Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2018, published 108th ILC session (2019)

Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155) - Central African Republic (Ratification: 2006)

Articles 4, 5 and 8 of the Convention. National policy. Spheres of action. Further to its previous comments, the Committee notes that the Government reiterates in its report that the Directorate of Occupational Medicine has launched a project on the national policy on occupational health and safety (OSH). While taking due note of this information, the Committee requests the Government to take the necessary measures to formulate, implement and periodically review a coherent national policy on OSH and the working environment, in consultation with the most representative organizations of employers and workers, and to take such steps as may be necessary, by laws or regulations, to give effect to this policy, in accordance with Articles 4, 5 and 8 of the Convention.

Article 7. Periodic review of the situation regarding OSH and the working environment. Further to its previous comments, the Committee notes that the Government reiterates that the situation regarding OSH and the working environment is not reviewed neither systematically nor at appropriate intervals, due to a lack of material, human and financial resources. While noting the Government’s indications concerning the lack of resources, the Committee requests the Government to take the necessary measures to ensure that the situation regarding OSH and the working environment is subject to an overall review at appropriate intervals.

Articles 13 and 19(f). Situation of imminent and serious danger to life or health. Further to its previous comments, the Committee notes that the Government’s report does not contain information on: (a) the measures taken or envisaged to ensure that any worker who has removed himself from a work situation which he has reasonable justification to believe presents an imminent and serious danger to his life or health shall be protected from undue consequences of such an action, in accordance with Article 13 of the Convention; and (b) the arrangements that have been made to ensure that an employer cannot require workers to return to a work situation where there is continuing imminent and serious danger to life or health, in accordance with Article 19(f) of the Convention. The Committee requests the Government to take the necessary measures to give effect to Articles 13 and 19(f) of the Convention.

The Committee is raising other matters in a request addressed directly to the Government.