The problem it addresses
Preventive legislation needs institutions, information, training and resources for implementation. The convention connects these elements so prevention does not depend on isolated actions. Article 2 requires ratifying States to promote continual improvement to prevent work-related harm.
Consultation with representative employer and worker organisations is part of the approach, both when building the system and reviewing its priorities.
National policy, system and programme
These are three distinct elements. Policy expresses the general direction. The system comprises the infrastructure for implementation: legislation, authorities, inspection and cooperation. The programme turns priorities into objectives, deadlines, resources and progress indicators.
Confusing them leads to calling a statement without a timetable a programme, or a collection of laws without clarity on who implements them a system.
What must support the system
Article 4 covers legislation, responsible bodies, enforcement mechanisms and workplace cooperation. Where appropriate, it includes advice, training, occupational health services, research and analysis of accidents and diseases.
It also provides for support to micro, small and medium-sized enterprises and the informal economy. Coverage matters: a system is not assessed solely by resources available to organisations with the greatest technical capacity.
Relationship with Convention 155
ILO Convention 155 establishes principles of OSH policy and action. Convention 187 reinforces their development through a periodically reviewed national framework. They complement each other; C187 Article 6 clarifies that it does not revise earlier conventions.
Classification as a fundamental convention does not mean every country has ratified it. Specific commitments must be established by checking NORMLEX, ratification and national law.
What it means for a company
The national system must not be confused with a company’s management system. The former creates the institutional environment; the latter organises prevention within the organisation.
A company can usefully identify public support services, sector priorities and statistics and connect them with its preventive planning. In Spain, the BOE published ratification and the country’s entry-into-force date of 5 May 2010.
Hypothetical example: a national priority
A country identifies frequent injuries in small maintenance companies. A coherent programme could combine advice, training, inspection and data to monitor progress, with defined responsibilities and deadlines.
A company uses those resources to review its risks and implement measures. Participating in a national campaign does not by itself establish compliance with its obligations or demonstrate that risk is controlled.
