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

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

The Committee notes the observations of the General Confederation of Workers of Guatemala (CGTG), received on 3 September 2014, and the Government’s reply.

Legislative and other measures to give effect to the Convention. The Committee recalls that for many years it has been requesting the Government to adopt the necessary legislative measures to give effect to the Convention. In this regard, the Committee notes the adoption of Government Decision No. 229-2014 issuing the new Regulations on occupational safety and health, and particularly Chapter II on hazardous substances, inflammable or hazardous dusts, gas or vapours. With reference to the draft Government Decision to regulate the use of asbestos in Guatemala, the Committee notes that the Government has requested the assistance of the National Occupational Safety and Health Council (CONASSO) and the Guatemalan Standards Commission (COGUANOR), which have established a subcommittee to analyse the draft text, taking into account the provisions of the Convention and the Committee’s comments. The Committee recalls that in its previous comments it indicated that the draft Government Decision was not fully in conformity with the provisions of the Convention. While noting the initiatives taken to bring the law and practice into conformity with the Convention, the Committee trusts that the Government Decision to regulate the use of asbestos in Guatemala will fully take into account the comments that it previously made. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on any developments in this regard.