Spain ratifies key occupational safety and health standards for construction and agriculture

© Violaine Martin / ILO

GENEVA (ILO News) – On Tuesday 11 June 2024, Yolanda Díaz, the Second Vice-President and Minister of Labour and Social Economy of Spain, presented the instruments of ratification for the Safety and Health in Construction Convention, 1988 (No. 167)  and the  Safety and Health in Agriculture Convention, 2001 (No. 184) to the ILO Director-General, Gilbert Houngbo. 

In depositing the instruments of ratification, Ms. Díaz stated: “The adherence to both Conventions demonstrates the clear commitment of the Government of Spain to be bound by ILO standards and to submit to the supervision of their observance. In addition, both ratifications consolidate Spain’s position as the country that has ratified the most ILO Conventions, with the aim of advancing towards the universalisation of effective labour rights for workers”.   Moreover, Ms. Díaz highlighted that: “In particular, the ratification of Convention No. 167 reflects our country’s commitment to protecting the safety and health of all workers in a sector particularly exposed to occupational risks, such as construction. In the same vein, Spain’s ratification of Convention No. 184, related to safety and health in agriculture, also underlines the specific attention deserved by agricultural and forestry workers, who are subjected to particularly harsh working conditions. The aim of these ratifications is to work on preventing accidents and health damage resulting from this type of work”. 

When receiving the instrument of ratification, Mr Houngbo, declared: “With these ratifications, Spain is once again demonstrating its dedication to the fundamental principle and right at work of a safe and healthy working environment. Construction and agriculture remain two of the most dangerous sectors in the world, and Convention No. 167 on construction and Convention No. 184 on agriculture are key blueprints for sustained safety and health improvements for workers in these fields. Spain has now ratified 139 ILO Conventions – the most of any ILO Member State. I sincerely applaud Spain’s commitment to international labour standards and social justice.”

The Conventions will enter into force for Spain on 11 June 2025, one year after their ratification.   To date, Spain has ratified 139 Conventions and one Protocol. For further information, see NORMLEX .