Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2022, published 111st ILC session (2023)

Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155) - Cabo Verde (Ratification: 2000)

Articles 4 and 8 of the Convention. Implementation and periodic review of the national policy on occupational safety and health. Consultation with the most representative organisations of employers and workers. The Committee notes, from the Government’s report, the various occupational safety and health (OSH) awareness-raising activities organized by the General Labour Inspectorate and the fact that employers’ and workers’ organizations, in addition to being invited to participate in these activities, also take part in the discussions organized within the Council for Social Dialogue. The Committee also notes the Government’s indications that the Tripartite OSH Commission, which, under Council of Ministers Resolution No. 20/2014 of 14 March 2014, is responsible for overseeing the implementation of the national OSH policy and periodically proposing amendments, has not met and the national OSH policy has therefore not been revised. The Committee requests the Government to indicate any measures taken or envisaged to reactivate the Tripartite OSH Commission and to provide information on the frequency of the review of the national OSH policy, as well as any steps taken or envisaged to conduct the review.

Articles 11(a) and (b) and 12. Obligation of the competent authorities to ensure that certain functions are carried out progressively. Responsibilities of persons who design, manufacture, import, provide or transfer machinery, equipment or substances for occupational use. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that the work of the General Labour Inspectorate is hampered not only by a lack of technical standards on the use of certain equipment, machinery and substances, but also by the fact that there is no body responsible for certifying machinery and equipment or even to assess skills for the use of certain equipment. In addition, the Committee notes that, according to the Government, the lack of regulation is particularly marked in the construction sector, which remains very informal, and that efforts have been made to regulate several sectors of activity by adopting technical standards on OSH. The Committee requests the Government to continue its efforts to adopt technical standards to give effect to Articles 11(a) and (b) and 12 of the Convention and requests it to continue to provide information in this regard.

Article 11(f). Development of systems to examine chemical, physical and biological agents. Noting the absence of new information in this respect, the Committee once again requests the Government to provide information on the measures taken or envisaged to develop systems for examining chemical, physical and biological agents in respect of the risk to the health of workers.

Article 20. Cooperation between management and workers and/or their representatives in the enterprise. In response to the Committee’s previous comment, the Government indicates that the General Labour Inspectorate is carrying out awareness-raising activities on the importance of collaboration and compliance with occupational safety standards. The Government further indicates that the Inspectorate has also signed an agreement with Infraestruturas de Cabo Verde (Cabo Verde Infrastructure), the body responsible for managing all public works, which is aimed at developing mechanisms for the effective implementation of the general rules on planning, organization and coordination with a view to promoting occupational safety, hygiene and health at public works construction sites. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide specific examples of cooperation between employers and workers in the area of OSH, particularly in sectors other than public works construction sites.