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

Hygiene (Commerce and Offices) Convention, 1964 (No. 120) - New Caledonia

The Committee notes the information supplied by the Government in its report in reply to its previous requests concerning the following Articles of the Convention: Articles 7 (maintenance and cleanliness of premises); 8 (ventilation); 9 (sufficient lighting); 10 (temperature); 11 (layout of workplaces); 12 (sufficient supply of drinking water); 13 (washing and sanitary facilities); 14 (availability of sufficient seating for workers in offices and other workplaces); 15 (suitable facilities for changing, leaving and drying clothing); 17 (protection of workers against obnoxious, unhealthy, toxic or harmful substances, processes and techniques); and 18 (protection against noise and vibrations).

Article 16 of the Convention. Appropriate standards of hygiene in underground or windowless premises. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that New Caledonia has no enterprises that perform underground work and hence the implementation of this Article is not relevant. The Committee recalls that Article 16 of the Convention also applies to windowless premises in which work is normally performed. The Committee requests the Government to indicate whether windowless premises exist where work is normally performed and, if so, to specify the provisions of the national legislation ensuring appropriate standards of hygiene in these premises.

Article 19. Dispensary or first-aid post. The Committee notes the Government’s reference to sections Lp. 263-1 and 263-2 of the Labour Code, according to which employers are required to organize an occupational health service, provided by one or more occupational physicians. The Committee recalls that, under Article 19, every establishment, institution, administrative service or department, having regard to its size and the possible risk, must maintain its own or a joint dispensary or first-aid post, or have one or more first-aid cupboards, boxes or kits. The Committee requests the Government to indicate the manner in which the provision of first aid is ensured in establishments, institutions, administrative services or departments to which the Convention applies.