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Occupational Safety and Health (OSH)

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Bolivia, Plurinational State of - 2013

Themes

1 Description of national OSH regulatory framework
- 1.1 Description of OSH regulatory framework
  Summary/citation: In Bolivia, the General Law on Occupational Health, Safety and Welfare, No. 16.998, adopted in 1979 is the leading OSH legislation. It aims:
  - to ensure the adequate conditions of health, hygiene, safety and welfare at work;
  - to achieve a working environment free of risks for the psycho-physical health of workers; and
  - to protect people and the environment in general from risks that directly or indirectly could affect their health, safety and ecological balance.
  
  The General Labour Law, adopted in 1939, and the Decree No. 224 provide also some OSH rules with a number of other labour provisions addressing child labour, pregnant workers, daily breaks at work and other working conditions.
  
  There are also other regulations relating to particular issues concerning the joint OSH committees, the personal protective equipment or the compensations for occupational accidents or diseases.
  • Decreto ley núm. 16998 de 2 de agosto de 1979, ley general de higiene, seguridad ocupacional y bienestar.
  • Decreto núm. 224 de 23 de agosto de 1943, reglamentario de la ley general del trabajo [texto actualizado y concordado]
  • Decreto Supremo de 24 de mayo de 1939 elevado a ley el 8 de diciembre de 1942 por el que se dicta la Ley General del Trabajo. (pdf)
  • Decreto Supremo de 24 de mayo de 1939 elevado a ley el 8 de diciembre de 1942 por el que se dicta la Ley General del Trabajo.
2 Scope, coverage and exclusions
- 2.1 Health and safety covers physical and psychological health
  Summary/citation: The OSH Law aims to achieve a working environment free of risks for the psycho-physical health of workers.
  • Decreto ley núm. 16998 de 2 de agosto de 1979, ley general de higiene, seguridad ocupacional y bienestar (pdf)
  • Decreto ley núm. 16998 de 2 de agosto de 1979, ley general de higiene, seguridad ocupacional y bienestar. (Art. 1.2)
- 2.2 Definition of worker
  Summary/citation: A worker is a person who provides a service to an employer for a salary or other remuneration.
  • Decreto ley núm. 16998 de 2 de agosto de 1979, ley general de higiene, seguridad ocupacional y bienestar (pdf)
  • Decreto ley núm. 16998 de 2 de agosto de 1979, ley general de higiene, seguridad ocupacional y bienestar. (Art. 4)
  - 2.2.1 Coverage of particular categories of workers
    Sometimes.
    - 2.2.1.1 Migrant workers
      Summary/citation: A worker is a person who provides a service to an employer for a salary or other remuneration.
      Remarks / comments: The Law does not exclude migrant workers from its scope of application.
      • Decreto ley núm. 16998 de 2 de agosto de 1979, ley general de higiene, seguridad ocupacional y bienestar (pdf)
      • Decreto ley núm. 16998 de 2 de agosto de 1979, ley general de higiene, seguridad ocupacional y bienestar. (Art. 4)
    - 2.2.1.2 Domestic workers
      Summary/citation: A worker is a person who provides a service to an employer for a salary or other remuneration (Art. 3).
      Remarks / comments: Domestic workers are included within the scope of OSH legislation. However, work performed by the family of the employer at his/her home do not fall under the scope of application of the General Law on Hygiene, Occupational Safety and Welfare (Art. 4).
      • Ley núm. 2450 de regulación del trabajo asalariado del hogar.
      • Decreto ley núm. 16998 de 2 de agosto de 1979, ley general de higiene, seguridad ocupacional y bienestar. (Arts. 3, 4)
      • Decreto ley núm. 16998 de 2 de agosto de 1979, ley general de higiene, seguridad ocupacional y bienestar (pdf)
      Related CEACR Comments
      • Domestic Workers Convention, 2011 (No. 189) Direct Request 2019
    - 2.2.1.3 Home workers
      Summary/citation: Work performed by the worker at his/her home is excluded from the scope of application of the General Law on Hygiene, Occupational Safety and Welfare.
      • Decreto ley núm. 16998 de 2 de agosto de 1979, ley general de higiene, seguridad ocupacional y bienestar (pdf)
      • Decreto ley núm. 16998 de 2 de agosto de 1979, ley general de higiene, seguridad ocupacional y bienestar. (Art. 3(4)(2))
    - 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 is in charge of or has the control or surveillance of the work activities of the employees.
  • Decreto ley núm. 16998 de 2 de agosto de 1979, ley general de higiene, seguridad ocupacional y bienestar (pdf)
  • Decreto ley núm. 16998 de 2 de agosto de 1979, ley general de higiene, seguridad ocupacional y bienestar. (Art. 4)
- 2.4 Exclusion of branches of economic activity
  Sometimes.
  - 2.4.1 Agriculture
    Summary/citation: The General Law on Hygiene, Occupational Safety and Welfare applies to all activities for which one or more workers are engaged by an employer (Ley General de Higiene, Seguridad Ocupacional y Bienestar, Art. 3)
    Remarks / comments: The General Labour Law and its Regulation do not apply to agricultural workers (Reglamento de la Ley General del Trabajo, Art. 1).
    There is an exception to the general rule: provisions under Title VIII of the Regulations of the General Labour Law apply to the agricultural and forestry exploitation where machinery is used (Reglamento de la Ley General del Trabajo, Art. 80)
    • Decreto ley núm. 16998 de 2 de agosto de 1979, ley general de higiene, seguridad ocupacional y bienestar. (Art. 3)
    • Decreto ley núm. 16998 de 2 de agosto de 1979, ley general de higiene, seguridad ocupacional y bienestar (pdf)
    • Decreto núm. 224 de 23 de agosto de 1943, reglamentario de la ley general del trabajo [texto actualizado y concordado] (Arts. 1, 80)
    • Decreto núm. 224 de 23 de agosto de 1943, reglamentario de la ley general del trabajo [texto actualizado y concordado] (pdf)
  - 2.4.2 Construction
    Summary/citation: The Law applies to all activities for which one or more workers are engaged by an employer.
    Remarks / comments: The Law does not exclude construction from its scope of application.
    • Decreto ley núm. 16998 de 2 de agosto de 1979, ley general de higiene, seguridad ocupacional y bienestar (pdf)
    • Decreto ley núm. 16998 de 2 de agosto de 1979, ley general de higiene, seguridad ocupacional y bienestar. (Art. 3)
    Related CEACR Comments
    • Safety and Health in Construction Convention, 1988 (No. 167) Direct Request 2021
  - 2.4.3 Services
    Summary/citation: The Law applies to all activities for which one or more workers are engaged by an employer.
    Remarks / comments: The Law does not exclude services from its scope of application.
    • Decreto ley núm. 16998 de 2 de agosto de 1979, ley general de higiene, seguridad ocupacional y bienestar (pdf)
    • Decreto ley núm. 16998 de 2 de agosto de 1979, ley general de higiene, seguridad ocupacional y bienestar. (Art. 3)
  - 2.4.4 Public sector
    Summary/citation: The Law applies to all activities for which one or more workers are engaged by an employer, including activities carried out by the State, the Central Government and the Local Government, decentralized and autonomous institutions, state undertakings and services, and in general terms, by all existent state entities or the ones to be created.
    Remarks / comments: The Law does not exclude the public sector from its scope of application. However, it explicitly excludes the State armed forces and security bodies (Art. 3(4)(1))
    • Decreto ley núm. 16998 de 2 de agosto de 1979, ley general de higiene, seguridad ocupacional y bienestar (pdf)
    • Decreto ley núm. 16998 de 2 de agosto de 1979, ley general de higiene, seguridad ocupacional y bienestar. (Art. 3)
  - 2.4.5 Other
    No data available.
- 2.5 Definition of occupational accident
  Summary/citation: An occupational accident is a unexpected event that alters work activity and causes injure(s) to a worker and/or alterations in the machinery, equipment, materials and productivity.
  • Decreto ley núm. 16998 de 2 de agosto de 1979, ley general de higiene, seguridad ocupacional y bienestar (pdf)
  • Decreto ley núm. 16998 de 2 de agosto de 1979, ley general de higiene, seguridad ocupacional y bienestar. (Art. 4)
- 2.6 Definition of occupational disease
  No data available.
  - 2.6.1 List of occupational diseases
    Summary/citation: A list of occupational diseases is included in the Decree.
    • Decreto núm. 224 de 23 de agosto de 1943, reglamentario de la ley general del trabajo [texto actualizado y concordado] (Art. 114)
    • Decreto núm. 224 de 23 de agosto de 1943, reglamentario de la ley general del trabajo [texto actualizado y concordado] (pdf)
  - 2.6.2 Mechanism for compensating other diseases as occupational ones
    Summary/citation: The Single Qualification Manual includes the Manual of Standards of Evaluation and Rating of the Degree of Invalidity - MANECGI and Diseases List - LEP; these provide with a uniform method for assessing physiological, anatomical and psychological damages and determine the origin and cause of certain incidents.
    The Single Qualification Manual shall be reviewed and updated at least every 5 years in accordance with the technical guidelines set out in the same document.
    • Decreto Supremo núm. 0822 por el que se dicta el Reglamento de desarrollo parcial a la Ley núm. 065, de pensiones en materia de prestaciones de vejez, prestaciones solidarias de vejez, prestaciones por riesgos, pensiones por muerte derivadas de éstas y otros beneficios. (Art. 147)
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 Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Security through the General OSH Directorate is responsible for the compliance and enforcement of OSH legislation.
  • DECRETO SUPREMO N° 29.894 Estructura organizativa del Poder Ejecutivo del Estado Plurinacional (Decree No. 29.894 on Organic Rules) (Art. 85)
  - 3.1.1 Objectives, roles and/or functions
    Summary/citation: The functions of the General OSH Directorate include, among others, to:
    1) Comply with and enforce the provisions of OSH Legislation;
    2) Make proposals to the National OSH Council on standards for the development of national policies;
    3) Coordinate OSH programs and actions;
    4) Promote OSH training programmes;
    5) Control the compliance with regulations protecting against occupational hazards;
    6) Control that all projects related to industries installation and location have minimum investments in risks prevention;
    7) Promote OSH infrastructures in workplaces;
    8) Develop an OSH statistical system;
    9) Undertake inpection of workplaces;
    10) Conduct the procedures for the application of OSH sanctions.
    • Decreto ley núm. 16998 de 2 de agosto de 1979, ley general de higiene, seguridad ocupacional y bienestar (pdf)
    • Decreto ley núm. 16998 de 2 de agosto de 1979, ley general de higiene, seguridad ocupacional y bienestar. (Art. 19)
  - 3.1.2 Chairperson and composition
    Summary/citation: The law provides a hierarchical organic structure of the Labour, Employment and Social Security Ministry as follows:
    1. Minister of Labour, Employment and Social Security.
    2. Vice-minister of Work and Social Security.
    3. Department of Labour and Occupational Safety and Hygiene.
    
    • DECRETO SUPREMO N° 29.894 Estructura organizativa del Poder Ejecutivo del Estado Plurinacional (Decree No. 29.894 on Organic Rules) (Art. 85, Art. 87. d, Art. 87 k)
- 3.2 National OSH research programme or institute
  Summary/citation: A National Institute for Occupational Health is established by law.
  • Decreto ley núm. 16998 de 2 de agosto de 1979, ley general de higiene, seguridad ocupacional y bienestar. (Art. 20)
  - 3.2.1 Objectives, roles and/or functions
    Summary/citation: The functions of the National Institute for Occupational Health are, among others, to:
    1) Program research and studies on OSH, coordinating with related agencies and institutions;
    2) Conduct research and risk assessments, and on specific occupational health problems;
    3) Undertake OSH trainings at various levels;
    4) Carry out epidemiological studies in different labour sectors of the country.
    
    • Decreto ley núm. 16998 de 2 de agosto de 1979, ley general de higiene, seguridad ocupacional y bienestar (pdf)
    • Decreto ley núm. 16998 de 2 de agosto de 1979, ley general de higiene, seguridad ocupacional y bienestar. (Art. 20)
  - 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
  No data available.
  - 3.3.1 Consultation on the national OSH programme
    No data available.
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 ensure preventive measures are taken for the protection of life, and physical and mental health of workers. Each industrial or commercial enterprise shall have internal Rules of Procedure legally adopted.
  
  • Decreto Supremo de 24 de mayo de 1939 elevado a ley el 8 de diciembre de 1942 por el que se dicta la Ley General del Trabajo. (pdf)
  • Decreto Supremo de 24 de mayo de 1939 elevado a ley el 8 de diciembre de 1942 por el que se dicta la Ley General del Trabajo. (Art. 67)
- 4.2 Duty to protect the health and safety of people other than their own employees
  No data available.
- 4.3 Collaboration among two or more employers at the same workplace
  No data available.
- 4.4 Surveillance of workers’ health in relation to work
  Summary / Citation: The Preventive Labour Medical Service of the workplace must determine the health status of workers through periodic medicals exams.
  
  • Decreto ley núm. 16998 de 2 de agosto de 1979, ley general de higiene, seguridad ocupacional y bienestar (pdf)
  • Decreto ley núm. 16998 de 2 de agosto de 1979, ley general de higiene, seguridad ocupacional y bienestar. (Art. 41)
  - 4.4.1 Specific hazards for which surveillance is required
    Summary / Citation: Workers exposed to ionising radiation require periodic health surveillance.
    • Decreto ley núm. 16998 de 2 de agosto de 1979, ley general de higiene, seguridad ocupacional y bienestar (pdf)
    • Decreto ley núm. 16998 de 2 de agosto de 1979, ley general de higiene, seguridad ocupacional y bienestar. (Art. 320)
- 4.5 Surveillance of the working environment and working practices
  No data available.
- 4.6 Duty to provide personal protective equipment
  Summary / Citation: Employers must provide workers with protective breathing equipment when there are air pollutants in the work environment and when ventilation or other controls are impossible. Such equipment must provide protection against specific pollutants and must be of a type approved by competent authorities. Employers must provide and maintain clothing and/or equipment suitable for the protection against risks from hazardous substances, rain, humidity, cold, heat, radiation, noise, and others if needed.
  • Decreto ley núm. 16998 de 2 de agosto de 1979, ley general de higiene, seguridad ocupacional y bienestar. (Arts. 6.14, 6.9)
  Related CEACR Comments
  • Hygiene (Commerce and Offices) Convention, 1964 (No. 120) Direct Request 2015
- 4.7 Duty to ensure the usage of personal protective equipment
  No data available.
- 4.8 Duty to provide first-aid and welfare facilities
  Sometimes.
  - 4.8.1 Arrangements for first-aid
    Summary / Citation: In case of occupational accidents and diseases, employers must provide free medical and pharmaceutical care to workers, including transportation to the hospital. Employers with a hospital or medical clinic in the workplace shall provide the necessary care there; if the victim repeatedly denies treatment, the employer is exempt from further responsibility. If the workplace does not have medical service, the care will be provided by the practitioner designated by the employer. However the worker may choose another practitioner and, in this case, the employer's obligation is just to reimburse the cost of the assistance determined by the Labour Judge.
    • Decreto Supremo de 24 de mayo de 1939 elevado a ley el 8 de diciembre de 1942 por el que se dicta la Ley General del Trabajo. (pdf)
    • Decreto Supremo de 24 de mayo de 1939 elevado a ley el 8 de diciembre de 1942 por el que se dicta la Ley General del Trabajo. (Art. 93)
  - 4.8.2 Sanitary installations
    Summary / Citation: The law provides rules for the construction of sanitary installations at workplaces, with toilets, showers, sinks, towels, hand dryers, and soap.
    Workers cannot sleep in the workplace. Exceptionally workers can sleep in the workplace in the mining sector and the employer must provide dormitories.
    Workplaces shall have adequate sanitary installations which shall be:
    a) Separated from the workshops;
    b) Conveniently located for workers who have to use them;
    d) Preserved in sanitary conditions; and
    e) Equipped with hot and cold running water.
    • Decreto ley núm. 16998 de 2 de agosto de 1979, ley general de higiene, seguridad ocupacional y bienestar (pdf)
    • Decreto ley núm. 16998 de 2 de agosto de 1979, ley general de higiene, seguridad ocupacional y bienestar. (Arts. 6(16), 352-370)
    • Decreto Supremo de 24 de mayo de 1939 elevado a ley el 8 de diciembre de 1942 por el que se dicta la Ley General del Trabajo. (pdf)
    • Decreto Supremo de 24 de mayo de 1939 elevado a ley el 8 de diciembre de 1942 por el que se dicta la Ley General del Trabajo. (Art. 70)
    Related CEACR Comments
    • Hygiene (Commerce and Offices) Convention, 1964 (No. 120) Direct Request 2015
  - 4.8.3 Drinking water
    Summary / Citation: Workplaces shall have an adequate supply of drinking water that is clean, fresh and easily accessible to all workers. When drinking water cannot be obtained, the competent authority shall provide the necessary instructions for the treatment of water for human consumption. The law provides special requirements for the installation of sanitary drinking fountains.
    • Decreto ley núm. 16998 de 2 de agosto de 1979, ley general de higiene, seguridad ocupacional y bienestar (pdf)
    • Decreto ley núm. 16998 de 2 de agosto de 1979, ley general de higiene, seguridad ocupacional y bienestar. (Arts. 342-346)
    Related CEACR Comments
    • Hygiene (Commerce and Offices) Convention, 1964 (No. 120) Direct Request 2015
  - 4.8.4 Rest and eating areas
    Summary / Citation: Workplaces must be provided with an eating area where quality food is served in hygienic conditions and at appropriate prices. The eating area must be isolated from the rest of the workplace, and reserved only to eat. The law provides requirements for the construction of eating areas.
    • Decreto ley núm. 16998 de 2 de agosto de 1979, ley general de higiene, seguridad ocupacional y bienestar. (Art. 45, Arts. 369-370 )
5 Employers’ duty to organize prevention formally along generally accepted OSH management principles and practices
- 5.1 Elements of an OSH management system
  Sometimes.
  - 5.1.1 Policy or plan specifying responsibilities and arrangements for health and safety
    Summary/citation: Employers must take all technical measures to protect the life, physical and mental health of workers.
    • Decreto ley núm. 16998 de 2 de agosto de 1979, ley general de higiene, seguridad ocupacional y bienestar (pdf)
    • Decreto ley núm. 16998 de 2 de agosto de 1979, ley general de higiene, seguridad ocupacional y bienestar. (Art. 6.2)
  - 5.1.2 Appointment of a person for health and safety
    No data available.
  - 5.1.3 Written risk assessment
    No data available.
  - 5.1.4 Safe operating work systems and procedures
    Summary/citation: Employers must take all technical measures to protect the life, physical and mental health of workers.
    • Decreto ley núm. 16998 de 2 de agosto de 1979, ley general de higiene, seguridad ocupacional y bienestar (pdf)
    • Decreto ley núm. 16998 de 2 de agosto de 1979, ley general de higiene, seguridad ocupacional y bienestar. (Art. 6.2)
  - 5.1.5 Training and information on risks
    Summary/citation: Employers must :
    - Prevent, communicate, inform and train employees about all known risks at the workplace and necessary preventive measures;
    - Promote the training of personnel in the prevention of occupational hazards;
    - Know and report the composition of the substances used and produced in the manufacturing process and the risks they entail.
    • Decreto ley núm. 16998 de 2 de agosto de 1979, ley general de higiene, seguridad ocupacional y bienestar (pdf)
    • Decreto ley núm. 16998 de 2 de agosto de 1979, ley general de higiene, seguridad ocupacional y bienestar. (Art. 6.22, Art. 6.24, Art. 6.28, Art. 305)
  - 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
    Summary/citation: Establish and maintain joint health and safety committees in accordance with the provisions of this law.
    • Decreto ley núm. 16998 de 2 de agosto de 1979, ley general de higiene, seguridad ocupacional y bienestar (pdf)
    • Decreto ley núm. 16998 de 2 de agosto de 1979, ley general de higiene, seguridad ocupacional y bienestar. (Art. 6.21)
- 5.2 Obligation to implement a specific OSH management system or standard
  Summary/citation: The General OSH Directorate must approve the OSH programmes of workplaces.
  • Decreto ley núm. 16998 de 2 de agosto de 1979, ley general de higiene, seguridad ocupacional y bienestar (pdf)
  • Decreto ley núm. 16998 de 2 de agosto de 1979, ley general de higiene, seguridad ocupacional y bienestar. (Art. 19.8)
6 Employers’ duty to ensure availability of expertise and competence in health and safety
- 6.1 OSH competence
  Yes.
  • Decreto ley núm. 16998 de 2 de agosto de 1979, ley general de higiene, seguridad ocupacional y bienestar (pdf)
  • Decreto ley núm. 16998 de 2 de agosto de 1979, ley general de higiene, seguridad ocupacional y bienestar. (Arts. 38-42)
  - 6.1.1 Requirement to access expert advice and/or support in health and safety
    Summary / Citation: Companies according to their accident rates and occupational mortality, the nature of the activities undertaken and the number of workers exposed, shall constitute in the workplaces preventive ccupational health services and a Department of Occupational Health, Safety and Welfare.
    • Decreto ley núm. 16998 de 2 de agosto de 1979, ley general de higiene, seguridad ocupacional y bienestar (pdf)
    • Decreto ley núm. 16998 de 2 de agosto de 1979, ley general de higiene, seguridad ocupacional y bienestar. (Arts. 39-40)
    - 6.1.1.1 Qualifications of experts or professional services
      Summary / Citation: Companies according to their accident rates and occupational mortality, the nature of the activities undertaken and the number of workers exposed, shall constitute in the workplaces preventive occupational health services and a Department of Occupational Health, Safety and Welfare. These services shall be under the supervision of a specialist in occupational medicine, physician in the case of preventive occupational health services, and an engineer or OSH technician for the Department of Occupational Health, Safety and Welfare. Staff should perform their duties with complete independence and in accordance with the rules of professional science and ethics.
      • Decreto ley núm. 16998 de 2 de agosto de 1979, ley general de higiene, seguridad ocupacional y bienestar (pdf)
      • Decreto ley núm. 16998 de 2 de agosto de 1979, ley general de higiene, seguridad ocupacional y bienestar. (Arts. 38-40)
- 6.2 Appointment of an OSH practitioner
  Yes.
  - 6.2.1 Workforce size threshold for the appointment of OSH practitioners
    Summary/citation: Companies according to their accident rates and occupational mortality, the nature of the activities undertaken and the number of workers exposed, shall constitute in the workplaces preventive ccupational health services and a Department of Occupational Health, Safety and Welfare. These services shall be under the supervision of a specialist in occupational medicine physician in the case of preventive ccupational health services, and an engineer or OSH technician for the Department of Occupational Health, Safety and Welfare. Staff should perform their duties with complete independence and in accordance with the rules of professional science and ethics.
    • Decreto ley núm. 16998 de 2 de agosto de 1979, ley general de higiene, seguridad ocupacional y bienestar (pdf)
    • Decreto ley núm. 16998 de 2 de agosto de 1979, ley general de higiene, seguridad ocupacional y bienestar. (Arts 38-39)
7 Workers' rights and duties
- 7.1 Duty to take reasonable steps to protect their own safety and health
  Summary / Citation: Workers shall preserve their own safety and health and that of their co-workers. In addition, workers shall refrain from any practice or act of negligence or recklessness that could cause an accident or injury to their health or that of others.
  
  • Decreto ley núm. 16998 de 2 de agosto de 1979, ley general de higiene, seguridad ocupacional y bienestar (pdf)
  • Decreto ley núm. 16998 de 2 de agosto de 1979, ley general de higiene, seguridad ocupacional y bienestar. (Arts. 7.2, 7.8 )
- 7.2 Duty to take reasonable steps to protect the safety and health of others
  Summary / Citation: Workers shall preserve their own safety and health and that of their co-workers. Workers shall refrain from any practice or act of negligence or recklessness that could cause an accident or injury to their health or that of others.
  • Decreto ley núm. 16998 de 2 de agosto de 1979, ley general de higiene, seguridad ocupacional y bienestar (pdf)
  • Decreto ley núm. 16998 de 2 de agosto de 1979, ley general de higiene, seguridad ocupacional y bienestar. (Arts. 7.2, 7.8)
- 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 shall respect health and safety standards established by this law and other regulations.
  • Decreto ley núm. 16998 de 2 de agosto de 1979, ley general de higiene, seguridad ocupacional y bienestar (pdf)
  • Decreto ley núm. 16998 de 2 de agosto de 1979, ley general de higiene, seguridad ocupacional y bienestar. (Art. 7.1)
- 7.7 Right to enquire about risks and preventive measures
  No data available.
- 7.8 Right to remove themselves from a dangerous situation
  No data available.
- 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
    No data available.
8 Consultation, collaboration and co-operation with workers and their representatives
- 8.1 National OSH committee, commission, council or similar body
  Summary / Citation: The law provides for the establishment of a National Occupational Hygiene, Safety and Welfare Council.
  • Decreto ley núm. 16998 de 2 de agosto de 1979, ley general de higiene, seguridad ocupacional y bienestar (pdf)
  • Decreto ley núm. 16998 de 2 de agosto de 1979, ley general de higiene, seguridad ocupacional y bienestar. (Arts. 11-16)
  - 8.1.1 Objectives, roles and/or functions
    Summary / Citation: The functions of the National OSH Council are, among others, to:
    1) Formulate OSH policies;
    2) Make proposals and raise funds for the development of the OSH system;
    3) Advise the government in the formulation of OSH legislation;
    4) Monitor and evaluate the functions, tasks and results of operational OSH agencies;
    5) Strengthen enforcement of OSH regulations;
    6) Coordinate public and private institutions involved directly or indirectly in OSH, in order to better use available resources;
    7) Promote and establish priorities of OSH research and study programs;
    9) Manage and facilitate grants for staff development;
    8) Promote and coordinate all activities related to the prevention of occupational risks, and those regarding the rehabilitation of workers;
    9) Manage the relations with international organizations and other governments in OSH issues;
    10) Promote measures for industrial projects with investment in risks prevention.
    • Decreto ley núm. 16998 de 2 de agosto de 1979, ley general de higiene, seguridad ocupacional y bienestar (pdf)
    • Decreto ley núm. 16998 de 2 de agosto de 1979, ley general de higiene, seguridad ocupacional y bienestar. (Art. 15)
  - 8.1.2 Constitution and chairmanship modalities
    Summary / Citation: The members of the National OSH Council are:
    - The Minister of Labour and Labour Development;
    - A representative of the Ministry of Social Welfare and Public Health;
    - A representative of the Ministry of Mining and Metallurgy;
    - The Director General of OSH of the Ministry of Labour and Labour Development;
    - The Executive Director of the Bolivian Institute of Social Security;
    - A representative of the Bolivian Workers Union;
    - A representative of the Confederation of Private Employers.
    
    The National OSH Council is under the supervision of the Ministry of Labour and Labour Development and will be chaired by the Minister.
    • Decreto ley núm. 16998 de 2 de agosto de 1979, ley general de higiene, seguridad ocupacional y bienestar (pdf)
    • Decreto ley núm. 16998 de 2 de agosto de 1979, ley general de higiene, seguridad ocupacional y bienestar. (Arts. 11- 13)
- 8.2 Employers’ duty to consult workers on risks
  Summary / Citation: Employers shall establish and maintain joint health and safety committees, in accordance with the provisions of the law.
  • Decreto ley núm. 16998 de 2 de agosto de 1979, ley general de higiene, seguridad ocupacional y bienestar (pdf)
  • Decreto ley núm. 16998 de 2 de agosto de 1979, ley general de higiene, seguridad ocupacional y bienestar. (Art. 6.21)
- 8.3 Workers’ right to select their representatives for health and safety matters
  Summary / Citation: The election of workers' representatives to the joint committee shall take place by direct election by workers. The term will last for one year with option for re-election. The workers elected must have some OSH knowledge. Workers applying to become members of the joint OSH committee shall not be members of the Union Board, so as to avoid duality of functions.
  • Decreto ley núm. 16998 de 2 de agosto de 1979, ley general de higiene, seguridad ocupacional y bienestar (pdf)
  • Decreto ley núm. 16998 de 2 de agosto de 1979, ley general de higiene, seguridad ocupacional y bienestar. (Art. 33)
  - 8.3.1 Workforce size conditions for workers’ representation in health and safety
    Summary / Citation: Undertakings at the national level, with 10 or more workers are legally bound to constitute one or more joint OSH committees with equal number of workers' representatives and employer's representatives.
    
    From 10 to 100 employees- 2 employer's and 2 workers' representatives.
    From 101 to 200 employees- 2 committees which must be constituted with 2 employer's and 2 workers' representatives each.
    
    For companies with multiple undertakings, each unit shall have its own joint committee.
    • Resolución Ministerial 496/04 REGLAMENTO PARA LA CONFORMACIÓN DE COMITÉS MIXTOS DE HIGIENE Y SEGURIDAD OCUPACIONAL (Resolution No. 496 on OSH Joint Committees). (Art. 5)
    • Decreto ley núm. 16998 de 2 de agosto de 1979, ley general de higiene, seguridad ocupacional y bienestar (pdf)
    • Decreto ley núm. 16998 de 2 de agosto de 1979, ley general de higiene, seguridad ocupacional y bienestar. (Arts. 30-31)
  - 8.3.2 Conditions of eligibility to represent workers in health and safety
    Summary / Citation: The workers elected for the OSH joint committe shall have some OSH knowledge. Workers applying to become members of the OSH joint committee shall not be members of the Union Board, so as to avoid duality of functions.
    • Resolución Ministerial 496/04 REGLAMENTO PARA LA CONFORMACIÓN DE COMITÉS MIXTOS DE HIGIENE Y SEGURIDAD OCUPACIONAL (Resolution No. 496 on OSH Joint Committees). (Arts. 8, 9)
- 8.4 OSH representatives’ functions, rights and powers
  Sometimes.
  - 8.4.1 Right to inspect the workplace
    No data available.
  - 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
    No data available.
  - 8.4.5 Right to accompany inspectors
    Summary / Citation: Inspectors must conduct inspections with the participation of workers and employer representatives alike.
  - 8.4.6 Right to use facilities
    Summary / Citation: Employers are obliged to provide to the joint OSH committee the facilities, equipment and stationery for the preparation and submission of OSH reports to the Ministry of Labour in a timely manner.
    • Resolución Ministerial 496/04 REGLAMENTO PARA LA CONFORMACIÓN DE COMITÉS MIXTOS DE HIGIENE Y SEGURIDAD OCUPACIONAL (Resolution No. 496 on OSH Joint Committees). (Art. 18)
  - 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
  Sometimes.
  - 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
    Summary / Citation: Members of the committee have the function to become a link between the joint committee and the workers' representatives, when appropriate.
    • Resolución Ministerial 496/04 REGLAMENTO PARA LA CONFORMACIÓN DE COMITÉS MIXTOS DE HIGIENE Y SEGURIDAD OCUPACIONAL (Resolution No. 496 on OSH Joint Committees). (Art. 16 c Para.2 )
  - 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: Employers shall establish and maintain joint health and safety committees, in accordance with the provisions of the law.
  • Decreto ley núm. 16998 de 2 de agosto de 1979, ley general de higiene, seguridad ocupacional y bienestar (pdf)
  • Decreto ley núm. 16998 de 2 de agosto de 1979, ley general de higiene, seguridad ocupacional y bienestar. (Art. 6.21)
  - 8.6.1 Participation of workers’ representatives in joint OSH committee
    Summary / Citation: Undertakings at the national level, with 10 or more workers are legally bound to constitute one or more joint OSH committees with equal number of workers' representatives and employer's representatives.
    
    From 10 to 100 employees- 2 employer's and 2 workers' representatives.
    From 101 to 200 employees- 2 committees which must be constituted with 2 employer's and 2 workers' representatives each.
    
    For companies with multiple undertakings, each unit shall have its own joint committee.
    • Resolución Ministerial 496/04 REGLAMENTO PARA LA CONFORMACIÓN DE COMITÉS MIXTOS DE HIGIENE Y SEGURIDAD OCUPACIONAL (Resolution No. 496 on OSH Joint Committees). (Art. 5)
    • Decreto ley núm. 16998 de 2 de agosto de 1979, ley general de higiene, seguridad ocupacional y bienestar (pdf)
    • Decreto ley núm. 16998 de 2 de agosto de 1979, ley general de higiene, seguridad ocupacional y bienestar. (Arts. 30-31)
  - 8.6.2 Conditions for establishing a joint OSH committee
    Summary / Citation: Undertakings at the national level, with 10 or more workers are legally bound to constitute one or more joint OSH committees with equal number of workers' representatives and employer's representatives.
    
    From 10 to 100 employees- 2 employer's and 2 the workers' representatives.
    From 101 to 200 employees- 2 committees which must be constituted with 2 employer's and 2 the workers' representatives each.
    
    For companies with multiple undertakings, each unit shall have its own joint committee.
    • Resolución Ministerial 496/04 REGLAMENTO PARA LA CONFORMACIÓN DE COMITÉS MIXTOS DE HIGIENE Y SEGURIDAD OCUPACIONAL (Resolution No. 496 on OSH Joint Committees). (Art. 5)
    • Decreto ley núm. 16998 de 2 de agosto de 1979, ley general de higiene, seguridad ocupacional y bienestar (pdf)
    • Decreto ley núm. 16998 de 2 de agosto de 1979, ley general de higiene, seguridad ocupacional y bienestar. (Arts. 30-31)
  - 8.6.3 Objectives, roles and/or functions of joint OSH committees
    Summary / Citation: The functions of joint OSH committees are:
    1) Know about the conditions of the work environment, the operations and maintenance of machinery, equipment and tools for personal protection;
    2) Understand and analyse the causes of occupational accidents;
    3) Propose solutions to improve the working conditions, work environment and the prevention of occupational hazards;
    4) Promote training and activities to maintain the interest of workers in health and safety issues;
    5) Assist in the implementation of OSH regulations.
    • Decreto ley núm. 16998 de 2 de agosto de 1979, ley general de higiene, seguridad ocupacional y bienestar (pdf)
    • Decreto ley núm. 16998 de 2 de agosto de 1979, ley general de higiene, seguridad ocupacional y bienestar. (Art. 36)
  - 8.6.4 Keeping record of the work of joint OSH committees
    Summary / Citation: The joint OSH committees shall submit meeting reports every 3 months to the General Directorate of Industrial Safety (D.G.S.I.) with information about the compliance and non compliance of OSH legislation. The non submission of these reports is sanctioned according to Article 237 of the Code on Labour Procedure.
    Also, the committee shall submit a final report specifying the activities, risks and occupational diseases, and prevention measures adopted in the workplace under its mandate. A copy of the final report shall be sent to the General Directorate of Industrial Safety (D.G.S.I.).
    • Resolución Ministerial 496/04 REGLAMENTO PARA LA CONFORMACIÓN DE COMITÉS MIXTOS DE HIGIENE Y SEGURIDAD OCUPACIONAL (Resolution No. 496 on OSH Joint Committees). (Art. 13 RM)
    • Decreto ley núm. 16896 de 25 de julio de 1979, Código Procesal del Trabajo (pdf)
    • Decreto ley núm. 16896 de 25 de julio de 1979, Código Procesal del Trabajo (Art. 237)
  - 8.6.5 Sharing the minutes of joint OSH committees meetings
    Summary / Citation: The joint OSH committees must prepare minutes after every meeting.
    
    • Resolución Ministerial 496/04 REGLAMENTO PARA LA CONFORMACIÓN DE COMITÉS MIXTOS DE HIGIENE Y SEGURIDAD OCUPACIONAL (Resolution No. 496 on OSH Joint Committees). (Art. 20.2)
- 8.7 Mandatory training for members of joint OSH committee(s)
  Summary / Citation: The National Institute of Occupational Health is responsible for OSH trainings at different levels.
  • Decreto ley núm. 16998 de 2 de agosto de 1979, ley general de higiene, seguridad ocupacional y bienestar (pdf)
  • Decreto ley núm. 16998 de 2 de agosto de 1979, ley general de higiene, seguridad ocupacional y bienestar. (Art. 20.5)
- 8.8 Protection against reprisals
  Summary / Citation: Employers shall facilitate the work of the joint committees when acting within the scope of their functions. Employers are prohibited from exercising pressure, intimidation, retaliation or dismissals to committee members. When a committee member is victim of pressure, intimidation or other abuse, he/she shall report the situation to the General Directorate of Industrial Safety or to the Ministry of Labour.
  • Decreto ley núm. 16998 de 2 de agosto de 1979, ley general de higiene, seguridad ocupacional y bienestar (pdf)
  • Decreto ley núm. 16998 de 2 de agosto de 1979, ley general de higiene, seguridad ocupacional y bienestar. (Art. 35)
- 8.9 Immunity from civil and criminal liability for exercising OSH related rights and duties
  No data available.
9 Specific hazards or risks
- 9.1 Biological hazards
  Yes.
  • Decreto ley núm. 16998 de 2 de agosto de 1979, ley general de higiene, seguridad ocupacional y bienestar (pdf)
  • Decreto ley núm. 16998 de 2 de agosto de 1979, ley general de higiene, seguridad ocupacional y bienestar. (Arts. 278-280)
- 9.2 Chemical hazards
  Sometimes.
  • Ley 2469 Convenio de Rotterdam (Rotterdam Agreement)
  • Decreto ley núm. 16998 de 2 de agosto de 1979, ley general de higiene, seguridad ocupacional y bienestar.
  - 9.2.1 Handling, storage, labelling and use
    Yes.
    • Decreto ley núm. 16998 de 2 de agosto de 1979, ley general de higiene, seguridad ocupacional y bienestar (pdf)
    • Decreto ley núm. 16998 de 2 de agosto de 1979, ley general de higiene, seguridad ocupacional y bienestar. (Art. 281, Arts. 290-292, Art. 299)
    Related CEACR Comments
    • Benzene Convention, 1971 (No. 136) Observation 2021
    • Benzene Convention, 1971 (No. 136) Direct Request 2019
  - 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
    • Benzene Convention, 1971 (No. 136) Observation 2021
    • Benzene Convention, 1971 (No. 136) Direct Request 2019
  - 9.2.3 Pesticides
    Yes.
    • Ley 2469 Convenio de Rotterdam (Rotterdam Agreement)
    • Decreto ley núm. 16998 de 2 de agosto de 1979, ley general de higiene, seguridad ocupacional y bienestar (pdf)
    • Decreto ley núm. 16998 de 2 de agosto de 1979, ley general de higiene, seguridad ocupacional y bienestar. (Arts. 278-280)
- 9.3 Ergonomic hazards
  Yes.
  • Decreto ley núm. 16998 de 2 de agosto de 1979, ley general de higiene, seguridad ocupacional y bienestar (pdf)
  • Decreto ley núm. 16998 de 2 de agosto de 1979, ley general de higiene, seguridad ocupacional y bienestar. (Art. 350)
- 9.4 Physical hazards
  Sometimes.
  - 9.4.1 Ionising radiation
    Yes.
    • Decreto ley núm. 16998 de 2 de agosto de 1979, ley general de higiene, seguridad ocupacional y bienestar (pdf)
    • Decreto ley núm. 16998 de 2 de agosto de 1979, ley general de higiene, seguridad ocupacional y bienestar. (Arts. 307-326)
  - 9.4.2 Vibration and noise
    Yes.
    • Decreto ley núm. 16998 de 2 de agosto de 1979, ley general de higiene, seguridad ocupacional y bienestar (pdf)
    • Decreto ley núm. 16998 de 2 de agosto de 1979, ley general de higiene, seguridad ocupacional y bienestar. (Arts. 324-326, Arts. 379)
    Related CEACR Comments
    • Hygiene (Commerce and Offices) Convention, 1964 (No. 120) Direct Request 2015
  - 9.4.3 Working at height
    No data available.
  - 9.4.4 Working in confined spaces
    No data available.
  - 9.4.5 Risks arising from poor maintenance of workplace facilities
    No data available.
    Related CEACR Comments
    • Hygiene (Commerce and Offices) Convention, 1964 (No. 120) Direct Request 2015
  - 9.4.6 Exposure to extreme temperatures
    Yes.
    • Decreto ley núm. 16998 de 2 de agosto de 1979, ley general de higiene, seguridad ocupacional y bienestar (pdf)
    • Decreto ley núm. 16998 de 2 de agosto de 1979, ley general de higiene, seguridad ocupacional y bienestar. (Art. 226)
    Related CEACR Comments
    • Hygiene (Commerce and Offices) Convention, 1964 (No. 120) Direct Request 2015
  - 9.4.7 Fire risks
    Yes.
    • Decreto ley núm. 16998 de 2 de agosto de 1979, ley general de higiene, seguridad ocupacional y bienestar (pdf)
    • Decreto ley núm. 16998 de 2 de agosto de 1979, ley general de higiene, seguridad ocupacional y bienestar. (Arts. 89-106)
  - 9.4.8 Tobacco
    Yes.
    • Decreto ley núm. 16998 de 2 de agosto de 1979, ley general de higiene, seguridad ocupacional y bienestar (pdf)
    • Decreto ley núm. 16998 de 2 de agosto de 1979, ley general de higiene, seguridad ocupacional y bienestar. (Art. 7, Arts. 284-285)
  - 9.4.9 Asbestos
    No data available.
    Related CEACR Comments
    • Asbestos Convention, 1986 (No. 162) Observation 2021
    • Asbestos Convention, 1986 (No. 162) Direct Request 2019
  - 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 ley núm. 16998 de 2 de agosto de 1979, ley general de higiene, seguridad ocupacional y bienestar (pdf)
  • Decreto ley núm. 16998 de 2 de agosto de 1979, ley general de higiene, seguridad ocupacional y bienestar. (Arts. 278-280)
- 9.7 Machineries
  Sometimes.
  - 9.7.1 Risks related to machinery and tools
    Yes.
    • Decreto ley núm. 16998 de 2 de agosto de 1979, ley general de higiene, seguridad ocupacional y bienestar (pdf)
    • Decreto ley núm. 16998 de 2 de agosto de 1979, ley general de higiene, seguridad ocupacional y bienestar. (Arts. 107-121, Arts. 174-194)
  - 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.
  - 9.7.3 Duty of designers, manufacturers, importers or suppliers of machineries to provide machineries information
    No data available.
  - 9.7.4 Duty to purchase machineries from authorised/certificated suppliers or only if approved/certificated
    No data available.
  - 9.7.5 Maintenance of machinery and equipment
    Summary / Citation: Not specified. However, buildings and other structures that are part of or directly related to the workplace, machines, electrical and mechanical installations, as well as all the tools and equipment, shall always remain in operating and safe condition.
    • Decreto ley núm. 16998 de 2 de agosto de 1979, ley general de higiene, seguridad ocupacional y bienestar (pdf)
    • Decreto ley núm. 16998 de 2 de agosto de 1979, ley general de higiene, seguridad ocupacional y bienestar. (Art. 327)
    - 9.7.5.1 List of equipment where applicable
      Summary / Citation: Any repair or maintenance of equipment or devices connected to energy lines must be carried out under specific rules and authorized procedures.
      
      • Decreto ley núm. 16998 de 2 de agosto de 1979, ley general de higiene, seguridad ocupacional y bienestar (pdf)
      • Decreto ley núm. 16998 de 2 de agosto de 1979, ley general de higiene, seguridad ocupacional y bienestar. (Art. 71, Art. 172)
- 9.8 Provisions to protect workers in specific condition of vulnerability
  Yes.
  - 9.8.1 Protection of pregnancy at work
    Summary / Citation: Pregnant women are entitled to 30 days before and 30 days after birth, or to have more time in case of illness. They shall maintain their right to work and shall receive 100% of their wages.
    • Decreto Supremo de 24 de mayo de 1939 elevado a ley el 8 de diciembre de 1942 por el que se dicta la Ley General del Trabajo. (Art. 61)
    Related CEACR Comments
    • Benzene Convention, 1971 (No. 136) Observation 2021
    • Benzene Convention, 1971 (No. 136) Direct Request 2019
  - 9.8.2 Protection of lactating women at work
    Summary / Citation: During the lactation period workers shall have small periods of rest per day of no less than one hour in total. Undertakings with more than 50 women workers must have a nursing room available and isolated from the rest of the workplace.
    • Decreto núm. 224 de 23 de agosto de 1943, reglamentario de la ley general del trabajo [texto actualizado y concordado] (Art. 56)
    • Decreto núm. 224 de 23 de agosto de 1943, reglamentario de la ley general del trabajo [texto actualizado y concordado] (pdf)
    • Decreto Supremo de 24 de mayo de 1939 elevado a ley el 8 de diciembre de 1942 por el que se dicta la Ley General del Trabajo. (Art. 61)
    Related CEACR Comments
    • Benzene Convention, 1971 (No. 136) Observation 2021
    • Benzene Convention, 1971 (No. 136) Direct Request 2019
  - 9.8.3 Limits to women’s access to specific occupations, undertakings or shifts
    Summary / Citation: Women and young workers cannot be employed for hazardous work, heavy or unhealthy tasks. Night work for women and for workers under 18 is prohibited, with some exceptions such as infirmary and domestic work, and others to be determined.
    
    • Decreto Supremo de 24 de mayo de 1939 elevado a ley el 8 de diciembre de 1942 por el que se dicta la Ley General del Trabajo. (Arts. 59-60)
    Related CEACR Comments
    • Underground Work (Women) Convention, 1935 (No. 45) Direct Request 2010
  - 9.8.4 Limits to workers’ access to specific occupations, undertakings or shifts by reason of age
    Summary / Citation: Women and young workers cannot be employed for hazardous work, heavy or unhealthy tasks. Night work for women and for workers under 18 is prohibited, with some exceptions such as infirmary and domestic work, and others to be determined.
    • Decreto Supremo de 24 de mayo de 1939 elevado a ley el 8 de diciembre de 1942 por el que se dicta la Ley General del Trabajo. (Arts. 59-60)
    Related CEACR Comments
    • Minimum Age Convention, 1973 (No. 138) Observation 2021
    • Minimum Age Convention, 1973 (No. 138) Direct Request 2021
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.
  - 10.1.1 Work-related accidents
    Summary / Citation: Employers shall keep records and statistics of occupational diseases and accidents occurring in the workplace.
    
    • Decreto ley núm. 16998 de 2 de agosto de 1979, ley general de higiene, seguridad ocupacional y bienestar (pdf)
    • Decreto ley núm. 16998 de 2 de agosto de 1979, ley general de higiene, seguridad ocupacional y bienestar. (Art. 6.26)
  - 10.1.2 Near miss incidents
    No data available.
  - 10.1.3 Occupational diseases
    Summary / Citation: Employers shall keep records and statistics of occupational diseases and accidents occurring in the workplace.
    • Decreto ley núm. 16998 de 2 de agosto de 1979, ley general de higiene, seguridad ocupacional y bienestar (pdf)
    • Decreto ley núm. 16998 de 2 de agosto de 1979, ley general de higiene, seguridad ocupacional y bienestar. (Art. 6.26)
- 10.2 Employers’ duty to notify OSH authorities of work related death and/or injuries to health
  Summary / Citation: Employers shall notify occupational accidents within 24 hours to the Department of Labour, Occupational Safety and Hygiene or to the nearest political authority. In case of occupational disease, the victim or other person shall notify the employer who shall notify the authorities. If police authorities receive these notification, they shall report the case to the Department of Labour and Occupational Safety and Hygiene.
  • Decreto Supremo de 24 de mayo de 1939 elevado a ley el 8 de diciembre de 1942 por el que se dicta la Ley General del Trabajo. (Art. 85)
  Related CEACR Comments
  • Labour Inspection Convention, 1947 (No. 81) Observation 2015
  • Labour Inspection Convention, 1947 (No. 81) Direct Request 2018
11 OSH inspection and enforcement of OSH legislation
- 11.1 Appointment of OSH inspectors
  Summary / Citation: The General Directorate of OSH is responsible to ensure compliance with the OSH law, through the Inspectorate of the Ministry of Labour.
  • Decreto ley núm. 16998 de 2 de agosto de 1979, ley general de higiene, seguridad ocupacional y bienestar (pdf)
  • Decreto ley núm. 16998 de 2 de agosto de 1979, ley general de higiene, seguridad ocupacional y bienestar. (Art. 25)
- 11.2 OSH inspectors’ powers
  Yes.
  - 11.2.1 Power to enter workplaces
    Summary / Citation: Inspectors have the power to inspect any workplaces, machinery, equipment, materials, industrial processes, and carry out as much relevant investigation as needed in order to identify the risks faced in these establishments.
    
    • Decreto ley núm. 16998 de 2 de agosto de 1979, ley general de higiene, seguridad ocupacional y bienestar (pdf)
    • Decreto ley núm. 16998 de 2 de agosto de 1979, ley general de higiene, seguridad ocupacional y bienestar. (Art. 26.2)
    Related CEACR Comments
    • Labour Inspection Convention, 1947 (No. 81) Observation 2015
    • Labour Inspection Convention, 1947 (No. 81) Direct Request 2018
  - 11.2.2 Power to inspect and carry out any examination, test or enquiry
    Summary / Citation: Inspectors have the power to gather evidence, interrogate workers or require documents, records and others. The minutes and reports of inspectors are considered as evidence.
    • Resolución ministerial núm. 340/87, por la que se dicta el reglamento de la inspección del trabajo. (pdf)
    • Resolución ministerial núm. 340/87, por la que se dicta el reglamento de la inspección del trabajo. (Art. 17.2, Art. 18)
    Related CEACR Comments
    • Labour Inspection Convention, 1947 (No. 81) Observation 2015
    • Labour Inspection Convention, 1947 (No. 81) Direct Request 2018
  - 11.2.3 Power to investigate
    Summary / Citation: Inspectors have the power to gather evidence, interrogate workers or require documents, records and others. The minutes and reports of inspectors are considered as evidence.
    • Resolución ministerial núm. 340/87, por la que se dicta el reglamento de la inspección del trabajo. (pdf)
    • Resolución ministerial núm. 340/87, por la que se dicta el reglamento de la inspección del trabajo. (Art. 17.2, Art. 18)
  - 11.2.4 Duty to provide advice on OSH
    Summary / Citation: Inspectors have the duty to advise employers and workers about the OSH legislation in force.
    • Resolución ministerial núm. 340/87, por la que se dicta el reglamento de la inspección del trabajo. (pdf)
    • Resolución ministerial núm. 340/87, por la que se dicta el reglamento de la inspección del trabajo. (Art. 2.3.1, Art. 2.3.2, Art. 11)
    Related CEACR Comments
    • Labour Inspection Convention, 1947 (No. 81) Observation 2015
    • Labour Inspection Convention, 1947 (No. 81) Direct Request 2018
- 11.3 OSH inspectors’ enforcement powers
  Sometimes.
  - 11.3.1 Power to issue orders or notices
    Summary / Citation: Inspectors have the power to give advice to employers and workers on OSH matters and to issue orders to take certain steps within a specified term.
    • Decreto ley núm. 16998 de 2 de agosto de 1979, ley general de higiene, seguridad ocupacional y bienestar (pdf)
    • Decreto ley núm. 16998 de 2 de agosto de 1979, ley general de higiene, seguridad ocupacional y bienestar. (Art. 26.8)
    Related CEACR Comments
    • Labour Inspection Convention, 1947 (No. 81) Observation 2015
    • Labour Inspection Convention, 1947 (No. 81) Direct Request 2018
  - 11.3.2 Power to impose financial penalties
    Summary / Citation: The Inspectorate has the power to impose financial penalties to entreprises or individuals for non compliance with the law or for obstructing the law.
    • Resolución ministerial núm. 340/87, por la que se dicta el reglamento de la inspección del trabajo. (pdf)
    • Resolución ministerial núm. 340/87, por la que se dicta el reglamento de la inspección del trabajo. (Art. 16)
  - 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 2018
  - 11.3.4 Power to require the cessation of dangerous work
    Summary / Citation: Inspectors have the power to require the stoppage of machinery and the partial or total closure of the industry where working conditions present an imminent or serious danger to the life or health of workers.
    
    • Decreto ley núm. 16998 de 2 de agosto de 1979, ley general de higiene, seguridad ocupacional y bienestar (pdf)
    • Decreto ley núm. 16998 de 2 de agosto de 1979, ley general de higiene, seguridad ocupacional y bienestar. (Art. 26.3)
    Related CEACR Comments
    • Labour Inspection Convention, 1947 (No. 81) Observation 2015
    • Labour Inspection Convention, 1947 (No. 81) Direct Request 2018
  - 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 a duty to require police and other authorities' assistance to enter the workplace in order to perform their duties.
    • Resolución ministerial núm. 340/87, por la que se dicta el reglamento de la inspección del trabajo. (pdf)
    • Resolución ministerial núm. 340/87, por la que se dicta el reglamento de la inspección del trabajo. (Art. 7.3)
- 11.4 Application of sanctions by courts
  Yes.
  - 11.4.1 Financial penalties for legal persons
    Summary / Citation: Labour courts have the discretion to impose financial sanctions from BOB 500 to BOB 5000 (from USD 72 to USD 723) for violations of the Labour Law.
    • Decreto ley núm. 16896 de 25 de julio de 1979, Código Procesal del Trabajo (pdf)
    • Decreto ley núm. 16896 de 25 de julio de 1979, Código Procesal del Trabajo (Art. 239)
  - 11.4.2 Financial penalties for natural persons
    Summary / Citation: Labour courts have the discretion to impose financial sanctions from BOB 500 to BOB 5000 (from USD 72 to USD 723) for violations of the Labour Law.
    • Decreto ley núm. 16896 de 25 de julio de 1979, Código Procesal del Trabajo (pdf)
    • Decreto ley núm. 16896 de 25 de julio de 1979, Código Procesal del Trabajo (Art.. 239)
  - 11.4.3 Non-financial sanctions
    Remarks / comments: Special disqualification from functions may apply for a period between 6 months to 10 years.
    • Decreto Supremo núm. 0667 por el que se aprueba el Texto Ordenado del Código Penal. (Art. 36)
    • Ley núm. 1768, de 10 de marzo de 1997, Ley de modificación al Código penal. (Art. 26)
  - 11.4.4 Criminal liability
    Summary / Citation: The crime of manslaughter is regulated in the Criminal Code.
    • Decreto Supremo núm. 0667 por el que se aprueba el Texto Ordenado del Código Penal. (Art. 260)
  - 11.4.5 Terms of imprisonment for natural persons
    Summary / Citation: The term of imprisonment for a manslaughter may vary between 6 months to 3 years.
    
    When a manslaughter is committed as a consequence of a serious violation of professional functions and duties, the term of imprisonment shall be minimum 1 year and maximum 5 years.
    • Decreto Supremo núm. 0667 por el que se aprueba el Texto Ordenado del Código Penal. (Art. 260)

Bolivia, Plurinational State of - 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