Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1998, published 87th ILC session (1999)

Occupational Cancer Convention, 1974 (No. 139) - Ireland (Ratification: 1995)

The Committee notes the information supplied in the Government's first report. It would welcome additional information on the following points:

Article 1, paragraph 1, of the Convention. The Committee notes the lists of substances, included as Appendix A and B to the Guidelines to the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Carcinogens) Regulations of 1993, which, because of their chemical, toxic or physical nature, may cause a risk to health. It also notes that the National Health and Safety Authority will update these lists on an annual basis. Finally, it notes the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Control of Specific Substances and Activities) Regulations of 1991. The Committee would be grateful, if the Government would supply, with its next report, copies of these Regulations for further examination.

Article 5. The Committee notes that Regulation 12, paragraph 1, of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Carcinogens) Regulations of 1993 requires an appropriate health surveillance of workers exposed to carcinogenic substances. It also notes the explanation given by the Guidelines to these Regulations, according to which health surveillance may include a medical examination. Depending on the carcinogen to which the worker is exposed, it can include self-examination or questionnaires, record-keeping, biological monitoring and medical examination. The Committee would point out that Article 5 of the Convention calls in particular for medical examinations or biological or other tests or investigations during the period of employment and thereafter as are necessary to evaluate their exposure and supervise their state of health. The Committee would therefore request the Government to indicate, in its next report, whether the medical examinations provided for in Regulation 12, paragraph 1, of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Carcinogens) Regulations are obligatory. It would also ask the Government to supply information on the frequency of these medical examinations.