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Occupational Safety and Health (OSH)

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Argentina - 2013

Themes

1 Description of national OSH regulatory framework
- 1.1 Description of OSH regulatory framework
  Summary/citation: The overriding principle for labour law is set out in Article 14bis of the Constitution of Argentina which aims to provide for dignified and equitable working conditions.
  
  There are two leading OSH laws. The first is Law. No. 24557 of 13 September 1995 on Occupational Risks, reformed in 2012, requiring employers to contact the occupational risk insurance provided by Occupational Risk Insurers (ART) which are undertakings governed by private law (private insurance companies) approved by the Superintendence of Occupational Risks (SRT). The Superintendence on Occupational Risks is an autonomous body under the Ministry of Labour and Social Security which supervises the Occupational Risk Insurers. The other leading OSH law is the Law No. 19587 of 21 April 1972 on Occupational Hygiene and Safety and its implementing Regulation- Decree No. 351 of 22 May 1979. Another key piece of legislation containing OSH provisions is the Law No. 20744 on the Work Contract, reformed in 2012.
  
  With regard to OSH inspection, The Law No. 25212 of 24 November 1999 ratifying the Federal Labour Pact and the Law No. 25877 on the Labour Regime provide some general rules about the powers of labour inspectors. Argentina is organized as a federation, composed of twenty-three provinces and the city of Buenos Aires. Therefore, powers of labour inspectors depend on this administrative division, as each province has different procedural labour laws.
  
  Finally, OSH rules can be observed in the resolutions of the Ministry of Labour concerning particular issues in the field of OSH such as work in confined spaces, work with asbestos and regulations regarding ergonomic techniques.
  • Ley núm. 25877 sobre Régimen Laboral.
  • Ley núm. 25212 por la que se ratifica el Pacto Federal del Trabajo
  • Ley núm. 24557, de riesgos del trabajo.
  • Constitución de la Nación Argentina, 1994. (§ 14bis)
  • Decreto núm. 351/79 por el que se aprueba la reglamentación de la ley núm. 19587 sobre higiene y seguridad en el trabajo.
  • Ley 19587 de higiene y seguridad en el trabajo.
  • Superintendence of Occupational Risks (SRT)
  • Legal database hosted by Ministry of Economy and Public Finance
  • Argentinean System for Legal Information
2 Scope, coverage and exclusions
- 2.1 Health and safety covers physical and psychological health
  No data available.
  Related CEACR Comments
  • Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155) Direct Request 2018
- 2.2 Definition of worker
  Summary/citation: Worker is a person who undertakes or provides services to another person under an employment contract or a subordinate labour relationship.
  • Régimen de contrato de trabajo [texto ordenado de 1976; aprobado por ley núm. 20744, de 1974, modificado por ley núm. 21297, de 1976] (§ 25)
  Related CEACR Comments
  • Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155) Direct Request 2018
  - 2.2.1 Coverage of particular categories of workers
    No data available.
    Related CEACR Comments
    • Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155) Direct Request 2018
    - 2.2.1.1 Migrant workers
      Summary/citation: Migrant workers are included in the coverage by definition.
      • Ley núm. 25871 sobre Política Migratoria. (§ 6)
      Related CEACR Comments
      • Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155) Direct Request 2018
    - 2.2.1.2 Domestic workers
      Summary/citation: Domestic workers are included.
      • Ley núm. 26844 que dicta el Régimen Especial de contrato de trabajo para el personal de casas particulares.
      • Ley núm. 24557, de riesgos del trabajo. (§ 2)
      Related CEACR Comments
      • Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155) Direct Request 2018
      • Domestic Workers Convention, 2011 (No. 189) Direct Request 2019
    - 2.2.1.3 Home workers
      No data available.
      Related CEACR Comments
      • Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155) Direct Request 2018
      • Home Work Convention, 1996 (No. 177) Observation 2020
      • Home Work Convention, 1996 (No. 177) Direct Request 2020
    - 2.2.1.4 Self-employed persons
      No data available.
- 2.3 Definition of employer
  Summary/citation: Employer is a person or legal entity, who requires the service of a worker.
  • Régimen de contrato de trabajo [texto ordenado de 1976; aprobado por ley núm. 20744, de 1974, modificado por ley núm. 21297, de 1976] (§ 26)
- 2.4 Exclusion of branches of economic activity
  No.
  Related CEACR Comments
  • Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155) Direct Request 2018
  - 2.4.1 Agriculture
    Summary/citation: The OSH legislation does not exclude the Agriculture sector from its scope of application.
    • Ley núm. 26727 por el que se aprueba el Régimen de Trabajo Agrario. (§ 49)
    Related CEACR Comments
    • Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155) Direct Request 2018
    • Safety and Health in Agriculture Convention, 2001 (No. 184) Observation 2016
    • Safety and Health in Agriculture Convention, 2001 (No. 184) Direct Request 2016
  - 2.4.2 Construction
    Summary/citation: The OSH legislation does not exclude the Construction sector from its scope of application.
    • Decreto núm. 911/96 por el cual se aprueba el Reglamento de higiene y seguridad para la industria de la construcción (§ 2)
    Related CEACR Comments
    • Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155) Direct Request 2018
  - 2.4.3 Services
    Summary/citation: The OSH legislation does not exclude the Services sector from its scope of application.
    • Ley núm. 24557, de riesgos del trabajo. (§ 2)
    Related CEACR Comments
    • Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155) Direct Request 2018
  - 2.4.4 Public sector
    Summary/citation: The OSH legislation does not exclude the Public sector from its scope of application.
    • Ley núm. 24557, de riesgos del trabajo. (§ 2)
    Related CEACR Comments
    • Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155) Direct Request 2018
  - 2.4.5 Other
    No data available.
- 2.5 Definition of occupational accident
  No data available.
- 2.6 Definition of occupational disease
  No data available.
  - 2.6.1 List of occupational diseases
    Summary/citation: A list of Occupational Diseases is recognised in law.
    • Decreto núm. 658/96 por el cual se aprueba el listado de enfermedades profesionales previsto en la ley de riesgos del trabajo. (§ 1)
  - 2.6.2 Mechanism for compensating other diseases as occupational ones
    Summary/citation: Other occupational diseases must be considered by the Medical Central Commission; only when the disease is caused directly and immediately by the performance of the work and under certain conditions.
    • Ley núm. 24557, de riesgos del trabajo. (§ 6(2)(b))
3 Institutions and programmes relating to OSH administration and/or enforcement
- 3.1 Competent national authority for safety and health at work
  Summary/citation: The law creates the Superintendence of Occupational Risks (SRT) as an autonomous body under the Ministry of Labour and Social Security.
  • Ley núm. 24557, de riesgos del trabajo. (§ 35)
  Related CEACR Comments
  • Promotional Framework for Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 2006 (No. 187) Direct Request 2018
  • Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155) Direct Request 2018
  - 3.1.1 Objectives, roles and/or functions
    Summary/citation: a) Monitor the compliance with OSH with the faculty to dictate complementary rules.
    b) Monitor and supervise the operation of the Occupational Risk Insurers (ART);
    c) To impose sanctions under the Law No. 24557 on Occupational Risks;
    d) Require the necessary information to fulfil its responsibilities,
    e) Dictate its internal rules of procedure.
    f) Maintain the National Register of occupational disabilities.
    g) Supervise and control the self-insured companies and their compliance with OSH laws.
    • Ley núm. 24557, de riesgos del trabajo. (§ 36)
  - 3.1.2 Chairperson and composition
    Summary/citation: The Superintendent is the highest authority of the Superintendence of Occupational Risks, appointed by the Executive power through a selection process.
    
    • Ley núm. 24557, de riesgos del trabajo. (§ 38)
- 3.2 National OSH research programme or institute
  Summary/citation: The law creates the Institute for Strategic Studies and Statistics under the Superintendence of Occupational Risks.
  • Resolución núm. 772/2009 que aprueba la estructura orgánico-funcional de la Superintendencia de Riesgos del Trabajo. (§ 2, Anexo II)
  Related CEACR Comments
  • Promotional Framework for Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 2006 (No. 187) Direct Request 2018
  - 3.2.1 Objectives, roles and/or functions
    Summary/citation: The primary responsibility of the Institute is providing technical assistance in the formulation of objectives and medium-term policies on working conditions and work environment and their impact on the health of workers. Also the Institute must propose strategies for achieving results regarding the Law No. 24557 on Occupational Risk and ensure the maintenance of those results over time.
    The Institute of Strategic Studies and Statistics (IEEE) comprises the following areas: Statistics and Research in Occupational Health and Training Area and International Affairs.
    • Resolución núm. 772/2009 que aprueba la estructura orgánico-funcional de la Superintendencia de Riesgos del Trabajo. (§ 2, Anexo II)
  - 3.2.2 Governance board constitution and chairmanship
    No data available.
  - 3.2.3 Source of funding
    No data available.
- 3.3 National OSH programme
  Summary/citation: The Superintendence of Occupational Risks (SRT) approves Argentina's' Strategy of Health and Safety at Work 2011-2015 with the participation of most representatives from the part of both employers and workers.
  
  The Superintendence of Occupational Risks (SRT) also issued a resolution establishing the National OSH Programme.
  • Resolución núm. 770/2013 de 24 de abril de 2013 que crea el Programa Nacional de Prevención por Rama de Actividad
  • Estrategia Argentina de Salud y Seguridad en el Trabajo 2011-2015
  Related CEACR Comments
  • Promotional Framework for Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 2006 (No. 187) Direct Request 2018
  - 3.3.1 Consultation on the national OSH programme
    No data available.
    Related CEACR Comments
    • Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155) Direct Request 2018
4 Employers’ duties and responsibilities to protect the safety and health of workers and others
- 4.1 Duty to ensure the health and safety of employees
  Summary/citation: Employers must comply with the provisions of OSH Law. The employer is obliged to observe the legal rules on hygiene and safety at work, and to enforce the breaks and limitations on the duration of the work set forth in the legal system.
  • Régimen de contrato de trabajo [texto ordenado de 1976; aprobado por ley núm. 20744, de 1974, modificado por ley núm. 21297, de 1976] (§ 75)
  Related CEACR Comments
  • Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155) Direct Request 2018
- 4.2 Duty to protect the health and safety of people other than their own employees
  No data available.
  Related CEACR Comments
  • Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155) Direct Request 2018
- 4.3 Collaboration among two or more employers at the same workplace
  No data available.
  Related CEACR Comments
  • Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155) Direct Request 2018
- 4.4 Surveillance of workers’ health in relation to work
  Summary / Citation: Employers have the duty to perform pre-occupational examination and periodic medical health surveillance.
  • Ley 19587 de higiene y seguridad en el trabajo. ( § 9(a))
  Related CEACR Comments
  • Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155) Direct Request 2018
  - 4.4.1 Specific hazards for which surveillance is required
    No data available.
- 4.5 Surveillance of the working environment and working practices
  No data available.
  Related CEACR Comments
  • Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155) Direct Request 2018
- 4.6 Duty to provide personal protective equipment
  Summary / Citation: Employers must protect life and integrity of workers providing and maintaining personal protective equipment.
  • Decreto núm. 351/79 por el que se aprueba la reglamentación de la ley núm. 19587 sobre higiene y seguridad en el trabajo. (§§ 188-203)
  • Ley 19587 de higiene y seguridad en el trabajo. (§ 8(c))
  Related CEACR Comments
  • Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155) Direct Request 2018
- 4.7 Duty to ensure the usage of personal protective equipment
  No data available.
  Related CEACR Comments
  • Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155) Direct Request 2018
- 4.8 Duty to provide first-aid and welfare facilities
  Yes.
  Related CEACR Comments
  • Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155) Direct Request 2018
  - 4.8.1 Arrangements for first-aid
    Summary / Citation: Employers must have adequate facilities for immediate first aid.
    • Ley 19587 de higiene y seguridad en el trabajo. (§ 9(I))
    Related CEACR Comments
    • Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155) Direct Request 2018
  - 4.8.2 Sanitary installations
    Summary / Citation: Workplaces are required to have adequate sanitary installations, independent for each sex, proportionate to the number off workers. The law sets out requirements regarding toilets, sinks, showers and locker rooms.
    • Decreto núm. 351/79 por el que se aprueba la reglamentación de la ley núm. 19587 sobre higiene y seguridad en el trabajo. (§§ 46-51)
    Related CEACR Comments
    • Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155) Direct Request 2018
  - 4.8.3 Drinking water
    Summary / Citation: Workplaces must have water provisions and water reserves for human use. Employers must remove all possible sources of contamination and pollution, and must maintain quality levels according to the law.
    • Decreto núm. 351/79 por el que se aprueba la reglamentación de la ley núm. 19587 sobre higiene y seguridad en el trabajo. (§§ 57-58)
    Related CEACR Comments
    • Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155) Direct Request 2018
  - 4.8.4 Rest and eating areas
    Summary / Citation: The eating area shall be isolated from the rest of the workplace, preferably in an independent building. Floors, walls and ceilings must be easily cleaned; eating areas must have light, adequate ventilation and temperature.
    • Decreto núm. 351/79 por el que se aprueba la reglamentación de la ley núm. 19587 sobre higiene y seguridad en el trabajo. (§§ 52,56)
    Related CEACR Comments
    • Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155) Direct Request 2018
5 Employers’ duty to organize prevention formally along generally accepted OSH management principles and practices
- 5.1 Elements of an OSH management system
  No data available.
  - 5.1.1 Policy or plan specifying responsibilities and arrangements for health and safety
    Summary/citation: Employers with workers under a labour contract must provide their workers with a compulsory occupational risk insurance. Employers can secure insurance for occupational risks themselves, if they can provide financial guarantees required by law and necessary medical services and other measures foreseen by the law. Otherwise employers are under a duty to contract an insurance with a private Occupational Risk Insurer (ART).
    • Ley núm. 24557, de riesgos del trabajo. (§ 3)
  - 5.1.2 Appointment of a person for health and safety
    No data available.
  - 5.1.3 Written risk assessment
    Summary/citation: The law does not require the employer to undertake a written risk assessment. However, the Occupational Risk Insurer (ART) must include in the action plan a periodic risk assessment.
    • Ley núm. 24557, de riesgos del trabajo. (§ 4(2)(a))
  - 5.1.4 Safe operating work systems and procedures
    Summary/citation: Employers must comply with the preventive measures established in the action plan by the Occupational Risk Insurer (ART).
    • Ley núm. 24557, de riesgos del trabajo. (§ 4(1))
    Related CEACR Comments
    • Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155) Direct Request 2018
  - 5.1.5 Training and information on risks
    Summary/citation: Employers must promote training for workers on OSH preventive measures.
    (Ley 19587 de higiene y seguridad del trabajo, § 9(k))
    
    The Occupational Risk Insurer must include in the action plan a training programme for workers and employer to prevent occupational risks.
    (Ley núm. 24557 de riesgos del trabajo, § 4(2)(d)).
    • Ley núm. 24557, de riesgos del trabajo. (§ 4(2)(d))
    • Ley 19587 de higiene y seguridad en el trabajo. (§ 9(k))
    Related CEACR Comments
    • Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155) Direct Request 2018
  - 5.1.6 Review or assessment of the results of preventive measures
    No data available.
  - 5.1.7 Consultation with workers in health and safety
    No data available.
    Related CEACR Comments
    • Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155) Direct Request 2018
- 5.2 Obligation to implement a specific OSH management system or standard
  No data available.
6 Employers’ duty to ensure availability of expertise and competence in health and safety
- 6.1 OSH competence
  No data available.
  - 6.1.1 Requirement to access expert advice and/or support in health and safety
    No data available.
    - 6.1.1.1 Qualifications of experts or professional services
      Summary / Citation: The internal medical service must be led by an occupational doctor registered in the Ministry of Social Welfare and at least with a nurse. The external medical service must have occupational doctors and nurses.
      
      The hygiene and safety service must be led by university professionals (engineer or other OSH technical) with postgraduate OSH courses and registries in a national professional register.
      • Decreto núm. 351/79 por el que se aprueba la reglamentación de la ley núm. 19587 sobre higiene y seguridad en el trabajo. (§§ 17,19,21(4),22,35-37,39)
- 6.2 Appointment of an OSH practitioner
  Summary/citation: The internal medical service must be led by an occupational doctor registered in the Ministry of Social Welfare.
  • Decreto núm. 351/79 por el que se aprueba la reglamentación de la ley núm. 19587 sobre higiene y seguridad en el trabajo. (§ 17)
  - 6.2.1 Workforce size threshold for the appointment of OSH practitioners
    Summary/citation: For the Medical Services:
    From 150 to 300 workers: daily 3 hour-doctor
    From 301 to 450 workers: daily 4 hour-doctor
    From 451 to 600 workers: daily 5 hour-doctor
    From 601 to 750 workers: daily 6 hour-doctor
    From 751 to 900 workers: daily 7 hour-doctor
    
    For the Hygiene and Safety Service the law also provides the number of professional- working hour per number of workers at workplaces.
    • Decreto núm. 351/79 por el que se aprueba la reglamentación de la ley núm. 19587 sobre higiene y seguridad en el trabajo. (§§ 21(3),39(10))
7 Workers' rights and duties
- 7.1 Duty to take reasonable steps to protect their own safety and health
  Summary / Citation: The law does not require workers to take reasonable steps to protect their own safety and health. However, they have the duty to respect OSH legislation.
  • Ley 19587 de higiene y seguridad en el trabajo. (§ 10(a) )
- 7.2 Duty to take reasonable steps to protect the safety and health of others
  Summary / Citation: The law does not require workers to take reasonable steps to protect the safety and health of others. However, they have the duty to respect OSH legislation.
  • Ley 19587 de higiene y seguridad en el trabajo. (§ 10(a))
- 7.3 Supervisors’ duty to take reasonable steps to protect the safety and health of others
  No data available.
- 7.4 Senior officers’ duty to take reasonable steps to protect the safety and health of others
  No data available.
- 7.5 Self-employed persons’ duty to take reasonable steps to protect their own and other people’s health and safety
  No data available.
- 7.6 Duty to comply with OSH-related requirements
  Summary / Citation: Workers have the duty to respect OSH legislation.
  • Ley 19587 de higiene y seguridad en el trabajo. (§ 10(a))
- 7.7 Right to enquire about risks and preventive measures
  No data available.
  Related CEACR Comments
  • Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155) Direct Request 2018
- 7.8 Right to remove themselves from a dangerous situation
  No data available.
  Related CEACR Comments
  • Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155) Direct Request 2018
- 7.9 Right to be reassigned to non-hazard work
  No data available.
  - 7.9.1 Right to withdraw with compensation when workers are not reassigned to non-hazard work
    Summary / Citation: Legal provisions do not provide specifically for the workers’ right to withdraw with compensation in case they are not reassigned to non-hazard work when their health has shown signs of alteration. However, workers have the right to withdraw from work because of the employer's non-compliance with labour contract duties.
    • Régimen de contrato de trabajo [texto ordenado de 1976; aprobado por ley núm. 20744, de 1974, modificado por ley núm. 21297, de 1976] (§ 242)
8 Consultation, collaboration and co-operation with workers and their representatives
- 8.1 National OSH committee, commission, council or similar body
  Summary / Citation: The Permanent Advisory Committee competent for providing advice on OSH issues is established by law.
  • Ley núm. 24557, de riesgos del trabajo. (§ 40)
  Related CEACR Comments
  • Promotional Framework for Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 2006 (No. 187) Direct Request 2018
  - 8.1.1 Objectives, roles and/or functions
    Summary / Citation: The Committee has advisory functions in the following areas among others:
    a) Implementing regulations of this law
    b) List of occupational diseases
    c) Labour disability assessment tables
    d) Determine the scope of benefits in kind
    e) Actions to prevent occupational hazards
    f) Determining the indicators of the financial solvency of companies seeking to self-insure
    • Ley núm. 24557, de riesgos del trabajo. (§ 40(2))
  - 8.1.2 Constitution and chairmanship modalities
    Summary / Citation: The Permanent Advisory Committee is comprised by 4 government representatives, 4 representatives of the General Workers' Union, 4 representatives of the employer’s organizations, two of which are appointed by small enterprises, and chaired by the Minister of Labour.
    • Ley núm. 24557, de riesgos del trabajo. (§ 40)
- 8.2 Employers’ duty to consult workers on risks
  No data available.
  Related CEACR Comments
  • Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155) Direct Request 2018
- 8.3 Workers’ right to select their representatives for health and safety matters
  Summary / Citation: The law does not specifically provide for the workers’ right to select their representatives for health and safety matters. However, the participation of workers may occur through their representative organizations in the context of collective bargaining agreements. The law provides for the possibility to establish risk preventive measures through the collective bargaining agreements.
  • Ley núm. 24557, de riesgos del trabajo. (§§ 4.1, 42)
  Related CEACR Comments
  • Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155) Direct Request 2018
  - 8.3.1 Workforce size conditions for workers’ representation in health and safety
    No data available.
  - 8.3.2 Conditions of eligibility to represent workers in health and safety
    No data available.
- 8.4 OSH representatives’ functions, rights and powers
  No data available.
  Related CEACR Comments
  • Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155) Direct Request 2018
  - 8.4.1 Right to inspect the workplace
    No data available.
  - 8.4.2 Right to access OSH information
    Summary / Citation: Workers' right to access OSH information is not specifically addressed in the legislation, however, the law requires employers to train workers on OSH prevention measures.
    • Ley núm. 24557, de riesgos del trabajo. (§ 31(3)(a))
    Related CEACR Comments
    • Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155) Direct Request 2018
  - 8.4.3 Right to be present at interviews
    No data available.
  - 8.4.4 Right to receive professional assistance from OSH experts
    No data available.
  - 8.4.5 Right to accompany inspectors
    No data available.
  - 8.4.6 Right to use facilities
    No data available.
  - 8.4.7 Right to have time off work with pay to perform duties
    No data available.
  - 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
  No data available.
  - 8.5.1 Right to enter the workplace
    No data available.
    Related CEACR Comments
    • Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155) Direct Request 2018
  - 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.
    Related CEACR Comments
    • Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155) Direct Request 2018
  - 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
  Summary / Citation: For mining activities the law requires a joint OSH committee.
  • Decreto Nacional núm. 249/2007 por el que se aprueba el Reglamento de higiene y seguridad para la actividad minera. (§ 26)
  - 8.6.1 Participation of workers’ representatives in joint OSH committee
    No data available.
    Related CEACR Comments
    • Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155) Direct Request 2018
  - 8.6.2 Conditions for establishing a joint OSH committee
    No data available.
  - 8.6.3 Objectives, roles and/or functions of joint OSH committees
    Summary / Citation: The functions of the joint OSH committee are the following among others:
    cooperate with the undertaking in the development and implementation of OSH preventive plans and programs;
    - collaborate with the mining technical and medical services on matters related to hygiene and safety;
    - encourage worker participation in OSH preventive plans and programs;
    - visit workplaces in order to explore the occupational safety and health situation;
    - investigate accidents and occupational diseases occurring at the workplaces;
    - monitor compliance with OSH laws;
    - solve conflicts between employer and workers;
    - accompany labour inspectors;
    - report on a periodical basis to the undertaking's administration on its actions.
    
    • Decreto Nacional núm. 249/2007 por el que se aprueba el Reglamento de higiene y seguridad para la actividad minera. (§ 26)
    Related CEACR Comments
    • Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155) Direct Request 2018
  - 8.6.4 Keeping record of the work of joint OSH committees
    Summary / Citation: The committee must record each meeting.
    • Decreto Nacional núm. 249/2007 por el que se aprueba el Reglamento de higiene y seguridad para la actividad minera. (§ 26)
  - 8.6.5 Sharing the minutes of joint OSH committees meetings
    Summary / Citation: The committee must provide the undertaking's administration with the meeting minutes.
    • Decreto Nacional núm. 249/2007 por el que se aprueba el Reglamento de higiene y seguridad para la actividad minera. (§ 26)
- 8.7 Mandatory training for members of joint OSH committee(s)
  Summary / Citation: Members of the committee must receive OSH training to be provided by technical professionals of the workplace with the collaboration and support of the occupational risks insurer or the Superintendence of Occupational Risks.
  • Decreto Nacional núm. 249/2007 por el que se aprueba el Reglamento de higiene y seguridad para la actividad minera. (§ 25)
  Related CEACR Comments
  • Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155) Direct Request 2018
- 8.8 Protection against reprisals
  No data available.
  Related CEACR Comments
  • Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155) Direct Request 2018
- 8.9 Immunity from civil and criminal liability for exercising OSH related rights and duties
  No data available.
  Related CEACR Comments
  • Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155) Direct Request 2018
9 Specific hazards or risks
- 9.1 Biological hazards
  Summary / Citation: There is a specific decree regalating OSH aspects in agriculture.
  • Decreto núm. 617/97 por el cual se aprueba el Reglamento de Higiene y Seguridad para la actividad agraria. (§§ 14,3(d))
  Related CEACR Comments
  • Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155) Direct Request 2018
- 9.2 Chemical hazards
  Sometimes.
  - 9.2.1 Handling, storage, labelling and use
    Yes.
    • Decreto núm. 351/79 por el que se aprueba la reglamentación de la ley núm. 19587 sobre higiene y seguridad en el trabajo. (§§ 145-159)
    Related CEACR Comments
    • Safety and Health in Agriculture Convention, 2001 (No. 184) Observation 2016
    • Safety and Health in Agriculture Convention, 2001 (No. 184) Direct Request 2016
    • Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155) Direct Request 2018
  - 9.2.2 Duty of manufacturers, suppliers and importers of chemicals in relation to the safety and health of users
    No data available.
    Related CEACR Comments
    • Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155) Direct Request 2018
  - 9.2.3 Pesticides
    Yes.
    • Decreto núm. 617/97 por el cual se aprueba el Reglamento de Higiene y Seguridad para la actividad agraria. (§ 28)
    Related CEACR Comments
    • Safety and Health in Agriculture Convention, 2001 (No. 184) Observation 2016
    • Safety and Health in Agriculture Convention, 2001 (No. 184) Direct Request 2016
- 9.3 Ergonomic hazards
  Summary / Citation: There is a specific resolution on ergonomics.
  • Resolución MTESS núm. 295/03 por la que se aprueban especificaciones técnicas sobre ergonomía y levantamiento manual de cargas, y sobre radiaciones.
  Related CEACR Comments
  • Safety and Health in Agriculture Convention, 2001 (No. 184) Observation 2016
  • Safety and Health in Agriculture Convention, 2001 (No. 184) Direct Request 2016
- 9.4 Physical hazards
  Sometimes.
  - 9.4.1 Ionising radiation
    Yes.
    • Decreto núm. 351/79 por el que se aprueba la reglamentación de la ley núm. 19587 sobre higiene y seguridad en el trabajo. (§ 62)
    Related CEACR Comments
    • Radiation Protection Convention, 1960 (No. 115) Direct Request 2015
  - 9.4.2 Vibration and noise
    Yes.
    • Decreto núm. 351/79 por el que se aprueba la reglamentación de la ley núm. 19587 sobre higiene y seguridad en el trabajo. (§ 85-94)
  - 9.4.3 Working at height
    Yes.
    • Decreto núm. 351/79 por el que se aprueba la reglamentación de la ley núm. 19587 sobre higiene y seguridad en el trabajo. (§ 200)
  - 9.4.4 Working in confined spaces
    Yes.
    • Resolución núm. 953 /2010 de 2 de julio de 2010 que aprueba los criterios de seguridad respecto de las tareas ejecutadas en espacios confinados (§ 1)
  - 9.4.5 Risks arising from poor maintenance of workplace facilities
    No data available.
  - 9.4.6 Exposure to extreme temperatures
    Yes.
    • Decreto núm. 351/79 por el que se aprueba la reglamentación de la ley núm. 19587 sobre higiene y seguridad en el trabajo. (§ 60)
  - 9.4.7 Fire risks
    Yes.
    • Decreto núm. 351/79 por el que se aprueba la reglamentación de la ley núm. 19587 sobre higiene y seguridad en el trabajo. (§§ 160-187)
  - 9.4.8 Tobacco
    Yes.
    • Ley núm. 26.687 de 1 de junio de 2011 de regulación de la publicidad, promoción y consumo de los productos elaborados con tabaco (§ 23(a))
  - 9.4.9 Asbestos
    Yes.
    • Resolución núm. 823/2001 sobre el asbesto.
    • Resolución núm. 845/2000 de 10 de octubre de 2000 que prohíbe la producción, importación, comercializacióny uso de fibras de Asbesto variedad Anfiboles y productos que las contengan
  - 9.4.10 Risks related to nanotechnology
    No data available.
  - 9.4.11 Contraction of HIV in the workplace
    No data available.
- 9.5 Psychosocial hazards
  No data available.
  - 9.5.1 Psychosocial risks
    No data available.
  - 9.5.2 Occupational violence
    No data available.
- 9.6 Other hazardous substances
  Yes.
  • Decreto núm. 351/79 por el que se aprueba la reglamentación de la ley núm. 19587 sobre higiene y seguridad en el trabajo. (§§ 145-159)
- 9.7 Machineries
  Sometimes.
  Related CEACR Comments
  • Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155) Direct Request 2018
  - 9.7.1 Risks related to machinery and tools
    Yes.
    • Decreto núm. 351/79 por el que se aprueba la reglamentación de la ley núm. 19587 sobre higiene y seguridad en el trabajo. (§§ 103-137)
    Related CEACR Comments
    • Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155) Direct Request 2018
  - 9.7.2 Duty of designers and/or manufacturers of machineries in relation to the occupational safety and health of operators of machineries
    No data available.
    Related CEACR Comments
    • Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155) Direct Request 2018
    • Safety and Health in Agriculture Convention, 2001 (No. 184) Observation 2016
    • Safety and Health in Agriculture Convention, 2001 (No. 184) Direct Request 2016
  - 9.7.3 Duty of designers, manufacturers, importers or suppliers of machineries to provide machineries information
    No data available.
    Related CEACR Comments
    • Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155) Direct Request 2018
    • Safety and Health in Agriculture Convention, 2001 (No. 184) Observation 2016
    • Safety and Health in Agriculture Convention, 2001 (No. 184) Direct Request 2016
  - 9.7.4 Duty to purchase machineries from authorised/certificated suppliers or only if approved/certificated
    Summary / Citation: The Secretary of Public Health and the National Atomic Energy Commission are the competent authority to provide licenses for ionizing radiation.
    • Decreto núm. 351/79 por el que se aprueba la reglamentación de la ley núm. 19587 sobre higiene y seguridad en el trabajo. (§ 62)
    Related CEACR Comments
    • Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155) Direct Request 2018
  - 9.7.5 Maintenance of machinery and equipment
    No data available.
    Related CEACR Comments
    • Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155) Direct Request 2018
    • Safety and Health in Agriculture Convention, 2001 (No. 184) Observation 2016
    • Safety and Health in Agriculture Convention, 2001 (No. 184) Direct Request 2016
    - 9.7.5.1 List of equipment where applicable
      No data available.
      Related CEACR Comments
      • Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155) Direct Request 2018
- 9.8 Provisions to protect workers in specific condition of vulnerability
  Yes.
  - 9.8.1 Protection of pregnancy at work
    Summary / Citation: The law provides for a maternity leave of 90 days with option for a non-paid leave up to 6 months. Pregnant workers have the right for social security and employment stability during the pregnancy. It is presumed that the dismissal of a pregnant worker is due to reasons of maternity within seven and a half months before or after the birth in which case pregnant workers have the right to full compensation.
    • Régimen de contrato de trabajo [texto ordenado de 1976; aprobado por ley núm. 20744, de 1974, modificado por ley núm. 21297, de 1976] (§ 177)
    Related CEACR Comments
    • Safety and Health in Agriculture Convention, 2001 (No. 184) Observation 2016
    • Safety and Health in Agriculture Convention, 2001 (No. 184) Direct Request 2016
  - 9.8.2 Protection of lactating women at work
    Summary / Citation: Lactating workers are provided with a daily half an hour break to breastfeed the child during a one year period. Employers with a certain number of women workers determined by law must provide a maternity room and childcare in the workplace.
    • Régimen de contrato de trabajo [texto ordenado de 1976; aprobado por ley núm. 20744, de 1974, modificado por ley núm. 21297, de 1976] (§ 179)
    Related CEACR Comments
    • Safety and Health in Agriculture Convention, 2001 (No. 184) Observation 2016
    • Safety and Health in Agriculture Convention, 2001 (No. 184) Direct Request 2016
  - 9.8.3 Limits to women’s access to specific occupations, undertakings or shifts
    Summary / Citation: Employers are forbidden to employ women for unhealthy or hazardous tasks. It is prohibited to order women to carry out work related tasks at other locations other than the one assigned for the workplace.
    • Régimen de contrato de trabajo [texto ordenado de 1976; aprobado por ley núm. 20744, de 1974, modificado por ley núm. 21297, de 1976] (§§ 175-176)
    Related CEACR Comments
    • Underground Work (Women) Convention, 1935 (No. 45) Direct Request 2016
  - 9.8.4 Limits to workers’ access to specific occupations, undertakings or shifts by reason of age
    Summary / Citation: Employers are forbidden to employ workers under 16 years of age.
    Employers are forbidden to employ workers under 18 years of age for night work (from 20 p.m. to 6 a.m.).
    Employers must not employ workers between the ages of 16-18 for more than 6 hours per day or 36 hours per week.
    • Régimen de contrato de trabajo [texto ordenado de 1976; aprobado por ley núm. 20744, de 1974, modificado por ley núm. 21297, de 1976] (§§ 189-190, 195)
    Related CEACR Comments
    • Minimum Age Convention, 1973 (No. 138) Observation 2017
    • Minimum Age Convention, 1973 (No. 138) Direct Request 2014
    • Night Work of Young Persons (Industry) Convention (Revised), 1948 (No. 90) Direct Request 2000
10 Recording, notification and investigation of accidents/incidents and diseases
- 10.1 Duty to record and/or investigate the causes of work accidents, near misses incidents and cases of occupational diseases
  Sometimes.
  Related CEACR Comments
  • Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155) Direct Request 2018
  - 10.1.1 Work-related accidents
    Summary / Citation: Employers must keep a register of the occupational accidents at the workplace.
    • Ley núm. 24557, de riesgos del trabajo. (§ 31(2)(e))
    Related CEACR Comments
    • Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155) Direct Request 2018
  - 10.1.2 Near miss incidents
    No data available.
  - 10.1.3 Occupational diseases
    No data available.
    Related CEACR Comments
    • Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155) Direct Request 2018
- 10.2 Employers’ duty to notify OSH authorities of work related death and/or injuries to health
  Summary / Citation: Employers must report the occupational accidents to the Occupational Risk Insurer (ART) and to the Superintendence of Occupational Risks (SRT).
  • Ley núm. 24557, de riesgos del trabajo. (31(2)(c))
  Related CEACR Comments
  • Labour Inspection Convention, 1947 (No. 81) Observation 2012
  • Labour Inspection Convention, 1947 (No. 81) Direct Request 2016
  • Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155) Direct Request 2018
11 OSH inspection and enforcement of OSH legislation
- 11.1 Appointment of OSH inspectors
  Summary / Citation: Argentina is composed of twenty-three provinces organized as a federation. The powers of labour inspectors, depend on this administrative division (provincial jurisdiction), as each province has a different inspectorate law. The national law creates an Integral System of Labour Inspection and Social Security to ensure the compliance with labour laws.
  • Ley núm. 25877 sobre Régimen Laboral. (§§ 28,32(d))
  Related CEACR Comments
  • Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155) Direct Request 2018
- 11.2 OSH inspectors’ powers
  Sometimes.
  - 11.2.1 Power to enter workplaces
    Summary / Citation: Inspectors have the power to enter workplaces during day or night without notification.
    • Ley núm. 25877 sobre Régimen Laboral. (§ 32(a))
    • Ley núm. 25212 por la que se ratifica el Pacto Federal del Trabajo (Anexo II §§ 7(1)(a)-(b), 7(1)(c)(III))
    Related CEACR Comments
    • Labour Inspection Convention, 1947 (No. 81) Observation 2012
    • Labour Inspection Convention, 1947 (No. 81) Direct Request 2016
  - 11.2.2 Power to inspect and carry out any examination, test or enquiry
    Summary / Citation: Inspectors have the power to require information and gather evidence or take and remove samples of substances or materials used at the workplace as prescribed by labour legislation.
    • Ley núm. 25877 sobre Régimen Laboral. (§ 32(b))
    • Ley núm. 25212 por la que se ratifica el Pacto Federal del Trabajo (Anexo II, §§ 7(1)(c)(II),(III))
    Related CEACR Comments
    • Labour Inspection Convention, 1947 (No. 81) Observation 2012
    • Labour Inspection Convention, 1947 (No. 81) Direct Request 2016
  - 11.2.3 Power to investigate
    No data available.
  - 11.2.4 Duty to provide advice on OSH
    No data available.
    Related CEACR Comments
    • Labour Inspection Convention, 1947 (No. 81) Observation 2012
    • Labour Inspection Convention, 1947 (No. 81) Direct Request 2016
- 11.3 OSH inspectors’ enforcement powers
  Sometimes.
  - 11.3.1 Power to issue orders or notices
    Summary / Citation: Inspectors have the power to order the employer to take measures to comply with OSH legal duties. In the event of non-compliance with the OSH legal duties but without risk for workers, inspectors may issue a mere warning to the employer.
    • Ley núm. 25212 por la que se ratifica el Pacto Federal del Trabajo (Anexo II, §§ 7(1)(c)(IV), 7(2))
    Related CEACR Comments
    • Labour Inspection Convention, 1947 (No. 81) Observation 2012
    • Labour Inspection Convention, 1947 (No. 81) Direct Request 2016
  - 11.3.2 Power to impose financial penalties
    Summary / Citation: The inspectorate has the power to impose financial penalties when there are obstructions to the performance of inspectors. Penalties for companies breaking the law vary according to a certain criteria, such as size of the company. The Ministry of Labour must register the recidivism of workplaces.
    • Ley núm. 25212 por la que se ratifica el Pacto Federal del Trabajo (Anexo II §§ 2-5,8-14)
  - 11.3.3 Power to revoke or suspend licenses or authorisations
    No data available.
    Related CEACR Comments
    • Labour Inspection Convention, 1947 (No. 81) Observation 2012
    • Labour Inspection Convention, 1947 (No. 81) Direct Request 2016
  - 11.3.4 Power to require the cessation of dangerous work
    Summary / Citation: Inspectors have, among their duties, the power to close a workplace and require the cessation of tasks involving a serious and imminent risk for the safety and health of workers.
    • Ley núm. 25877 sobre Régimen Laboral. (§ 32(d))
    • Ley núm. 25212 por la que se ratifica el Pacto Federal del Trabajo (Anexo II, § 7(1)(c)(V))
    Related CEACR Comments
    • Labour Inspection Convention, 1947 (No. 81) Observation 2012
    • Labour Inspection Convention, 1947 (No. 81) Direct Request 2016
  - 11.3.5 Power to initiate prosecutions
    No data available.
  - 11.3.6 Power to conduct prosecutions
    No data available.
  - 11.3.7 Other enforcement powers
    Summary / Citation: Inspectors have the duty to require police assistance to enter the workplace to fulfil their functions.
    • Ley núm. 25877 sobre Régimen Laboral. (§ 32)
- 11.4 Application of sanctions by courts
  Sometimes.
  - 11.4.1 Financial penalties for legal persons
    Remarks / comments: Argentina is composed of twenty-three provinces and the autonomous city of Buenos Aires. The provinces are organized as a federation. The powers of labour tribunals include imposing sanctions for violations of OSH legislation depending on the administrative division, as each province has a different procedural labour law.
    Related CEACR Comments
    • Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155) Direct Request 2018
  - 11.4.2 Financial penalties for natural persons
    No data available.
    Related CEACR Comments
    • Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155) Direct Request 2018
  - 11.4.3 Non-financial sanctions
    No data available.
    Related CEACR Comments
    • Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155) Direct Request 2018
  - 11.4.4 Criminal liability
    Summary / Citation: The crime of manslaughter is foreseen in the Criminal Code.
    • Decreto núm. 3992 por el que se aprueba el texto ordenado de la ley núm. 11179 que promulga el Código Penal de la Nación Argentina. (§ 94)
    Related CEACR Comments
    • Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155) Direct Request 2018
  - 11.4.5 Terms of imprisonment for natural persons
    No data available.
    Related CEACR Comments
    • Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155) Direct Request 2018

Argentina - 2013

Themes

1 Description of national OSH regulatory framework

1.1 Description of OSH regulatory framework

2 Scope, coverage and exclusions

2.1 Health and safety covers physical and psychological health

2.2 Definition of worker

2.2.1 Coverage of particular categories of workers

2.2.1.1 Migrant workers

2.2.1.2 Domestic workers

2.2.1.3 Home workers

2.2.1.4 Self-employed persons

2.3 Definition of employer

2.4 Exclusion of branches of economic activity

2.4.1 Agriculture

2.4.2 Construction

2.4.3 Services

2.4.4 Public sector

2.4.5 Other

2.5 Definition of occupational accident

2.6 Definition of occupational disease

2.6.1 List of occupational diseases

2.6.2 Mechanism for compensating other diseases as occupational ones

3 Institutions and programmes relating to OSH administration and/or enforcement

3.1 Competent national authority for safety and health at work

3.1.1 Objectives, roles and/or functions

3.1.2 Chairperson and composition

3.2 National OSH research programme or institute

3.2.1 Objectives, roles and/or functions

3.2.2 Governance board constitution and chairmanship

3.2.3 Source of funding

3.3 National OSH programme

3.3.1 Consultation on the national OSH programme

4 Employers’ duties and responsibilities to protect the safety and health of workers and others

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

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

4.8.2 Sanitary installations

4.8.3 Drinking water

4.8.4 Rest and eating areas

5 Employers’ duty to organize prevention formally along generally accepted OSH management principles and practices

5.1 Elements of an OSH management system

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

5.1.2 Appointment of a person for health and safety

5.1.3 Written risk assessment

5.1.4 Safe operating work systems and procedures

5.1.5 Training and information on risks

5.1.6 Review or assessment of the results of preventive measures

5.1.7 Consultation with workers in health and safety

5.2 Obligation to implement a specific OSH management system or standard

6 Employers’ duty to ensure availability of expertise and competence in health and safety

6.1 OSH competence

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

6.1.1.1 Qualifications of experts or professional services

6.2 Appointment of an OSH practitioner

6.2.1 Workforce size threshold for the appointment of OSH practitioners

7 Workers' rights and duties

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

8 Consultation, collaboration and co-operation with workers and their representatives

8.1 National OSH committee, commission, council or similar body

8.1.1 Objectives, roles and/or functions

8.1.2 Constitution and chairmanship modalities

8.2 Employers’ duty to consult workers on risks

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