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Protection of workers particularly exposed to air pollution, noise and vibration at the workplace. The Committee notes that in response to requests for information it has addressed to the Government since 1996 as regards the observations made by the Public and Private Enterprise Workers’ Union (SITEPP) concerning alleged breaches of occupational safety and health regulations at the enterprise PINDECO, the Government has transmitted information provided by the enterprise itself. Accordingly, measures have been taken to protect the health of workers in plantations and to strengthen the activities of the preventive management committee. As regards customs handlers and custom operations technicians who may be exposed to dust, humidity, noise and toxic gases in the workplace, the Committee notes the communication DMHSO No. 222-08 of 1 August 2008 of the Occupational Health Council, in which reference is made to measures taken to prevent and limit occupational hazards due to air pollution and noise and, in particular, to the draft revising Executive Decree No. 27434 of 25 November 1998 regarding offices and departments of occupational health, and to the draft implementing section 294 of the Labour Code, submitted for approval to the Minister of Labour and Social Security in July 2007 and July 2008, respectively. The Government indicates that the conditions denounced by the Association of Customs Officers (ASEPA) in 1994 have thus been fully addressed following the review of national law and practice which brings national legislation into conformity with the Convention and the needs of all workers, in particular, customs officials. The Committee requests the Government to continue providing information on any relevant developments in law and in practice, including any progress made towards the adoption of the drafts above-mentioned, to protect workers particularly exposed to dust, humidity, noise and toxic gases at the workplace, such as customs officers.
Article 8, paragraphs 1 and 3 of the Convention. Air pollution. The Government indicates once again that the threshold limit values (TLVs) concerning air pollution, used as reference in regulations by the Institute for Technical Standards (INTECO), have been determined on the basis of the annual publications of the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH). The Committee takes notes of the Standard INTE 31-08-04-01 concerning the maximum levels of concentration authorized at workplaces, according to which all users (Government, employers and workers) are required to verify and to update each year the TLVs based on the information provided by the ACGIH. With reference to its previous observation, the Committee requests the Government to indicate the procedures for complementing and revising, at regular intervals, at the national level, the criteria and limits for exposure to air pollution in particular in the context of standard No. INTE 31-08-04-01. Noting also the envisaged overall revision of the general OSH Decree No. 1 of 1967, the Committee invites the Government to provide information on any progress made in this respect, specifying the possible impact of this legislative change on Article 8, paragraphs 1 and 3, of the Convention.
Article 11, paragraphs 1 and 3. Medical examinations. The Committee notes that the Government refers to mandatory and voluntary legislative provisions concerning medical examinations and in particular to Regulation No. 33107-MTSS of 8 January 2007. This text provides that employers are required to provide preventive, periodical, follow-up and, prior to resumption of work, medical examinations to workers carrying out work involving the handling or use of agrochemical products (section 5, paragraph 2, of the Regulation). The Committee recalls that, pursuant to Article 11, there shall be supervision, including pre-assignment and periodical medical examinations, at suitable intervals on conditions and in circumstances determined by the competent authority, of the health of workers exposed or liable to be exposed to occupational hazards due to air pollution, noise or vibration in the working environment. Such supervision shall be free of cost to the worker concerned. The Committee requests the Government to indicate the nature of the supervision specifying, in particular, the nature and frequency of examinations prescribed, as well as measures taken to ensure that this supervision is free of cost to the workers. Please indicate how effect is given to these provisions of the Convention for all workers, and not only for the workers carrying out work involving the handling or use of agrochemical products.
Part IV of the report form. Application in practice. The Committee notes the information regarding the number of workers protected by legislation giving effect to the Convention in the context of occupational risk insurance. It also notes that the Government states that it is not in a position to provide up to date information on the application of the Convention in practice due to a lack of personnel and material resources of the national labour inspectorate for developing specific statistical information and for classifying breaches of legislation notified to workplaces. The Committee notes, however, that a project to strengthen the capacities of the labour inspectorate has been developed with support from the project “Apply and Win” (Cumple y Gana). The objective of this project – entitled Automatic Data on Work System (SAIL) ‑ is to set up a database of statistical information covering the work of the labour inspectorate. SAIL was launched in September 2008 and should become operational in all the 29 offices of the labour inspectorate by 1 April 2009. The Committee trusts that the Government will be able to provide in its next report up to date information on the application of the Convention in practice as well as further details on the effective implementation of SAIL.
1. The Committee notes the information provided by the Government in its report. It notes in particular that the Government has provided a copy of the Regulations respecting the registration and monitoring of toxic products or substances and hazardous substances, products or materials, which give effect to Article 12 of the Convention. It also notes the observations provided in October 2006 by the Public and Private Enterprise Workers’ Union (SITEPP) which refer, among other matters, to occupational health issues.
2. With reference to the observations made earlier by the Association of Customs Officials (ASEPA) in relation to the application of this Convention, the Committee notes the Government’s reference to the information provided in the report on Convention No. 120 and observes that once again the Government has not provided a reply to its request for the necessary information. The Committee recalls that it noted the Government’s indications relating to both national and international provisions respecting conditions of work, including several provisions of this Convention. On that occasion, the Committee requested the Government to provide information on the measures adopted to prevent and limit occupational hazards due to air pollution and noise with a view to protecting persons working as customs handlers and customs operations technicians, who may be exposed to dust, humidity, noise and toxic gases in the workplace. The Committee is bound to renew its request for information and hopes that the Government will adopt the measures specified and will provide information on the results achieved in this respect.
3. Article 8, paragraphs 1 and 3, and Article 9 of the Convention. Establishment and regular revision in the light of current national and international knowledge and data of criteria for determining the hazards of exposure to air pollution, noise and vibration in the working environment. The Committee notes the Government’s indication in its latest report that the exposure limits for air pollution which have been determined are based on the criteria adopted by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists. The Committee observes the Government’s indication that the limits are revised annually by the national authorities in accordance with the publications of the above organization. The Committee requests the Government to describe the process of revising the exposure limits to air pollution, as well as to noise and vibration.
4. Article 11, paragraphs 1 and 3. Medical examinations. The Government indicates in its latest report that, through the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, a request has been made to the Occupational Health Council for the necessary studies to be undertaken to comply with the comments of the Committee and that the Government will be in a position to provide a satisfactory reply in the near future. The Committee hopes that the studies concerned will be undertaken without delay and that the necessary measures will be adopted to give effect to these provisions of the Convention.
5. The Committee notes the information on violations of labour laws identified at the national level in the year 2000. It would be grateful if the Government would continue to provide updated information on the application of the Convention in practice (extracts from the reports of the inspection services and statistics, where they are available, on the number of workers covered by the legislation giving effect to the Convention).
6. The Committee notes the observations made in October 2006 by the SITEPP which refer, among other matters, to occupational health issues, and particularly air pollution in the workplace. The Committee requests the Government to provide information in reply to the above observations.
[The Government in asked to reply in detail to the present comments in 2008.]
The Committee notes the information contained in the Government’s report. The Committee notes that the Government has once again not replied to its request for information concerning the observations made by the Association of Customs Officers (ASEPA) relating to the application of this Convention. The Committee recalls that it noted the Government’s comments regarding both national and international provisions respecting conditions of work, including several provisions of this Convention. On that occasion, the Committee requested the Government to provide information on the measures adopted to prevent and limit occupational hazards due to air pollution and noise with a view to protecting persons working as customs handlers and customs operations technicians (categories I and II), who may be exposed to dust, humidity, noise and toxic gases in the workplace. The Committee is bound to reiterate its request and hopes that the Government will indicate the measures adopted and will provide information in its next report on the results achieved in this respect.
Articles 8, paragraphs 1 and 3, and 9 of the Convention. The Committee recalls that it noted the information provided by the Government on the provisions contained in the Regulations to control noise and vibrations, Decree No. 10541-TSS, of 14 September 1979, defining the risks of exposure to air pollution, noise and vibration at the workplace. The Committee notes the Government’s statement in its last report that the exposure limits in relation to air pollution have been fixed on the basis of the so-called time-weighted average (TWA) concentration adopted by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists for a working day of eight hours and a working week of 48 hours. The Committee notes that the Government specifies that the limits set and the investigation criteria under which the TWAs were determined are adjusted annually by the above international organization. However, the Committee wishes to reiterate its request for the Government to indicate the frequency with which exposure limits to air pollution, noise and vibration are reviewed at the national level.
Article 11, paragraphs 1 and 3. The Committee regrets to note that, in reply to its request, the Government refers once again to Decree No. 18323. As indicated previously, the above Decree provides for the medical examination of workers exposed to pesticides. The Committee recalls that Article 11 of the Convention provides that there shall be supervision at suitable intervals, on conditions and in circumstances determined by the competent authority, of the health of workers exposed or liable to be exposed to occupational hazards due to air pollution, noise or vibration in the working environment. Such supervision shall include a pre-assignment medical examination and periodical examinations, as determined by the competent authority. The supervision provided for in the above paragraph of this Article shall be free of cost to the worker concerned. The Committee therefore urges the Government to take the necessary measures to give effect to the provisions of this Article of the Convention, which is not limited to covering workers exposed to pesticides.
Article 12. The Committee recalls that it requested the Government to provide information on any conditions prescribed by the regulations respecting the monitoring and registration of toxic products or substances and to indicate the manner in which hazardous substances, products or materials, and procedures, machinery and materials are monitored and used, and on any prohibitions prescribed by the above authority, as well as texts (administrative and other decisions) which specify toxic products and substances, and hazardous objects and products. In its report, the Government refers to Decree No. 21406-S of 22 June 1992. However, a copy of the above Decree was not supplied. The Committee requests the Government to provide a copy of the above Decree so that it can be examined by the Committee.
The Committee would be grateful if the Government would provide information on the application of the Convention in practice, including for example extracts of reports of inspection services and statistics, where they exist, of the number of workers covered by the laws and regulations giving effect to the Convention, etc.
With reference to its previous comments, the Committee notes the Government's reply, and in particular, its comments in respect of the observations made by the Association of Customs Officers (ASEPA), as well as other information contained in its report.
The Committee notes that the Government's comments regarding the observation by ASEPA, refer both to national and international provisions in respect of labour conditions, including the reproduction of several Articles from the present Convention. However, the Committee recalls that it had requested the Government to indicate the measures adopted to prevent and limit occupational hazards due to air pollution and noise to protect workers in posts such as customs handlers and customs operations technicians (categories I and II), who may be exposed to dust, humidity, noise and toxic gases in the workplace. The Committee consequently reiterates its request, and hopes that the Government will communicate detailed information in its next report on the measures adopted accordingly.
Article 8, paragraphs (1) and (3) and Article 9, of the Convention. The Committee notes the information supplied by the Government on the international institutions whose criteria serve to define the hazards and exposure limits to air pollution, noise and vibrations. In respect of air pollution, it notes the amendment to section 50 of the National Political Constitution and of the decrees indicated regarding use of pesticides. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would indicate the frequency with which exposure limits to air pollution, noise and vibrations are reviewed at national level, as well as the instruments which apply the aforementioned international standards within the country, specifying the texts (legal or regulatory), and including a copy thereof.
Article 11, paragraphs (1) and (2). For some years now the Committee has been asking the Government to indicate the steps taken to ensure that pre-assignment and periodical medical examinations are provided to workers at no cost to them. The Government indicates that in conformity with Decree No. 18323, of 11 July 1988, all workers working with pesticides have this right. The Committee recalls that this provision applies to all workers who may be exposed to hazards due to air pollution, noise or vibration. The Committee hopes that the Government will adopt the measures to give full application to this provision of the Convention in the near future.
Article 12. The Committee notes with interest Decree No. 21406-S, of 22 June 1992, monitoring and registration regulations for toxic products or substances and dangerous substances, products and objects. It notes that the responsible authority for the registration and monitoring of these substances and objects is the Department for Monitoring and Registering of Dangerous Substances and Occupational Medicine (DSTMT). The Committee would be grateful if the Government would supply information on any conditions prescribed by this authority for the use of processes, substances, machines or materials, and on any prohibitions issued by the same authority, as well as on texts (administrative decisions or others) which specify toxic products and substances, and dangerous objects and products.
Part IV of the report form. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would supply information on the practical application of the Convention, for example, extracts from the reports of the inspection services, statistics, if possible, regarding the number of workers covered by the legislation which applies the Convention, etc.
1. The Committee has taken note of the observations on the application of the Convention made by the Trade Union Organization of Customs Officials (ASEPA) in two communications received on 15 June and 20 December 1994, copies of which were transmitted to the Government for comments. It hopes that the Government will furnish a reply to these observations, to enable the Committee to examine the matter at its next session.
2. As regards the application of Articles 8, 9, 11 and 12 of the Convention, in particular, the Committee refers to its 1994 observation.
[The Government is asked to report in detail by 1 September 1995 at the latest.]
1. The Committee refers to the observations made by the Association of Customs Officers (ASEPA), alleging that Executive Decree No. 23116-MP, published in Gazette No. 76, of 21 April 1994, is not in conformity with the Convention and notifying of the appeal against this Executive Decree, which was dismissed on its merits. The Committee notes the Government's comments to the effect that the Executive Decree was the result of a technical study carried out by the Civil Service General Directorate.
The Committee notes that Executive Decree No. 23116-MP contains the descriptions and characteristics of classes of posts in the customs administration without any direct relationship with the application of the Convention. Nevertheless, these descriptions indicate that certain posts such as customs handlers and customs operations technicians I and II may be exposed to dust, humidity, noise and toxic gasses in the workplace. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the measures adopted to prevent and limit occupational hazards due to air pollution and noise and to protect workers in the classes indicated against such hazards.
2. With reference to its observation made in 1994, the Committee expresses the hope that in the near future the necessary measures will be taken to guarantee application of the following Articles:
Article 8, paragraphs 1 and 3, of the Convention. Air pollution. The Committee notes with interest Decree No. 21406-S of 22 June 1992 regulating the registration and control of toxic substances and products and dangerous substances, products and objects. It further notes that section 12 of Decree No. 21406-S sets forth a classification list and definition of dangerous and toxic substances, while section 8 empowers the Minister of Labour to cancel or refuse registration for the use of such substances when the product is considered to be highly dangerous to human beings or domestic animals. The Government has also indicated, in its report, that the criteria defined by international organizations with respect to air pollution are followed in the country. The Government is requested to indicate, in its next report, the specific international criteria with respect to air pollution to which it refers and the exposure limits, if any, specified on the basis of these criteria. The Government is also requested to indicate the manner in which these criteria, and any exposure limits, are periodically reviewed, in the light of current national and international knowledge and data.
Vibration. The Committee notes that Decree No. 10541-TSS of 14 September 1979 regulating the control of noise and vibration only sets forth general provisions concerning the reduction of vibration. The Government is requested to indicate, in its next report, the measures taken to establish criteria for determining the hazards of exposure to vibration in the working environment and any exposure limits specified on the basis of these criteria.
Article 9. In comments it has been making since 1985, the Committee has requested the Government to indicate the steps taken to prescribe technical measures or supplementary organizational measures, for the protection of workers against the hazards due to air pollution. The Government is requested to indicate, in its next report, the steps taken or envisaged to ensure the application of this Article of the Convention in respect of air pollution.
Article 11, paragraphs 1 and 2. In previous comments, the Committee requested the Government to indicate the steps taken to ensure that pre-assignment and periodical medical examinations are provided to workers at no cost to them. The Government has indicated that, at present, no obligation rests upon the employer to submit employment applicants to medical examinations, although some employers do provide for such examinations prior to and during the course of employment. In regard to periodical examinations, the Government has indicated that the health of workers is supervised when the competent authority considers it necessary (for example, when exposure limits have been exceeded; minimum safety standards have not been met; technical control measures are not the most adequate). The Committee would recall that, under this Article of the Convention, occupational health care must include pre-assignment and periodical medical examinations for workers who are exposed or liable to be exposed to occupational hazards due to air pollution, noise or vibration in the workplace and that these examinations must entail no cost to the worker concerned. The Government is requested to indicate in its next report the measures taken or envisaged to ensure that workers exposed to these hazards are provided with pre-assignment and periodical medical examinations, in accordance with the provisions of the Convention.
Article 12. In its previous comments, the Committee requested the Government to indicate the processes, substances, machinery and equipment, to be specified by the competent authority, which expose workers to occupational hazards, the use of which must be notified to the competent authority for authorization to be granted under prescribed conditions or for prohibition. The Government indicated in its report for the period ending June 1985, that a list of dangerous substances was being prepared as part of the National Occupational Safety Plan (1985-90). In its latest report, the Government has indicated that, due to insufficient staffing, the Occupational Health Council has had to postpone the preparation of a list of dangerous substances. The Government is requested to indicate, in its next report, the progress made in establishing a list of processes, substances, machinery and equipment, involving the exposure of workers to occupational hazards due to air pollution, noise or vibration, the use of which is to be notified to the competent authority for control or prohibition.
The Committee notes the information provided by the Government in its latest reports, in particular the measures taken as part of the reorganization of the National Council for Occupational Health to establish inter-institutional committees for the revision of occupational safety and health standards. The Government has also indicated that a study was undertaken of the existing regulations with respect to air pollution, noise and vibration, but that a formal draft revision had not yet been proposed. The Committee further notes with interest the Government's indication that ILO technical assistance has been requested with the aim of bringing the regulations concerning air pollution, noise and vibration up to date and drafting overall regulations on occupational safety and health. In this regard, the Government may also wish to give consideration to adopting technical standards or codes of practice for the practical implementation of the laws and regulations to be adopted in accordance with Article 4, paragraph 2 of the Convention. The Committee hopes that the necessary measures will be taken in the near future and that they will ensure the application of the following Articles:
Article 8, paragraphs 1 and 3
1. Air pollution. The Committee notes with interest Decree No. 21406-S of 22 June 1992 regulating the registration and control of toxic substances and products and dangerous substances, products and objects. It further notes that section 12 of Decree No. 21406-S sets forth a classification list and definition of dangerous and toxic substances, while section 8 empowers the Minister of Labour to cancel or deny registration for the use of such substances when, among others, the product is considered to be highly dangerous to human beings or domestic animals. The Government has also indicated, in its report, that the criteria defined by international organizations with respect to air pollution is followed in the country. The Government is requested to indicate, in its next report, the specific international criteria with respect to air pollution to which it refers and the exposure limits, if any, specified on the basis of these criteria. The Government is also requested to indicate the manner in which these criteria, and any exposure limits, are periodically reviewed, in the light of current national and international knowledge and data.
2. Vibration. The Committee notes that Decree No. 10541-TSS of 14 September 1979 regulating the control of noise and vibration only sets forth general provisions concerning the reduction of vibrations. The Government is requested to indicate, in its next report, the measures taken to establish criteria for determining the hazards of exposure to vibrations in the working environment and any exposure limits specified on the basis of these criteria.
Article 9. In comments it has been making since 1985, the Committee has requested the Government to indicate the steps taken to prescribe technical measures for design or installation or, where this is not possible, supplementary organizational measures, for the protection of workers against the hazards due to air pollution. The Government is requested to indicate, in its next report, the steps taken or envisaged to ensure the application of this Article of the Convention in respect of air pollution.
Article 11, paragraphs 1 and 2. In previous comments, the Committee has requested the Government to indicate the steps taken to ensure that pre-assignment and periodical medical examinations are provided to workers without cost to them. The Government has indicated that, at present, no obligation rests upon the employer to submit employment applicants to medical examinations, although some employers do provide for such examinations prior to and periodically during the course of employment. As concerns periodical examinations, the Government has indicated that the health of workers is supervised when the competent authority considers it necessary (for example, when: exposure limits have been exceeded; minimum safety standards have not been met; technical control measures are not the most adequate). The Committee would recall that, under this Article of the Convention, pre-assignment and periodical medical examinations are to be provided to workers who are exposed or liable to be exposed to occupational hazards due to air pollution, noise or vibration and these examinations are to be free of cost to the worker concerned. The Government is requested to indicate, in its next report, the measures taken or envisaged to ensure that workers exposed to these hazards are provided with pre-assignment and periodical medical examinations, in accordance with this provision of the Convention.
Article 12. In its previous comments, the Committee has requested the Government to indicate the processes, substances, machinery and equipment, to be specified by the competent authority, the use of which must be notified for authorization to be granted under prescribed conditions or for prohibition. The Government indicated in its report for the period ending June 1985, that a list of dangerous substances was being prepared as part of the National Occupational Safety Plan (1985-90). In its latest report, the Government has indicated that, due to insufficient staffing on the Occupational Health Council, the preparation of a list of dangerous substances has been postponed. The Government is requested to indicate, in its next report, the progress made in establishing a list of processes, substances, machinery and equipment, involving the exposure of workers to air pollution, noise or vibration, the use of which is to be notified to the competent authority for authorization, control or prohibition.
The Committee notes with regret that the Government's report has not been received. It must therefore repeat its previous observation concerning the following matters:
1. The Committee had noted from the Government's report for the period ending 30 June 1987 that the National Council for Occupational Health had undergone a reorganization in order to improve occupational health and safety conditions and to create inter-institutional commissions with the aim of developing technical occupational health and safety standards. The Government had aimed at, inter alia, promoting the application of certain provisions of the Convention. The Committee requests the Government to provide information in its next report on the activities of the National Council for Occupational Health and the progress made towards ensuring application of the Convention. 2. The Committee also noted that the draft regulations, to which the Government had made reference in its report for the period ending 30 June 1985, were in the course of being substantially revised. The Committee expressed the hope that the Government would be able to indicate in detail the progress made on the adoption of such regulations and standards and that full effect would be given to the following Articles of the Convention: Article 4, paragraph 2 (adoption of supplementary technical standards for the practical implementation of laws and regulations); Article 8, paragraphs 1 and 3 (establishment and regular revision of the criteria and exposure limits for all hazards covered by the Convention and in particular air pollution and vibrations at the workplace); Article 9 (adoption of technical measures or supplementary organizational measures for the protection of workers against hazards due to air pollution). 3. The Government is also requested to indicate the steps taken to ensure that pre-assignment and periodical medical examinations are provided to workers without cost in accordance with Article 11, paragraphs 1 and 2 of the Convention. 4. The Government had indicated in its report for the period ending June 1985 that a list of dangerous substances was being prepared as part of the National Occupational Safety Plan (1985-90). The Government is requested to indicate whether the list of dangerous substances provided for in the National Plan has been established and, if so, to supply a copy of the list and to indicate how applications for authorization to use the substances on this list, as well as other dangerous processes or materials, are submitted to the competent authority in accordance with Article 12 of the Convention. The Government is also requested to indicate whether any such substance, process or material has been prohibited or regulated by the competent authority.
The Committee hopes that the Government will make every effort to take the necessary action in the very near future.
The Committee notes that the Government's report has not been received. It must therefore repeat its previous observation which read as follows:
1. The Committee had noted from the Government's report for the period ending 30 June 1987 that the National Council for Occupational Health had undergone a reorganisation in order to improve occupational health and safety conditions and to create inter-institutional commissions with the aim of developing technical occupational health and safety standards. The Government had aimed at, inter alia, promoting the application of certain provisions of the Convention. The Committee requests the Government to provide information in its next report on the activities of the National Council for Occupational Health and the progress made towards ensuring application of the Convention. 2. The Committee also noted that the draft regulations, to which the Government had made reference in its report for the period ending 30 June 1985, were in the course of being substantially revised. The Committee expressed the hope that the Government would be able to indicate in detail the progress made on the adoption of such regulations and standards and that full effect would be given to the following Articles of the Convention: Article 4, paragraph 2 (adoption of supplementary technical standards for the practical implementation of laws and regulations); Article 8, paragraphs 1 and 3 (establishment and regular revision of the criteria and exposure limits for all hazards covered by the Convention and in particular air pollution and vibrations at the workplace); Article 9 (adoption of technical measures or supplementary organisational measures for the protection of workers against hazards due to air pollution). 3. The Government is also requested to indicate the steps taken to ensure that pre-assignment and periodical medical examinations are provided to workers without cost in accordance with Article 11, paragraphs 1 and 2 of the Convention. 4. The Government had indicated in its report for the period ending June 1985 that a list of dangerous substances was being prepared as part of the National Occupational Safety Plan (1985-90). The Government is requested to indicate whether the list of dangerous substances provided for in the National Plan has been established and, if so, to supply a copy of the list and to indicate how applications for authorisation to use the substances on this list, as well as other dangerous processes or materials, are submitted to the competent authority in accordance with Article 12 of the Convention. The Government is also requested to indicate whether any such substance, process or material has been prohibited or regulated by the competent authority.
The Committee notes that the report received from the Government does not respond to the comments made in its previous direct request. It hopes that the Government will soon supply full information on the following matters which were raised in its previous comments for several years now.
1. The Committee had noted from the Government's report for the period ending 30 June 1987 that the National Council for Occupational Health had undergone a reorganisation in order to improve occupational health and safety conditions and to create inter-institutional commissions with the aim of developing technical occupational health and safety standards. The Government had aimed at, inter alia, promoting the application of certain provisions of the Convention. The Committee requests the Government to provide information in its next report on the activities of the National Council for Occupational Health and the progress made towards ensuring application of the Convention.
2. The Committee also noted that the draft regulations, to which the Government had made reference in its report for the period ending 30 June 1985, were in the course of being substantially revised. The Committee expressed the hope that the Government would be able to indicate in detail the progress made on the adoption of such regulations and standards and that full effect would be given to the following Articles of the Convention: Article 4, paragraph 2 (adoption of supplementary technical standards for the practical implementation of laws and regulations); Article 8, paragraphs 1 and 3 (establishment and regular revision of the criteria and exposure limits for all hazards covered by the Convention and in particular air pollution and vibrations at the workplace); Article 9 (adoption of technical measures or supplementary organisational measures for the protection of workers against hazards due to air pollution).
3. The Government is also requested to indicate the steps taken to ensure that pre-assignment and periodical medical examinations are provided to workers without cost in accordance with Article 11, paragraphs 1 and 2 of the Convention.
4. The Government had indicated in its report for the period ending June 1985 that a list of dangerous substances was being prepared as part of the National Occupational Safety Plan (1985-90). The Government is requested to indicate whether the list of dangerous substances provided for in the National Plan has been established and, if so, to supply a copy of the list and to indicate how applications for authorisation to use the substances on this list, as well as other dangerous processes or materials, are submitted to the competent authority in accordance with Article 12 of the Convention. The Government is also requested to indicate whether any such substance, process or material has been prohibited or regulated by the competent authority.
The Committee notes that no report has been received from the Government. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the following matters which were raised in its previous direct request:
1. With reference to its previous direct requests, the Committee has noted from the Government's report for the period ending 30 June 1987 that the National Council for Occupational Health had recently undergone a reorganisation in order to improve the promotion of occupational health and safety conditions and to facilitate the development of technical occupational health and safety standards, including those which would give effect to certain provisions of this Convention.
2. The Committee also noted that the draft regulations, to which the Government had made reference in its report for the period ending 30 June 1985, were in the course of being substantially revised. The Committee hopes that in the next report the Government will be able to indicate in detail the progress made on the adoption of such regulations and standards and that full effect will be given to the following Articles of the Convention: Article 4, paragraph 2 (adoption of supplementary technical standards for the practical implementation of laws and regulations); Article 8, paragraphs 1 and 3 (establishment and regular revision of the criteria and exposure limits for all hazards covered by the Convention and in particular air pollution and vibrations at the workplace); Article 9: (adoption of technical measures or supplementary organisational measures for the protection of workers against hazards due to air pollution).
3. The Committee had noted further that as part of the practical measures provided for in the National Occupational Safety Plan (1985-1990) a massive publicity campaign had been launched to inform and educate workers on the occupational health provisions and the prevention of hazards in the workplace. Further, in respect of the implementation of the National Plan, the Committee would be grateful if the Government would indicate in its next report whether pre-assignment and periodical medical examinations are now provided to workers without cost in accordance with Article 11, paragraphs 1 and 2, of the Convention. Further please indicate whether the list of dangerous substances provided for in the National Plan has been established. If so, please supply a copy of the list with the next report and indicate how applications for authorisation to use the substances on this list as well as other dangerous processes or materials are submitted to the competent authority in accordance with Article 12 of the Convention. Please also indicate whether any such substance, process or material has been prohibited by the competent authority.