Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2010, published 100th ILC session (2011)

White Lead (Painting) Convention, 1921 (No. 13) - Côte d'Ivoire (Ratification: 1960)

Article 3(1) of the Convention. Prohibition of the employment of young persons under 18 years of age and women in any painting work of an industrial character involving the use of white lead or sulphate of lead. In its previous comments, the Committee noted the Government’s indication that the Labour Code prohibits the use of white lead, sulphate of lead or leaded linseed oil in painting work in construction (section 4 D 431). The Committee recalled that the prohibition laid down in Article 3(1) applies to all sectors which engage in industrial painting work, and not only building work. The Committee also requested the Government to take the necessary measures to ensure that young persons under 18 years of age and women are not employed in any painting work of an industrial character involving the use of white lead or sulphate of lead or other products containing these pigments, in accordance with this Article of the Convention. The Committee notes that, according to the Government’s report, measures will be taken to extend the law to all sectors which engage in industrial painting work, and not only in building work, and that the law will be amended to prohibit the employment of young persons under 18 years of age and women in any painting work of an industrial character involving the use of white lead, sulphate of lead or other products containing this pigment. The Committee recalls that it has been referring to this matter for many years. The Committee therefore urges the Government to take the necessary measures to bring its legislation into conformity with the Convention and to provide more concrete information on the amendment of the law. Pending the adoption of the amendments announced, the Committee requests the Government to take practical steps without delay to ensure that young persons under 18 years of age and women are not employed in the work mentioned and to provide information in that regard.

Plan of Action (2010–16). The Committee would like to take this opportunity to inform the Government that, in March 2010, the Governing Body adopted a plan of action to achieve widespread ratification and effective implementation of the key instruments in the area of occupational safety and health (OSH), the Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155), its 2002 Protocol, and the Promotional Framework for Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 2006 (No. 187) (document GB.307/10/2(Rev.)). The Committee would like to bring to the Government’s attention that, under this plan of action, the Office is available to provide assistance to governments, as appropriate, to bring their national law and practice into conformity with these key OSH Conventions in order to promote their ratification and effective implementation. The Committee invites the Government to provide information on any needs it may have in this respect.