Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2016, published 106th ILC session (2017)

Occupational Cancer Convention, 1974 (No. 139) - Egypt (Ratification: 1982)

Article 2(2) of the Convention. Reduction of the number of workers exposed. In its previous comments, the Committee requested the Government to provide information on the measures taken to ensure that the number of workers exposed to carcinogenic substances or agents are reduced to the minimum level compatible with safety. The Committee notes that the information provided by the Government in its report, concerning sections 217(b), 224(a) and 256 of the Labour Code (No. 12 of 2003) and section 36 of Ministerial Order No. 211 of 2003, does not reply to its request. In this respect, it draws the Government’s attention to the guidance contained in Paragraphs 2 to 4 of the Occupational Cancer Recommendation, 1974 (No. 147). The Committee therefore once again requests the Government to provide information on the measures taken or envisaged to ensure that the number of workers exposed to carcinogenic substances or agents is reduced to the minimum compatible with safety.

Article 4. Provision of information to workers. With reference to its previous comments, the Committee notes the Government’s indication that it takes the necessary measures to make workers aware of the inherent dangers at work and provides them with the necessary information regarding the performance of their duties, the nature of the work and possible exposure to occupational diseases resulting from a specific occupation, in addition to methods of prevention. It also notes that the Government again refers to section 217 of the Labour Code under which occupational safety and health (OSH) inspectors inform workers of the risks of the occupation, and the need to use the specified means of protection. The Committee requests the Government to specify whether employers, as well as OSH inspectors, are required to provide information to workers who are likely to be exposed to carcinogenic substances or agents.

Application in practice. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that the Convention is applied through the periodic medical examination of workers who are exposed to occupational risks, as provided in the schedules relating to occupational diseases, occupational exposure and the frequency of medical examinations, and through the verification by occupational safety and health inspectors that such examinations are carried out. The Committee requests the Government to provide further information on the application in practice of the Convention, including relevant extracts from inspection reports.