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

Asbestos Convention, 1986 (No. 162) - Cameroon (Ratification: 1989)

The Committee notes with interest the information provided by the Government in its brief report indicating that Order No. 051 on diseases caused by exposure to asbestos was adopted on 22 September 2009. The Committee also notes that the Government has yet again not responded to its previous comments or to the communications by the General Confederation of Labour–Liberty of Cameroon (CGT–Liberté), transmitted to the Government on 8 November 2005. The Committee further notes that the Government has reiterated its interest for technical assistance from the ILO to ensure application of this Convention. Noting that effect does not appear to have been given to the majority of the provisions of the Convention, the Committee invites the Government to make a formal request to the Office for technical assistance in the development of legislation to give effect to the provisions of this Convention, and regarding the reporting obligations associated with ratification of ILO Conventions. The Committee also asks the Government to provide a detailed report on the application of each provision of this Convention, in law and in practice, and to include a copy of the abovementioned Order No. 051.

Part V of the report form. Application in practice. The Committee notes that the CGT–Liberté has indicated that, while asbestos is not produced in the country, it has been used to create firewalls in certain buildings and there is a general lack of awareness of the dangers related thereto. The Committee asks the Government to give a general appreciation of the manner in which the Convention is applied in the country, and to attach extracts from inspection reports and, where such statistics exist, information on the number of workers covered by the legislation, the number and nature of the contraventions reported, and the number, nature and cause of accidents and occupational diseases reported.

[The Government is asked to report in detail in 2012.]