Asbestos Convention, 1986 (No. 162) - North Macedonia (Ratification: 1991)

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2023, published 112nd ILC session (2024)

Previous comments: C.13, C.119, C.136, C.139, C.148, C.155, C.161, C.162 and C.187

In order to provide a comprehensive view of the issues relating to the application of the ratified Conventions on Occupational Safety and Health (OSH), the Committee considers it appropriate to examine Conventions Nos 13 (white lead), 45 (underground work (women)), 119 (guarding of machinery) 136 (benzene), 139 (occupational cancer), 148 (air pollution, noise and vibration), 155 (OSH), 161 (occupational health services), 162 (asbestos) and 187 (promotional framework for OSH) together.

Legislative developments and application in practice of Conventions Nos 13, 119, 136, 139, 148, 155, 161, 162 and 187. The Committee notes the information provided by the Government on the recent legislative measures taken in consultation with the employers’ and workers’ organizations, including the amendment or adoption of new Rulebooks on safety and health. It also notes the Government’s indication that consultations have been held with government institutions, employers’ and workers’ organizations, as well as OSH experts, for the drafting of a new regulation on occupational safety and health in manual handling of loads, as well as a new law on occupational safety and health. The Committee also notes the information provided by the Government in its report on the number of inspections carried out, violations detected, and sanctions imposed. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information on the application in practice of the ratified Conventions on OSH, including the number, nature and cause of the occupational accidents and diseases notified, as well as information on the inspection activities carried out, including the number of inspections conducted, violations detected, and penalties imposed.

A. General Provisions

Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155) and Promotional Framework for Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 2006 (No. 187)

The Committee notes the information provided by the Government on Article 5(a),(b), (c), (d) and (e),Article 10,Article 11(a), (b), (d) and (f), and Article 14 of Convention No. 155, as well as Article 2(2) and Article 4 of Convention No. 187, which respond to the Committee’s previous requests.

Article 2(3) of Convention No. 187. Ratification of relevant OSH Conventions of the ILO. Further to its previous comments, the Committee notes the information provided by the Government on the initiatives and procedures taken in consultation with employers’ and workers’ organizations for the possible ratification of the Safety and Health in Construction Convention, 1988 (No. 167), the Safety and Health at Work in Mines Convention, 1955 (No. 176) and the Safety and Health in Agriculture Convention, 2001 (No. 184), including the conduct of gap analyses of the legislation in relation to the standards provided for by these Conventions. It also notes the Government’s indication that the discussion on the possible ratification of these Conventions is on the agenda of the next session of the tripartite Economic and Social Council. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information on the consideration given to the ratification of Conventions Nos. 167, 176 and 184, including progress made in this regard. It also requests the Government to provide information on the consultations held in that respect in the Economic and Social Council.

Articles 4, 6, 7 and 15 of Convention No. 155 and Article 3 of Convention No. 187. National policy on OSH. Further to its previous comments, the Committee notes the Government’s indications that, in accordance with section 43(2) of the OSH Law of 2007, the National Council for Safety and Health at Work (OSH Council) examines and makes recommendations on the situation in the field of OSH, the development of OSH laws and regulations, policies to prevent and reduce occupational accidents and diseases and the OSH programme. The Council meets at least three times a year.

The Committee notes the Government’s indications that the Strategies for Safety and Health at Work for 2020 and 2021–25, and its corresponding Action Plans, were prepared in coordination with the OSH Council, as well as with employers’ and workers’ organizations and relevant OSH experts. Implementation of the Strategy for 2020 included the initiation of consultations for the amendment of the OSH Law, training activities on the prevention of occupational risks carried out by the State Labour Inspectorate and various workers’ organizations, awareness-raising activities in the field of OSH carried out by the Institute of Occupational Medicine and university institutions and research activities for the prevention of work-related stress. The review and evaluation process of the OSH Strategy 2020 was carried out within the OSH Council. Several areas for improvement were identified, including mechanisms for the notification of occupational accidents and diseases and the effective implementation of the National Programme for the Elimination of Diseases caused by Asbestos.

The Government indicates that the priorities of the OSH Strategy for 2021–25 include the improvement of the OSH legal framework and the implementation of OSH measures to respond to existing and emerging risks. The OSH Strategy for 2021–25 focuses on risk prevention, awareness-raising and the participation and cooperation of relevant OSH actors, including government institutions, employers’ and workers’ organizations, occupational medicine and educational institutions. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information on the implementation and periodic review of the OSH strategies, in consultation with employers’ and workers’ organizations. In this regard, it requests the Government to indicate the results of these reviews including the main problems identified, the methods for addressing them and the priorities for action established.

Article 11(c) and (e) of Convention No. 155. Establishment and application of procedures for the notification of occupational accidents and diseases and production and publication of annual statistics. Further to its previous comments, the Committee notes that under section 36 of the OSH Law, the employer has the obligation to immediately, and at the latest within 48 hours after the event, notify the labour inspector and the president of the trade union organization of any deaths, collective accidents or injuries at work and of any phenomenon that poses an immediate danger to the safety of workers. The Committee requests the Government to provide further information on the measures taken to progressively carry out the application of procedures for the notification of occupational accidents and diseases by employers, insurance institutions and others directly concerned. It also requests the Government to provide information on the measures taken for the production and publication of annual statistics on occupational accidents and diseases.

Article 12 of Convention No. 155. Obligations for those who design, manufacture, import, provide or transfer machinery, equipment or substances for occupational use. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the measures taken, in law and in practice, to ensure the responsibilities of those who design, manufacture, import, provide or transfer machinery and equipment for occupational use with regard to the safety and security of concerned persons, as required by Article 12 of the Convention.

Article 5. National programme on OSH. Further to its previous comments, the Committee notes the Government’s indications that the Action Plan for the period 2021–23 for the implementation of the OSH Strategy for 2021–25, has been established in consultation with employers and workers organizations. The documents on the OSH Strategy for 2021–25 and its corresponding plan for the period 2021–23 have been distributed to all relevant OSH entities and have been published on the website of the Ministry of Labour and Social Policy. The Committee further notes that the Action Plan establishes the corresponding time frames for each of the activities, the responsible institutions for each of the activities planned, as well as the monitoring indicators. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on any evaluation carried out of the OSH Action Plan for the period 2021–23 in consultation with the social partners, and on how this evaluation contributes to the formulation of the Action Plan for the subsequent period.

Occupational Health Services Convention, 1985 (No. 161)

The Committee notes the information provided by the Government on Article 5 of the Convention on functions of occupational health services, which responds to the Committee’s previous requests.

Article 1(a)(ii) of the Convention. Adaptation of work to the capabilities of workers. Further to its previous comments, the Committee notes that the Government indicates that, among its functions, the Institute of Public Health proposes and applies the criteria for the assessment of workers’ capacity to work required by other regulations. It also notes that under section 20 of the OSH Law of 2007, authorized health institutions are responsible for submitting proposals on safety measures and for consulting on the selection of more suitable work tasks. The Committee requests the Government to provide further information on how the criteria proposed by the Institute of Public Health on the assessment of workers’ capacity to work are taken into account by occupational health services when advising employers, workers and their representatives in undertakings on the adaptation of work to the capabilities of workers in the light of their state of physical and mental health.

Articles 2 and 4. Coherent national policy on occupational health services in consultation with the most representative organizations of employers and workers and measures taken to give effect to the provisions of the Convention. In response to its previous comments, the Committee notes that the Government indicates that (i) representative organizations of employers and workers are consulted in the framework of the tripartite OSH Council and Economic and Social Council; (ii) in accordance with section 43(2) of the OSH Law of 2007, the OSH Council examines, issues opinions and recommendations and continuously reviews the national occupational safety and health strategies and their action plans, as well as the development of OSH laws and regulations; (iii) the review of the implementation of strategic priority No. 2 of the National Strategy for Safety and Health 2021–25 and its Action Plan for Safety and Health at Work 2021–23 concerning the protection of workers’ health highlights the need to improve both public and private occupational health services, in terms of the coverage of occupational health services, the functions they perform, the quality of the services provided and the surveillance of workers’ health; and (iv) under section 23 of the Law on Health Care, the Institute of Public Health, as coordinator of the national Network of Occupational Health, including public and private occupational health services, provides methodological and expert advice to occupational health services. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the measures taken to ensure the effective implementation of the national OSH strategies and their action plans, with respect to occupational health services, including the progress made in addressing the deficiencies identified.

Article 3. Progressive development of occupational health services for all workers. In response to its previous comments, the Committee notes that the Government indicates that work activities excluded from the OSH Law of 2007 are covered by occupational health services provided by different State agencies and ministries including the Ministry of Health, the State Sanitary and Health Inspectorate, the Pension and Disability Committees from the Pension and Disability Insurance Fund and the army headquarters. The Government also indicates that the Institute of Public Health has initiated public health interventions in cooperation with the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Labour and Social Policy to increase the coverage of occupational health services for vulnerable groups of workers, including workers in the informal economy, and adds that there is still a need for further development of occupational health services in order to improve their coverage for all workers in practice, including young workers, older workers, women workers, workers in high-risk sectors such as construction, agriculture, mining and health, as well as workers in small and medium-sized enterprises, migrant workers and workers in the informal economy. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information on the measures taken to ensure the progressive development of occupational health services for all workers in practice.

Articles 7, 9 and 10. Organization and conditions of operation for occupational health services. With reference to its previous comments, the Committee notes that the Government indicates that: (i) occupational health services are an integral part of the country’s healthcare system; (ii) the occupational health network, composed of public and private healthcare facilities, is coordinated by the Institute of Public Health, which has a multidisciplinary approach; (iii) according to the data from the Ministry of Health, there are 52 authorized occupational health facilities with 71 occupational health specialists; (iv) under section 7 of the OSH Law of 2007, occupational health services shall cooperate with the other services in the undertaking; and (v) it is necessary to establish coordination mechanisms between occupational health services and other services with health competencies. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the measures taken to ensure adequate cooperation and co-ordination between occupational health services and, as appropriate, other bodies concerned with the provision of health services.

Article 15. Occupational health services to be informed of any known factors which may affect the health of workers. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the measures taken to ensure that occupational health services are informed of cases of ill health among workers and of absence from work for health reasons, so as to be able to identify whether there is any link between the reasons for ill health or absence and any health risks that may be present in the workplace.

B. Protection against specific risks

White Lead (Painting) Convention, 1921 (No. 13)

Article 5, Part III(a). Notification of cases of lead poisoning. The Committee refers to its comment above on Article 11(c) of Convention No. 155.

Guarding of Machinery Convention, 1963 (No. 119)

The Committee notes the information provided by the Government concerning Articles 12 and 14 of the Convention, which responds to the Committee’s previous request.

Article 1(3) of the Convention. Application of the provisions of the Convention to road and rail vehicles and to mobile agricultural machinery. The Committee once again requests the Government to provide information on any measures taken or envisaged to ensure the effective application of the provisions of the Convention to road and rail vehicles and to mobile agricultural machinery.

Articles 2 and 4. Prohibition of the sale, hire, transfer in any other manner and exhibition of machinery of which the dangerous parts are without appropriate guards. Recalling once more that the objective of Article 2 of the Convention is to guarantee that machines are safe before they are operated or in use, the Committee, once again, requests the Government to provide information on any measures taken or envisaged to ensure that the sale and hire of machinery of which the dangerous parts specified in Article 2(3) and (4) are without appropriate guards shall be prohibited by national laws or regulations or prevented by other equally effective measures.

Article 3(3). Sale or transfer of machinery for storage, scrapping or reconditioning. The Committee, once again, requests the Government to provide information on measures taken or envisaged to give effect to Article 3 of the Convention.

Article 10. Measures establishing the employers’ obligation to bring relevant national legislation to the notice of workers and workers’ instructions. The Committee requests the Government to indicate how employers give notice to workers and instruct them regarding the dangers arising, and the precautions to be observed, in the use of machinery and establish and maintain environmental conditions so as not to endanger workers covered by the Convention.

Benzene Convention, 1971 (No. 136)

Legislation. With reference to its previous comments, the Committee notes the information provided by the Government on the measures giving effect to the Convention set out in the Rulebook on the minimum requirements for safety and health at work for employees from risks related to exposure to carcinogens, mutagens or substances toxic to the reproductive system No. 110 of 2010.

The Committee also notes the information provided by the Government on the measures set out in the Rulebook on the minimum requirements for occupational safety and health of employees from risks related to exposure to chemical substances, published in the Official Gazette No. 46 of 2010. It notes the prohibitions on the production and use of benzene established in Appendix No. 3, as well as the binding limit value for occupational exposure to benzene of 1 ppm established in Appendix No. 1 of this Rulebook. Lastly, it notes the Government’s indication that the State Labour Inspectorate together with the State Sanitary and Health Inspectorate are the authorities competent to supervise the compliance of the Rulebooks. The Committee notes this information which responds to its previous request.

Occupational Cancer Convention, 1974 (No. 139)

The Committee notes the information provided by the Government concerning Article 6(a) and (b) of the Convention on consultations with the most representative organizations of employers and workers concerned and bodies in charge of ensuring compliance with the provisions of the Convention, which responds to the Committee’s previous request.

Article 1(1) of the Convention. Periodic determination of carcinogenic substances and agents to which occupational exposure shall be prohibited or made subject to authorization or control.The Committee requests the Government to indicate the measures taken to ensure that the carcinogenic substances and agents to which occupational exposure shall be prohibited or made subject to authorisation or control is periodically determined taking into account the latest information contained in the codes of practice or guides which may be established by the ILO, as well as information from other competent bodies.

Article 5. Medical examination and health supervision. Further to its previous comments, the Committee notes the Government indications of the requirements related to health examination prior to and during the employment relationship (section 1 of the Decree on the type, method, scope and price list of health examinations of employees No. 60 of 2013).

It also notes the Government’s indication that under section 16(2) of the Rulebook on the minimum requirements for safety and health at work for employees from risks related to exposure to carcinogens, mutagens or substances toxic to the reproductive system of 2010, workers should be provided with information and advice on the subsequent monitoring of health conditions after the end of exposure. It further notes the Government’s indication that medical examinations after termination of employment are not frequently carried out in practice. The Committee once again requests the Government to provide information on the measures adopted to ensure that workers exposed to carcinogenic substances and agents are provided with medical examinations or biological or other tests or investigations after the period of employment, to evaluate and supervise their state of health in relation to occupational hazards, in accordance with Article 5 of the Convention.

Working Environment (Air Pollution, Noise and Vibration) Convention, 1977 (No. 148)

The Committee notes the information provided by the Government, in response to its previous request, on the measures to give effect to Articles 1(2) and (3), 7(2), (1) and (2), 11(3) and 12 of the Convention.

Article 8(3). Criteria for determining the hazards of exposure to air pollution, noise and vibration and exposure limits.The Committee requests the Government to provide information regarding the manner in which it is ensured that criteria and exposure limits are revised regularly in the light of current national and international knowledge and data, taking into account as far as possible any increase in occupational hazards resulting from simultaneous exposure to several harmful factors at the workplace, in accordance with Article 8(3) of the Convention.

Article 12. Notification to the competent authority.The Committee requests the Government to provide information regarding the measures taken or envisaged to give full effect to this provision of the Convention in respect of noise and vibration.

Asbestos Convention, 1986 (No. 162)

Article 3 of the Convention. Protection of workers against health hazards due to occupational exposure to asbestos. With regard to its previous comment on the implementation of the prohibition of asbestos established in the List of Prohibition and Restrictions for Use of Chemicals No. 57 of 2011, the Committee notes the information provided by the Government on the enforcement activities conducted by the State Labour Inspectorate and information and awareness activities carried out. It also notes the information provided by the Government on the difficulties encountered in the implementation of the prohibition of asbestos, including (i) the lack of knowledge and information of employers regarding their obligations in the implementation of the Rulebook on minimum requirements for safety and health of employees from the risks associated with exposure to asbestos at work (including obligations on measurements of asbestos fibres, on the training of employees and issuance of certificates to the employer for competency to work with asbestos materials) and (ii) the number of workers in the informal economy who perform activities with asbestos.

In this regard, the Committee notes the information provided by the Government on the considerable number of workers who work with asbestos comprising employees working in the maintenance and demolition of older buildings built with materials containing asbestos in the storage and transportation of asbestos waste and in the maintenance of household appliances and motor vehicles containing parts of asbestos materials. In this context, the Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information on the implementation of measures to protect workers who may be exposed to asbestos in the course of their work, including with respect to the application of Article 13 (employer’s obligation to notify certain types of work involving exposure to asbestos), Article 15 (obligations regarding the limits for the exposure of workers to asbestos), Article 17 (obligations regarding demolition of plants or structures containing asbestos), Article 18 (obligations regarding workers’ clothing and washing facilities), Article 19 (obligations regarding the disposal of waste containing asbestos) and Article 22(1) (medical examinations; measures when continued assignment to work involving exposure to asbestos is found to be medically inadvisable) of the Convention.

Article 4. Consultations with the most representative organizations of employers and workers concerned regarding the measures to be taken to give effect to the provisions of the Convention. Further to its previous comments, the Committee notes the Government’s indication that during 2018 and 2019, the Institute of Occupational Medicine implemented a campaign to strengthen awareness and capacities to deal with the problem of asbestos at the national, local and enterprise levels, within the framework of the National Programme for the Elimination of Diseases Caused by Asbestos.

The Committee further notes that the OSH Strategy for 2021–25 and the OSH Action Plan for the period 2021–23, which have been developed in consultation with employers’ and workers’ organizations, provide for a number of activities, including the revision of limit values, the identification of risk groups of workers, the implementation of the National Programme for the Elimination of Diseases Caused by Asbestos and the preparation of an awareness-raising campaign on the risk of the harmful effects of asbestos in the working environment for different target groups. Taking due note of these measures, the Committee requests the Government to provide information on the results achieved in the activities concerning the protection of workers’ safety and health from asbestos carried out in the framework of the OSH Strategy for 2021–25 and the OSH Action Plan for the period 2021–23, including information on the implementation of the National Programme for the Elimination of Diseases Caused by Asbestos.

Article 21(5). Notification of occupational diseases. Further to its previous comments, the Committee notes the information provided by the Government on issues related to the non-reporting of asbestos-related occupational diseases, including insufficient information on the number of workers with previous exposure to asbestos and the difficulties with the registration of occupational diseases in the Institute of Public Health.

It notes in this respect that the National Programme for the Elimination of Diseases Caused by Asbestos foresees the creation of a register of workers with current and previous exposure to asbestos and an increase in the number of laboratories to carry out measurements of asbestos concentration in the working environment.

In addition, the Committee notes that the Institute of Occupational Medicine developed a methodology for screening of asbestos-related diseases applicable to current and previous occupational exposure, which was applied in a pilot study in 2018 monitoring the effects of previous asbestos exposure of 110 employees of a former asbestos cement production plant. Noting that the improvement of the registration of occupational diseases is one of the most important courses of action within the National Programme for the Elimination of Diseases Caused by Asbestos and the OSH Strategy for 2021–25, the Committee requests the Government to provide information on the progress made with the registration of asbestos related-diseases of workers with previous and current occupational exposure, as well as on the development of a system of notification of occupational diseases caused by asbestos, in conformity with Article 21(5) of the Convention. It also requests the Government to provide information on the number of cases of occupational diseases caused by asbestos identified through the application of the screening methodology developed and notified to the competent authority.

A. Protection in specific branches of activity

Underground Work (Women) Convention, 1935 (No. 45)

The Committee recalls that the ILO Governing Body (at its 334th Session, October–November 2018), on the recommendation of the Standards Review Mechanism (SRM) Tripartite Working Group, classified Convention No. 45 as an outdated instrument, and has placed an item on the agenda of the 112th Session of the International Labour Conference (2024) concerning its abrogation. The Governing Body also requested the Office to follow-up with member States currently bound by Convention No. 45 to encourage the ratification of up-to-date instruments concerning OSH, including but not limited to the Safety and Health in Mines Convention, 1995 (No. 176), and to undertake a campaign to promote the ratification of Convention No. 176. The Committee therefore encourages the Government to follow up the Governing Body’s decision at its 334th Session (October–November 2018) approving the recommendations of the SRM Tripartite Working Group and to consider ratifying the most up-to-date instruments in this subject area.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2021, published 110th ILC session (2022)

The Committee notes that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that the next report will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous comments.

Repetition

Articles 3(2), 10 and 11 of the Convention. Periodic review in light of technical progress and advances in scientific knowledge and measures to regulate or prohibit the use of asbestos. The Committee takes due note of the Government’s indication in its report that the List of Prohibition and Restrictions for Use of Chemicals (No. 57/2011) (the List) issued in accordance with section 8 of the Law on Chemicals (LC) (No. 145/10) prohibits the marketing, production and use of all types of asbestos, as well as products containing fibres of asbestos (crocidolite, amosite, chrysotile, tremolite, anthophyllite, actinolite), though with certain time-bound exceptions in terms of the use of diaphragms containing chrysotile which are part of the existing installations for electrolysis, reinforced asbestos klingerit, and graphite braids, any products placed on the market before the adoption of the List, and the production, marketing and use of asbestos. The Committee notes that pursuant to the List, these exceptions were allowed until mid-2011 and only on condition that a high level of health protection was ensured. In addition, the Committee takes due note that the Ministry of Health has established the Department for Chemicals which is mandated to register operators performing activities for trade and production of chemicals including asbestos and inspection supervision, in order to fully implement the List and the LC. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the work of the Department for Chemicals with respect to the implementation of the prohibition of asbestos, including any difficulties encountered in that respect.

Article 4. Consultations with the most representative organizations of employers and workers concerned regarding the measures to be taken to give effect to the provisions of the Convention. The Committee notes the Government’s indication, in response to the Committee’s request, that tripartite consultations are organized through professional meetings and coordination by the non-governmental organizations (NGOs). The Committee also notes with interest that the Action Plan for Implementation of the Safety and Health Strategy at Work for 2017–20, available on the website of the Ministry of Labour and Social Policy (MoLSP), which has been developed through the tripartite national OSH council in terms of section 43 of the Law on Safety and Health at Work (LSHW), establishes measures to be undertaken to examine the effects of asbestos including the development of a methodology for disease screening caused by exposure to asbestos. It further notes that the National Asbestos Profile and the National Programme for Eliminating the Asbestos-related Diseases have been adopted through tripartite consultation. It requests the Government to continue to provide information on the manner in which the employers’ and workers’ organizations are consulted for developing the measures taken to give effect to the provisions of the Convention, including consultations within the context of the tripartite national OSH council. It also requests the Government to continue to provide information on the implementation of the National Programme for Eliminating the Asbestos-related Diseases.

Article 6(3). Procedures for dealing with emergency situations. With reference to the aforementioned ban on all types of asbestos and products containing fibres of asbestos, the Committee notes the Government’s indication of sections 17, 25, 26 and 27 of the LSHW concerning general emergency procedures. The Committee further notes that section 15(5) of the Rulebook on minimum requirements of safety and health of employees from the risks related to occupational exposure to asbestos provides that the mandatory training provided to workers must include procedures to be followed in the case of emergencies.

Articles 17(2) and (3), and 19. Demolition workplan. Disposal of waste. The Committee notes the information in the Government’s report, in reply to its previous comments, that the adoption of action plans prepared prior to the initiation of demolition and transfer of materials containing asbestos define the measures to be taken to ensure the safety and health of workers, through the participation of workers, in accordance with section 27(1)(2)(3) of the LSHW which obliges employers to allow employees, union representatives or employee representatives where there is no trade union, and representatives of employees for OSH, to participate in discussions for all OSH-related issues. It further notes that in accordance with section 14 of the Rulebook on minimum requirements of safety and health of employees from the risks related to occupational exposure to asbestos, the plan to be developed before work involving the removal of asbestos or demolition work involving materials containing asbestos must prescribe the necessary measures to ensure safety and health of employees. In accordance with section 13, in the case of demolition, removal or maintenance of buildings with materials containing asbestos, measures must be taken to prevent the spread of asbestos dust. Concerning consultation with workers, section 4 provides that the risks assessment undertaken for any activity likely to involve a risk of exposure to asbestos dust or materials containing asbestos shall be subject to consultation with workers or their representatives. Section 13(2) provides that, in the case of demolition, removal or maintenance of buildings with materials containing asbestos, where the air concentration limit value of asbestos may be exceeded, workers and/or their representatives shall be consulted on the protective measures to be taken. Lastly, with respect to waste disposal, the Committee notes that in accordance with section 8 of the Rulebook, asbestos or building materials containing asbestos shall be stored and transported in a properly sealed package and must be collected and removed from the workplace in properly sealed and labelled containers.

Article 21(3). Workers to be informed of the results of their medical examinations. The Committee notes the Government’s explanation, in reply to its previous request concerning medical examinations during the course of employment, referring to the Regulation on the type, manner, scope and price list of medical examinations for employees, that medical examinations are mandatory for all workers engaged in work involving increased risk of asbestos. The Government indicates that this Regulation makes mandatory medical examinations prior to the commencement of work at a workplace with exposure to asbestos and periodic examinations at a workplace involving exposure to asbestos. The Committee notes that pursuant to this Regulation, it is obligatory to inform workers of reports on their health and work capacity employers are obliged to refer workers to prior and periodic examinations and for doctors to submit the findings, opinions and recommendations based on the examinations.

Article 21(4). Maintenance of income for workers whose health is at risk. With reference to its previous comments, the Committee notes the detailed information in the Government’s report concerning disability compensation and insurance applicable to workers with temporary or permanent inability or disability to work due to occupational exposure to asbestos. It also takes due note of the right of workers concerned with the ability to work to vocational rehabilitation for a full-time job if they are younger than 50 years.

Article 21(5). Notification of occupational diseases. The Committee notes the Government’s statement in its report recognizing the issues regarding the under-reporting of occupational diseases. It therefore takes due note of the Government’s indication that the establishment of a new registration system for occupational diseases had been expected to start in early 2017. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information on the progress made in this regard, including the launch of the new registration system, its implementation, and the impact on the implementation of the Convention with respect to the notification of occupational diseases caused by asbestos.

Application of the Convention in practice. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that the MoLSP and the Ministry of Health are authorized to carry out inspections and submit data to the Institute of Public Health, which has developed standard forms for tracking activities related to exposure to asbestos. The Committee also notes the Government’s indication that the Health and Sanitary Inspection would initiate inspection supervisions by 2016 and collect statistics and produce quarterly reports on the numbers of medical examinations carried out on workers occupationally exposed to asbestos, jobs with a risk of exposure to asbestos and the workers concerned. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information on the application of the Convention in practice, including the number of inspections undertaken focusing on occupational activities with a risk of exposure to asbestos, the number and nature of the contraventions detected, the number of medical examinations carried out on workers occupationally exposed to asbestos and the number of occupational diseases reported as being caused by asbestos.

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

Articles 3(2), 10 and 11 of the Convention. Periodic review in light of technical progress and advances in scientific knowledge and measures to regulate or prohibit the use of asbestos. The Committee takes due note of the Government’s indication in its report that the List of Prohibition and Restrictions for Use of Chemicals (No. 57/2011) (the List) issued in accordance with section 8 of the Law on Chemicals (LC) (No. 145/10) prohibits the marketing, production and use of all types of asbestos, as well as products containing fibres of asbestos (crocidolite, amosite, chrysotile, tremolite, anthophyllite, actinolite), though with certain time-bound exceptions in terms of the use of diaphragms containing chrysotile which are part of the existing installations for electrolysis, reinforced asbestos klingerit, and graphite braids, any products placed on the market before the adoption of the List, and the production, marketing and use of asbestos. The Committee notes that pursuant to the List, these exceptions were allowed until mid-2011 and only on condition that a high level of health protection was ensured. In addition, the Committee takes due note that the Ministry of Health has established the Department for Chemicals which is mandated to register operators performing activities for trade and production of chemicals including asbestos and inspection supervision, in order to fully implement the List and the LC. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the work of the Department for Chemicals with respect to the implementation of the prohibition of asbestos, including any difficulties encountered in that respect.

Article 4. Consultations with the most representative organizations of employers and workers concerned regarding the measures to be taken to give effect to the provisions of the Convention. The Committee notes the Government’s indication, in response to the Committee’s request, that tripartite consultations are organized through professional meetings and coordination by the non-governmental organizations (NGOs). The Committee also notes with interest that the Action Plan for Implementation of the Safety and Health Strategy at Work for 2017–20, available on the website of the Ministry of Labour and Social Policy (MoLSP), which has been developed through the tripartite national OSH council in terms of section 43 of the Law on Safety and Health at Work (LSHW), establishes measures to be undertaken to examine the effects of asbestos including the development of a methodology for disease screening caused by exposure to asbestos. It further notes that the National Asbestos Profile and the National Programme for Eliminating the Asbestos-related Diseases have been adopted through tripartite consultation. It requests the Government to continue to provide information on the manner in which the employers’ and workers’ organizations are consulted for developing the measures taken to give effect to the provisions of the Convention, including consultations within the context of the tripartite national OSH council. It also requests the Government to continue to provide information on the implementation of the National Programme for Eliminating the Asbestos-related Diseases.

Article 6(3). Procedures for dealing with emergency situations. With reference to the aforementioned ban on all types of asbestos and products containing fibres of asbestos, the Committee notes the Government’s indication of sections 17, 25, 26 and 27 of the LSHW concerning general emergency procedures. The Committee further notes that section 15(5) of the Rulebook on minimum requirements of safety and health of employees from the risks related to occupational exposure to asbestos provides that the mandatory training provided to workers must include procedures to be followed in the case of emergencies.

Articles 17(2) and (3), and 19. Demolition workplan. Disposal of waste. The Committee notes the information in the Government’s report, in reply to its previous comments, that the adoption of action plans prepared prior to the initiation of demolition and transfer of materials containing asbestos define the measures to be taken to ensure the safety and health of workers, through the participation of workers, in accordance with section 27(1)(2)(3) of the LSHW which obliges employers to allow employees, union representatives or employee representatives where there is no trade union, and representatives of employees for OSH, to participate in discussions for all OSH-related issues. It further notes that in accordance with section 14 of the Rulebook on minimum requirements of safety and health of employees from the risks related to occupational exposure to asbestos, the plan to be developed before work involving the removal of asbestos or demolition work involving materials containing asbestos must prescribe the necessary measures to ensure safety and health of employees. In accordance with section 13, in the case of demolition, removal or maintenance of buildings with materials containing asbestos, measures must be taken to prevent the spread of asbestos dust. Concerning consultation with workers, section 4 provides that the risks assessment undertaken for any activity likely to involve a risk of exposure to asbestos dust or materials containing asbestos shall be subject to consultation with workers or their representatives. Section 13(2) provides that, in the case of demolition, removal or maintenance of buildings with materials containing asbestos, where the air concentration limit value of asbestos may be exceeded, workers and/or their representatives shall be consulted on the protective measures to be taken. Lastly, with respect to waste disposal, the Committee notes that in accordance with section 8 of the Rulebook, asbestos or building materials containing asbestos shall be stored and transported in a properly sealed package and must be collected and removed from the workplace in properly sealed and labelled containers.

Article 21(3). Workers to be informed of the results of their medical examinations. The Committee notes the Government’s explanation, in reply to its previous request concerning medical examinations during the course of employment, referring to the Regulation on the type, manner, scope and price list of medical examinations for employees, that medical examinations are mandatory for all workers engaged in work involving increased risk of asbestos. The Government indicates that this Regulation makes mandatory medical examinations prior to the commencement of work at a workplace with exposure to asbestos and periodic examinations at a workplace involving exposure to asbestos. The Committee notes that pursuant to this Regulation, it is obligatory to inform workers of reports on their health and work capacity employers are obliged to refer workers to prior and periodic examinations and for doctors to submit the findings, opinions and recommendations based on the examinations.

Article 21(4). Maintenance of income for workers whose health is at risk. With reference to its previous comments, the Committee notes the detailed information in the Government’s report concerning disability compensation and insurance applicable to workers with temporary or permanent inability or disability to work due to occupational exposure to asbestos. It also takes due note of the right of workers concerned with the ability to work to vocational rehabilitation for a full-time job if they are younger than 50 years.

Article 21(5). Notification of occupational diseases. The Committee notes the Government’s statement in its report recognizing the issues regarding the under-reporting of occupational diseases. It therefore takes due note of the Government’s indication that the establishment of a new registration system for occupational diseases had been expected to start in early 2017. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information on the progress made in this regard, including the launch of the new registration system, its implementation, and the impact on the implementation of the Convention with respect to the notification of occupational diseases caused by asbestos.

Application of the Convention in practice. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that the MoLSP and the Ministry of Health are authorized to carry out inspections and submit data to the Institute of Public Health, which has developed standard forms for tracking activities related to exposure to asbestos. The Committee also notes the Government’s indication that the Health and Sanitary Inspection would initiate inspection supervisions by 2016 and collect statistics and produce quarterly reports on the numbers of medical examinations carried out on workers occupationally exposed to asbestos, jobs with a risk of exposure to asbestos and the workers concerned. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information on the application of the Convention in practice, including the number of inspections undertaken focusing on occupational activities with a risk of exposure to asbestos, the number and nature of the contraventions detected, the number of medical examinations carried out on workers occupationally exposed to asbestos and the number of occupational diseases reported as being caused by asbestos.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2014, published 104th ILC session (2015)

Legislation. The Committee notes the adoption of the Law on occupational safety and health (consolidated text No. 53/13 of 2013), the Rulebook on Asbestos (No. 60/2013), the Rulebook on minimal occupational safety and health requirements on temporary and permanent construction sites (No. 105/2008) and the Decree on occupational safety and health network (No. 67/13 of 2013). The Committee requests the Government to provide a copy of these texts, and any texts relevant to the application of the Convention, if possible in one of the working languages of the ILO, and to indicate any provisions therein which would modify the national legislation giving effect to the requirements of the Convention.

Article 6(3) of the Convention. Procedures for dealing with emergency situations. The Committee notes that, in reply to its previous comments regarding the consultation of workers’ representatives in the preparation of procedures for dealing with emergency situations, the Government indicates that employers are obliged, by virtue of sections 26 and 27 of the Law on occupational safety and health to inform workers and their representatives on occupational risks and to consult them on any issues pertaining to safety and health. The Committee requests the Government to indicate whether emergency procedures are also elaborated in cooperation with occupational safety and health services in accordance with Article 6(3) of the Convention.

Articles 10 and 11. Measures to regulate or prohibit the use of asbestos. With reference to its previous comments, the Committee notes that the Government provides no reply on the application in practice of these Articles. The Committee therefore, once again, requests the Government to provide information on measures taken in practice to give effect to Articles 10 and 11 of the Convention with a view to either replacing the use of asbestos or products containing asbestos by harmless or less harmful materials, products or by alternative technology, or totally or partially prohibiting the use of asbestos in certain work processes. It also requests the Government to provide information on how Article 11 of the Convention, which prescribes the prohibition of the use of crocidolite, is applied in practice.

Articles 17(2) and (3), and 19. Demolition workplan. Disposal of waste. The Committee notes the Government’s reference to the Rulebook on minimal requirements of occupational safety and health on temporary and permanent construction sites, according to which an occupational safety and health plan shall be drawn up before construction work starts. In this connection, the Committee wishes to recall that under Article 17 of the Convention, such plan shall be elaborated in consultation with the workers or their representatives and shall include measures to provide all necessary protection to the workers, limit the release of asbestos dust into the air and provide for the disposal of waste containing asbestos, in accordance with Article 19. The Committee once again requests the Government to provide further information on the effect given to these Articles of the Convention.

Article 21(3). Workers to be informed of the results of their medical examinations. The Committee notes the Government’s explanation that information and advice are provided to workers following all medical examinations carried out during their employment in work involving exposure to asbestos. Further noting that such provisions are contained in a new Decree on the type, manner, volume and pricing for preventive examinations, the Committee requests the Government to supply a copy of this text.

Article 21(4). Maintenance of income for workers whose health is at risk. In the absence of the Government’s reply on this point, the Committee reiterates its request for information on the measures taken by the Government to provide workers with other means of maintaining their income when continued assignment to work involving exposure to asbestos is found medically inadvisable, in accordance with this Article of the Convention.

Articles 2(b)–(e), 3(2) and 15(2), 4, 14, 21(5), and 22(1). Definitions. Periodical review of legislation and exposure limits or other exposure criteria in the light of technical progress and advances in scientific knowledge. Consultations with the most representative organizations of employers and workers concerned regarding the measures to be taken to give effect to the provisions of the Convention. Responsibility of producers and suppliers of asbestos and manufacturers and suppliers of products containing asbestos, for adequate labelling. Notification of occupational diseases. Information and education. The Committee notes that the Government has omitted to provide information on these provisions. The Committee requests the Government to indicate the measures taken to give effect to these provisions of the Convention, in law and in practice.

Application of the Convention in practice. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that, in 2013, 2,410 inspection visits were conducted in the construction industry. However, no detail of the findings of these inspections is provided. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the manner in which the Convention is applied in practice in the country and to supply statistical data, where it exists, on the number of workers covered by the legislation, the number and nature of the contraventions reported and the number of occupational diseases reported as being caused by asbestos.

[The Government is asked to reply in detail to the present comments in 2016.]

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2010, published 100th ILC session (2011)

The Committee notes the information provided by the Government in its first report, and the attached translated copy of the regulation concerning protection of workers from exposure to asbestos at work. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information on legislative measures undertaken with regard to the Convention.

Article 6(3) of the Convention. Procedures for dealing with emergency situations. The Committee notes that section 15(5) of the Rulebook on asbestos requires the employer to enable workers to acquire the necessary knowledge and skills in terms of prevention and safety including emergency procedures. The Committee asks the Government to provide further information on the preparation of emergency procedures for work involving exposure to asbestos and to indicate whether such procedures were developed in cooperation with the occupational safety and health services, and in consultation with the workers’ representatives concerned.

Article 17(2) and (3). Demolition workplan. The Committee notes the information indicating that section 14 of the Rulebook on asbestos requires a plan of work to be drawn up before the start of demolition work or work removing asbestos and/or asbestos-containing products from buildings, structures, equipment or installations or from ships. The Committee asks the Government to provide further information on whether employers are required to take into account the provisions of Article 17(2)(b) and (c) in the plan of work for demolition; and whether workers or their representatives are to be consulted on the workplan (Article 17(3)).

Article 20(2) to (4). Keeping of records on the monitoring of the working environment and of the exposure of workers; and providing workers and their representatives with access to these records, and the right to request such monitoring. The Committee notes the information indicating that section 20 of the Rulebook on asbestos requires the employer to enter into a register the workers responsible for carrying out activities involving exposure to asbestos indicating the nature and duration of the activity and the exposure. The Committee asks the Government to specify whether results of sampling are included in this register, and whether workers or their representatives have the right to request the monitoring and to appeal the results.

Article 21(3). Workers to be informed of the results of their medical examinations. The Committee notes the information that under section 19(4) of the Rulebook on asbestos, information and advice must be given to workers regarding any assessment of their health which they may undergo following the end of exposure by an occupational health specialist. The Committee asks the Government to provide further information on measures to ensure that this Article is applied in relation to all medical examinations of workers during their employment in work involving exposure to asbestos.

Article 21(4). Maintenance of income for workers whose health is at risk. The Committee notes that under section 19(2) and (3) of the Rulebook on asbestos, following clinical surveillance, the doctor or authority responsible for medical surveillance should advise on or determine any individual protective or preventive measures to be taken, including, where appropriate, the withdrawal of the worker concerned from all exposure to asbestos. The Committee asks the Government to provide information on the measures taken to provide workers, when continued assignment to work involving exposure to asbestos is found to be medically inadvisable, with other means of maintaining their income.

The Committee also notes that the Government has omitted to provide information on the application of Article 2(b) to (e), Article 3(2), Article 4, Article 14, Article 15(2), Article 19, Article 21(5) and Article 22(1) of the Convention. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the application of these Articles, in law and in practice.

Part V of the report form. Application of the Convention in practice. The Committee notes the information provided by the Government on the application, in law, of a number of the Articles of the Convention. The Committee asks the Government to provide further information on the application of
Article 10(a) and (b) and Article 11(1) in practice. The Committee also asks the Government to give a general appreciation of the manner in which the Convention is applied in the country, and to provide, where such statistics exist, information on the number of workers covered by the legislation, the number and nature of the contraventions reported, and the number, nature and cause of accidents and occupational diseases reported.