Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2010, published 100th ILC session (2011)

White Lead (Painting) Convention, 1921 (No. 13) - Cameroon (Ratification: 1960)

The Committee notes the information provided by the Government in its latest report indicating that no changes have been made with regard to the application of the Convention during the reporting period. The Committee notes, however, that the Government previously indicated that the National Occupational Safety and Health Committee could in the future, through technical assistance from the ILO, draw up a document regulating the use of products containing white lead and its compounds. The Committee asks the Government to indicate whether a formal request for technical assistance has been made to the Office, and to continue to provide information on legislative measures taken with regard to the Convention.

Article 3 of the Convention. Employment of males under 18 years of age and of all females. The Committee notes the information provided in one of the Government’s previous reports, indicating that Order No. 17/MTLS/DEGRE of 27 May 1969 prohibits the employment of children under 18 years of age and women. Referring to comments previously made on the application of the Convention, the Committee asks the Government to indicate whether Order No. 6676 of 15 October 1956, which prohibits the employment of young persons under 18 years of age and women in painting work of an industrial nature involving the use of white lead and lead compounds, is still in effect. The Committee also asks the Government to submit a copy of Order No. 17/MTLS/DEGRE of 27 May 1969.

Article 5. Regulating the use of white lead. The Committee notes the information provided by the Government in one of its previous reports in which it indicated that sections 95, 96 and 97 of the Labour Code ensures the health and safety of workers, as required under this Article of the Convention. Noting that the provisions of the abovementioned sections of the Labour Code do not specifically address each of the requirements under Article 5 of the Convention, the Committee asks the Government to indicate measures in law and in practice to ensure that effect is given to these requirements.

Article 7. Statistics as to morbidity and mortality. The Committee notes that, despite numerous requests for information on statistics available with regard to lead poisoning among working painters, the Government has omitted to provide such information in its reports. The Committee therefore reiterates its request to the Government to provide statistics concerning cases of morbidity and mortality due to lead poisoning, in accordance with Article 7 of the Convention; and to provide full information on the action taken for the compilation of such statistics.