Occupational Safety And Health Convention, 1981

Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (Convention No. 155) is a fundamental international treaty adopted by the International Labour Organization (ILO) aimed at promoting the safety and health of workers worldwide. It was adopted on June 22, 1981, and came into force on August 11, 1983. The convention sets out basic principles to ensure that workplaces meet minimum standards of safety and health, recognizing the right of workers to a safe and healthy working environment.

Overview

The Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981, establishes a broad framework for ensuring the safety and health of workers in all occupations. It requires ratifying nations to formulate, implement, and periodically review a coherent national policy on occupational safety, occupational health, and the working environment, in consultation with employers' and workers' organizations. The convention covers a wide range of issues, including risk assessment, the prevention of occupational accidents and diseases, and the provision of information, training, and education in the field of occupational safety and health (OSH).

Key Provisions

The convention contains several important provisions aimed at improving workplace safety and health standards:

• Article 4 emphasizes the need for a national policy on occupational safety and health and the working environment.
• Article 5 requires the establishment of systems and procedures to ensure the safety and health of workers in all aspects of work.
• Article 7 mandates the provision of information, training, and education in the field of OSH.
• Article 8 focuses on the recording and notification of occupational accidents and diseases.
• Article 16 outlines the responsibilities of employers in ensuring the safety and health of workers.

Implementation

For the convention to be effective, ratifying countries are required to implement its provisions through national legislation and other measures. This includes the development of regulations and standards, the establishment of enforcement mechanisms, and the promotion of OSH awareness and education among employers and workers. The ILO provides technical support and guidance to member states in implementing the convention's requirements.

Impact

Since its adoption, the Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981, has had a significant impact on improving workplace safety and health standards around the world. It has encouraged governments to take a more proactive approach to OSH and has facilitated cooperation between employers, workers, and governments in addressing OSH issues. However, challenges remain in fully implementing the convention's provisions, particularly in developing countries with limited resources.

See Also

• International Labour Organization
• Occupational safety and health
• Workplace safety
• Occupational disease

This article is a stub. You can help WikiMD by registering to expand it. Editing is available only to registered and verified users. WikiMD is a comprehensive, free health & wellness encyclopedia.