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

Occupational Cancer Convention, 1974 (No. 139) - Nicaragua (Ratification: 1981)

In earlier comments, the Committee had noted that, apart from some provisions in the Labour Code that prescribe protective measures of a general nature, there are no laws or regulations to apply the provisions of the Convention; in 1987, the Government indicated that special efforts were made to establish standards on the safety measures to be taken to prevent the risks of occupational cancer. The Committee notes with regret that in its latest report, the Government has not supplied any information on the outcome of these efforts, as requested in 1988.

The Committee recalls that measures should be adopted to give effect in particular to the following provisions of the Convention: Article 1 (periodical determination of carcinogenic substances and agents to which occupational exposure must be prohibited or made subject to authorisation or control); Article 2 (replacement of carcinogenic substances and agents by others that are less harmful and reduction of the duration of exposure); Article 3 (special measures of protection against the risks of exposure and establishment of a system of records); Article 5 (medical or biological examinations of the workers concerned during the period of employment and thereafter).

The Committee hopes that standards will be established in accordance with Article 6(a) of the Convention to give effect to these provisions, that they will take account of the most recent information contained in the Codes of Practice and guides established by international bodies including the ILO, and that the Government will soon be in a position to report progress in this regard.