Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1990, published 77th ILC session (1990)

Working Environment (Air Pollution, Noise and Vibration) Convention, 1977 (No. 148) - Costa Rica (Ratification: 1981)

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.