Occupational Cancer Convention, 1974 (No. 139) - Iraq (Ratification: 1978)

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2017, published 107th ILC session (2018)

In order to provide a comprehensive view of the issues relating to the application of ratified occupational safety and health (OSH) Conventions, the Committee considers it appropriate to examine Conventions Nos 115 (radiation protection) and 139 (occupational cancer) together.

Protection against specific risks

Protection of workers against ionizing radiations (Convention No. 115)

General observation of 2015. The Committee would like to draw the Government’s attention to its general observation of 2015 under this Convention, and in particular to the request for information contained in paragraph 30 thereof.

Article 2 of the Convention. Application of the Convention to all activities involving exposure of workers to ionizing radiations in the course of their work. Exemption. In its previous comments, the Committee requested the Government to confirm that Internal Regulations No. 1 (2006) concerning the Control of the Use of Radioactive Sources in Iraq (2006 Regulations) issued by the Radioactive Source Regulatory Authority apply to all uses of radiation in the country and to provide information on exemptions granted under sections 4(4) and 5 of these Regulations. In this regard, the Committee notes the Government’s statement in its report that the 2006 Regulations are applicable to all known radiation uses and practices involving radioactive sources. It also notes the Government’s indication that, pursuant to section 5(2) of the 2006 Regulations, when as a result of a radiation practice the radiation exposure of the public does not exceed 10 mSv per year, the relevant body is exempted from the Authority’s licensing requirements, including the preparation of a local emergency plan. However, it is subject to other measures such as inspections, licence extension and end-of-life disposal of the source. The Committee notes that such an exemption is in line with the standards contained in the publication Radiation Protection and Safety of Radiation Sources: International Basic Safety Standards (General Safety Requirements Part 3), issued in July 2014 by the International Atomic Energy Agency. It takes note of this information.

Articles 2 and 3. Occupational exposure during and after an emergency. Measures to ensure protection of workers in the light of knowledge available. In its previous comments, the Committee requested the Government to indicate whether, in emergency situations, exceptions are permitted to the normally tolerated dose limits prescribed for exposure to ionizing radiations and, if so, to indicate the exceptional levels of exposure allowed in such circumstances and to specify the manner in which these circumstances are defined. The Committee notes that the Government has not replied to its request.

In this regard, the Committee would like to draw the Government’s attention to paragraphs 17–23 and 36–37 of its 2015 general observation, where it indicates that individual exposure in emergency situations should be optimized, with appropriate boundaries of reference levels. Such reference levels should be selected to be within, or if possible below, the 20–100 mSv band. Measures are to be taken to ensure that no emergency worker is subject to an exposure in an emergency in excess of 50 mSv, except in certain specific and exceptional situations (described in paragraph 37 of the general observation). Response organizations (as defined in note No. 19 of the general observation, “a response organization is an organization designated or otherwise recognized by a State as being responsible for managing or implementing any aspect of an emergency response”) and employers should ensure that emergency workers who undertake actions in exceptional circumstances in which the doses received might exceed 50 mSv do so voluntarily, have been clearly and comprehensively informed in advance of the associated health risks, as well as of available measures for protection and safety and that they are, to the extent possible, trained in the actions they may be required to take. In light of the indications contained in the abovementioned paragraphs of its 2015 general observation, and acknowledging the difficult situation in the country, the Committee requests the Government to provide information on the boundaries of reference levels for the exposure of workers in emergency situations, as well as the exceptional circumstances and the conditions in which emergency workers might be subject to an exposure in excess of 50 mSv.

Articles 12 and 13(a). Regular medical examinations and examinations in cases of emergency. In its previous comments, as regards the application of Article 12, the Committee requested the Government to supply a copy of relevant instructions in relation to the type and nature of the medical examinations required before the employment and then periodically. The Committee takes note of the preliminary and periodical medical examination forms provided by the Radiation Prevention Centre at the Ministry of the Environment, enclosed with the Government’s report, which give information in this respect. Concerning the application of Article 13(a), it notes however that the Government did not provide the information requested in relation to medical examinations in cases of emergency. The Committee requests the Government to specify the measures taken to ensure that workers undergo promptly an appropriate medical examination in certain circumstances, because of the nature and/or degree of the exposure to ionising radiations, and to give details about these circumstances.

Prevention and control of occupational hazards caused by carcinogenic substances and agents (Convention No. 139)

Article 3 of the Convention. Appropriate system of registers. In its previous comments, the Committee requested the Government to provide information on progress made in the establishment of an appropriate system of records, in respect of workers exposed to carcinogenic substances. The Committee notes the Government’s indication in its report that a national record of cancers exists within the Ministry of Health. The Committee also notes the attached form adopted by the Ministry of Health for cancer records, which includes personal information, information on the occupation, on the disease and on the treatments. The Government indicates that this information is included among the main data recorded when persons suffering from cancer are admitted to government hospital. It adds that all factories, plants and employers are required to report on an annual basis any case of cancer diagnosed among the staff of the establishment concerned. The Committee requests the Government to provide further details about the functioning in practice of the national record of cancer within the Ministry of Health, including the implementation of the obligation for employers to report cases of cancer and to provide also any legal text concerning this obligation.

Article 5. Provision of medical examinations. Application in practice. The Committee previously noted the information provided by the Government concerning pre-assignment and periodical medical examinations for workers exposed to carcinogenic substances. It notes that under section 59 of the Social Security and Retirement Act, No. 39 of 1971, provided by the Government with its report, the company or the injured worker may ask for medical re-examination once every six months during the first year from the date on which the disability is confirmed and once annually thereafter. The Committee also notes that section 61 of this Act provides that employers shall be responsible, in case an occupational disease is detected within one year from the termination of employment, and on the condition that the worker has worked in an industry unrelated to the respective occupational disease. The Committee requests the Government to provide statistical information on occupational diseases detected within one year from the termination of employment.

Application in practice. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that the requested statistical data concerning the number of workers covered and the number of diseases will be provided in a subsequent report as soon as they are available. The Committee requests the Government to provide information in this regard, including the number and nature of the contraventions reported, and the number, nature and cause of cases of diseases.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2011, published 101st ILC session (2012)

The Committee notes that the Government in its report refers to a strategic plan including the setting up of a medical centre for occupational diseases, and the report does not otherwise contain any new legislative information on the matters raised since 1997 concerning the application of the Convention. The Committee expresses the firm hope that relevant implementing legislation will be adopted in the near future and that the new legislative measures taken will provide an adequate response to the following comments of the Committee.

Article 3 of the Convention. Appropriate system of registers. As stated in its previous comments the Committee requested the Government to provide information on the measures taken to establish an appropriate system of records in respect of workers exposed to carcinogenic substances. The Committee reiterates that, in its 1993 report, the Government referred to the medical examinations provided to workers and the registers kept at the Centre for Statistics of the Ministry of Health of the number of cases of cancer, including occupational cancer. The Committee would, however, once again refer the Government to Chapter 8 of the ILO: Occupational Health Series, No. 39 on Occupational Cancer: Prevention and Control (second (revised) edition), 1988, concerning the establishment of registers. Such registers are intended to record not only information with respect to workers with occupational cancer, but also more generally the names of persons exposed to carcinogenic substances, the results of technical monitoring, special medical examinations and laboratory tests performed, regardless of their state of health, so that the competent authority and others concerned may have sufficient comparative data “to keep a close watch on the magnitude of the problem of occupational cancer in the country, the level of risk involved in the various types of exposure, the dose–response relationship and the effectiveness of preventive action”. The Committee expresses the firm hope that the Government will take the necessary measures in the near future to establish an appropriate system of records, in accordance with Article 3 of the Convention, and requests the Government to indicate in its next report the progress made in this regard.

Article 5. Provision of medical examinations. The Committee notes the information provided in the Government’s report that section 56 of the Social Security and Retirement Act, Mp- 39 of 1991 reportedly ensures that workers shall be provided with a medical examination one year after the termination of their employment. The Committee requests the Government to submit a copy of the referenced legislation and to provide further details regarding the application of this provision in practice.

Part IV of the report form. For a number of years, the Committee has requested the Government to provide the information requested under Part IV of the report form concerning the practical application of the Convention and, in particular, to provide relevant extracts from inspection reports and any statistics available on the number of workers covered by the legislation or other measures giving effect to the Convention, the number and nature of contraventions reported, the number, nature and cause of cases of disease, etc. In its report, the Government has indicated that the Ministry of Health is responsible for producing the relevant statistics which also are published in an annual report. The Government is once again requested to provide, with its next report, extracts from inspection reports relevant to the measures taken for the application of the Convention, as well as any statistics on the numbers of workers covered by these measures, the number and nature of contraventions and the number and nature of diseases relating to exposure to carcinogenic substances.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2009, published 99th ILC session (2010)

The Committee notes the effort made by the Government to fulfil its constitutional obligations by submitting a report on the application of this ratified Convention. The Committee notes, however, that this report does not contain any new information on the matters raised since 1997 concerning the application of the Convention. It also notes that the Government is in the process of amending its Labour Code, that technical assistance has been received from the ILO in this respect and that the amended text is being finalized. The Committee expresses the hope that the amended Labour Code, as well as any relevant implementing legislation, will be adopted in the near future and that the new legislative measures taken will provide an adequate response to the following previous comments of the Committee which in relevant parts read as follows:

Article 3 of the Convention. In its previous comments, the Committee requested the Government to provide information on the measures taken to establish an appropriate system of records in respect of workers exposed to carcinogenic substances. In its 1993 report, the Government has referred to the medical examinations provided to workers and the registers kept at the Centre for Statistics of the Ministry of Health of the number of cases of cancer, including occupational cancer. The Committee would, however, once again refer the Government to Chapter 8 of the ILO: Occupational Health Series, No. 39 on Occupational Cancer: Prevention and Control (Second (revised) edition), 1988, concerning the establishment of registers. Such registers are intended to record not only information with respect to workers with occupational cancer, but also more generally the names of persons exposed to carcinogenic substances, the results of technical monitoring, special medical examinations and laboratory tests performed, regardless of their state of health, so that the competent authority and others concerned may have sufficient comparative data “to keep a close watch on the magnitude of the problem of occupational cancer in the country, the level of risk involved in the various types of exposure, the dose-response relationship and the effectiveness of preventive action”. The Committee, therefore, hopes that the Government will take the necessary measures in the near future to establish an appropriate system of records, in accordance with Article 3 of the Convention, and requests the Government to indicate, in its next report the progress made in this regard.

Article 5. The Committee notes the information provided in the Government’s report concerning pre-assignment and periodical medical examinations for workers exposed to carcinogenic substances. The Committee once again recalls that this Article of the Convention provides that workers shall be provided with medical examinations or biological tests, not only during the period of employment, but also after the worker is no longer exposed to carcinogenic substances in order to evaluate any changes which might occur in his or her state of health as a result of the prior exposure. The Committee requests the Government to indicate, in its next report, the measures taken or envisaged to provide medical examinations or other tests to workers after their period of employment as is necessary to evaluate their exposure and supervise their state of health in relation to occupational hazards.

Part IV of the report form. For a number of years, the Committee has requested the Government to provide the information requested under Part IV of the report form concerning the practical application of the Convention and, in particular, to provide relevant extracts from inspection reports and any statistics available on the number of workers covered by the legislation or other measures giving effect to the Convention, the number and nature of contraventions reported, the number, nature and cause of cases of disease, etc. In its report, the Government has indicated that inspection committees monitor the application of the Convention and that the National Centre for Occupational Safety and Health periodically reviews the chemical substances in use. The Government is once again requested to provide, with its next report, extracts from inspection reports relevant to the measures taken for the application of the Convention, as well as any statistics on the numbers of workers covered by these measures, the number and nature of contraventions and the number and nature of diseases relating to exposure to carcinogenic substances.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2002, published 91st ILC session (2003)

The Committee notes with regret that the Government’s report has not been received. 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 matters raised in its previous direct request, which read as follows:

The Committee notes that the brief information supplied by the Government in its report does not reply to the questions raised in its previous comments. It hopes that the next report will contain full information on the following points raised in its previous direct request.

1. Article 3 of the Convention. In its previous comments, the Committee requested the Government to provide information on the measures taken to establish an appropriate system of records in respect of workers exposed to carcinogenic substances. In its 1993 report, the Government has referred to the medical examinations provided to workers and the registers kept at the Centre for Statistics of the Ministry of Health of the number of cases of cancer, including occupational cancer. The Committee would, however, once again refer the Government to Chapter 8 of the ILO: Occupational Health Series, No. 39 on Occupational Cancer: Prevention and Control (Second (revised) edition), 1988 concerning the establishment of registers. Such registers are intended to record not only information with respect to workers with occupational cancer, but also more generally the names of persons exposed to carcinogenic substances, the results of technical monitoring, special medical examinations and laboratory tests performed, regardless of their state of health, so that the competent authority and others concerned may have sufficient comparative data "to keep a close watch on the magnitude of the problem of occupational cancer in the country, the level of risk involved in the various types of exposure, the dose-response relationship and the effectiveness of preventive action". The Committee, therefore, hopes that the Government will take the necessary measures in the near future to establish an appropriate system of records, in accordance with Article 3 of the Convention, and requests the Government to indicate, in its next report the progress made in this regard.

2. Article 5. The Committee notes the information provided in the Government's report concerning pre-assignment and periodical medical examinations for workers exposed to carcinogenic substances. The Committee once again recalls that this Article of the Convention provides that workers shall be provided with medical examinations or biological tests, not only during the period of employment, but also after the worker is no longer exposed to carcinogenic substances in order to evaluate any changes which might occur in his or her state of health as a result of the prior exposure. The Committee requests the Government to indicate, in its next report, the measures taken or envisaged to provide medical examinations or other tests to workers after their period of employment as is necessary to evaluate their exposure and supervise their state of health in relation to occupational hazards.

3. Part IV of the report form. For a number of years, the Committee has requested the Government to provide the information requested under Part IV of the report form concerning the practical application of the Convention, and in particular, to provide relevant extracts from inspection reports and any statistics available on the number of workers covered by the legislation or other measures giving effect to the Convention, the number and nature of contraventions reported, the number, nature and cause of cases of disease, etc. In its report, the Government has indicated that inspection committees monitor the application of the Convention and that the National Centre for Occupational Safety and Health periodically reviews the chemical substances in use. The Government is once again requested to provide, with its next report, extracts from inspection reports relevant to the measures taken for the application of the Convention, as well as any statistics on the numbers of workers covered by these measures, the number and nature of contraventions and the number and nature of diseases relating to exposure to carcinogenic substances.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2001, published 90th ILC session (2002)

The Committee notes that the Government’s report has not been received. 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 matters raised in its previous direct request, which read as follows:

The Committee notes that the brief information supplied by the Government in its report does not reply to the questions raised in its previous comments. It hopes that the next report will contain full information on the following points raised in its previous direct request:

1. Article 3 of the Convention. In its previous comments, the Committee requested the Government to provide information on the measures taken to establish an appropriate system of records in respect of workers exposed to carcinogenic substances. In its 1993 report, the Government has referred to the medical examinations provided to workers and the registers kept at the Centre for Statistics of the Ministry of Health of the number of cases of cancer, including occupational cancer.  The Committee would, however, once again refer the Government to Chapter 8 of the ILO: Occupational Health Series, No. 39 on Occupational Cancer: Prevention and Control (Second (revised) edition), 1988 concerning the establishment of registers. Such registers are intended to record not only information with respect to workers with occupational cancer, but also more generally the names of persons exposed to carcinogenic substances, the results of technical monitoring, special medical examinations and laboratory tests performed, regardless of their state of health, so that the competent authority and others concerned may have sufficient comparative data "to keep a close watch on the magnitude of the problem of occupational cancer in the country, the level of risk involved in the various types of exposure, the dose-response relationship and the effectiveness of preventive action". The Committee, therefore, hopes that the Government will take the necessary measures in the near future to establish an appropriate system of records, in accordance with Article 3 of the Convention, and requests the Government to indicate, in its next report the progress made in this regard.

2. Article 5. The Committee notes the information provided in the Government's report concerning pre-assignment and periodical medical examinations for workers exposed to carcinogenic substances. The Committee once again recalls that this Article of the Convention provides that workers shall be provided with medical examinations or biological tests, not only during the period of employment, but also after the worker is no longer exposed to carcinogenic substances in order to evaluate any changes which might occur in his or her state of health as a result of the prior exposure. The Committee requests the Government to indicate, in its next report, the measures taken or envisaged to provide medical examinations or other tests to workers after their period of employment as is necessary to evaluate their exposure and supervise their state of health in relation to occupational hazards.

3. Part IV of the report form. For a number of years, the Committee has requested the Government to provide the information requested under Part IV of the report form concerning the practical application of the Convention, and in particular, to provide relevant extracts from inspection reports and any statistics available on the number of workers covered by the legislation or other measures giving effect to the Convention, the number and nature of contraventions reported, the number, nature and cause of cases of disease, etc. In its report, the Government has indicated that inspection committees monitor the application of the Convention and that the National Centre for Occupational Safety and Health periodically reviews the chemical substances in use. The Government is once again requested to provide, with its next report, extracts from inspection reports relevant to the measures taken for the application of the Convention, as well as any statistics on the numbers of workers covered by these measures, the number and nature of contraventions and the number and nature of diseases relating to exposure to carcinogenic substances.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1997, published 86th ILC session (1998)

The Committee notes that the brief information supplied by the Government in its report does not reply to the questions raised in its previous comments. It hopes that the next report will contain full information on the following points raised in its previous direct request:

1. Article 3 of the Convention. In its previous comments, the Committee requested the Government to provide information on the measures taken to establish an appropriate system of records in respect of workers exposed to carcinogenic substances. In its 1993 report, the Government has referred to the medical examinations provided to workers and the registers kept at the Centre for Statistics of the Ministry of Health of the number of cases of cancer, including occupational cancer. The Committee would, however, once again refer the Government to Chapter 8 of the ILO: Occupational Health Series, No. 39 on Occupational Cancer: Prevention and Control (Second (revised) edition), 1988 concerning the establishment of registers. Such registers are intended to record not only information with respect to workers with occupational cancer, but also more generally the names of persons exposed to carcinogenic substances, the results of technical monitoring, special medical examinations and laboratory tests performed, regardless of their state of health, so that the competent authority and others concerned may have sufficient comparative data "to keep a close watch on the magnitude of the problem of occupational cancer in the country, the level of risk involved in the various types of exposure, the dose-response relationship and the effectiveness of preventive action". The Committee, therefore, hopes that the Government will take the necessary measures in the near future to establish an appropriate system of records, in accordance with Article 3 of the Convention, and requests the Government to indicate, in its next report the progress made in this regard.

2. Article 5. The Committee notes the information provided in the Government's report concerning pre-assignment and periodical medical examinations for workers exposed to carcinogenic substances. The Committee once again recalls that this Article of the Convention provides that workers shall be provided with medical examinations or biological tests, not only during the period of employment, but also after the worker is no longer exposed to carcinogenic substances in order to evaluate any changes which might occur in his or her state of health as a result of the prior exposure. The Committee requests the Government to indicate, in its next report, the measures taken or envisaged to provide medical examinations or other tests to workers after their period of employment as is necessary to evaluate their exposure and supervise their state of health in relation to occupational hazards.

3. Point IV of the report form. For a number of years, the Committee has requested the Government to provide the information requested under point IV of the report form concerning the practical application of the Convention, and in particular, to provide relevant extracts from inspection reports and any statistics available on the number of workers covered by the legislation or other measures giving effect to the Convention, the number and nature of contraventions reported, the number, nature and cause of cases of disease, etc. In its report, the Government has indicated that inspection committees monitor the application of the Convention and that the National Centre for Occupational Safety and Health periodically reviews the chemical substances in use. The Government is once again requested to provide, with its next report, extracts from inspection reports relevant to the measures taken for the application of the Convention, as well as any statistics on the numbers of workers covered by these measures, the number and nature of contraventions and the number and nature of diseases relating to exposure to carcinogenic substances.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1996, published 85th ILC session (1997)

The Committee notes that the Government's report has not been received. 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 matters raised in its previous direct request, which read as follows:

The Committee notes the information supplied by the Government in reply to its previous direct request. The Government is requested to provide further clarification on the following points:

1. Article 3 of the Convention. In its previous comments, the Committee requested the Government to provide information on the measures taken to establish an appropriate system of records in respect of workers exposed to carcinogenic substances. In its latest report, the Government has referred to the medical examinations provided to workers and the registers kept at the Centre for Statistics of the Ministry of Health of the number of cases of cancer, including occupational cancer. The Committee would, however, once again refer the Government to Chapter 8 of the ILO: Occupational Health Series, No. 39 on Occupational Cancer: Prevention and Control (Second (revised) edition), 1988 concerning the establishment of registers. Such registers are intended to record, not only information with respect to workers with occupational cancer, but also more generally the names of persons exposed to carcinogenic substances, the results of technical monitoring, special medical examinations and laboratory tests performed, regardless of their state of health, so that the competent authority and others concerned may have sufficient comparative data "to keep a close watch on the magnitude of the problem of occupational cancer in the country, the level of risk involved in the various types of exposure, the dose-response relationship and the effectiveness of preventive action". The Committee, therefore, hopes that the Government will take the necessary measures in the near future to establish an appropriate system of records, in accordance with this Article of the Convention, and requests the Government to indicate, in its next report the progress made in this regard.

2. Article 5. The Committee notes the information provided in the Government's report concerning pre-assignment and periodical medical examinations for workers exposed to carcinogenic substances. The Committee once again recalls that this Article of the Convention provides that workers shall be provided with medical examinations or biological tests, not only during the period of employment, but also after the worker is no longer exposed to carcinogenic substances in order to evaluate any changes which might occur in his or her state of health as a result of the prior exposure. The Committee requests the Government to indicate, in its next report, the measures taken or envisaged to provide medical examinations or other tests to workers after their period of employment as is necessary to evaluate their exposure and supervise their state of health in relation to occupational hazards.

3. Point IV of the report form. For a number of years, the Committee has requested the Government to provide the information requested under point IV of the report form concerning the practical application of the Convention, and in particular, to provide relevant extracts from inspection reports and any statistics available on the number of workers covered by the legislation or other measures giving effect to the Convention, the number and nature of contraventions reported, the number, nature and cause of cases of disease, etc. In its latest report, the Government has indicated that inspection committees monitor the application of the Convention and that the National Centre for Occupational Safety and Health periodically reviews the chemical substances in use. The Government is once again requested to provide, with its next report, extracts from inspection reports relevant to the measures taken for the application of the Convention, as well as any statistics on the numbers of workers covered by these measures, the number and nature of contraventions and the number and nature of diseases relating to exposure to carcinogenic substances.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1994, published 81st ILC session (1994)

The Committee notes the information supplied by the Government in reply to its previous direct request. The Government is requested to provide further clarification on the following points:

1. Article 3 of the Convention. In its previous comments, the Committee requested the Government to provide information on the measures taken to establish an appropriate system of records in respect of workers exposed to carcinogenic substances. In its latest report, the Government has referred to the medical examinations provided to workers and the registers kept at the Centre for Statistics of the Ministry of Health of the number of cases of cancer, including occupational cancer. The Committee would, however, once again refer the Government to Chapter 8 of the ILO: Occupational Health Series, No. 39 on Occupational Cancer: Prevention and Control (Second (revised) edition), 1988 concerning the establishment of registers. Such registers are intended to record, not only information with respect to workers with occupational cancer, but also more generally the names of persons exposed to carcinogenic substances, the results of technical monitoring, special medical examinations and laboratory tests performed, regardless of their state of health, so that the competent authority and others concerned may have sufficient comparative data "to keep a close watch on the magnitude of the problem of occupational cancer in the country, the level of risk involved in the various types of exposure, the dose-response relationship and the effectiveness of preventive action". The Committee, therefore, hopes that the Government will take the necessary measures in the near future to establish an appropriate system of records, in accordance with this Article of the Convention, and requests the Government to indicate, in its next report the progress made in this regard.

2. Article 5. The Committee notes the information provided in the Government's report concerning pre-assignment and periodical medical examinations for workers exposed to carcinogenic substances. The Committee once again recalls that this Article of the Convention provides that workers shall be provided with medical examinations or biological tests, not only during the period of employment, but also after the worker is no longer exposed to carcinogenic substances in order to evaluate any changes which might occur in his or her state of health as a result of the prior exposure. The Committee requests the Government to indicate, in its next report, the measures taken or envisaged to provide medical examinations or other tests to workers after their period of employment as is necessary to evaluate their exposure and supervise their state of health in relation to occupational hazards.

3. Point IV of the report form. For a number of years, the Committee has requested the Government to provide the information requested under point IV of the report form concerning the practical application of the Convention, and in particular, to provide relevant extracts from inspection reports and any statistics available on the number of workers covered by the legislation or other measures giving effect to the Convention, the number and nature of contraventions reported, the number, nature and cause of cases of disease, etc. In its latest report, the Government has indicated that inspection committees monitor the application of the Convention and that the National Centre for Occupational Safety and Health periodically reviews the chemical substances in use. The Government is once again requested to provide, with its next report, extracts from inspection reports relevant to the measures taken for the application of the Convention, as well as any statistics on the numbers of workers covered by these measures, the number and nature of contraventions and the number and nature of diseases relating to exposure to carcinogenic substances.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1992, published 79th ILC session (1992)

The Committee notes the information supplied by the Government in reply to its previous direct request.

Article 1, paragraphs 1 and 3, of the Convention. The Committee notes with interest the Government's indication that the competent service for occupational safety and health has requested the relevant international bodies to provide the most recent information concerning occupational cancer and carcinogenic substances with a view towards including these in the list contained in Instruction No. 2 of 1984 concerning protection from carcinogenic substances. In this regard, the Committee would also draw the Government's attention once again to the Asbestos Convention, 1986 (No. 162), which calls for the prohibition of the use of crocidolite and spraying of all types of asbestos. It requests the Government to continue supplying information on any progress made in updating the list of carcinogenic substances, the use of which is prohibited or made subject to authorisation or control.

Article 3. In its comments for a number of years now, the Committee has requested the Government to provide information on the measures taken to establish an appropriate system of records in respect of workers exposed to carcinogenic substances. The Government has still supplied no information in this regard. The Committee would refer the Government to Chapter 8 of the ILO: Occupational Health Series, No. 39 on Occupational Cancer: Prevention and Control (Second (revised) edition), 1988 which provides useful information concerning the establishment of registers. It notes, in particular, that such registers are intended to record "the names of exposed persons, the results of technical monitoring, special medical examinations and laboratory tests performed" on workers exposed to carcinogenic substances so that "the competent authority and selected scientific workers (may) keep a close watch on the magnitude of the problem of occupational cancer in the country, the level of risk involved in the various types of exposure, the dose-response relationship and the effectiveness of preventive action". The Committee, therefore, requests the Government to indicate the measures taken or envisaged to ensure the establishment of an appropriate system of records, in accordance with Article 3 of the Convention.

Article 5. The Committee notes the information provided in the Government's report that section 5, paragraph 22, of Instructions No. 22 of 1987 provide that the worker shall undergo a medical examination before employment and shall benefit from periodic and special examinations according to instructions established by the doctor or the medical service of the establishment. The Committee would recall, however, that this Article of the Convention provides that workers shall be provided with medical examinations or biological or other tests or investigations, not only during the period of employment, but also after the period of employment as is necessary to evaluate their exposure and supervise their state of health in relation to the occupational hazards to which they were exposed. The Committee hopes that the Government will take the necessary measures to ensure that workers who have been exposed to carcinogenic substances benefit from medical examinations or other tests even after their period of employment as is necessary to evaluate their exposure and supervise their state of health in relation to occupational hazards.

Point IV of the report form. For a number of years, the Committee has requested the Government to provide the information requested under point IV of the report form concerning the practical application of the Convention, and in particular, to provide relevant extracts from inspection reports and any statistics available on the number of workers covered by the legislation or other measures giving effect to the Convention, the number and nature of contraventions reported, the number, nature and cause of cases of disease, etc.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1988, published 75th ILC session (1988)

The Committee notes the information supplied by the Government in reply to its previous direct request concerning the application of Articles 4 and 6 of the Convention. It requests the Government in its next report to supply information with respect to the following points:

Article 1, paragraphs 1 and 3, of the Convention. The Committee notes that no new substance has been added to the list of carcinogenic substances contained in Instruction No. 2 of 1984 concerning protection from carcinogenic substances. It requests the Government to keep it informed of any measures taken to review this list periodically and to prohibit the use of or make subject to authorisation determined carcinogenic substances and agents, in the light of the latest available information contained in the guides established by the ILO and any other competent bodies. In this connection, it would draw the Government's attention to the Asbestos Convention, 1986 (No. 162), which provides for the prohibition of the use of crocidolite and spraying of all types of asbestos.

Article 3. Please indicate if an appropriate system of records in respect of exposed workers has been established, as no reply was given to this point.

Article 5. In its report received in April 1987, the Government states that Instruction No. 2 of 1984 does not provide for medical examinations after employment. In its last report, it refers to Chapter V of Instruction No. 3 of 1985 concerning occupational safety. The Committee notes that section I, 22, of this chapter provides for preliminary, periodic and special medical examinations of workers concerned. Please indicate the measures taken or envisaged to ensure that workers who have been exposed to carcinogenic substances continue to benefit from medical examination after their employment, in accordance with this Article of the Convention.

Point IV of the report form. The Committee again requests the Government to supply information on the application in practice of the Convention, as called for under this point.