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

Occupational Cancer Convention, 1974 (No. 139) - Hungary (Ratification: 1975)

The Committee notes the information provided in the Government's report. It also notes the comments by the National Federation of Autonomous Trade Unions on the application of the Convention.

Article 1, paragraphs 1 and 3, and Article 2 of the Convention. The Committee notes that draft decrees regulating the procedure related to hazardous substances and preparations (based on EEC Directives Nos. 67/548 and 88/379) to replace Decrees No. 26/1985 (V.11.) MT and 16/1988 (XX.22.) SZEM, as well as a decree on the prevention of hazards related to carcinogenic substances (based on EEC Directive No. 90/394) are under consideration. It notes that an up-to-date list of carcinogenic substances as well as measures aiming at the reduction of the number of exposed workers, the duration and degree of exposure, would be included in the new provisions. The Committee requests the Government to provide a copy of the new texts, when adopted.

Article 3. The Committee notes the comments by the National Federation of Autonomous Trade Unions that there exists no register on occupational cancer. Noting the Government's statement that the possibility of introducing such a register is envisaged in the framework of the adoption of the new provisions, the Committee hopes that the Government will ensure the establishment of an appropriate system of records, in conformity with this Article of the Convention. It requests the Government to provide information on measures taken or envisaged to this end.

Articles 5 and 6(a). Further to its previous comments, the Committee notes the Government's indication that the modifications to Decree No. 4/1981 (III.3.1.) EüM on "medical examination and report on occupational fitness" have come into force and that the new provisions provide for preliminary and periodical examinations as well as for a final compulsory examination for persons having worked with carcinogenic substances (after four years' exposure to benzene or ionizing radiation, after ten years for other substances). The Committee also notes that recommendations on the type of periodical and final examination will be included in the planned methodological guidelines. The Committee requests the Government to provide a copy of the decree and of the methodological guidelines. Referring also to Article 6(a) of the Convention, the Committee requests the Government to provide information on the consultations held with the most representative organizations of employers and workers concerned.

[The Government is asked to report in detail in 1999.]