Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1995, published 83rd ILC session (1996)

Labour Inspection Convention, 1947 (No. 81) - Solomon Islands (Ratification: 1985)

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:

The Committee notes the information provided in reply to its previous comments. It would be glad if the Government would supply a copy of Legal Notice Order LN 137/91. The Committee also requests further information on the following points:

Article 3(2) of the Convention. Please indicate any further duties given to labour inspectors, and any steps taken to ensure that the discharge of their primary duties is not prejudiced.

Article 5. Please describe the practical working of the arrangements made to promote: (a) effective cooperation between the inspection services and other governmental services, such as the health authorities; and (b) collaboration between officials of the inspectorate and employers and workers or their organizations.

Articles 10, 11 and 16. The Committee has noted the shortages of labour inspectors and facilities such as transport described in the report. There are three inspectors for over 5,000 workplaces carrying out only 30 inspections in 1991; there is no official car, and travel expenses are rarely reimbursed. The Committee recalls the requirement of the Convention that workplaces should be inspected as often and as thoroughly as necessary to ensure the effective application of legal provisions. Since available information does not seem to show that the Convention's requirements are being met satisfactorily, the Committee hopes the Government will provide full information on any measures taken or proposed to deal with these difficulties.

Article 14. The Committee has noted the information booklet on the Workmen's Compensation Act. It once again requests a copy of the Workmen's Compensation (Accident and Disease Returns) Regulations.

Articles 19, 20 and 21. The Committee has noted the information provided on the rather limited labour inspection which has taken place in 1991. It hopes the reports on inspection will be published annually and transmitted to the International Labour Office as required.

In general, the Government may wish to consider seeking the Office's advice as to how the labour inspection system might be improved.