The objective of this guide is to help labour inspectorates fulfil their role by providing practical information, in a user-friendly format, on a suggested methodology for conducting inspections of agricultural activities. This methodology ranges from the planning of the inspection to the reporting of its findings, and provides technical information that labour inspectors can pass on to employers and workers, with a view to ensuring “decent work”.

The agricultural sector employs a large percentage of the workforce in both industrialized and developing countries. Workers are often exposed to many hazards on account of the inadequate provision of risk control measures. Consequently, working conditions on many agricultural undertakings cannot be deemed “decent”, as workers are not guaranteed a fair, just, safe and healthy working environment.

Inspections conducted by labour inspectors have an important role in ensuring compliance with legislation and thus decent working conditions for workers in all sectors, including agriculture. The guide details many of the working activities that labour inspectors will address, and the hazards to which workers may be exposed. It also documents internationally recognized safety measures that will, if followed, reduce the likelihood of workers suffering from occupational accidents and diseases.