Observation (CEACR) - adopted 1995, published 82nd ILC session (1995)

Occupational Cancer Convention, 1974 (No. 139) - Guyana (Ratification: 1983)

1. In comments it has been making since 1988, the Committee noted that only ionizing radiations from medical and dental use had been subject to control, and that no other carcinogenic substance had been prohibited or made subject to control. The Government indicated in 1988 that the occupational health and safety sector of the Ministry of Labour was being restructured, that consultations were taking place on a repeal and re-enactment of the Factories Act and that with the completion of this exercise it was hoped that other areas of occupational exposure would be covered by control and supervision. In 1992, no progress had been made, and the Committee notes the Government's indication in its latest report that it regretted no action was taken to put in place the requirements of the Convention; however, a national meeting was to be held in December 1993 to look at all aspects of occupational safety and health in the country.

The Committee hopes that the Government will soon be in a position to report progress in the application of the Convention, particularly with reference to the following specific requirements of the Convention:

-- the determination of carcinogenic substances or agents to which occupational exposure is prohibited or made subject to authorization and control, Article 1 of the Convention;

-- the replacement of carcinogenic substances and agents by less harmful substances or agents, and the reduction to the minimum of the number of workers exposed and the level and duration of exposure, Article 2 of the Convention; on this point, the Committee also refers to its general observation of 1992 under the Convention;

-- the protection of workers against the risks of exposure and establishment of an appropriate system of record, Article 3 of the Convention;

-- the information to be provided to workers on the dangers involved and the measures to be taken, Article 4 of the Convention; and

-- medical examinations and biological and other tests and investigations for exposed workers, Article 5 of the Convention.

The Committee also hopes that the Government will supply information on the structure of the December 1993 meeting, particularly with regard to the participation of representatives of employers' and workers' organizations in the meeting, and on any further measures taken to ensure, in conformity with Article 6(a) of the Convention, that the necessary steps to apply the convention are taken in consultation with the most representative organizations of workers and employers.

2. The Committee previously referred to additional measures to be taken in respect of ionizing radiations for medical and dental use to give effect to Article 1 (paragraph 3) and Article 5 of the Convention. In the absence of further information on this matter, it again expresses the hope that the Government will report progress made in applying the revised versions of the United Kingdom Codes of Practice in this field, and in ensuring that workers shall be provided with medical examinations during the period of their employment and thereafter to evaluate their exposure and the state of their health in relation to occupational hazards.