Angola - 2014

1.1 Description of OSH regulatory framework

2.1 Health and safety covers physical and psychological health

2.2 Definition of worker

• 2.2.1 Coverage of particular categories of workers

  Sometimes.
  

  • 2.2.1.1 Migrant workers

    Summary/citation: The General Labour Law applies to national workers abroad and foreign workers in Angola.

    • Ley General del Trabajo núm. 2/00. (art. 1º/2)

  • 2.2.1.2 Domestic workers

    Summary/citation: Domestic work is subject to the principles laid down in the General Labour Law, including health and safety at work, and has a specific legal regime.

    • Ley General del Trabajo núm. 2/00. (art. 9º)

  • 2.2.1.3 Home workers

    Summary/citation: Home work is expressly regulated in the General Labour Law.

    • Ley General del Trabajo núm. 2/00. (art. 28º)

  • 2.2.1.4 Self-employed persons

    Summary/citation: The company contracting self-employed and independent workers has the obligation to cooperate in the organization of OSH activities covering these workers.

    • Decreto núm. 31/94, de 5 de agosto, que establece los principios que apuntan a la promoción de la Seguridad, Higiene y Salud en el Trabajo. Revoca todas las disposiciones legales y reglamentarias que contraríen lo dispuesto en este decreto 19940805 (art. 10º)

2.3 Definition of employer

2.4 Exclusion of branches of economic activity

• 2.4.1 Agriculture

  Summary/citation: Included. The General Labour Law is applicable to all companies and workplaces.

  • Ley General del Trabajo núm. 2/00. (art. 1º, 2º)

• 2.4.2 Construction

  Summary/citation: Included. The General Labour Law is applicable to all companies and workplaces.

  • Ley General del Trabajo núm. 2/00. (art. 1º, 2º)

• 2.4.3 Services

  Summary/citation: Included. The General Labour Law is applicable to all companies and workplaces.

  • Ley General del Trabajo núm. 2/00. (art. 1º, 2º)

• 2.4.4 Public sector

  Summary/citation: Civil servants are excluded from the scope of application of the General Labour Law.

  • Ley General del Trabajo núm. 2/00. (art. 2º)

• 2.4.5 Other

  Summary/citation: The following labour relations are also excluded from the scope of application of the General Labour Law:
  - Work provided on a regular basis to diplomatic or consular representations from other countries or international organizations;
  - Family work;
  - Occasional work;
  - The activity of people involved in commercial operations, if personally obliged to respond by results and risk involved;
  - Consultants and members of the administrative or management body of enterprises or social organizations, since they only perform tasks inherent to such positions without subordination to a labour contract.

  • Ley General del Trabajo núm. 2/00. (art. 2º)

2.5 Definition of occupational accident

2.6 Definition of occupational disease

• 2.6.1 List of occupational diseases

  Summary/citation: The law (Decree nº 53/05 of 15 August) includes a list of occupational diseases.

  • Decree No. 53/05 of August 15, Legal Regime of accidents at work and occupational diseases 20050815 (art. 6º/3)

• 2.6.2 Mechanism for compensating other diseases as occupational ones

  No data available.
  

3.1 Competent national authority for safety and health at work

• 3.1.1 Objectives, roles and/or functions

  Summary/citation: The General Labour Inspectorate (IGT) is a service of the Government of Angola which aims at improving working conditions through the enforcement of labour standards and the promotion of safety and health at work. The IGT covers the entire country, all public and private companies, excluding specific labour relations in the public administration. It is integrated within the Ministry of Public Administration, Employment and Social Security (MAPESS) and depends directly on the respective Minister. It is based in Luanda and has decentralized services in all provinces of Angola.

  • Labour inspection country profile of Angola

  • Official Website of the General Labour Inspection of Angola

• 3.1.2 Chairperson and composition

  Summary/citation: The Labour Inspectorate is headed by a General Inspector assisted by two Deputy General Inspectors.

  • Labour inspection country profile of Angola

3.2 National OSH research programme or institute

3.3 National OSH programme

4.1 Duty to ensure the health and safety of employees

4.2 Duty to protect the health and safety of people other than their own employees

4.3 Collaboration among two or more employers at the same workplace

4.4 Surveillance of workers’ health in relation to work

• 4.4.1 Specific hazards for which surveillance is required

  Summary / Citation: The employer must ensure the health surveillance of workers due to the risks they are exposed, giving particular attention to handling hazardous substances, unhealthy, monotone work and working at height or at depth. Night workers engaged in industrial activities must undergo a medical examination periodically.

  • Ley General del Trabajo núm. 2/00. (art. 100º)

  • Decreto núm. 31/94, de 5 de agosto, que establece los principios que apuntan a la promoción de la Seguridad, Higiene y Salud en el Trabajo. Revoca todas las disposiciones legales y reglamentarias que contraríen lo dispuesto en este decreto 19940805 (art. 16º)

4.5 Surveillance of the working environment and working practices

4.6 Duty to provide personal protective equipment

4.7 Duty to ensure the usage of personal protective equipment

4.8 Duty to provide first-aid and welfare facilities

• 4.8.1 Arrangements for first-aid

  Summary / Citation: The employer must ensure that workplaces dispose of first-aid kit. The employer must provide first-aid and transport in case of an accident. Employers may be required to maintain a clinic or pharmacy for their employees by a ministerial order.

  • Ley General del Trabajo núm. 2/00. (art. 89º, 90º/3, 94º)

• 4.8.2 Sanitary installations

  Summary / Citation: The employer must ensure that the substances are stored in safe conditions and that residues and waste are not accumulated, and that workplaces have the appropriate sanitary installations.

  • Ley General del Trabajo núm. 2/00. (art. 90º/1/2)

• 4.8.3 Drinking water

  Summary / Citation: The employer must ensure that there is drinking water at the workplace.

  • Ley General del Trabajo núm. 2/00. (art. 90º/1)

• 4.8.4 Rest and eating areas

  Summary / Citation: The employer must depending on the company’s size and the working conditions install and maintain adequate rest and convivial areas.

  • Ley General del Trabajo núm. 2/00. (art. 295º)

5.1 Elements of an OSH management system

• 5.1.1 Policy or plan specifying responsibilities and arrangements for health and safety

  Summary/citation: OSH organization is based on a management process that allows the definition and assignment of responsibilities. The facilities and work processes must be risk-free designed and, when this is not possible, occupational risks must be kept to a minimum. The OSH activities and the adoption of preventive measures must be integrated into the management of the company. Adequate resources (OSH services and occupational medicine) and institutionalized mechanisms for employee participation (the joint commission for the prevention of accidents) must be provided.
  The OSH service is responsible for carrying out inspections, advising the joint commission for the prevention of accidents and the union, supporting accident investigations, proposing preventive measures, giving instructions to workers, and preparing monthly, quarterly and annually reports on their activities.

  • Executive Decree No. 6/96 of February 2, the general rules of OSH services in enterprises (art. 3º, 4º)

  • Decreto núm. 31/94, de 5 de agosto, que establece los principios que apuntan a la promoción de la Seguridad, Higiene y Salud en el Trabajo. Revoca todas las disposiciones legales y reglamentarias que contraríen lo dispuesto en este decreto 19940805 (art. 18º)

• 5.1.2 Appointment of a person for health and safety

  Summary/citation: All companies with 50 or more workers must organize an OSH service and provide it with technical personnel (occupational safety technicians) with the proper training. These technicians must be registered within the Ministry of Public Administration, Employment and Social Security (MAPESS). Occupational medicine shall be organized in the company when necessary.

  • Executive Decree No. 6/96 of February 2, the general rules of OSH services in enterprises (art. 15º)

  • Decreto núm. 31/94, de 5 de agosto, que establece los principios que apuntan a la promoción de la Seguridad, Higiene y Salud en el Trabajo. Revoca todas las disposiciones legales y reglamentarias que contraríen lo dispuesto en este decreto 19940805 (art. 18º)

• 5.1.3 Written risk assessment

  Summary/citation: The annual report prepared by the OSH services must contain the diagnosis of occupational risks present in the company.

  • Executive Decree No. 6/96 of February 2, the general rules of OSH services in enterprises (art. 19º)

• 5.1.4 Safe operating work systems and procedures

  Summary/citation: The employer must establish an OSH specific regulation and a prevention programme to raise awareness.

  • Decreto núm. 31/94, de 5 de agosto, que establece los principios que apuntan a la promoción de la Seguridad, Higiene y Salud en el Trabajo. Revoca todas las disposiciones legales y reglamentarias que contraríen lo dispuesto en este decreto 19940805 (art. 9º)

• 5.1.5 Training and information on risks

  Summary/citation: The employer must provide OSH training to workers upon engagement or change of position or when they have to apply a new technique, materials or substances that may involve risk, and when returning to the work after six-month absence.

  • Decreto núm. 31/94, de 5 de agosto, que establece los principios que apuntan a la promoción de la Seguridad, Higiene y Salud en el Trabajo. Revoca todas las disposiciones legales y reglamentarias que contraríen lo dispuesto en este decreto 19940805 (art. 11º)

• 5.1.6 Review or assessment of the results of preventive measures

  Summary/citation: OSH services are responsible for drawing up statistics on accidents at work and occupational diseases, as well as, for preparing monthly, quarterly and annually a report on their activities. They shall inform the employer and the authorities on the evolution of risks or accidents.

  • Executive Decree No. 6/96 of February 2, the general rules of OSH services in enterprises (art. 4º)

  • Decreto núm. 31/94, de 5 de agosto, que establece los principios que apuntan a la promoción de la Seguridad, Higiene y Salud en el Trabajo. Revoca todas las disposiciones legales y reglamentarias que contraríen lo dispuesto en este decreto 19940805 (art. 18º)

• 5.1.7 Consultation with workers in health and safety

  Summary/citation: Workers have the duty to cooperate and the right to be informed about the results of inspections, investigations and inquiries in respect of accidents at work. They are also under the duty to improve working conditions.
  Unions may cooperate with the employer in various OSH activities.
  In companies with 50 or more employees and those with higher risks of accidents at work and occupational diseases there must be constituted a joint commission for the prevention of accidents (Comissão de Prevenção de Acidentes de Trabalho) to allow workers to participate in the prevention programme.

  • Executive Decree No. 21/98 of April 30, general regulation of the committees for the prevention of accidents at work 19980430

  • Decreto núm. 31/94, de 5 de agosto, que establece los principios que apuntan a la promoción de la Seguridad, Higiene y Salud en el Trabajo. Revoca todas las disposiciones legales y reglamentarias que contraríen lo dispuesto en este decreto 19940805 (art. 12º, 13º, 14º)

5.2 Obligation to implement a specific OSH management system or standard

6.1 OSH competence

• 6.1.1 Requirement to access expert advice and/or support in health and safety

  Summary / Citation: Companies with with 50 or more employees must organize an OSH service and provide it with staff with the appropriate training to assist the employer, the workers and their representatives in performing activities that maintain harmony in technological conditions and the work environment in order so as to foster optimal physical and mental health in relation to work, and to adapt work to the individual.

  Restrictions / obligations: The business of providing OSH services (external to the company) is subject to authorization and occupational safety technicians must be registered, in both cases, in the Ministry of Public Administration, Employment and Social Security.
  An employer who hires OSH services (external to the company) must report, within 30 days from the date when the contract was signed, to the local delegation of the Ministry of Public Administration, Employment and Social Security.

  • Executive Decree No. 6/96 of February 2, the general rules of OSH services in enterprises (art. 3º, 15º, 20º)

  • Decreto núm. 31/94, de 5 de agosto, que establece los principios que apuntan a la promoción de la Seguridad, Higiene y Salud en el Trabajo. Revoca todas las disposiciones legales y reglamentarias que contraríen lo dispuesto en este decreto 19940805 (art. 18º)

  • 6.1.1.1 Qualifications of experts or professional services

    Summary / Citation: The occupational safety technicians must possess appropriate qualifications, have passed a specialized course in OSH or possess relevant experience.
    The OSH services (external to the company) must demonstrate that they have experts who act as occupational safety technicians, and that they have the equipment needed for the evaluation of the working and environmental conditions. They must indicate a national or international body or institution of reference and allow, whenever necessary, the technical evaluation of the results.

    • Executive Decree No. 6/96 of February 2, the general rules of OSH services in enterprises (art. 15º, 20º)

6.2 Appointment of an OSH practitioner

• 6.2.1 Workforce size threshold for the appointment of OSH practitioners

  Summary/citation: Companies with 50 or more employees or those where a high risk of work accidents and occupational diseases is present must have OSH services.

  • Decreto núm. 31/94, de 5 de agosto, que establece los principios que apuntan a la promoción de la Seguridad, Higiene y Salud en el Trabajo. Revoca todas las disposiciones legales y reglamentarias que contraríen lo dispuesto en este decreto 19940805 (art. 18º/2)

7.1 Duty to take reasonable steps to protect their own safety and health

7.2 Duty to take reasonable steps to protect the safety and health of others

7.3 Supervisors’ duty to take reasonable steps to protect the safety and health of others

7.4 Senior officers’ duty to take reasonable steps to protect the safety and health of others

7.5 Self-employed persons’ duty to take reasonable steps to protect their own and other people’s health and safety

7.6 Duty to comply with OSH-related requirements

7.7 Right to enquire about risks and preventive measures

7.8 Right to remove themselves from a dangerous situation

7.9 Right to be reassigned to non-hazard work

• 7.9.1 Right to withdraw with compensation when workers are not reassigned to non-hazard work

  No data available.
  

8.1 National OSH committee, commission, council or similar body

• 8.1.1 Objectives, roles and/or functions

  Summary / Citation: The National Council on Prevention promotes cooperation in the OSH field between the state and employers' and unions' organizations.

  • Decreto núm. 31/94, de 5 de agosto, que establece los principios que apuntan a la promoción de la Seguridad, Higiene y Salud en el Trabajo. Revoca todas las disposiciones legales y reglamentarias que contraríen lo dispuesto en este decreto 19940805 (art. 32º)

• 8.1.2 Constitution and chairmanship modalities

  No data available.
  

8.2 Employers’ duty to consult workers on risks

8.3 Workers’ right to select their representatives for health and safety matters

• 8.3.1 Workforce size conditions for workers’ representation in health and safety

  Summary / Citation: In companies with 50 or more employees and in companies that present a high risk of accidents and occupational diseases, it is mandatory to establish a joint commission for the prevention of accidents (Comissão de Prevenção de Acidentes de Trabalho - CPAT).

  • Executive Decree No. 21/98 of April 30, general regulation of the committees for the prevention of accidents at work 19980430 (art. 2º)

  • Decreto núm. 31/94, de 5 de agosto, que establece los principios que apuntan a la promoción de la Seguridad, Higiene y Salud en el Trabajo. Revoca todas las disposiciones legales y reglamentarias que contraríen lo dispuesto en este decreto 19940805 (art. 14º)

• 8.3.2 Conditions of eligibility to represent workers in health and safety

  Summary / Citation: The candidate must be employee of the company. The list of candidates for the committee members and the list with the results of voting shall be posted in the workplace for the workers information.

  Remarks / comments: The employer must promote the training of workers' representatives.

  • Executive Decree No. 21/98 of April 30, general regulation of the committees for the prevention of accidents at work 19980430 (art. 4º, 14º, 26º)

  • Decreto núm. 31/94, de 5 de agosto, que establece los principios que apuntan a la promoción de la Seguridad, Higiene y Salud en el Trabajo. Revoca todas las disposiciones legales y reglamentarias que contraríen lo dispuesto en este decreto 19940805 (art. 14º)

8.4 OSH representatives’ functions, rights and powers

• 8.4.1 Right to inspect the workplace

  Summary / Citation: The the joint commission for the prevention of accidents (Comissão de Prevenção de Acidentes de Trabalho) promotes inspections at the request of the company's management or OSH services. Unions can also participate in OSH workplace inspections.

  • Executive Decree No. 21/98 of April 30, general regulation of the committees for the prevention of accidents at work 19980430 (art. 7º)

  • Decreto núm. 31/94, de 5 de agosto, que establece los principios que apuntan a la promoción de la Seguridad, Higiene y Salud en el Trabajo. Revoca todas las disposiciones legales y reglamentarias que contraríen lo dispuesto en este decreto 19940805 (art. 12º)

• 8.4.2 Right to access OSH information

  No data available.
  

• 8.4.3 Right to be present at interviews

  No data available.
  

• 8.4.4 Right to receive professional assistance from OSH experts

  Summary / Citation: OSH services are responsible for advising the workers' representatives in the company.

  • Executive Decree No. 6/96 of February 2, the general rules of OSH services in enterprises (art. 4º)

• 8.4.5 Right to accompany inspectors

  No data available.
  

• 8.4.6 Right to use facilities

  Summary / Citation: The performance of the duties of the workers' representatives is considered as normal work activity.

  Remarks / comments: Therefore, workers' representatives can use work facilities to perform their duties.

  • Executive Decree No. 21/98 of April 30, general regulation of the committees for the prevention of accidents at work 19980430 (art. 5º)

• 8.4.7 Right to have time off work with pay to perform duties

  Summary / Citation: The performance of the duties of the workers' representatives is considered as normal work activity.

  Remarks / comments: Therefore, workers' representatives can perform their duties during working time.

  • Executive Decree No. 21/98 of April 30, general regulation of the committees for the prevention of accidents at work 19980430 (art. 5º)

• 8.4.8 Right to issue remedial notices

  No data available.
  

• 8.4.9 Right to resolve OSH issues in consultation with employers

  No data available.
  

• 8.4.10 Right to direct that dangerous work cease

  No data available.
  

8.5 Right of workers’ representatives from outside the undertaking to address OSH issues at the workplace

• 8.5.1 Right to enter the workplace

  No data available.
  

• 8.5.2 Right to investigate suspected non-compliance with OSH legislation

  No data available.
  

• 8.5.3 Right to consult with workers

  No data available.
  

• 8.5.4 Right to advise workers

  No data available.
  

• 8.5.5 Right to initiate enforcement action

  No data available.
  

8.6 Joint OSH Committee

• 8.6.1 Participation of workers’ representatives in joint OSH committee

  Summary / Citation: The number of elected workers' representatives in the joint commission for prevention of accidents (Comissão de Prevenção de Acidentes de Trabalho) is equal to the other members and must be minimum 4 and maximum 12.

  • Executive Decree No. 21/98 of April 30, general regulation of the committees for the prevention of accidents at work 19980430 (art. 4º)

• 8.6.2 Conditions for establishing a joint OSH committee

  Summary / Citation: The joint commission for prevention of accidents (Comissão de Prevenção de Acidentes de Trabalho - CPAT) shall be established in companies with more than 50 employees, as well as in those that present high risks of accidents or occupational diseases.
  Workers' representatives are elected by the workers assembly for a mandate of three years through elections conducted by a committee which includes a workers' representative. The list of candidates for commission members and the list with the voting results shall be posted in the workplace for workers' information.
  

  • Executive Decree No. 21/98 of April 30, general regulation of the committees for the prevention of accidents at work 19980430 (art. 2º, 14º, 20º)

• 8.6.3 Objectives, roles and/or functions of joint OSH committees

  Summary / Citation: The joint commission for prevention of accidents (Comissão de Prevenção de Acidentes de Trabalho - CPAT) has consultation functions, especially regarding the prevention programme, investigation of accidents and illnesses, training, and education campaigns, and the provision of incentives for good practices to workers.

  • Executive Decree No. 21/98 of April 30, general regulation of the committees for the prevention of accidents at work 19980430 (art. 7º)

• 8.6.4 Keeping record of the work of joint OSH committees

  Summary / Citation: Records of investigations of accidents and occupational diseases, meeting minutes, reports on activities, opinions regarding the prevention programmes, documents regarding the election of workers' representatives and other documents shall be kept.

  • Executive Decree No. 21/98 of April 30, general regulation of the committees for the prevention of accidents at work 19980430 (art. 9º, 10º, 11º, 16º)

• 8.6.5 Sharing the minutes of joint OSH committees meetings

  Summary / Citation: Records of the meeting minutes shall be kept.

  • Executive Decree No. 21/98 of April 30, general regulation of the committees for the prevention of accidents at work 19980430 (art. 10º)

8.7 Mandatory training for members of joint OSH committee(s)

8.8 Protection against reprisals

8.9 Immunity from civil and criminal liability for exercising OSH related rights and duties

9.1 Biological hazards

9.2 Chemical hazards

• 9.2.1 Handling, storage, labelling and use

  Summary / Citation: Employers must ensure that containers with hazardous substances or preparations are labeled in the form of pictogram on a colored background. Hazardous substances must be stored in safe conditions.

  • Executive Decree No. 128/04 of November 23, general regulation of safety and health signs at work 20041123

  • Ley General del Trabajo núm. 2/00. (art. 90º/2)

• 9.2.2 Duty of manufacturers, suppliers and importers of chemicals in relation to the safety and health of users

  No data available.
  

• 9.2.3 Pesticides

  Summary / Citation: Employers must ensure that workers are not exposed to chemical, biological, environmental or other hazards without being warned about the damages that these substances may cause to their health and the preventive measures to be taken.

  • Ley General del Trabajo núm. 2/00. (art. 85º)

9.3 Ergonomic hazards

9.4 Physical hazards

• 9.4.1 Ionising radiation

  Summary / Citation: Employers and other entities are required to establish protective measures, provide information and notify authorities regarding ionizing radiation.

  • Presidential Decree No. 12/12, of January 25, Regulation on radioprotection

• 9.4.2 Vibration and noise

  No data available.
  

• 9.4.3 Working at height

  Summary / Citation: The employer must ensure the health surveillance of workers exposed to risks, giving particular attention to working at height or underground/underwater.

  • Decreto núm. 31/94, de 5 de agosto, que establece los principios que apuntan a la promoción de la Seguridad, Higiene y Salud en el Trabajo. Revoca todas las disposiciones legales y reglamentarias que contraríen lo dispuesto en este decreto 19940805 (art. 16º)

• 9.4.4 Working in confined spaces

  No data available.
  

• 9.4.5 Risks arising from poor maintenance of workplace facilities

  No data available.
  

• 9.4.6 Exposure to extreme temperatures

  No data available.
  

• 9.4.7 Fire risks

  No data available.
  

• 9.4.8 Tobacco

  No data available.
  

• 9.4.9 Asbestos

  No data available.
  

• 9.4.10 Risks related to nanotechnology

  No data available.
  

• 9.4.11 Contraction of HIV in the workplace

  Summary / Citation: The employer is obliged to educate, inform and sensitize his/her workers on HIV/AIDS. Employees cannot see their employment situation harmed by their HIV status and the employer must take preventive measures to reduce the risk of transmission of an infection.
  Whenever the medical-sanitary conditions do not allow infected workers and trainees to pursue their normal activities or continue their professional training, the employer must offer them alternative work or training.

  • Law No. 8/04, of November 1, on HIV / AIDS 20041101 (art. 7º)

  • Decree No. 43/03, of July 4, regulation on HIV/AIDS, employment and vocational training 20030704 (art. 9º, 13º)

9.5 Psychosocial hazards

• 9.5.1 Psychosocial risks

  Summary / Citation: The employer is obliged to take the useful and necessary measures for the work to be performed in conditions which enable normal mental and social development of workers.

  • Ley General del Trabajo núm. 2/00. (art. 85º)

  • Decreto núm. 31/94, de 5 de agosto, que establece los principios que apuntan a la promoción de la Seguridad, Higiene y Salud en el Trabajo. Revoca todas las disposiciones legales y reglamentarias que contraríen lo dispuesto en este decreto 19940805 (art. 9º)

• 9.5.2 Occupational violence

  No data available.
  

9.6 Other hazardous substances

9.7 Machineries

• 9.7.1 Risks related to machinery and tools

  Summary / Citation: Machines and apparatus for professional use can only be supplied or put into service if they are fitted with devices to start and stop, safety signs, indications of maximum workload allowed and other information that is necessary for the prevention of work accidents.
  Machines and equipment which during the work process may project material particles must have adequate protection so that these particles do not create risks to their operators or other persons. The moving parts of the equipment which could lead to accidents such as gears and belts must be provided with guards.

  • Decreto núm. 31/94, de 5 de agosto, que establece los principios que apuntan a la promoción de la Seguridad, Higiene y Salud en el Trabajo. Revoca todas las disposiciones legales y reglamentarias que contraríen lo dispuesto en este decreto 19940805 (art. 21º/5/6/7)

• 9.7.2 Duty of designers and/or manufacturers of machineries in relation to the occupational safety and health of operators of machineries

  Summary / Citation: Every physical or legal person who imports, sales, rents, gives or puts on exhibit machinery, apparatus, tools or installations for professional use must take the necessary measures to ensure that the instructions are attached in Portuguese regarding assembly, use, conservation and repair. These instructions shall specify, in particular, the way workers must proceed in order to prevent risks to their health and safety, as well as, to the health and safety of other persons.

  • Decreto núm. 31/94, de 5 de agosto, que establece los principios que apuntan a la promoción de la Seguridad, Higiene y Salud en el Trabajo. Revoca todas las disposiciones legales y reglamentarias que contraríen lo dispuesto en este decreto 19940805 (art. 21º/3)

• 9.7.3 Duty of designers, manufacturers, importers or suppliers of machineries to provide machineries information

  Summary / Citation: Every physical or legal person who imports, sales, rents, gives or puts on exhibit machinery, apparatus, tools or installations for professional use must take the necessary measures to ensure that the instructions are attached in Portuguese regarding assembly, use, conservation and repair. These instructions shall specify, in particular, the way workers must proceed in order to prevent risks to their health and safety, as well as, to the health and safety of other persons.

  • Decreto núm. 31/94, de 5 de agosto, que establece los principios que apuntan a la promoción de la Seguridad, Higiene y Salud en el Trabajo. Revoca todas las disposiciones legales y reglamentarias que contraríen lo dispuesto en este decreto 19940805 (art. 21º/3)

• 9.7.4 Duty to purchase machineries from authorised/certificated suppliers or only if approved/certificated

  Summary / Citation: Every physical or legal person who imports, sales, rents, gives or puts on exhibit machinery, apparatus, tools or installations for professional use must take the tests and controls necessary to ensure that the construction and condition of such equipment do not present any risk to the safety and health of workers, when the use is carried out properly and for the purpose for which they are intended, unless such equipment is properly certified.

  • Decreto núm. 31/94, de 5 de agosto, que establece los principios que apuntan a la promoción de la Seguridad, Higiene y Salud en el Trabajo. Revoca todas las disposiciones legales y reglamentarias que contraríen lo dispuesto en este decreto 19940805 (art. 21º/3)

• 9.7.5 Maintenance of machinery and equipment

  No data available.
  

  • 9.7.5.1 List of equipment where applicable

    No data available.
    

9.8 Provisions to protect workers in specific condition of vulnerability

• 9.8.1 Protection of pregnancy at work

  Summary / Citation: Pregnant women cannot work extra hours or be assigned to tasks that require harmful positions or which are not adequate to their state of pregnancy.

  • Ley General del Trabajo núm. 2/00. (art. 272º)

• 9.8.2 Protection of lactating women at work

  Summary / Citation: Lactating workers have the right to take two 30-minute breaks per working day in order to lactate their child whenever the child stays during working hours at the premises of the work center or at the employer’s nursery.

  • Ley General del Trabajo núm. 2/00. (art. 272º)

• 9.8.3 Limits to women’s access to specific occupations, undertakings or shifts

  Summary / Citation: The employment of women in jobs involving actual or potential risks to their genetic function is prohibited. The law defines a list of prohibited activities. Night work in industrial units must be authorized by the Labour Inspectorate.

  • Joint Executive Decree No. 172/10 of 14 December, the list of occupations prohibited to women 20101214

  • Ley General del Trabajo núm. 2/00. (art. 269º/4, 271º)

  Related CEACR Comments
  • Underground Work (Women) Convention, 1935 (No. 45) Direct Request 2015
  

• 9.8.4 Limits to workers’ access to specific occupations, undertakings or shifts by reason of age

  Summary / Citation: Workers under the age of 14 are not allowed to work.
  Minors under 18 years of age cannot work night or rotating shifts. Minors under 16 years can not exceed six hours daily and 34 hours weekly, and between 16 and 18 can not work more than 7 hours daily and 39 hours weekly.
  Minors may only be admitted to provide light work not involving great physical effort and not harmful to their health and their physical and mental development. The employment of minors must provide conditions for learning and training. The law defines a list of activities prohibited or conditioned to minors.
  

  Restrictions / obligations: Minors are required to undergo medical examinations prior admission to work, and then, they must undergo medical examinations on an annual basis.
  

  • Joint Executive Decree No. 171/10 of December 14, Table of work prohibited or conditioned to minors 20101214

  • Ley General del Trabajo núm. 2/00. (art. 284º, 285º, 287º, 289º)

  Related CEACR Comments
  • Minimum Age Convention, 1973 (No. 138) Observation 2016
  • Minimum Age Convention, 1973 (No. 138) Direct Request 2021
  

10.1 Duty to record and/or investigate the causes of work accidents, near misses incidents and cases of occupational diseases

• 10.1.1 Work-related accidents

  Summary / Citation: The employer is obliged to investigate the causes of accidents at work and occupational diseases and record and prepare the respective statistics through the OSH service.

  Restrictions / obligations: Accidents at work and occupational diseases that cause inability to work must be reported to the competent authorities.

  • Ley General del Trabajo núm. 2/00. (art. 89º)

  • Executive Decree No. 6/96 of February 2, the general rules of OSH services in enterprises (art. 4º)

• 10.1.2 Near miss incidents

  No data available.
  

• 10.1.3 Occupational diseases

  Summary / Citation: The employer is obliged to investigate the causes of accidents at work and occupational diseases and record and prepare the respective statistics through the OSH service.

  Restrictions / obligations: Accidents at work and occupational diseases that cause inability to work must be reported to the competent authorities.

  • Ley General del Trabajo núm. 2/00. (art. 89º)

  • Executive Decree No. 6/96 of February 2, the general rules of OSH services in enterprises (art. 4º)

10.2 Employers’ duty to notify OSH authorities of work related death and/or injuries to health

11.1 Appointment of OSH inspectors

11.2 OSH inspectors’ powers

• 11.2.1 Power to enter workplaces

  Summary / Citation: Inspectors have the power to enter freely and without previous notice at any day of the week and at any hour of the day or night any workplace liable to inspection.

  • Decree No. 9/95 of April 21, Regulation of the General labour inspectorate 19950421 (art. 25º/2)

  Related CEACR Comments
  • Labour Inspection Convention, 1947 (No. 81) Observation 2015
  • Labour Inspection Convention, 1947 (No. 81) Direct Request 2020
  

• 11.2.2 Power to inspect and carry out any examination, test or enquiry

  Summary / Citation: Labour inspectors have the power to:
  - Carry out examinations, inspections, investigations, inquiries and other necessary steps to ensure that labour legal provisions are being strictly observed;
  - Interrogate the employer or its representatives and employees about matters relevant to the application of legal provisions in the company and require their presence in the General Labour Inspectorate services;
  - Require immediate consultation (in place or in the General Labour Inspectorate services) of books, records, sheets or pay stubs and other documents and make copies of them;
  - Collect and promote the analysis of samples of materials and substances used or handled in the operation process.

  • Decree No. 9/95 of April 21, Regulation of the General labour inspectorate 19950421 (art. 25º/2)

  Related CEACR Comments
  • Labour Inspection Convention, 1947 (No. 81) Observation 2015
  • Labour Inspection Convention, 1947 (No. 81) Direct Request 2020
  

• 11.2.3 Power to investigate

  Summary / Citation: Labour inspectors must carry out investigation of any fatal or particularly serious accident at work, determining the causes and circumstances of its occurrence and submit findings to the competent court.

  • Decree No. 9/95 of April 21, Regulation of the General labour inspectorate 19950421 (art. 4º/4)

• 11.2.4 Duty to provide advice on OSH

  Summary / Citation: The General Labour Inspectorate shall carry out pedagogic action, providing workers and employers with information and technical advice and sensitizing them regarding the most appropriate and effective way of complying with legal provisions. In this spirit of action, where there are offenses for which it is better to set a deadline for repair, it should be fixed, formalized in terms of notification and brought to the supervisor of the inspection technical coordination.

  • Decree No. 9/95 of April 21, Regulation of the General labour inspectorate 19950421 (art. 12º)

  Related CEACR Comments
  • Labour Inspection Convention, 1947 (No. 81) Observation 2015
  • Labour Inspection Convention, 1947 (No. 81) Direct Request 2020
  

11.3 OSH inspectors’ enforcement powers

• 11.3.1 Power to issue orders or notices

  Summary / Citation: Inspectors have the power to issue warning and infraction notices. They also may require the employer to take the necessary steps in order to comply with labour legislation on OSH.

  • Decree No. 9/95 of April 21, Regulation of the General labour inspectorate 19950421 (art. 13º/1/2)

  Related CEACR Comments
  • Labour Inspection Convention, 1947 (No. 81) Observation 2015
  • Labour Inspection Convention, 1947 (No. 81) Direct Request 2020
  

• 11.3.2 Power to impose financial penalties

  Summary / Citation: When the labour inspectors identify irregularities, they give the employer a deadline to correct them. If under a second visit the infractions persists, then the inspector will proceed with sanctions.

  • Decree No. 9/95 of April 21, Regulation of the General labour inspectorate 19950421 (art. 13º/1, 17º/2)

• 11.3.3 Power to revoke or suspend licenses or authorisations

  No data available.
  

  Related CEACR Comments
  • Labour Inspection Convention, 1947 (No. 81) Observation 2015
  • Labour Inspection Convention, 1947 (No. 81) Direct Request 2020
  

• 11.3.4 Power to require the cessation of dangerous work

  Summary / Citation: If the facilities, certain equipment, products, manufacturing processes or any other circumstances pose a serious danger to the health or safety of workers, labour inspectors are entitled to impose immediately enforceable measures that could go up to a total suspension of work. They shall inform their superior, within 24 hours from the moment when the measures were taken.

  • Decree No. 9/95 of April 21, Regulation of the General labour inspectorate 19950421 (art. 13º/3)

  Related CEACR Comments
  • Labour Inspection Convention, 1947 (No. 81) Observation 2015
  • Labour Inspection Convention, 1947 (No. 81) Direct Request 2020
  

• 11.3.5 Power to initiate prosecutions

  Summary / Citation: Labour inspectors will issue infraction notices so as to initiate prosecution when in the exercise of their duties can prove any infringement of the rules on the supervision of the General Labour Inspectorate.
  When the labour inspectors identify irregularities, they give the employer a deadline to correct them. If under a second visit the infractions persists, then the inspector will proceed with sanctions.
  Labour inspectors may proceed to the closure of operations if they consider that the safety and health of workers could be at serious and imminent risk.
  The General Labour Inspectorate may order, when necessary for the proper exercise of inspection activities, the collaboration of administrative entities and police authorities.

  • Decree No. 9/95 of April 21, Regulation of the General labour inspectorate 19950421 (art. 13º/1, 17º/2)

• 11.3.6 Power to conduct prosecutions

  No data available.
  

• 11.3.7 Other enforcement powers

  Summary / Citation: The findings of any activities constituting criminal and other offenses whose supervision is not the competence of the General Labour Inspectorate shall be reported, respectively, the competent courts and authorities.

  Remarks / comments: The new work centers or those where modifications or installation of new equipment are being made cannot be used before they are inspected by the General Labor Inspectorate.

  • Ley General del Trabajo núm. 2/00. (art. 92º)

  • Decree No. 9/95 of April 21, Regulation of the General labour inspectorate 19950421 (art. 17º/4)

11.4 Application of sanctions by courts

• 11.4.1 Financial penalties for legal persons

  Summary / Citation: The equivalent of 5 to 10 times the average monthly salary paid in the company.

  • Decree No.11/03 of 11 March, regime of fines for contravention of the provisions of the General Labour Law and subsidiary legislation (art. 6º, 28º, 30º, 31º, 61º)

  • Decreto núm. 31/94, de 5 de agosto, que establece los principios que apuntan a la promoción de la Seguridad, Higiene y Salud en el Trabajo. Revoca todas las disposiciones legales y reglamentarias que contraríen lo dispuesto en este decreto 19940805 (art. 31º)

• 11.4.2 Financial penalties for natural persons

  Summary / Citation: The equivalent of 5 to 10 times the average monthly salary paid in the company.

  • Decree No.11/03 of 11 March, regime of fines for contravention of the provisions of the General Labour Law and subsidiary legislation (art. 6º, 28º, 30º, 31º, 61º)

  • Decreto núm. 31/94, de 5 de agosto, que establece los principios que apuntan a la promoción de la Seguridad, Higiene y Salud en el Trabajo. Revoca todas las disposiciones legales y reglamentarias que contraríen lo dispuesto en este decreto 19940805 (art. 31º)

• 11.4.3 Non-financial sanctions

  No data available.
  

• 11.4.4 Criminal liability

  Summary / Citation: The OSH law identifies violations which are considered as a criminal offense punished with a fine.

  • Decreto núm. 31/94, de 5 de agosto, que establece los principios que apuntan a la promoción de la Seguridad, Higiene y Salud en el Trabajo. Revoca todas las disposiciones legales y reglamentarias que contraríen lo dispuesto en este decreto 19940805 (art. 31º)

• 11.4.5 Terms of imprisonment for natural persons

  No data available.