Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2015, published 105th ILC session (2016)

Asbestos Convention, 1986 (No. 162) - Japan (Ratification: 2005)

Articles 19 and 21 of the Convention. Prevention of pollution of the general environment by asbestos dust released from the workplace. The Committee previously noted the observations of the Japan Trade Union Confederation JTUC–RENGO concerning adverse health effects on workers who worked at workplaces adjacent to asbestos-contaminated sites, specifically postmen going in and out of such sites. It requested the Government to indicate measures taken, by employers and the competent authority, to ensure the application of Article 19 in that regard.

The Committee notes the Government’s statement that the Air Pollution Control Act applies to demolition, renovation and repair, and refers to the amendments to that Act that require the duty holder to provide notification with respect to activities and undertakings for buildings where asbestos was used. Noting the broad application of the Convention in relation to all activities involving the exposure of workers to asbestos in the course of their work, the Committee requests the Government to provide information on how such workers who have been exposed to asbestos are provided with such medical examinations as are necessary to supervise their health in relation to the occupational hazard, and to diagnose occupational diseases caused by exposure to asbestos. In this regard, the Committee requests the Government to provide information on whether the Asbestos Health Damage Relief Act would be applicable to workers who may have been exposed working adjacent to asbestos contaminated sites.