C155 ILO Occupational Safety and Health Convention provides a basic health and safety policy at the national and individual levels. It was adopted by ILO in 1981. ILO expects that countries can implement the standard in a naturally appropriate way. ILO has two primary outputs. The outputs can be conventions or recommendations. The C 155 is under Convention. Conventions and recommendations can form the basis of legislation in member countries. Countries that belong to ILO can ratify C155 and legislate them to be in their national law or regional law. Article 16 of C155 identified some basic obligations placed upon employers. These obligations are the employer’s responsibility to the workers and the working environment.
Employers Responsibilities from Occupational Safety and Health Convention C155 Article 16.
- To ensure that the workplace machinery equipment and processes are under their control and are safe and without risk to health.
- To ensure that chemical, physical, and biological substances and agents are without risk to health.
- To provide adequate protective clothing and protective equipment to prevent the risk of accidents or adverse effects on health.
Frequently asked questions about ILO OSH Convention C155?
Do C155 and R164 have similarities?
Yes, they have similarities. They show the requirements that ensures Health and Safety at the workplace lies with the employer. They also recognize that individual workers have duties towards health and safety.
What are the differences between C155 and R164?
C155 is called Occupational Safety and Health Convention 1982, while R164 is called Operational Safety and Health Recommendation 1981.
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Do we have a global legal standard governing workplace health and safety?
Truly, there is no global legal standard governing workplace health and safety. However, countries have laws that cater to health and safety. However, some countries have adopted a similar approach from the ILO to form the basis of their own health and safety laws.
What does Article 19 of C155 ILO OSH Convention say about workers?
Article 19 of C155 gave the basic rights that workers should have in the workplace. Article 16 and Article 19 are not the same. Article 16 of C155 mainly deals with employers’ responsibilities. Article 19 of C155 is on workers’ rights in the workplace. It says that workers have the right to be provided with adequate information on actions the employer has taken to ensure occupational safety and health. The workers have the right to necessary OSH training. The workers have the right to be consulted on Occupational Safety and Health Matters. The workers have the right to leave a workplace that presents an immediate danger to their lives and not to be compelled to come back until the place is safe.
Onyeka Emma is a QHSE Professional with more than 10 years of experience in occupational health and safety, which spans many industries such as construction, beverage, oil and gas, etc. He has many health and safety certifications, including NEBOSH IGC, ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015, and ISO 45001:2018 Lead auditor certificate. A member of IOSH, ISPON, and Nigeria Red Cross Society. He is interested in business, entrepreneurship, Speaking, and motivating people to do better for themselves. He enjoys leisure with a good motivational book.
