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Comments adopted by the CEACR: Norway

Adopted by the CEACR in 2021

C014 - Replies received to the issues raised in a direct request which do not give rise to further comments (CEACR) - adopted 2021, published 110th ILC session (2022)

The Committee notes the information provided by the Government, which answers the points raised in its previous direct request and has no further matters to raise in this regard.

C030 - Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2021, published 110th ILC session (2022)

Article 6 of the Convention. Averaging. Forty-hour week. The Committee previously noted that section 10-5(3) of the Working Environment Act (WEA), which provides that the Labour Inspection Authority may consent to normal working hours that on average, during a period not exceeding 26 weeks, are no longer than prescribed by section 10-4, on the condition that the total working hours do not exceed 13 hours per 24 hours and 48 hours per seven days, is not in line with Article 6 of the Convention. The Committee notes that the Government indicates in its report that, according to documentation from the Labour Inspection Authority, the authorities receive very few applications falling within the scope of application of the Convention (none in 2018, and eight in 2019). The Government also indicates that the Labour Inspection Authority places considerable emphasis on workers' safety and health when granting permits pursuant to section 10-5(3) of the WEA. Furthermore, the Committee notes that section 10-5(2) of the WEA, as amended by the Act on amendments to the Working Environment Act and the Generalization Act of 24 April 2015, prescribes that the employer and the employees' elected representatives in undertakings bound by a collective agreement may, in writing, agree that normal working hours shall be arranged in such a way that, on average, during a period not exceeding 52 weeks, they are no longer than prescribed by section 10-4, on the condition that the normal working hours do not exceed 12 and a half hours per 24 hours and 48 hours per seven days. The same section provides that when entering into an agreement involving normal working hours exceeding 10 hours per 24 hours, particular regard shall be paid to the employees' health and welfare. In this respect, the Committee observes that while the original section provided for a limit to normal daily working hours not exceeding 10 per 24 hours, section 10 5(3), as amended, allows up to 12 and a half daily working hours, which is not in line with Article 6 of the Convention. While noting the Government’s explanations regarding the application in practice of section 10-5(3), the Committee requests the Government to indicate how section 10-5(2) is applied in practice to the categories of workers under the scope of application of the Convention.
Article 7(2). Temporary exceptions. Circumstances. In previous comments, the Committee noted that section 10-6(1) of the WEA permits overtime in broad terms going beyond the limited cases provided for in Article 7(2) of the Convention. The Committee notes that the Government indicates that section 10 6(1) of the WEA implicitly refers to the following special cases: (i) when unforeseen impairments among the workers have disrupted or threaten to interfere with the smooth operation of undertakings; (ii) when overtime work and additional work are necessary to prevent damage to plants, machinery, raw materials or products; (iii) when unexpected work pressures have occurred; and (iv) when particular work pressures have arisen due to a shortage of labour with special expertise, seasonal fluctuations, and other reasons. The Committee notes this information, which addresses it previous request.
Article 7(3). Temporary exceptions. Limits to overtime. In its previous comment, the Committee noted that: (i) section 10-6(6) of the WEA permits the annual limit of 200 overtime hours to be exceeded if the worker so consents; and (ii) section 10-6(9) of the WEA provides that the parties to an employment relationship may agree on a working time arrangement permitting up to 16 working hours per 24 hours. The Committee notes that the Government does not provide any information in this regard. The Committee recalls that in its 2018 General Survey on working time instruments, paragraph 148, it indicated that the maximum number of additional hours, while not specifically prescribed by the Convention, must be kept within reasonable limits in line with its general goal to establish the eight-hour day and the 48-hour week as a legal standard for hours of work in order to protect against undue fatigue and ensure reasonable leisure and opportunities for recreation and social life. Hoping that the Government will examine – in full consultation with the social partners – the most suitable course of action with a view to keeping the number of additional hours allowed within reasonable limits that consider both the health and well-being of workers, and the employers’ productivity needs, the Committee requests the Government to provide further explanations on how the abovementioned provisions are applied in practice to the categories of workers covered by the Convention.
Article 7(4). Compensation for additional hours of work. In its previous comment, the Committee noted that section 10-6(12) of the WEA permits overtime hours to be compensated wholly in the form of extra time off, which is contrary to the express requirement of Article 7(4) of the Convention which requires the payment in all cases of an overtime premium of at least 25 per cent of the ordinary wage rate. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that, pursuant to sections 10–6(11) and (12) of the WEA, it is possible for the employer and the employee to agree that the overtime hours shall wholly or partly be taken out as time off on agreed dates, but that the overtime supplement cannot be converted into time off, so that employees must have an overtime pay of at least 40 per cent in addition to their normal salaries. The Committee notes this information, which addresses it previous request.

C081 - Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2021, published 110th ILC session (2022)

In order to provide a comprehensive view of the issues relating to the application of the ratified Conventions on labour inspection, the Committee considers it appropriate to examine Conventions Nos 81 (labour inspection) and 129 (labour inspection in agriculture) together.
Article 14 of Convention No. 81, and Article 19 of Convention No. 129. Notification of occupational accidents and diseases to the labour inspection services. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that the Labour Inspection Authority (LI) had developed an electronic system for the registration of notifications of occupational accidents and work-related diseases and requested the Government to provide further information on its functioning. The Government indicates that the system provides quality data, which are also used for the purpose of prevention and for the development of risk-based approaches to inspection. However, the Government reports that the implementation of electronic reporting of work-related diseases is facing challenges. In this respect, the Committee notes that, although the Government has an intention of offering a digital procedure for the reporting of work-related diseases by physicians, this has not yet been implemented. Regarding the reporting of accidents, in its reports for the Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155) and for the Promotional Framework for Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 2006 (No. 187), the Government refers to the new registry system for occupational accidents, managed by Statistics Norway. The Committee notes that the new system includes statistics on accidents at work that have been reported by employers to the Norwegian Labour and Welfare Administration (NAV) during a calendar year. The Government highlights the underreporting of both work-related diseases and injuries. It reports a series of measures aiming to increase the reporting of work-related diseases, such as the improvement of the notification form and an e-learning course for physicians about reporting. Furthermore, the Committee notes that the LI aims to reduce underreporting of injuries by simplifying the reporting to NAV. In this respect, it applies the “once only principle” according to which the employer can use a digital interface, which facilitates reporting of the same accident information to all relevant agencies at the same time. The Committee notes the information provided by the Government under Convention No. 187, according to which, the underreporting is relatively high in sectors where many workers are self-employed, for example agriculture and fishing. This is because workers who are not covered by the social security insurance system, including self-employed persons and freelancers, do not send an occupational injury report to NAV, and are therefore not included in the statistics. Regarding the development of the pilot project on joint reporting in conjunction with the NAV and the Petroleum Safety Authority (PSA) that the Committee noted in its previous comments, the Government indicates that it has not progressed as planned. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information on the measures taken to address the underreporting of cases of occupational accidents and diseases, especially in sectors occupying self-employed workers. It also requests the Government to provide information on any progress achieved with respect to the pilot project on joint reporting in conjunction with the NAV and the PSA.
Articles 20 and 21 of Convention No. 81, and Articles 26 and 27 of Convention No. 129. Annual reports on labour inspection, particularly concerning coverage of the agricultural sector. The Government indicates that agriculture is one of the prioritised industries for the LI. The Committee takes note of the detailed information and statistics provided by the Government regarding the agricultural sector (workforce, registered establishments, type of employment relationships). The Government also provides detailed statistics regarding the inspection activities undertaken in the agricultural sector for the period 2016–21. The Government indicates that most of the inspections involve risk-based targeted activities, followed by incident-related inspections (accidents, diseases or notifications) and inspection activities related to the national cross-agency effort towards undeclared work. The Committee also notes the information contained in the Government’s report on the number of reported accidents and fatalities in the sectors of agriculture, forestry, fishing and aquaculture for the period 2015–19, as well as information on the type and causes of accidents. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide detailed information on the agriculture industry as well as other workforce sectors, and to ensure that the information required on each of the subjects listed in Article 21 of Convention No. 81 and Article 27 of Convention No. 129 is reflected in the labour inspection reports.

C132 - Replies received to the issues raised in a direct request which do not give rise to further comments (CEACR) - adopted 2021, published 110th ILC session (2022)

The Committee notes the information provided by the Government, which answers the points raised in its previous direct request and has no further matters to raise in this regard.

C148 - Replies received to the issues raised in a direct request which do not give rise to further comments (CEACR) - adopted 2021, published 110th ILC session (2022)

The Committee notes the information provided by the Government, which answers the points raised in its previous direct request and has no further matters to raise in this regard.

C155 - Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2021, published 110th ILC session (2022)

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 115 (radiation protection), 120 (hygiene – commerce and offices), 139 (occupational cancer), 155 (OSH), 162 (asbestos), 167 (OSH in construction), 176 (OSH in mining), 170 (chemicals), and 187 (promotional framework for OSH) together.
Application of OSH Conventions in practice. The Committee notes the detailed information provided by the Government on statistics regarding accidents at work and occupational fatalities per type of industry and type of accident, reported to the Norwegian Labour and Welfare Administration (NAV) for the period 2015–19. The Committee notes that the Government provides statistical information regarding fatal and non-fatal work injuries over the past eight years in the construction sector. The Committee also notes the Government’s indication that the Labour Inspection Authority (LI) continues to carry out preventive activities to reduce the exposure to radon in order to fulfil the Government’s Strategy for the reduction of radon exposure in Norway. The Government further indicates that it implemented preventing measures on reducing the exposure to carcinogens for small enterprises through the Norwegian participation in the Healthy Workplace campaign “Healthy Workplaces Manage Dangerous Chemicals” 2018-2019. In addition, the Government indicates that the LI has recently developed a series of e-tools for specific industries to help companies with risk assessments and appropriate measures to eliminate or reduce risk and to help companies with safe handling of chemicals (such as the Risk Helper and the EU-OSHA Dangerous Substances e-tools). The Committee notes that the Government has not provided information, regarding its previous request under Convention No. 170, on the implementation of the Working Environment Guide (WEG), which is an e-tool designed to provide a simple introduction to systematic work on the working environment for employers, safety representatives and employees. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide available information on the application in practice of ratified OSH Conventions, including on the number, nature and cause of reported occupational accidents and cases of occupational disease. In addition, the Committee requests the Government to indicate whether the WEG is still in use or whether it was replaced by other e-tools. For the application in practice of Convention No. 176, the Committee refers to its comment below.

A. General provisions

OSH and its promotional framework (Conventions Nos 155 and 187)

National policy

Article 2(3) of Convention No. 187. Measures that could be taken, in consultation with social partners, to ratify relevant OSH Conventions of the ILO. The Committee notes that, according to information provided by the Government in its report, during the reporting period, the Norwegian Tripartite ILO Committee discussed the possibility of ratifying a variety of OSH Conventions related to the follow-up to the resolution on the ILO Centenary Declaration for the Future of Work. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that there is currently no basis to ratify any further OSH Conventions. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information on the periodic consideration given to measures that could be taken to ratify relevant ILO OSH Conventions, and to provide information on the consultations held in this respect.
Article 4 and 7 of Convention No. 155 and Article 3(1) of Convention No. 187. National OSH policy. The Committee noted, in its previous comments, the observations by the Norwegian Confederation of Trade Unions (LO) questioning whether the extensive legislation regulating OSH matters in the country reflected a coherent national OSH policy covering both workplaces under the LI and those under the Petroleum Safety Authority (PSA). In this respect, it noted that the LI had informed the PSA about possible legislative changes regarding occupational safety and health and requested the Government to provide relevant information. In its report, the Government indicates that the legislative OSH framework allows for adaptations and adjustments with regard to specific sectors and industries, including the petroleum sector. With regard to improvements in the coherence of the national OSH policy resulting from the dialogue between the LI and the PSA, the Government indicates that the LI and the PSA manage several common regulations and have worked together for the establishment of a portal, which aims to disseminate information on effective preventive work environment to industries, sectors and companies. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information on the dialogue between the LI and PSA aimed to improve coherence of the national OSH policy.
Article 5(c) and Article 14 of Convention No. 155 and Article 4(3)(c) of Convention No. 187. Provision of OSH training. In its previous comments, the Committee noted the observations of the LO stating that, while under section 3-5(1) of the Working Environment Act (WEA) employers are required to undergo training regarding how to ensure satisfactory health, environment and safety at work, there are no regulations in place concerning the content and extent of this training, as opposed to training for safety representatives. The Committee requested the Government to provide information on the application in practice of section 3-5(1) of the WEA. The Government is of the opinion that the OSH training requirements for leaders of undertakings should be more flexible than those applying to safety representatives, and therefore, no specific requirements exist regarding OSH training for the chief executive of the undertaking under section 3-5. The Government indicates that training must be adaptable to the nature of the undertaking and its activities, risk factors and size, as well as each chief executive's personal working situation. However, the Government indicates that guidance is provided by LI, both on the content of the training and the desired acquired knowledge. The Government provides information of the LI’s supervising experience which shows that the content and scope of the training varies greatly depending mainly on the type of establishment. The Committee notes the information provided by the Government, which answers the points previously raised.

National system

Article 4(3)(d) of Convention No. 187. Occupational health services. In its previous comments, the Committee noted the appointment by the Government of an expert committee to assess different OSH models. The Government indicates that the committee delivered its report in 2018, which was presented for a public consultation. The Committee notes that a project group, comprised of relevant professional authorities, and with the social partners’ participation, was subsequently established in December 2019. In November 2020, the group delivered its report with recommendations for legislative changes and other measures aiming towards developing occupational health service. The Committee notes that the report was endorsed by the social partners and the legislative suggestions were sent on a public consultation in June 2021. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the outcome of the consultations and to continue to provide information on any other efforts undertaken to develop occupational health services.
Article 11(c) of Convention No. 155 and Article 4(3)(f) of Convention No. 187. Mechanism for the collection and analysis of data on occupational injuries and diseases. The Government indicates that with regard to recording of occupational diseases, the LI´s Registry record reports of work-related diseases from medical practitioners. The Committee notes that, although the reporting of work-related diseases is mandatory according to the WEA, less than 5 per cent of physicians in Norway report work-related diseases to the LI. The Government indicates that a digital procedure for the reporting of work-related diseases by physicians has not yet been implemented but refers to other measures taken to increase the reporting of work-related diseases. Regarding the recording of occupational accidents, it indicates that a new registry was established, under the management of the Statistics Norway. According to the information provided by the Government, the NAV, Statistics Norway, the LI, the PSI, the Norwegian Institute of Public Health and the National Institute of Occupational Health in Norway (STAMI) have jointly identified proposals for projects for the development of a common solution for electronic reporting of occupational accidents and diseases, reported in a feasibility study from 2016. Following the study, the authorities are working on implementing the recommendations and are currently working together on a digital public private joint solution programme (DSOP). The Department of Occupational Health Surveillance (NOA) at STAMI also coordinates, systemizes and disseminates knowledge on the working environment and health in the form of a surveillance system primarily targeted on work-related injuries. Referring to its comments under Conventions Nos 81 and 129, the Committee requests the Government to provide further information regarding the progress achieved in the development of an information system regarding diseases and to continue to provide information on the operation of the registry for occupational accidents and available statistics on the matter.
Article 4(3)(h) of Convention No. 187. Support mechanisms for progressive improvement of OSH conditions in micro-enterprises, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and the informal economy. The Committee takes due note of the promotional activities, including tools and guidance, aiming at the progressive improvement of OSH conditions in SMEs and in the informal economy. In particular, the Government indicates that the LI, in cooperation with the social partners, has developed a web-based self-risk-assessment tool which is particularly useful for SMEs and micro-enterprises, who often do not have access to internal expertise in risk-evaluations. With regard to OSH conditions in the informal economy, the Government refers to a series of efforts aiming to combat work-related crime. The Committee notes the revised 2021 Strategy to combat criminal activities related to working life, as well as the “Tripartite industry program” that has been created to contribute to decent working conditions in vulnerable industries. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information in relation to OSH support to the informal economy.

National OSH Programme

Article 5 of Convention No. 187. National OSH programme. The Government indicates that its main strategy for a safe and proper working life is stated in the Report No. 1 (2020-2021) on the National Budget, which provides that OSH is a key component in the main goals for the labour market as a whole. The Committee notes that four main strategic measures are mentioned in Report No. 1: a) Supervision, guidance and information, b) Development of regulation, c) Development of knowledge, d) Cooperation – tripartite cooperation. The Committee takes note of the White Paper on safety on the Norwegian continental shelf, as well as the White Paper No. 12 (2017-2018) on health, safety and environment in the petroleum industry. The Government indicates that there is a high degree of transparency and close cooperation with relevant stakeholders with respect to the National OSH Programme. The Committee observes that, however, the Government does not provide specific information on how its national OSH programme covers the elements in Articles 5(2)(a)–(e), as previously requested by the Committee. The Committee reiterates its request that the Government provides further information on how it ensures that its national OSH programme covers the elements in Articles 5(2)(a)–(e), particularly with respect to the establishment of targets and indicators of progress (Article 5(2)(d)). It also requests the Government to provide information on the manner in which its OSH programme is periodically reviewed in consultation with the most representative organizations of employers and workers.

B. Protection against specific risks

1. Radiation Protection Convention, 1960 (No. 115)

Article 14 of the Convention. Discontinuation of assignment to work involving exposure to ionizing radiation pursuant to medical advice and alternative employment. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that section 4-6 of the WEA refers to persons with reduced capacity for work “as a result of an accident, sickness, fatigue or the like” and requested the Government to indicate if this provision also applies to situations before an occupational disease has been declared, but after it has been determined that it is medically inadvisable for a worker to be assigned work involving exposure to ionizing radiations. The Committee notes the Government’s response indicating that the section does not have an exhaustive list for the situations in which the obligation applies, and must be seen in the context of the employee’s duty to provide information about his capacity for work, but not about his sickness. Therefore, this provision also applies to situations before an occupational disease has been declared. The Committee notes this information and requests the Government to provide information on the application in practice of section 4-6 of the Work Environment Act to workers engaged in work involving exposure to ionizing radiation.

2. Occupational Cancer Convention, 1974 (No. 139)

Article 1(1) of the Convention. In its previous comments, the Committee noted the adoption of a series of regulations, and requested the Government to indicate the specific provisions that give effect to the Convention. The Government indicates that sections 4 and 6 of the Act relating to the control of products and consumer services and sections 1-4 (definitions), 3-19 (prohibition on work with special chemicals), and 4-1 (prohibition on asbestos and asbestos-containing materials) of Regulation No. 1357 (performance of work, use of work equipment and related technical requirements) are relevant to the application of the Convention. It also indicates that sections 5-6 and 5-1 and Annex 1 of the Regulation concerning action and limit values for physical and chemical agents and related technical requirements (prohibition on work with special chemicals), as well as sections 5-4(1)(c) and (e) and 18-6(3)–(5) of the WEA are relevant. The Committee notes that Regulation of 16 June 2012 No. 622 on classification, labelling and packaging of substances and mixtures was recently amended in March 2021. The Committee requests the Government to indicate the provisions of the amended Regulation of 16 June 2012 No. 622 that give effect to the Convention.
Article 3. Measures taken to protect workers against the risks of exposure to carcinogenic substances or agents and record keeping. The Committee notes the information that the Act relating to prevention of harmful effects of tobacco (9 March 1973 No. 14) has been further amended, and section 12 was repealed and that section 25 now provides that in spaces and transportation with public access, the air must be smoke free and sets several means to ensure compliance with the ban on smoking. The Committee notes that for the period 2014–20, the LI conducted 202 inspections and issued 192 reactions to violations based on the said section of the Act. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information on measures taken in accordance with Article 3 of the Convention, and their application in practice.
Article 4. Providing workers with information on the dangers involved and the measures to be taken when exposed to carcinogenic substances or agents. The Government reports several measures taken to address the higher exposure of specific workers to carcinogenic substances or agents and the consequent health risk. It revised the guidance on health examination and physical capacity testing for smoke and chemical divers and established the organization “Firefighters against cancer”. In the period 2016–2018, the LI carried out 338 inspections related to the exposure to fire smoke among firefighters and sweepers and uncovered a series of offences. In addition to checking compliance with relevant requirements in the working environment legislation, the LI provided guidance on necessary measures to reduce the risk of health damage and illness related to harmful exposure to fire smoke. The Government reports that the LI's supervision in cooperation with the organization “Firefighters against Cancer” have led to increased prevention measures. The Government indicates that local authorities have prioritised the improvement of the condition of fire stations, including in relation to cleaning, hygiene, ventilation, and usage of personal protective equipment. The Committee takes note of this information, which addresses its previous request.
Article 5. Medical examinations and biological or other tests during the period of employment and thereafter. The Government refers to a series of risk prevention and risk assessment activities aiming to reduce exposure to dangerous substances, including setting of occupational exposure levels for carcinogenic substances. It also refers to the focus it places on the elevated health risks linked with night work commonly found in health care, manufacturing, transport, retail, and services sectors. In this respect, the Committee notes several initiatives conducted in this respect. The information provided by the Government does not focus on the measures taken to supervise the state of health of workers who have been exposed to carcinogenic substances after the period of employment. The Committee recalls that, given the often significant latency period (between 10 and 40 years between occupational exposure and development of cancer), Article 5 of the Convention provides for such medical examinations or biological or other tests or investigations during the period of employment and thereafter as are necessary to evaluate their exposure and supervise their state of health in relation to the occupational hazards. The Committee requests once again the Government to provide further information on the measures taken or envisaged to supervise the state of health of workers, who have been exposed to carcinogenic substances after the period of employment, in accordance with Article 5 of the Convention.

3. Asbestos Convention, 1986 (No. 162)

Article 3(3) and (4) of the Convention. Permitted derogations from preventive and protective measures. In reply to Committee’s previous request, the Government provides detailed information on the nature of the derogations from preventive and protective measures, their conditions and limits of time for the period 2010–20. It reports that for the years 2016, 2017 and 2020 one derogation from the regulations on asbestos was granted each year, while none was approved in 2018 and 2019. Regarding the Committee’s previous request on information on the precaution taken to protect workers’ health and the consultations held with the most representative organizations of employers and workers concerned, as prescribed by Article 3(3) and (4) of the Convention, the Government indicates that the derogations are only permitted by the LI after an assessment of the work being justified from a safety and health perspective and if not in breach of the EEA Agreement. Representative organizations of employers and workers are not consulted directly but are familiar with the possibility to grant exemption from the Norwegian regulation/practice. The Committee takes note of this information, which address its previous request.
Article 21(5). Notification of occupational diseases caused by asbestos. Application of the Convention in practice and statistical information. The Committee notes that occupational diseases caused by exposure to asbestos remain largely under-reported and that despite their obligation to report cases to the LI, only 4 to 5 per cent of the medical practitioners fulfil their duties. In this respect, the Committee refers to its comments on Convention Nos 81 and 129, where it notes that despite LI’s intention, a digital notification procedure for reporting of work-related diseases has not been implemented yet and took note of measures taken to increase the reporting of work-related diseases. The Committee reiterates its request that the Government takes all the necessary measures to ensure that medical practitioners duly report occupational diseases caused by asbestos, and to provide information on any development in this regard.

4. Chemicals Convention, 1990 (No. 170)

Legislation. The Committee notes the information provided by the Government with regard to the provisions of Regulations No. 1355, 1356, 1357 and 1358 which give effect to the provisions of the Convention.
Articles 3 and 4 of the Convention. Consultations with employers’ and workers’ organizations on national policy related to chemicals. In its previous comments, the Committee had noted that the LI had established a registration, evaluation authorization and restriction of chemicals (REACH) office to stay up to date on REACH areas that concern the working environment in Norway. The Committee requested the Government to provide further information on the mandate and activities of the REACH Office and how employers’ and workers’ organizations are consulted in this process as well as in the periodical review of the national policy related to chemicals. The Government indicates that the LI is the coordinating competent authority concerning the Title IV of REACH European Union regulation on information in the supply chain. The Government also indicates that the LI participates in enforcement activities, for exchange of information on enforcement related to both REACH and on classification, labelling and packing of chemicals (CLP). The Government indicates that consultation with workers’ and employers’ organisations is centralised and is conducted by a representative from the Department for Working Environment and Legislation. Issues pertaining to REACH and CLP are channelled through this representative. The Committee takes notes of this information and requests the Government to provide information on the periodical review of the national policy related to chemicals.

C. Protection in specific branches of activity

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

Article 6 of the Convention. Inspection and enforcement measures. Application in practice. In its previous comments, the Committee noted an increase in orders issued for the period 2010–13 and requested the Government to indicate the causes of this increase, the nature of the cases concerned, and measures taken or envisaged to strengthen the application of the Convention in practice. The Government indicates that the relevant statistical information regarding the commerce and offices sector is not available. The Committee requests the Government to indicate the measures taken or envisaged to ensure that statistical information regarding the commerce and offices sector becomes available. In this regard, the Committee requests the Government to give a general appreciation of the manner in which the Convention is enforced and to provide relevant extracts from the reports of the inspection services concerning the application of the Convention.

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

Article 15(2) of the Convention. Lifting appliances and gear. In reply to its previous comments regarding the measures envisaged or taken in order to ensure that no person shall be raised, lowered or carried by a lifting appliance unless it is constructed, installed and used for that purpose in accordance with national laws and regulations, except in an emergency situation. The Government points out that, according to section 8-18 of the Regulation concerning the performance of work, use of work equipment and related technical requirements, the employer must apply for exemption from the LI in cases where it is appropriate to use unapproved equipment for personal lifting because approved equipment has not been developed or because approved equipment is unsuitable for use, and its use is not of an exceptional nature. The Committee recalls that, according to Article 15 (2), exceptions are authorized in an emergency situation in which serious personal injury or fatality may occur, and for which the lifting appliance can be safely used. The Committee requests the Government to adopt the necessary measures to ensure compliance with this provision of the Convention.
Article 22. Structural frames and formwork. Supervision by a competent person. Adequate precautions to guard against danger. In its previous comment, the Committee requested the Government to provide information on measures taken or envisaged to ensure that the erection of structural frames and components, formwork, falsework and shoring be carried out only under the supervision of a competent person; and that adequate precautions are taken to guard against danger to workers arising from any temporary state of weakness or instability of a structure, in accordance with Articles 22(1) and (2) of the Convention. In its current report, the Government reports a series of additional regulations giving effect to Article 22, including Chapter 6 (Securing of dangerous workplaces and areas) of Regulation No. 1356, point 3.4.3 “Protection in the event of overturning” and point 3.4.4 “Protection in the event of falling objects” of the Regulation No. 544 of 2009 concerning machinery. The Committee notes that it refers also to section 17-24 of Regulation No. 1357, which provides for the requirement of a series of arrangements to ensure the safety of employees in connection with the use of rope and requires that the work shall be carefully supervised so that employees can get immediate assistance in an emergency. The Committee notes that these provisions meet the requirements of Article 22 (2). Furthermore, the Committee notes that only section 17-24 of Regulation No. 1357 provides for works to be carried out under the supervision of a competent person while the other provisions referred to by the Government do not provide for a similar requirement. The Committee requests the Government to provide further information on the measures adopted or envisaged to ensure that work on structural frames and formwork is carried out only under the supervision of a competent person, in accordance with Article 22(1) of the Convention.
Article 24. Demolition. Supervision by a competent person. In its previous comment, the Committee requested the Government to provide information on the measures taken to ensure that, when the demolition of any building or structure might present danger to workers or to the public, the work is planned and undertaken only under the supervision of a competent person, in accordance with Article 24(b) of the Convention. In the absence of information on this point, the Committee once again requests the Government to provide information on the measures taken to ensure that, when the demolition of any building or structure might present danger to workers or to the public, the work is planned and undertaken only under the supervision of a competent person, in accordance with Article 24(b) of the Convention.
Article 35. Implementation and application of the Convention in practice. The Committee refers to its comment above on the application in practice of OSH Conventions and to its comments under Conventions Nos 155 and 187.

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

Application in practice. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that the Government had experienced difficulties in finding statistical information on the total number of workers covered by the Convention and requested the Government to indicate the measures taken or envisaged to ensure that such information becomes available. The Committee notes with interest that the Government provides detailed data on the number of employed persons in the sector of mining and quarrying for the period 2015–19. In this respect, the Committee notes that there were 58,755 persons employed in the sector at the 4th quarter of 2019. The Committee also notes the statistical data in the Government’s report on the number of orders, decisions of halt and coercive fines issued between 2016 and 2020. It notes that there were 17 orders in 2019 leading to 3 decisions of fines and 1 decision of halt and 27 orders in 2020, leading to 7 decisions of fines, none resulting in a decision of halt. The Government also provides detailed statistics on reported accidents at work for the mining and quarrying sector for the period 2015–19. The Committee notes that there were 419 accidents in 2015, 332 in 2016, 349 in 2017, 364 in 2018 and 348 in 2019. The Committee requests the Government to continue to submit information on available statistics.

C160 - Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2021, published 110th ILC session (2022)

Articles 7 and 8 of the Convention. Employment, unemployment and underemployment statistics. Statistics of the structure and distribution of the economically active population. The Committee once again notes that the Government continues to supply statistics on the economically active population, employment and unemployment to the ILO Department of Statistics for dissemination through its website (ILOSTAT). The latest Labour Force Survey (LFS) figures provided relate to 2020. The Government reports that, in compliance with EU Parliament and Council Framework Regulation No. 2019/1700 and EU Commission Implementing Regulation No. 2019/2240, the LFS covers employment among persons 15–89 years of age and unemployment among persons 15–74 years of age. Moreover, underemployment is captured and measured according to EU standards. The Government indicates that it is planning the 2021 population and housing census. It adds that Norway has now developed a completely register-based Population and Housing Census statistical system, in which all census-related statistics are disseminated annually nationwide. In addition, the Committee acknowledges the information provided in the Government’s report with respect to the implementation of Resolution I of the 19th ICLS concerning "Statistics of work, employment and labour underutilization" (2013). The Committee requests that the Government continue to supply updated data and information on the methodology used in the application of these provisions, as well as information on the methodology and results of the planned 2021 population and housing census. It further requests that the Government continue to provide information on any developments in relation to the application of Resolution I of the 19th ICLS concerning "Statistics of work, employment and labour underutilization"(2013).
Articles 9, 10 and 11. Current statistics of average earnings and hours of work. Statistics of wage structure and distribution. Statistics of labour cost. The Committee notes that the following statistics were provided to the ILO Department of Statistics for dissemination: average weekly hours actually worked, derived from the LFS and disaggregated by economic activity and sex, and average monthly earnings of employees, by branch of economic activity and sex, derived from the Establishment Survey. For both series, the most recent figures refer to 2020. With respect to statistics of wage structure and distribution, the Committee understands that these statistics continue to be compiled following EU guidelines on the Structure of Earnings Survey. The latest data available is from 2018. In response to the Committee’s previous comments, the Government indicates that it continues to regularly report data on labour costs to the ILO Department of Statistics. The Committee notes that the latest data available in ILOSTAT is from 2020. The concepts, definitions and methodology used in the labour cost survey follow EU guidelines and are in accordance with the ILO framework.   The Committee requests that the Government continue to supply updated information on the application of these provisions, including information relating to both data and methodology.
Article 14. Statistics of occupational injuries. The Government indicates in its report that the coverage of national statistics in this area remains unchanged. Statistics Norway also collects data every three years on occupational injuries and perceived health problems caused by work through the Survey on living conditions and working environment every three years. The Survey covers a representative sample of the working population aged 18–66 years old, who are Norwegian residents. These statistics are used by national authorities such as The Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority, as background for their inspections. Statistics Norway publishes these data as national statistics but does not report the data to Eurostat or other international bodies. The latest data available under ILOSTAT is from 2019. With respect to occupational diseases, Statistics Norway is collaborating with the Norwegian Labour and Welfare Administration, to assess the possibility of establishing official statistics that comply with EUROSTAT methodology. The Committee requests that the Government continue to supply statistics on occupational injuries and new source compilations, as and when they become available.
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