Observation (CEACR) - adopted 1992, published 79th ILC session (1992)

Occupational Cancer Convention, 1974 (No. 139) - Finland (Ratification: 1977)

The Committee notes the information provided in the Government's latest report and the comment made by the Central Organisation of Finnish Trade Unions (SAK) and the Confederation of Salaried Employees (TVK) transmitted by the Government. According to the SAK, the current grounds for the registration of workers exposed to carcinogenic substances is insufficient and inspections carried out by the labour protection authorities should be intensified. The Committee notes from the Government's report that a register is kept of persons exposed to carcinogenic substances by virtue of sections 10 and 11 of the Council of State Decision 583/85 concerning protection against the risk of cancer at work. Section 10 of Decision 583/85 further provides that the directorate of worker protection is responsible for ensuring that information concerning carcinogenic substances and the workers exposed to these substances is kept in a register. The Committee recalls that Article 3 of the Convention calls for the establishment of an appropriate system of records in respect of carcinogenic substances and, under Article 6(c), appropriate inspection services shall be provided for the purpose of supervising the application of the Convention. It would point out that Paragraph 15(2) of the Occupational Cancer Recommendation suggests that, in establishing a system of records, account should be taken of the assistance which may be provided by international and national organisations, including organisations of employers and workers. The Committee requests the Government to provide information in its next report concerning the practical application of the Convention as requested under point IV of the report form, in particular as concerns the means for ensuring accurate registration of workers exposed to carcinogenic substances.