Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2000, published 89th ILC session (2001)

In its previous comments, the Committee drew the Government’s attention to the need to supplement the list of prescribed occupational diseases so as to conform with the Convention in regard to poisoning by the halogen derivatives of hydrocarbons of the aliphatic series, disorders due to ionizing radiation and anthrax infection. In its report, the Government states that it is advised in this sphere by the Industrial Injuries Advisory Council (IIAC) which is an independent body and includes representatives from the Trades Union Congress (TUC) and the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) as well as experts in the field of occupational health. The IIAC is currently undertaking a long-term review of the list of occupational diseases in order to update and simplify the scheme. In particular, the Council is to confirm that the statutory requirements for prescription for compensation for an occupational disease continue to be satisfied and to identify any amendments required to ensure that they reflect current scientific knowledge.

The Committee takes note of this general information. It also notes with interest that the IIAC recommendations relating particularly to the addition of new diseases among those that can be caused by electromagnetic or ionizing radiation have been accepted. Despite these amendments, national legislation still does not ensure full application of the Convention. The Committee hopes that in the framework of the review process for the list of occupational diseases it will be possible to adopt measures which will take into account the points raised in the direct request which is being addressed to the Government.