Observation (CEACR) - adopted 1993, published 80th ILC session (1993)

Benzene Convention, 1971 (No. 136) - Morocco (Ratification: 1974)

In observations it has been making since 1989, the Committee noted that the regulations part of the draft Labour Code contained provisions to give effect to certain provisions of the Convention on which it had been commenting since 1977. It noted, however, that the draft did not contain provisions to give effect to Article 3 of the Convention (consultation of the most representative employers' and workers' organizations concerning the granting of temporary exemptions by labour inspectors under section 502 of the draft regulations) or Article 8, paragraph 1 (adequate means of personal protection against the risk of absorbing benzene through the skin for workers who may have skin contact with liquid benzene or products containing benzene). The Committee notes the indication in the Government's latest report that the Ministry of Employment has recently drafted a Bill to take account of its comments. In its report, the Government indicates the measures envisaged in the Bill to ensure application of certain Articles of the Convention. The Government refers to a provision under which workers who may be exposed to benzene vapour shall be supplied with adequate means of personal protection, but does not indicate the measures taken or contemplated in respect of the points raised on Articles 3 and 8 of the Convention. The Committee once again expresses the hope that the legislation envisaged to give effect to the Convention will be amended to take account of its comments and that it will be adopted in the very near future.