Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2004, published 93rd ILC session (2005)

White Lead (Painting) Convention, 1921 (No. 13) - Latvia (Ratification: 1924)

The Committee takes note of the Government’s comprehensive report. It notes in particular the information supplied by the Government with regard to Article 2 and Article 5 of the Convention. The Committee also notes the number of regulations adopted to enhance the application of the Convention. With reference to its previous comments, the Committee would draw the Government’s attention to the following point.

Article 7, in conjunction with Part V of the report form. Statistics and practical application. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that each case of work-related lead intoxication shall be investigated and registered in the national Register of Occupational Diseases of the Republic of Latvia as a case of occupational disease and included in the list of occupational diseases, and every case of death due to lead poisoning at the workplace shall be registered as an occupational accident. The Government specifies that in the event of the discovery of a case of lead poisoning, the Consultative Commission of the Doctors in Occupational Diseases, upon the request of the family doctor, shall examine the poisoned person to determine whether the illness is profession related and to diagnose the possible occupational disease in line with the Cabinet of Ministers Regulation No. 119 concerning the List of occupational diseases of 31 March 1998. With regard to the cases of lead poisoning detected until 31 December 2003, the Government indicates that the total number of diagnosed cases of occupational lead poisoning is 212, and that between 1 July 2001 and 31 December 2003, 52 cases of chronic diseases due to lead poisoning have been stated in occupations where lead was not used for painting purposes. The Committee therefore requests the Government to specify the work other than painting work where lead has been used. It further requests the Government to indicate the measures taken or envisaged, particularly in the framework of the Cabinet of Ministers Regulation No. 399 concerning labour protection requirements when in contact with chemical substances at workplaces, of 3 September 2002, articles 20 to 25 of which more specifically provide for measures of risk elimination and reduction of risks caused by chemical substances and products, in order to reduce the use of lead in operations for which their use is not prohibited. The Committee finally invites the Government to continue to supply information on the practical application of this Convention in the country.