Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2013, published 103rd ILC session (2014)

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

The Committee notes the Government’s reports received on 1 September 2012 and 11 September 2013, and the observations of 20 September 2013 by the General Union of Workers of Cameroon (UGTC).

Legislation. Technical assistance. The Committee notes the lists of laws, regulations, collective agreements and other documents supplied in the Government’s report. It observes, however, that the legislation does not appear to give effect to the provisions of the Convention and that, according to the Government, there are no texts relating specifically to asbestos. It also notes that, according to the 2012 report, following the amendment of the Labour Code, occupational safety and health measures will incorporate asbestos-related hazards and that a text issued by the Ministry of Labour and Social Security will establish procedures for implementation, following consultation with the social partners. Lastly, the Committee notes the information that various forms of support from the Office will be essential to enable the Government to set up a specific framework to give effect to the provisions of the Convention. The request for technical assistance has the support of the UGTC. The Committee urges the Government to take the necessary steps to adopt laws and regulations that give full effect to the Convention. It accordingly invites the Government to submit an official request for technical assistance to the Office. It asks the Government to provide information on progress made in this regard.

Article 5. Labour inspection. The Committee notes that, according to the Government, labour inspectors receive basic training which is general in nature and they have not as yet received specific training on asbestos. It further notes that, according to the UGTC, labour inspectors are neither trained nor equipped in this regard. The Committee requests the Government to take the necessary steps to ensure that inspectors receive suitable training to enable them to conduct effective inspections in this area.

Part V of the report form. Application in practice. In response to the communications of the UGTC in 2005 emphasizing that, although asbestos is not produced in the country, it has been used in the construction of firewalls in certain buildings and that there is a general lack of awareness among workers of the related dangers, the Government refers to the lack of training of labour inspectors, the lack of relevant statistics and the fact that the National Labour Observatory has not as yet been equipped to manage information of this kind. The union indicates that, for all these reasons, a problem of this kind could well have escaped the Government’s notice. The report adds that the Government has focused on the establishment of safety and health committees in all high-risk enterprises, so that they have in-house bodies responsible for safety in general and for the safety of workers. The Committee hopes that the Government will shortly be in a position to provide up-to-date information on the application of the Convention in practice, including relevant statistical information. It also asks the Government to supply further information on the role of the safety and health committees in relation to application of the Convention.