Occupational Safety and Health Standards Dr. David Gold SafeWork ILO, Geneva

Conventions and Recommendations Development and implementation of international standards on labour and social matters is a key function of the International Labour Organization Standards take the form of Conventions and Recommendations. More than 70 address occupational safety and health matters.

Conventions Conventions are comparable to multilateral international treaties: –they are open to ratification by member States –once ratified, create specific, binding obligations. A State that has ratified a Convention is expected to apply its provisions by legislation or by other appropriate means The Government is required to report regularly on the application of ratified Conventions. Conventions that have not been ratified have the same value as Recommendations.

Recommendations Recommendations offer guidelines for action. A Recommendation may elaborate upon the provisions of a Convention. Member States procedural obligations –to submit to legislative bodies –to report on the action resulting and to report occasionally at the request of the Governing Body There are no specific substantive obligations

Summary on Conventions and Recommendations Both influence laws and regulations of member States. Many texts have been modeled on the relevant provisions of ILO instruments Drafts of new legislation or amendments are often prepared with ILO standards in mind so as to ensure compliance with ratified Conventions or to permit the ratification of other Conventions

Four categories of occupational safety and health standards Guiding policies for action. Protection in given branches of economic activity. Protection against specific risks. Measures of protection.

The Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 No. 155 and Recommendation No Progressive application of comprehensive preventive measures / Adoption of a coherent national policy on occupational safety and health. The responsibility of employers for making work and equipment safe and without risk to health The duties and rights of workers.

The Occupational Health Services Convention, 1985 (No.161) and Recommendation (No. 171). Occupational health services –preventive functions –responsible for advising employers, workers and their representatives on maintaining a safe and health working environment, –adaptation of work to the capabilities of workers. Emphasis –roles –best use of resources and cooperation

Group work Form two groups –Convention 155 Decide on a chairperson and a reporter. Based on the Convention, develop a list of the most important steps to implement the provisions of the Convention on a national basis. Be prepared to present and defend your work.

Contact information Dr. David Gold Senior Occupational Safety and Health Education and Training Officer SafeWork International Labour Office 1211 Geneva 22, Switzerland Tel Internet