Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2015, published 105th ILC session (2016)

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

The Committee notes the observations of the General Union of Workers of Cameroon (UGTC), received on 25 September 2015. The Committee requests the Government to provide its comments in this regard.

Legislation. Technical assistance. The Committee notes that, in its report, the Government reiterates the information provided in 2013 on the laws, regulations, collective agreements and other documents, which, in its view, give effect to most of the Articles of the Convention. It also notes the Government’s indication that, although there is no specific text on asbestos, section 45 of Act No. 96/06 of 18 January 1996 issuing the Constitution of the Republic of Cameroon, provides that ratified international treaties and agreements take precedence over national laws. In this respect, the Committee recalls that most of the provisions of Convention No. 162 are not directly applicable and require States that ratify it to take the necessary measures to bring their national law and practice into conformity with the Convention. The Committee also notes the Government’s indication that it would be useful to receive technical assistance to strengthen the capacities of its staff with regard to asbestos and the application of the Convention. The Committee once again requests the Government to take the necessary steps to adopt legislation that gives full effect to the Convention. It also hopes that the Office will provide technical assistance, as requested by the Government.

Article 5 of the Convention. Labour inspection. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that the labour inspection system is general in nature and that the inspection services carry out controls and issue compliance orders and violation reports in all regions of the country. However, referring to its previous comments, the Committee notes that no information has been provided on labour inspection on asbestos, particularly in terms of the training of labour inspectors in this area. The Committee therefore once again requests the Government to take the necessary measures so that labour inspectors receive suitable training that enables them to conduct efficient inspections with regard to asbestos, and to provide information on any progress made in this respect.

Application in practice. Referring to its previous comments, the Committee notes the Government’s indication that it has no information on the application of the Convention or statistics, due to the lack of training of labour inspectors and doctors on asbestos-related issues. It also notes that the Government has not provided the requested information on the role of safety and health committees in relation to the application of the Convention. The Committee requests the Government to take the necessary measures to ensure that it will soon be able to provide up-to-date information on the application in practice of the Convention, including relevant statistical information. It also once again requests the Government to provide information on the role of the safety and health committees in relation to the application of the Convention.