Observation (CEACR) - adopted 1997, published 86th ILC session (1998)

Occupational Cancer Convention, 1974 (No. 139) - Guyana (Ratification: 1983)

Further to its previous comments the Committee notes the Government's information in its report that, following ILO assistance and consultation with relevant agencies and persons, a final version of the draft Occupational Safety and Health Act is being prepared for submission to Parliament. The Committee hopes that the Government will soon be in a position to report on the adoption of the Act and on progress in the application of the Convention, in particular with regard to the following specific requirements of the Convention:

-- the determination of carcinogenic substances or agents to which occupational exposure is prohibited or made subject to authorization or control, Article 1 of the Convention;

-- the replacement of carcinogenic substances and agents by less harmful substances or agents, and the reduction to the minimum of the number of workers exposed and the level and duration of exposure, Article 2;

-- the protection of workers against the risks of exposure and establishment of an appropriate system of records, Article 3;

-- the information to be provided to workers on the dangers involved and the measures to be taken, Article 4; and

-- medical examinations and biological and other tests and investigations for exposed workers, Article 5.

The Committee hopes that the Government will also provide information on the measures taken to ensure, in conformity with Article 6(a) of the Convention, that the necessary steps to apply the Convention are taken in consultation with the most representative organizations of employers and workers concerned.