Health, Safety and Environment - International Labour Organization

Manual 6:HOW TO RATIFY & USE ILO CONVENTION NO. 184ON SAFETY & HEALTH IN AGRICULTUREArticle 5:Systems of inspectionWHAT THE CONVENTIONSAYS1. Members must ensurean adequate andappropriate system ofinspection for agriculturalworkplaces is in place andprovided with adequatemeans.WHAT YOUR LAWSSAYAMENDMENTS NEEDEDTO YOUR NATIONAL LAW2. In accordance withnational legislation, thecompetent authority mayentrust certain inspectionfunctions at the regional orlocal level, on an auxiliarybasis, to appropriategovernment services, publicinstitutions, or privateinstitutions undergovernment control, or mayassociate these services orinstitutions with theexercise of such functions.IUF Comment on Article 5It is important that a government establishes a system of independent, government healthand safety inspectors, with full legal powers, who are well resourced to help ensure effectiveenforcement of regulations. In many parts of the world this is not the case and as a result,agricultural health and safety laws are not enforced.Where a non-government agency is used for enforcement it must be a reputable body whoseactivities need to be monitored and evaluated by the government in co-operation with tradeunions and employers’ organisations.290 Health, Safety and EnvironmentA Series of Trade Union EducationManuals for Agricultural Workers