Enacting laws to protect workers' terms of employment and working conditions means little unless the legal provisions are enforced and respected. Law enforcement and compliance are the responsibility of labour inspectorates and a properly conducted inspection visit can have an impact beyond this immediate concern.

Improving the quality of inspection work and enhancing the effectiveness of labour inspectorates is the primary concern of this guide. This booklet is also complemented by a companion guide, Labour inspection: Policy and planning. A practical guide.