White Lead (Painting) Convention, 1921 (No. 13) - Cambodia (Ratification: 1969)

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2023, published 112nd ILC session (2024)

Previous comment

Application of the Convention in law and in practice. Following its previous comment, the Committee notes the Government’s reference to the development of the Guideline on Chemical Safety in Workplaces, the draft Law on Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) and the third OSH master plan 2023-2027, developed with the technical assistance of the ILO. However, the Committee notes with regret that the Government does not provide any information on provisions prohibiting the use of white lead, in accordance with the Convention. The Committee once again requests the Government to take the necessary measures to give full effect to the Convention in law by prohibiting the use of white lead and sulphate of lead and of all products containing these pigments in the internal painting of buildings, and to provide information on any progress made in this regard. It also requests the Government to provide information on the use of white lead in the country in practice, including any preventive and protective measures undertaken.

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

Application of the Convention in law and in practice. The Committee notes that the Government indicates in its report that the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DoSH) of the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training has developed 25 regulations concerning environmental safety and health at work and four regulations concerning construction safety, but that the Government does not provide information on any provision concerning the prohibition or the regulation of the use of white lead, in accordance with the Convention. The Committee also notes the information regarding the training workshop on chemical safety and management, conducted by the DoSH in collaboration with the ILO Better Factories Cambodia (BFC) programme, which was aimed at providing the 32 participating inspectors and BFC monitors with an overview of hazardous chemicals and their management in workplaces, including white lead. It further notes that the DoSH conducted a survey on occupational health problems among workers in the enterprises located in five provinces and the city of Phnom Penh, with the objective of identifying the hazardous chemicals used and the occupational health complaints of workers in each targeted enterprise. The Government further indicates that the DoSH is developing a new OSH Master Plan for 2015–18 which will include hazardous chemicals as a priority point, including white lead, and that technical assistance from the Office would be needed in this regard. The Committee requests the Government to take the necessary measures to give full effect to the Convention in law and to provide information on any progress made in this regard, and to continue to provide information on the measures taken to give effect to the Convention in practice. The Committee invites the Government to make a formal request for technical assistance, with regard to the development of the OSH Master Plan and requests it to provide information in this respect. The Committee also requests the Government to provide information on the outcome of the survey on occupational health problems conducted by the DoSH, particularly with regard to white lead.

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2011, published 101st ILC session (2012)

The Committee notes with interest the information in the Government’s report concerning the signature and publication by the Minister of Labour and Vocational Training of a first Occupational Safety and Health Master Plan 2009–13, including six action areas with concrete strategies and specific targets set. The Committee notes, inter alia, that Action No. 1.6, entitled “Apply ILO OSH standards and prepare for ratification”, targets the Labour Inspection Convention, 1947 (No. 81), the Plantations Convention, 1958 (No. 110), the Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155), the Safety and Health in Construction Convention, 1988 (No. 167), the Safety and Health in Agriculture Convention, 2001 (No. 184), the Promotional Framework for Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 2006 (No. 187), and the ILO Guidelines on occupational safety and health management systems (ILO–OSH 2001). Welcoming these developments, the Committee would like to take this opportunity to inform the Government that, in March 2010, the Governing Body adopted a plan of action to achieve widespread ratification and effective implementation of the key instruments in the area of OSH, Convention No. 155, its 2002 Protocol and Convention No. 187, (document GB.307/10/2(Rev.) 2010–16). The Committee would like to bring to the Government’s attention that under this plan of action, the Office is available to provide assistance to governments, as appropriate, to bring their national law and practice into conformity with these key OSH Conventions in order to promote their ratification and effective implementation. The Committee invites the Government to provide information on any developments regarding the implementation of the Occupational Safety and Health Master Plan 2009–13 and on any needs for assistance it may have in this respect.

Application of the Convention. With reference to its previous comments and the Government’s brief report, the Committee notes the information that while no other action has been taken yet to implement this Convention due to the lack of material and human resources, some training about the effect of the use of white lead has been held with 24 provincial labour inspection officers. With reference to the foregoing and that the Government in its 1994 report indicated that the use of white lead has been very widespread in the country, particularly during the period of reconstruction, the Committee again urges the Government to take appropriate action to give full effect to the Convention and requests the Government to indicate in its next report any progress made in this regard.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2010, published 100th ILC session (2011)

The Committee notes that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous direct request, which read as follows:

The Committee notes the information that a new Labour Code was adopted in 1997, that its sections 229 and 230 contain general provisions on occupational hygiene, sanitation and health and that these provisions are to be further regulated by ministerial order (Prakas). The Committee also notes the reference to Prakas No. 307 concerning occupational safety and health in the garment and shoe industries. While the Committee welcomes this information, which indicates that the Government has initiated the process of regulating occupational safety and health in the country, it also notes that the Government has not yet provided any information on measures taken to give effect to the Convention. With reference to the fact that the Government in its 1994 report indicated that the use of white lead has been very widespread in the country, particularly during the period of reconstruction, and that sections 229–230 of the Labour Code would seem to constitute an appropriate legislative base for giving effect to the Convention through, for example, ministerial orders, the Committee urges the Government to take appropriate action to give full effect to the Convention and requests it to indicate in its next report any progress made in this regard.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2008, published 98th ILC session (2009)

The Committee notes the information that a new Labour Code was adopted in 1997, that its sections 229 and 230 contain general provisions on occupational hygiene, sanitation and health and that these provisions are to be further regulated by ministerial order (Prakas). The Committee also notes the reference to Prakas No. 307 concerning occupational safety and health in the garment and shoe industries. While the Committee welcomes this information, which indicates that the Government has initiated the process of regulating occupational safety and health in the country, it also notes that the Government has not yet provided any information on measures taken to give effect to the Convention. With reference to the fact that the Government in its 1994 report indicated that the use of white lead has been very widespread in the country, particularly during the period of reconstruction, and that sections 229–230 of the Labour Code would seem to constitute an appropriate legislative base for giving effect to the Convention through, for example, ministerial orders, the Committee urges the Government to take appropriate action to give full effect to the Convention and requests it to indicate in its next report any progress made in this regard.

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2007, published 97th ILC session (2008)

The Committee notes with regret that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous direct request, which read as follows:

The Committee notes the Government’s information to the effect that Cambodia does not yet have any legislation regulating the use of white lead or of all types of products containing lead. The Committee also notes the Government’s information to the effect that a revised draft Labour Code is being examined by the National Assembly. Lastly, it notes the Government’s information to the effect that imported products are not subject to controls and that the local products do not appear to contain lead. The Committee nevertheless recalls that in its 1994 report, the Government indicated that the use of white lead was very widespread in the country, particularly during this period of reconstruction. With regard to the draft Labour Code currently before the National Assembly, the Committee recalls the comments made by the ILO concerning the draft Labour Code and expresses the hope that the Government will take the necessary measures to prohibit or regulate the use of white lead within the framework of provisions relating to hygiene and safety of workers (sections 228 to 247 of the draft Labour Code). The Committee hopes therefore that the Government will soon be able to announce the adoption of the draft Labour Code, taking the provisions of the Convention into account. It requests the Government to indicate in its next report any progress made in this regard.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2006, published 96th ILC session (2007)

The Committee regrets that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be provided for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous direct request, which read as follows:

The Committee notes the Government’s information to the effect that Cambodia does not yet have any legislation regulating the use of white lead or of all types of products containing lead. The Committee also notes the Government’s information to the effect that a revised draft Labour Code is being examined by the National Assembly. Lastly, it notes the Government’s information to the effect that imported products are not subject to controls and that the local products do not appear to contain lead. The Committee nevertheless recalls that in its 1994 report, the Government indicated that the use of white lead was very widespread in the country, particularly during this period of reconstruction. With regard to the draft Labour Code currently before the National Assembly, the Committee recalls the comments made by the ILO concerning the draft Labour Code and expresses the hope that the Government will take the necessary measures to prohibit or regulate the use of white lead within the framework of provisions relating to hygiene and safety of workers (sections 228 to 247 of the draft Labour Code). The Committee hopes therefore that the Government will soon be able to announce the adoption of the draft Labour Code, taking the provisions of the Convention into account. It requests the Government to indicate in its next report any progress made in this regard.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2005, published 95th ILC session (2006)

The Committee notes with regret that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous direct request, which read as follows:

The Committee notes the Government’s information to the effect that Cambodia does not yet have any legislation regulating the use of white lead or of all types of products containing lead. The Committee also notes the Government’s information to the effect that a revised draft Labour Code is being examined by the National Assembly. Lastly, it notes the Government’s information to the effect that imported products are not subject to controls and that the local products do not appear to contain lead. The Committee nevertheless recalls that in its 1994 report, the Government indicated that the use of white lead was very widespread in the country, particularly during this period of reconstruction. With regard to the draft Labour Code currently before the National Assembly, the Committee recalls the comments made by the ILO concerning the draft Labour Code and expresses the hope that the Government will take the necessary measures to prohibit or regulate the use of white lead within the framework of provisions relating to hygiene and safety of workers (sections 228 to 247 of the draft Labour Code). The Committee hopes therefore that the Government will soon be able to announce the adoption of the draft Labour Code, taking the provisions of the Convention into account. It requests the Government to indicate in its next report any progress made in this regard.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2004, published 93rd ILC session (2005)

The Committee notes with regret that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous direct request, which read as follows:

The Committee notes the Government’s information to the effect that Cambodia does not yet have any legislation regulating the use of white lead or of all types of products containing lead. The Committee also notes the Government’s information to the effect that a revised draft Labour Code is being examined by the National Assembly. Lastly, it notes the Government’s information to the effect that imported products are not subject to controls and that the local products do not appear to contain lead. The Committee nevertheless recalls that in its 1994 report, the Government indicated that the use of white lead was very widespread in the country, particularly during this period of reconstruction. With regard to the draft Labour Code currently before the National Assembly, the Committee recalls the comments made by the ILO concerning the draft Labour Code and expresses the hope that the Government will take the necessary measures to prohibit or regulate the use of white lead within the framework of provisions relating to hygiene and safety of workers (sections 228 to 247 of the draft Labour Code). The Committee hopes therefore that the Government will soon be able to announce the adoption of the draft Labour Code, taking the provisions of the Convention into account. It requests the Government to indicate in its next report any progress made in this regard.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2003, published 92nd ILC session (2004)

The Committee notes with regret that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous direct request, which read as follows:

The Committee notes the Government’s information to the effect that Cambodia does not yet have any legislation regulating the use of white lead or of all types of products containing lead. The Committee also notes the Government’s information to the effect that a revised draft Labour Code is being examined by the National Assembly. Lastly, it notes the Government’s information to the effect that imported products are not subject to controls and that the local products do not appear to contain lead. The Committee nevertheless recalls that in its 1994 report, the Government indicated that the use of white lead was very widespread in the country, particularly during this period of reconstruction. With regard to the draft Labour Code currently before the National Assembly, the Committee recalls the comments made by the ILO concerning the draft Labour Code and expresses the hope that the Government will take the necessary measures to prohibit or regulate the use of white lead within the framework of provisions relating to hygiene and safety of workers (sections 228 to 247 of the draft Labour Code). The Committee hopes therefore that the Government will soon be able to announce the adoption of the draft Labour Code, taking the provisions of the Convention into account. It requests the Government to indicate in its next report any progress made in this regard.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2002, published 91st ILC session (2003)

The Committee notes with regret that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous direct request, which read as follows:

The Committee notes the Government’s information to the effect that Cambodia does not yet have any legislation regulating the use of white lead or of all types of products containing lead. The Committee also notes the Government’s information to the effect that a revised draft Labour Code is being examined by the National Assembly. Lastly, it notes the Government’s information to the effect that imported products are not subject to controls and that the local products do not appear to contain lead. The Committee nevertheless recalls that in its 1994 report, the Government indicated that the use of white lead was very widespread in the country, particularly during this period of reconstruction. With regard to the draft Labour Code currently before the National Assembly, the Committee recalls the comments made by the ILO concerning the draft Labour Code and expresses the hope that the Government will take the necessary measures to prohibit or regulate the use of white lead within the framework of provisions relating to hygiene and safety of workers (sections 228 to 247 of the draft Labour Code). The Committee hopes therefore that the Government will soon be able to announce the adoption of the draft Labour Code, taking the provisions of the Convention into account. It requests the Government to indicate in its next report any progress made in this regard.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2001, published 90th ILC session (2002)

The Committee notes that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous direct request, which read as follows:

The Committee notes the Government’s information to the effect that Cambodia does not yet have any legislation regulating the use of white lead or of all types of products containing lead. The Committee also notes the Government’s information to the effect that a revised draft Labour Code is being examined by the National Assembly. Lastly, it notes the Government’s information to the effect that imported products are not subject to controls and that the local products do not appear to contain lead. The Committee nevertheless recalls that in its 1994 report, the Government indicated that the use of white lead was very widespread in the country, particularly during this period of reconstruction. With regard to the draft Labour Code currently before the National Assembly, the Committee recalls the comments made by the ILO concerning the draft Labour Code and expresses the hope that the Government will take the necessary measures to prohibit or regulate the use of white lead within the framework of provisions relating to hygiene and safety of workers (sections 228 to 247 of the draft Labour Code). The Committee hopes therefore that the Government will soon be able to announce the adoption of the draft Labour Code, taking the provisions of the Convention into account. It requests the Government to indicate in its next report any progress made in this regard.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1998, published 87th ILC session (1999)

The Committee notes the Government's information to the effect that Cambodia does not yet have any legislation regulating the use of white lead or of all types of products containing lead. The Committee also notes the Government's information to the effect that a revised draft Labour Code is being examined by the National Assembly. Lastly, it notes the Government's information to the effect that imported products are not subject to controls and that the local products do not appear to contain lead. The Committee nevertheless recalls that in its 1994 report, the Government indicated that the use of white lead was very widespread in the country, particularly during this period of reconstruction. With regard to the draft Labour Code currently before the National Assembly, the Committee recalls the comments made by the ILO concerning the draft Labour Code and expresses the hope that the Government will take the necessary measures to prohibit or regulate the use of white lead within the framework of provisions relating to hygiene and safety of workers (sections 228 to 247 of the draft Labour Code). The Committee hopes therefore that the Government will soon be able to announce the adoption of the draft Labour Code, taking the provisions of the Convention into account. It requests the Government to indicate in its next report any progress made in this regard.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1994, published 81st ILC session (1994)

The Committee notes the indication in the Government's report that white lead has been used a great deal in the country recently. The Government further indicates that white lead in painting is used on construction and repair sites, as well as in design workshops.

The Committee notes the indication in the Government's report that there is no legislation regulating the use of white lead in painting and that the newly created Ministry for Social Affairs, Labour and Veterans has not yet been in a position to draft the necessary texts. Finally, it notes that efforts have been made to provide information to workers on the general toxicity of exposure to lead.

The Committee hopes that the Government will be in a position, in the near future, to adopt the measures necessary for the application of the Convention. It requests the Government to indicate, in its next report, the progress made in this regard.