The convention sets out principles concerning the organization, functions, and operation of labour inspection systems to ensure enforcement of national laws related to working conditions and worker protections in the commercial and industrial sectors.
[1] The Protocol of 1995 expands the scope to cover workplaces in non-commercial services sectors not previously considered industrial or commercial.
Ratifying countries can exclude categories like essential government administration, armed services, police, and prisons from the Protocol's coverage if it would cause substantial difficulties.
Countries ratifying the Protocol must extend their labour inspection systems to sectors like healthcare, education, recreation/culture, etc.
Other special inspection arrangements are permitted for fire brigades, rescue services, police and corrections institutions to account for their particular work contexts.