Section 3: Rights and duties towards each user of the public labour inspection service

The inspecting officer shall enter freely, without prior warning, at any time of the day or night, any establishment subject to his inspection. During an inspection visit, whether unannounced or not, the inspecting officer shall inform the employer or his representative of his presence, unless he considers that such notification is likely to prejudice the effectiveness of the inspection. The control officer must carry his professional card in order to…

Officers shall at all times treat all persons present at the workplace or in the accommodation of the workers under their supervision with courtesy.

When inspectors observe infringements or breaches of the regulations, they act with discernment and diligence in their choice of action. They are free to decide what action to take in response to their actions and findings. They may give advice or make observations, refer the matter to the judicial authorities or take administrative action.

When an inspector observes or is informed of a serious or fatal accident at work, or of any incident that could have had serious consequences, he will conduct an investigation and inform his department, which will in turn inform the central authority. If necessary, he will refer the matter to the competent authorities.

The inspector will ensure that the users concerned are informed of the outcome of the inspection, in accordance with the procedures laid down by the legislation in force.