[ILO conventions on occupational safety and health with reference to ratification status of Japan]

This paper grouped together recent ILO conventions relevant to occupational safety and health (OSH) in order to clarify their characteristics and form an overview. There are 13 such conventions adopted by ILO during the period 1960-1993. Each of these conventions have distinct goals to cover respective areas of OSH, which was contrasted with each other. Conventions are subject to ratification, thus the ratification status of Japan was statistically compared to that of ILO and OECD member states. As at June 1993, Japan ratified three of such conventions, which was slightly higher than the average number ratified by all ILO member states and ranked 11th among 24 OECD member states. The relative ratification status of Japan on ILO Conventions fared better with those relevant to OSH than others. ILO Conventions are inter-related by reference and note, thus ratification of basic conventions such as C. 155 (Occupational Safety and Health Convention) and C. 148 (Working Environment Convention), neither of which is ratified by Japan, should be prioritized to further promote ratification status in the OSH area.