Observation (CEACR) - adoptée 1999, publiée 88ème session CIT (2000)

The Committee notes the observations of the Latin-American Confederation of Labour Inspectors alleging the low level of remuneration of labour inspectors as compared to other state inspection services such as those supervising the payment of taxes and social security contributions (Article 6 of the Convention); the insufficient number of labour inspectors and of the frequency of inspections (Articles 10 and 16).

Noting that the Government's report has not been received, the Committee hopes that the Government will provide information in reply to the observations of the Latin-American Confederation of Labour Inspectors as well as to the previous detailed observation of the Committee on the following matters:

1. In its previous comments the Committee noted the adoption of several new occupational health and safety standards for the construction sector, which involve the Labour Inspectorate, including Decree No. 283/996 of 10 July and Ministerial Decision of 12 August 1996 laying down the obligation to submit safety and health studies and a safety and health plan to the General Labour and Social Security Inspectorate (IGTSS) before a work site is opened and at every stage of work. The Committee also noted the Emergency Plan for safety in the construction industry which was designed and developed by the IGTSS as part of the Annual Inspection Plan in response to the increase in the number of accidents in the construction industry. The Committee reaffirms its hope that the Government will pursue its efforts to strengthen the capacity of the labour inspectorate, in the construction sector as well as other sectors so that workplaces are inspected as often and as thoroughly as is necessary to ensure the effective application of the relevant legal provisions and asks the Government to provide information on progress in this area (Articles 3, 10 and 16).

2. The Committee has previously referred to the provision of sanctions and legal proceedings instituted or recommended by labour inspectors, to the notification of occupational accidents and diseases, and to the activities of the labour inspection in the informal sector. The Committee hopes that the Government will provide information in these matters to which the Committee refers also in a direct request.