Observation (CEACR) - adopted 1991, published 78th ILC session (1991)

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

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.