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Workmen's Compensation (Occupational Diseases) Convention, 1925 (No. 18) - Armenia (RATIFICATION: 2005)

Compensation in case of occupational accidents and occupational diseases. The Committee takes note of the ongoing elaboration by the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs together with the Central Bank of a draft concept paper for introducing a system of mandatory social insurance against occupational accidents and diseases, which has been discussed with the social partners. In this respect, the Republican Union of Employers of Armenia (RUEA) states that, in the absence of the mandatory insurance scheme, in case of an occupational injury or disease at the workplace, the material liability is fully borne by the employer in accordance with section 234(1) of the Labour Code. The Government’s report under Convention No. 17 further indicates that, in case of temporary disability caused by an occupational accident or disease, a benefit is granted in accordance with the law on temporary disability benefits. Finally, the Committee understands that there are other cases, such as permanent incapacity or death, where the victims of occupational accidents and diseases or their families would receive some benefits from the social security system. In order to better comply with Conventions Nos 17 and 18, the Committee hopes that the Government would be able to introduce the mandatory insurance against occupational injuries and diseases as soon as possible. In the meantime, it once again asks the Government to supply in its next report comprehensive information on the manner in which the existing branches of the social security system give effect to each of the provisions of Conventions Nos 17 and 18. With respect to the existing list of occupational diseases, please explain how it is used in practice to dispense the victims of the need to prove that their disease is occupational in origin.

[The Government is asked to reply in detail to the present comments in 2013.]