Introduction. Background and scope of the survey -- The place of occupational safety and health -- The 1981 instruments -- The instruments in context -- Status of ratification -- Information available -- Outline of the survey -- Requirements of ILO standards and review of national law and practice : convention no. 155 and recommendation no. 164. Scope, coverage and exclusions -- The role of employers and workers -- Principles of a national policy for prevention -- Main spheres of action -- Reviews of the national policy and national situation -- Institutional responsibilities and cooperation -- Implementation at the national level -- Implementation at the work place -- Reference to other instruments -- Requirements of ILO standards and review of national law and practice : recording and notification and the 2002 protocol. Background -- Scope and coverage -- Common requirements -- Recording requirements and procedures -- Notification requirements -- National statistics -- Impact, obstacles and prospects for further ratifications. The convention and the recommendation -- The protocol -- ILO assistance to support member states and the social partners -- Concluding remarks. The continuing relevance of the instruments -- Addressing a continuing challenge.