committee requests the Government to indicate how effect is given to this provision as regards the disposal of asbestos waste.

Part VI of the report form. Application in practice. The Committee notes the statistical information provided by the Government that during the period from 1998 to 2003, the number of inspections increased from 245 to 2,482. It also notes that 7,478 infringements were reported in 1998 against 4,781 in 2003, which is a significant decrease. It also notes that the number of serious accidents have decreased from 52 in 1993 to 31 in 2003. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information on the practical application of the Convention, as well as on the number of workers covered by the legislation. The Government is also requested to indicate what further measures have been taken or are envisaged to continue to bring down the number of accidents in the construction industry.

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 2, paragraph (f), of the Convention. Qualifications and skills of responsible employees. The Committee notes the Government’s statement that section 2(t) of Decree No. 374/1990 on labour safety and technical devices at building works defines a “responsible employee” as an employee in charge of work management within their assigned sector, authorized to take decisions. The Committee requests the Government to clarify whether and how it is ensured that responsible employees have the qualifications, experience and skills required for ensuring safe performance of work as provided in this provision.

Article 8, paragraph 1(a). Cooperation concerning OSH measures between two or more employers simultaneously undertaking activities at one construction site. The Committee notes the Government’s statement that section 9 of Act No. 330/1996 of 12 June 1989 on occupational safety and health provides that if two or more employers undertake activities at the same time at one construction site, employers shall cooperate in the prevention, preparation and execution of measures to guarantee occupational safety and health coordination of their activities. In this regard, written agreement needs to be concluded amongst them, defining who is responsible, and in what regard, for creating conditions for occupational safety and health protection at the one construction site. If agreement is not reached, each of the parties is fully accountable. The Committee requests the Government to clarify how effect is given to this paragraph if an agreement is not reached between the different contractors.

Article 17, paragraph 2. Provision of OSH instructions and information in a form understood by workers. The Committee notes the Government’s statement that section 7 of Regulation No. 470/2003 on minimum safety and health requirements for using personal protective equipment governs issues related to informing and briefing employees using work equipment. In this regard, the employer shall adopt measures to inform and brief employees on using the work equipment, in compliance with special regulation (Act No. 330/1996, as amended), and, if needed, provide them with written operational instructions for the working tool. The Committee notes that there is no reference in the legislative text to instruction for safe use “in a form understood by workers”, and therefore, the said section 7 does not ensure that instructions are understood by illiterate workers or those who may not speak the local language, such as migrant labour. The Committee requests the Government to indicate how effect is given to this provision of the Convention.

Article 21, paragraph 2. Aptitude for work in compressed air. The Committee notes the Government’s statement that work in compressed air is “work with special risks”. It also indicates that employers are obliged to allocate jobs considering the employee’s health condition, skills and competencies. Section 8(a), subsection 1(l) of Act No. 330/1996, as amended, provides that work is assigned to employees only when it corresponds to their state of health. Employers are also obliged under section 8(a), subsection 1(o) to arrange for regular health surveillance with respect to the nature of the work. Section 8(a), subsection 1(n) also states that according to the health hazard rate and for selected occupations, they shall provide regular preventive medical exams, as laid down in special regulations. The Committee requests the Government to clarify whether the aptitude of workers in the context of work in compressed air also is verified through medical surveillance.

Article 24. Precautions in case of demolition of buildings that might present a danger to the public. The Committee notes the Government’s statement that Annex 3, Part II, subparagraph 11 of Regulation No. 510/2001 on minimum safety and health requirements at construction sites, provides that necessary measures shall be taken and safe work procedures applied when the demolition of any building or structure might present a danger to workers. Work is planned and executed under permanent supervision of a competent responsible person. The Committee requests the Government to provide further information on the precautions applied in the context of demolition of buildings containing asbestos.

Article 26, paragraph 3. Technical rules and standards for the laying and maintenance of electrical cables. The Committee notes that the Government’s report is silent on this issue. The Committee therefore requests the Government to indicate applicable technical rules and standards for laying and maintenance of electrical cables.

Article 28, paragraph 4. Disposal of waste at construction sites. The Committee notes the Government’s statement that Decree No. 59/1982 on the principal requirements to ensure occupational safety and safety of technical equipment as amended, provides that waste materials must be removed from the place of their generation in order to avoid their hazardous influence on work safety. If waste materials are hazardous, necessary measures shall be taken to guarantee occupational health and safety at the place where these are generated, collected and disposed of. The Committee requests the Government to indicate how effect is given to this provision as regards the disposal of asbestos waste.

Part VI of the report form. Application in practice. The Committee notes the statistical information provided by the Government that during the period from 1998 to 2003, the number of inspections increased from 245 to 2,482. It also notes that 7,478 infringements were reported in 1998 against 4,781 in 2003, which is a significant decrease. It also notes that the number of serious accidents have decreased from 52 in 1993 to 31 in 2003. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information on the practical application of the Convention, as well as on the number of workers covered by the legislation. The Government is also requested to indicate what further measures have been taken or are envisaged to continue to bring down the number of accidents in the construction industry.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2008, published 98th ILC session (2009)

Article 2, paragraph (f) of the Convention. Qualifications and skills of responsible employees. The Committee notes the Government’s statement that section 2(t) of Decree No. 374/1990 on labour safety and technical devices at building works defines a “responsible employee” as an employee in charge of work management within their assigned sector, authorized to take decisions. The Committee requests the Government to clarify whether and how it is ensured that responsible employees have the qualifications, experience and skills required for ensuring safe performance of work as provided in this provision.

Article 8, paragraph 1(a). Cooperation concerning OSH measures between two or more employers simultaneously undertaking activities at one construction site. The Committee notes the Government’s statement that section 9 of
Act No. 330/1996 of 12 June 1989 on occupational safety and health provides that if two or more employers undertake activities at the same time at one construction site, employers shall cooperate in the prevention, preparation and execution of measures to guarantee occupational safety and health coordination of their activities. In this regard, written agreement needs to be concluded amongst them, defining who is responsible, and in what regard, for creating conditions for occupational safety and health protection at the one construction site. If agreement is not reached, each of the parties is fully accountable. The Committee requests the Government to clarify how effect is given to this paragraph if an agreement is not reached between the different contractors.

Article 17, paragraph 2. Provision of OSH instructions and information in a form understood by workers. The Committee notes the Government’s statement that section 7 of Regulation No. 470/2003 on minimum safety and health requirements for using personal protective equipment governs issues related to informing and briefing employees using work equipment. In this regard, the employer shall adopt measures to inform and brief employees on using the work equipment, in compliance with special regulation (Act No. 330/1996, as amended), and, if needed, provide them with written operational instructions for the working tool. The Committee notes that there is no reference in the legislative text to instruction for safe use “in a form understood by workers”, and therefore, the said section 7 does not ensure that instructions are understood by illiterate workers or those who may not speak the local language, such as migrant labour. The Committee requests the Government to indicate how effect is given to this provision of the Convention.

Article 21, paragraph 2. Aptitude for work in compressed air. The Committee notes the Government’s statement that work in compressed air is “work with special risks”. It also indicates that employers are obliged to allocate jobs considering the employee’s health condition, skills and competencies. Section 8(a), subsection 1(l) of Act No. 330/1996, as amended, provides that work is assigned to employees only when it corresponds to their state of health. Employers are also obliged under section 8(a), 1(o) to arrange for regular health surveillance with respect to the nature of the work. Section 8(a), 1(n) also states that according to the health hazard rate and for selected occupations, they shall provide regular preventive medical exams, as laid down in special regulations. The Committee requests the Government to clarify whether the aptitude of workers in the context of work in compressed air also is verified through medical surveillance.

Article 24. Precautions in case of demolition of buildings that might present a danger to the public. The Committee notes the Government’s statement that Annex 3, Part II, subparagraph 11 of Regulation No. 510/2001 on minimum safety and health requirements at construction sites, provides that necessary measures shall be taken and safe work procedures applied when the demolition of any building or structure might present a danger to workers. Work is planned and executed under permanent supervision of a competent responsible person. The Committee requests the Government to provide further information on the precautions applied in the context of demolition of buildings containing asbestos.

Article 26, paragraph 3. Technical rules and standards for the laying and maintenance of electrical cables. The Committee notes that the Government’s report is silent on this issue. The Committee therefore requests the Government to indicate applicable technical rules and standards for laying and maintenance of electrical cables.

Article 28, paragraph 4. Disposal of waste at construction sites. The Committee notes the Government’s statement that Decree No. 59/1982 on the principal requirements to ensure occupational safety and safety of technical equipment as amended, provides that waste materials must be removed from the place of their generation in order to avoid their hazardous influence on work safety. If waste materials are hazardous, necessary measures shall be taken to guarantee occupational health and safety at the place where these are generated, collected and disposed of. The Committee requests the Government to indicate how effect is given to this provision as regards the disposal of asbestos waste.

Part VI of the report form. Application in practice. The Committee notes the statistical information provided by the Government that during the period from 1998 to 2003, the number of inspections increased from 245 to 2,482. It also notes that 7,478 infringements were reported in 1998 against 4,781 in 2003, which is a significant decrease. It also notes that the number of serious accidents have decreased from 52 in 1993 to 31 in 2003. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information on the practical application of the Convention, as well as on the number of workers covered by the legislation. The Government is also requested to indicate what further measures have been taken or are envisaged to continue to bring down the number of accidents in the construction industry.