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

Radiation Protection Convention, 1960 (No. 115) - Paraguay (Ratification: 1967)

General observation of 2015. The Committee would like to draw the Government’s attention to its general observation of 2015 under this Convention, and in particular to the request for information contained in paragraph 30 thereof.

Article 14 of the Convention. Discontinuation of assignment to work involving exposure to ionizing radiation pursuant to medical advice and alternative employment. The Committee notes the Government’s indication in its report that the application of this Article of the Convention is reflected in the diagnostic services and treatment afforded to pregnant workers who are subjected to occupational exposure, and in the measures adopted to protect the foetus from ionizing radiation or, if applicable, to transfer pregnant women from their posts without affecting their income during pregnancy. The Committee reminds the Government that, in accordance with this Article, it must take all necessary measures to ensure that workers are not employed or do not continue to be employed in work that may expose them to ionizing radiation where this is inadvisable for medical reasons. These measures must apply to all workers, not just to pregnant women. Furthermore, the Committee wishes to draw the Government’s attention to paragraph 40 of its general observation of 2015, according to which employers should make all reasonable efforts to provide workers with suitable alternative employment in circumstances for which it has been determined that workers, for health reasons, may no longer continue in employment in which they are, or could be, subject to occupational exposure. The Committee once again requests the Government to take measures to ensure that no workers shall be employed, or shall continue to be employed, in work that may expose them to ionizing radiation contrary to qualified medical advice. The Committee also invites the Government to provide information on any measures taken or envisaged regarding offers of alternative employment to such workers.

Application in practice. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that it will continue to provide information on the application of the Convention in practice but notes that the Government has not replied to its request of 2009. The Committee once again requests the Government to provide information on the application of the Convention in practice, including information on the number of workers covered by the Convention and the number and nature of reported violations.