Occupational Cancer Convention, 1974 (No. 139) - Sweden (Ratification: 1975)

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2024, published 113rd ILC session (2025)

In order to provide a comprehensive view of the issues relating to the application of the ratified Conventions on occupational safety and health (OSH), the Committee considers it appropriate to examine Conventions Nos 13 (white lead (painting)), 115 (radiation), 119 (guarding of machinery), 139 (occupational cancer), 148 (air pollution, noise and vibration), 155 (OSH), 161 (occupational health services), 162 (asbestos), 167 (safety and health in construction), 170 (chemicals), 174 (prevention of major industrial accidents), 176 (safety and health in mines), 184 (safety and health in agriculture) and 187 (promotional framework for OSH) together.

The Committee notes the observations on Convention No. 155 and No. 187 of the Swedish Confederation for Professional Employees (TCO), Swedish Confederation of Professional Associations (SACO) and Swedish Trade Union Confederation (LO) transmitted by the Government.

General provisions

The Committee notes the information in the Government’s report provided in response to its previous request concerning Article 3(2)of Convention No. 187 (promotion and advancement to a safe and healthy environment), Article 4(3)(e) (on research on OSH), Article 4(3)(f) (mechanism for the collection and analysis of data) and 4(3)(g) (provisions for collaboration with relevant insurance or social security schemes).

Application in practice of Conventions No. 155 and 187. In response to the Committee's previous request, the Committee notes the information provided in the Swedish Work Environment Authority’s (SWEA) Report on Occupational accidents and work-related diseases (Arbetsmiljöstatistik Rapport 2023:01), noting that the number of notified occupational diseases reported in 2022 was approximately 16,600, a decrease of 44 per cent compared to 2021, and that occupational accidents with sick leave also decreased from 2021 to 2022 (from approximately 39,000 to 35,400). It notes that approximately 69,000 occupational accidents without sick leave were reported in 2022, a marginal decrease compared to 2021, but still an increase compared to 2020 and 2019. It also notes that 40 fatal accidents at work were reported in 2022, compared with 39 in 2021, 24 in 2020 and 36 in 2019. The Committee notes that the most common causes of reported occupational diseases in 2021 were chemical and biological factors (including COVID-19 infections), followed by organisational and social factors and ergonomic load factors. The Government also indicates that, compared to other EU countries, Sweden has proportionally one of the lowest numbers of fatal accidents since 2012. The Committee requests the Government to provide further information on the application in practice of the ratified OSH Conventions, including the number, sector, nature and cause of occupational accidents and diseases reported, as well as information on the inspection activities carried out, including the number of investigations and inspections conducted and the number of violations detected, corrective measures applied and the penalties imposed.

National policy

Article 4(1) of Convention No. 155 and Articles 2(1), 3(1), 3(2) and 5(1) of Convention No. 187. Promoting the continuous improvement of OSH by developing a national policy, national system and national programme. Following its previous request, the Committee notes the information provided by the Government that the Work Environment Strategy for Modern Working Life 2016-20 was designed to serve as a policy instrument, defining strategies and assignments to achieve specific and broader goals related to the work environment policy. The Government indicates that the Strategy was evaluated by the Agency for Public Management (APM). The Committee notes that, amongst the conclusions, the APM stated that the strategy had strengthened the implementation of the work environment policy; the social partners had been involved through dialogue forums; and that cooperation between authorities had increased. The Committee also notes that the APM concluded that there was room for improvements and that strategic efforts could be run more effectively. Amongst other things, the APM considered that the Government should: define more concrete goals for the priority areas, establishing timeframes and follow-ups for the chosen strategy; review and develop the working methods in dialogue forums; remove obstacles to effective cooperation between authorities; and improve the coordination of work environment issues between different policy areas. In addition, the Committee notes the information provided by the Government with regard to the Work Environment Strategy for 2021-25, adopted with the goal of providing good working conditions and creating work environments that prevent illness and accidents, stops people being excluded from working life, takes people’s differing circumstances into account and fosters the development of individuals and operations. The Government indicates that the conclusions of the APM were taken into account in producing the new strategy and as a result, it contains more clearly delimited areas and concrete priority areas. The Committee asks the Government to continue to provide information on the implementation of the Work Environment Strategy for 2021-25 as well asmeasures adopted to ensure the promotion and advancement, at all relevant levels, of the right of workers to a safe and healthy working environment.

Article 4(1) of Convention No. 155 and Articles 3(3) and 4(3)(a) of Convention No. 187. Consultation on national policy. National tripartite advisory body, or bodies, addressing OSH issues. The Committee notes the information provided by the Government that the SWEA consults with social partners through different forms, such as the SWEA’s central consultation group, with is composed by ten workers’ and employers’ organisations and reunites at least four times per year. The Government also indicates that stakeholder meetings are conducted with authorities, industry organisations and actors within occupational health care. It states that partnerships are established with universities and research groups in the area of occupational safety and health, in order to discuss the possibilities for cooperation and information exchange. In addition, the Government indicates that reference groups linked to specific projects (such as on the organizational and social work environment of members of the LGBTQ community) are formed with relevant authorities and organisations, holding meetings twice a year. Lastly, the Committee notes the Government’s indication that, although social partners have been consulted in dialogue forums, the APM assessed that an improvement of the consultation can be achieve through more action-oriented meetings. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information on the progress made to integrate the conclusions of APM into consultations held with regional social partners with a view to promoting the development of a national preventative OSH culture.

Article 5(e) of Convention No. 155. Protection of workers and their representatives from disciplinary measures. Given the absence of information in this regard, the Committee once again requests the Government to provide information on how individual workers without OSH responsibilities are protected from disciplinary measures when they take actions properly and in conformity with national policy.

National s ystem

Article 4(3)(d) of Convention No. 187. Occupational health services. In relation to its previous request on occupational health services, the Committee refers to its comment below on the Occupational Health Services Convention, 1985 (No. 161).

Article 4(3)(h) of Convention No. 187. Support mechanism for progressive improvement of OSH conditions in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and the informal economy. Further to its previous comment, the Committee notes the information provided by the Government concerning its focus on combating workplace violations through joint authority controls and collaboration with other agencies and labour market partners, and that specific initiatives include establishing regional centres against workplace crime and participating in international cooperation efforts. It informs that small enterprises are the target group for the SWEA efforts within the Vision Zero strategy to end with work-related deaths. The Committee further notes the observations from LO, SACO and TCO, which highlights that the knowledge of preventative work, so that deficiencies in the work environment do not arise, is low especially among small and medium-sized employers. The Committee requests the Government to provide further information on measures taken or envisaged to progressively improve OSH conditions in small and medium-sized enterprises and the informal economy, including with a view to ensuring that employers in SMEs are informed of necessary prevention measures.

Occupational Health Services Convention, 1985 (No. 161)

Application of Convention No. 161 in practice. The Committee notes that, according to the observations from LO, SACO and TCO, there are shortages of occupational health care with many employers. The Committee also notes the Government’s indication, in response to its previous request, that the Agency for Work Environment Expertise, the national knowledge centre for issues related to the work environment, is responsible for following and promoting the development of occupational health services. It also notes that ongoing initiatives in the field of occupational health services include the coordination of the supply of doctors for occupational health care and measures to promote relevant training initiatives in the area; and the development of further guidelines for an evidence-based practice in occupational health care. Further, the Committee notes the Government’s information that an occupational health care cooperation group was established by the SWEA, with representatives from professional associations for physicians, nurses, ergonomists, work environment engineers and psychologists in occupational health care, as well as from the industry organization Sweden's Occupational Health. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information on the implementation of the Convention in practice to develop progressively occupational health services for all workers.

Protection against specific risks

White Lead (Painting) Convention, 1921 (No. 13)

Legislation. The Committee notes the information provided by the Government that, according to section 3 of the Work Environment Authority’s Regulation on Chemical Hazards in the Working Environment (AFS 2011:19), the Convention is given effect by Regulation (EC) No. 1907/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 December 2006 concerning the Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH), which regulates undertakings that manufacture, import or use chemical substances or preparations and restricts the addition of certain specific lead compounds to paints intended for use by the general public. The Committee notes this information, which responds to its previous request.

Radiation Protection Convention, 1960 (No. 115)

Articles 3(1) and 6 of the Convention. All appropriate steps to ensure the effective protection of workers, in the light of available knowledge and maximum permissible doses of ionising radiation. Further to its previous comment, the Committee notes the entry into force of the Radiation Protection Act (2018:396), which regulates workers’ exposure to ionising radiation in its chapter 4, and the Radiation Protection Ordinance (2018:506), which sets dose limits for practices involving ionising radiation (chapter 2). The Committee also notes the information provided by the Government that the SWEA’s provisions on occupational exposure limit values (AFS 2018:1) set limit values for the exposition of workers to radon in the workplace, also establishing measures for the protection of workers (chapter 4). In addition, the Committee notes that the Radiation Protection Ordinance provides for the need to periodically evaluate the reference levels set out in the regulations (chapter 3, section 13) and that other provisions concerning the protection of workers are established by the Radiation Safety Authority’s Regulations on permit-required activities with ionising radiation (SSMFS 2018:1) and on notifiable activities (SSMFS 2018:2). The Committee notes this information, which responds to its previous request.

Article 14. Discontinuation of assignment to work involving exposure to ionising radiation pursuant to medical advice and alternative employment. The Committee notes the information provided by the Government that the Regulations on Job Modification (AFS 2020:5) provide, in section 4, that the employer shall at all times consider whether any of the employees require job modification, which is carried out in the form of dialogue between the parties. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the application in practice of the provisions of the Regulations on Job Modification (AFS 2020:5) to workers for whom it is medically inadvisable to continue work involving occupational exposure to ionising radiation.

Guarding of Machinery Convention, 1963 (No. 119)

Application of the Convention in practice. The Committee notes the information provided by the Government that in 2020 and 2021 the most common cause of occupational accidents with absenteeism for men was accidents caused by loss of control over machinery, tools or transport equipment. The Government also indicates that a supervision project carried out from 2018-2022 had a focus (among others) on handheld machines (2018-2019) and machine safety (2020-2022), and included approximately 4,900 workplace visits. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information on the application of the Convention in practice, including the number of occupational accidents related to machinery and the measures taken to address them.

Occupational Cancer Convention, 1974 (No. 139)

Article 5 of the Convention. Medical examinations during the period of employment and thereafter. Further to its previous comment, the Committee notes the information provided by the Government that the Regulations on Medical Checks in Working Life (AFS 2019:3) contain provisions on medical examinations for workers exposed to chemicals, including health surveillance needed when a worker has been exposed to carcinogens or mutagens. According to section 81 of the Regulations, workers who have been exposed to carcinogens or mutagenic substances may be subject to health examinations by a physician or the body responsible for the health examination such workers as long as deemed necessary, even after the exposure has ceased. The Committee notes this information, which responds to its previous request.

Working Environment (Air Pollution, Noise and Vibration) Convention, 1977 (No. 148)

Article 11(3) and (4) of the Convention. Efforts to provide the worker with suitable alternative employment or to maintain his income. Rights under social security or social insurance. The Committee notes that the Regulations on Job Modification (AFS 2020:5) have repealed the Regulation on Job Adaptation and Rehabilitation (AFS 1994:1), and that its section 4 stipulates that the employer shall at all times consider whether any of the employees require a job modification, with the aim of enabling an employee with impaired ability to perform normal work to continue working or to return to work, in order to help the employee return to work after sick leave or to avoid illness and sick leave. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the measures taken to ensure that the rights of transferred workers under social security and social insurance legislation are not adversely affected, in accordance with Article 11(4) of the Convention.

Asbestos Convention, 1986 (No. 162)

Article 21(1) of the Convention. Medical examinations to diagnose occupational diseases caused by exposure to asbestos. The Committee notes that section 39 of the Swedish Work Environment Authority’s Regulations on Medical Checks in Working Life (AFS 2019:3) provides that employers shall arrange medical check-ups with assessment for certificates of fitness for service for those employees who will be exposed to asbestos and for those exposed to asbestos-containing dust for more than 50 hours per calendar year. However, the Committee notes that there are no provisions to ensure that workers continue to receive appropriate medical examinations after the termination of an assignment involving exposure to asbestos. Taking note of section 81 of the Regulations on Medical Checks in Working Life (AFS 2019:3), the Committee requests the Government to provide further information on the measures taken in practice to supervise the health of workers after the termination of an assignment involving exposure to asbestos, in accordance with Article 21(1) of the Convention.

Chemicals Convention, 1990 (No. 170)

Application of the Convention in practice. The Committee once again requests the Government to provide information on the application of the national legislation giving effect to this Convention in practice, including any statistics on violations reported, penalties imposed and occupational accidents and cases of occupational diseases (including cases of chronic occupational poisoning) reported as being caused by exposure to chemical substances.

Prevention of Major Industrial Accidents Convention, 1993 (No. 174)

Legislation. The Committee notes the information provided by the Government about the adoption of the Ordinance on Measures to Prevent and Limit the Consequences of Serious Chemical Accidents (2015:236), which is the transposition of the EU Directive Seveso III (Directive 2012/18/EU) and contains provisions on the enforcement of the Act on Measures to Prevent and Limit the Consequences of Serious Chemical Accidents (1999:381). The Committee notes this information, which responds to its previous request.

Articles 4(2) and 18 of the Convention. Inspection to ensure compliance with national laws and regulations. Application of the Convention in practice. The Committee notes the information provided by the Government on inspections of facilities: out of 202 upper tier facilities (handling hazardous substances above a certain level), 118 were inspected in 2022, representing 58 per cent of the total. This represents a decrease compared to previous years, with inspection rates in these facilities of 68 per cent in 2021 and 65 per cent in 2020. However, out of 192 low-tier facilities (handling hazardous substances lower in amounts lower than the high qualifying quantity), 72 were inspected in 2022, representing 38 per cent of facilities, an increase compared to previous years, with inspection rates of 27 per cent in 2021 and 32 per cent in 2020. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide statistics related to application of the Convention in practice, including the number of inspections undertaken, the contraventions reported and the resulting action taken.

Protection in specific branches of activity

Safety and Health in Construction Convention, 1988 (No. 167)

Application of the Convention in practice. The Committee notes the information provided by the Government indicating that 19 per cent of the industries inspected in 2022 belonged to the construction sector, which was also amongst those most frequently subjected to penalty fees resulting from labour inspections. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information on measures adopted to ensure the application of this Convention in practice, including the number of occupational accidents and cases of occupational diseases recorded in the construction sector, including the number of fatalities and serious injuries.

Safety and Health in Mines Convention, 1995 (No. 176)

Articles 13(1)(a), (b) and (e) of the Convention. Report of accidents, the right to request and obtain inspections, and the right to removal from any location which poses a serious danger. Following its previous comment, the Committee notes the information provided by the Government regarding the Work Environment Act (AML), which establishes that employees who identify an immediate and serious danger to life or health in their work environment must immediately inform either their employer or a safety representative (chapter 3, section 4). It also notes that employers must notify the SWEA in the event of death or severe personal injury that has occurred in connection with the performance of the work, as stipulated in section 2 of the Work Environment Ordinance (1977:1166). Additionally, the Committee notes that the AML also grants safety representatives the authority to request investigations to assess work conditions (chapter 6, section 6a). However, the Committee reiterates that equivalent rights are not extended to workers. Therefore, the Committee requests the Government once again to provide information on the measures adopted or envisaged to ensure that workers have the right to: (i) report accidents, dangerous occurrences and hazards to the employer and to the competent authority; (ii) request and obtain, where there is cause for concern on safety and health grounds, inspections and investigations to be conducted by the employer and the competent authority; and (iii) remove themselves from any location at the mine when circumstances arise which appear, with reasonable justification, to pose a serious danger to their safety or health.

Safety and Health in Agriculture Convention, 2001 (No. 184)

Application of the Convention in practice. The Committee notes the information provided by the Government that agriculture, forestry and fishing are amongst the sectors with the most fatal accidents at work in the period 2012–2021 (with 6.6 fatal accidents at work per 100,000 employed), with a majority of the self-employed who died being active in agriculture and forestry. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the measures it is taking to strengthen the application of the Convention with a view to preventing accidents and injury to health in the agricultural working environment.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2014, published 104th ILC session (2015)

Legislation. The Committee notes the information provided by the Government regarding the entry into force of the regulations of the Work Environment Authority on Occupational Exposure Limit Values (AFS 2011:18) and on Chemical Hazards in the Working Environment (AFS 2011:19), which give further effect to Articles 1–4 of the Convention. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information on legislative measures undertaken with regard to the application of the Convention.

Article 5 of the Convention. Medical examinations during the period of employment and thereafter. With reference to its previous comments, the Committee notes that the Government reaffirms that the Work Environment Authority is not empowered to prescribe continuing medical checks for employees after exposure to carcinogenic substances or after their employment, and that no changes in this respect are expected for the time being. It also notes the Government’s indication that follow-up medical examinations can be carried out on a voluntary basis or at the employee’s own initiative, within the country’s general health-care system. The Committee recalls that, under Article 5, the Government has the obligation to take measures to ensure that workers who have been exposed to carcinogenic substances are provided with medical examinations or biological or other tests or investigations not only during the period of employment, but also thereafter, to supervise their state of health in relation to the occupational hazards. The Committee therefore requests the Government to provide further information on the measures taken or envisaged to supervise the state of health of the workers concerned after the period of employment, in accordance with this provision of the Convention.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2009, published 99th ILC session (2010)

Article 5 of the Convention. Medical examinations during the period of employment and thereafter to evaluate their exposure and supervise their state of health. With reference to its previous comments under this Article, the Committee notes that the Government has indicated in its report that as the law now stands, under Chapter 4, section 5 of the Work Environment Act (SFS1977:1160), the Work Environment Authority is not empowered to prescribe continuing medical checks for employees after exposure to carcinogenic substances or after their employment has ended. The Government also states that there are at present no plans for changing the Work Environment Act in this respect. With reference to the information provided in the Government’s report this year on the application of the Asbestos Convention, 1986 (No. 162), the Committee notes that, in the commentary to section 30 of the Work Environment Authority’s regulations on Medical Screening in Working Life (AFS 2005:6), it is recommended that workers have a periodical medical check-up even after the exposure has ceased, provided the exposure exceeds ten years. The Committee requests the Government to indicate how this recommendation is applied in practice and what measures have been taken to ensure that workers who have been exposed to occupational hazards are provided with such medical examinations as are necessary in order to fully apply Article 5 of the Convention.

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

1. The Committee notes the information contained in the Government’s report and the attached legislation.

2. Articles 1 and 6 of the Convention. Carcinogenic substances and agents and national legislation – synthetic inorganic fibres. The Committee notes with interest the extensive legislative revisions undertaken by the Government resulting in the adoption in 2005 of the Provisions of occupational exposure limit values and measures against air contaminants (AFS 2005:17), which prescribes occupational exposure limits value reductions for asbestos, toluene diisocyanate, cadmium compounds, chromium (VI) compounds, wood dust and certain synthetic inorganic fibres. It also notes the Government’s statement that through the adoption of revised Provisions on Synthetic Inorganic Fibres (AFS 2004:1), the occupational exposure limit values have been reduced for certain fibres judged to be carcinogenic in relation to those of certain other synthetic inorganic fibres, and that the former types of fibres can only be handled upon authorization of the competent authority, and require periodic exposure measurements and medical examinations to be carried out. The Committee understands that the revision concerning the handling of cytostatics and other pharmaceuticals with long-term toxic effect has been terminated and resulted in the adoption of Provisions on cytostatic and other drugs with enduring toxic effects (AFS 2005:5) and that the Provisions on thermosetting plastics (AFS 2005:28) has been issued. It further notes the adoption of the Provision on the protection of workers from risks related to exposure to biological agents at work (AFS 2005:1). In addition, the Committee notes the recent adoption of the Provisions on asbestos (AFS 2006:1) and, in this respect, refers to its comment in 2005 under the Asbestos Convention, 1986 (No. 162). In this context, the Committee also notes the information that the project “Exposure to synthetic inorganic fibres”, which preceded the adoption of the revised regulations, demonstrated that many undertaking were unaware that they were handling fibres or to be ignorant of which fibres they were handling. The Committee asks the Government to continue to provide information on legislative measures taken to give effect to the provisions of the Convention.

3. Articles 1 and 2, paragraph 1. Conditional permits. With reference to its previous comments in which the Committee requested the Government to provide information on the impact of the issuing of conditional permits, i.e. whether a practice of submitting the handling of carcinogens to prior authorization in fact would lead to their replacement as well as to the introduction of safer work processes. The Committee notes that the Government found it difficult to document the effect of the procedure for which conditional permits could be granted but that their general impression was one of widespread hesitance from employers side at the prospect of the inconvenience which the requirements of a permit entailed. The Committee requests the Government to provide it with any additional information in this respect, should any such information become available in the future.

4. Article 5. Medical examinations. The Committee understands that the Provisions on medical examinations in working life were adopted on 17 February 2005 (AFS 2005:6) provide that employers are obliged to provide medical examinations free of costs to the workers, in accordance with the Convention. It also notes that the revised Provisions on synthetic inorganic fibres referred to above require medical examinations for workers exposed to refractory ceramic fibres, special fibres and synthetic inorganic crystalline fibres. It notes in this respect the Government’s statement that medical examinations are to be carried out every third year and that spirometry is to be performed on each examination, but that lung X-rays need only be taken on every second occasion. However, with respect to the medical costs, the Committee notes that the Government indicates that these are to be covered by the employers for the duration of the employment relationship and that it is recommended that the employer continue to arrange medical examinations if this is medically justified after the termination of the employment relationship but that, if an employer fails to do so, the worker is to be referred to the County Council medical care. Against this background, the Committee feels obliged to reiterate that the need to examine workers after they have ceased their employment is due to the fact that the occupational origin of cancer is often difficult to demonstrate and that the latency period for cancer is notoriously long extending sometimes to 30 years or more. The Committee requests the Government to provide additional information in its next report on the manner in which it is ensured that the medical examinations free of costs to the workers are carried out after the period of employment is terminated, in accordance with Article 5 of the Convention.

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

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 provided by the Government in relation to Article 3 of the Convention. Further to its previous comments, it draws the Government’s attention to the following points.

1. The Committee notes the adoption of the overarching Provisions on Chemical Hazards of the Work Environment (AFS 2000:4) of 23 March 2000, and the Provisions on Occupational Exposure Limit Values and Measures Against Air Contaminants (AFS 2000:3) of 23 March 2000, issued by the Swedish National Board of Occupational Safety and Health (AFS), which consolidated and updated the existing national provisions aiming to prevent cancer at work.

2. Articles 1 and 2, paragraph 1, of the Convention. The Committee notes that certain carcinogens, namely the agents hydrazine, monomethyl hydrazine and dimethyl hydrazine were added to group B of Annex 3 to the Provisions on Occupational Exposure Limit Values and Measures Against Air Contaminants (AFS 2000:3) indicating the substances that pursuant to section 23 may only be handled upon authorization of the competent authority. The Government considers that the grant of conditional permits would represent, on the one hand, an effective instrument to control the handling of substances having carcinogenic properties and, on the other hand, it would motivate the employer to deliberate on alternative non- or less-harmful substances or working methods. Taking note of the Government’s considerations, the Committee invites the Government to provide information on the impact of this approach in practice, i.e. to know whether the submission of the handling of carcinogens to prior authorization in fact would lead to their replacement as well as to the introduction of safer work processes.

3. The Committee further notes the revision concerning the handling of cytostatics and other pharmaceuticals with long-term toxic effects through the adoption of the Provisions on Cytostatic and Other Drugs with Enduring Toxic Effects (AFS 1999:11) aiming to reduce the exposure of workers significantly when handling them. The Committee also notes the adoption of the Ordinance on Asbestos (AFS 1996:13) revising and completing the Provisions AFS 1992:2 on the same subject. The Committee wishes to refer to its comments provided under the Asbestos Convention, 1986 (No. 162). The Committee finally notes the revision of the Provisions on Thermosetting Plastics (AFS 1996:4). The Government adds that the Work Environment Authority has allocated considerable resources to the supervision of workplaces where workers are exposed to isocyanates, which represent one of the most important thermoplastics. The Government further explains that, since certain isocyanates are deemed to entail a potential risk of cancer, the supervision was focused to the isocyanate hypersensitivity of the respiratory tract. With regard to the categorization of certain mineral fibres as carcinogens set forth in the European Union Directive 97/69/EC, amending Directive 67/548/EEC, the Swedish Work Environment Authority is charting the use and the exposure to mineral fibres in special projects. In this context, the Government indicates that a revision of the Provisions on Synthetic Inorganic Fibres (AFS 1990:9) is planned. The Committee taking due note of this information, requests the Government to supply additional information on the projects launched concerning workers’ exposure to mineral fibres. Finally, the Government is asked to transmit a copy of the Provisions on Synthetic Inorganic Fibres (AFS 1990:9) once they have been revised.

4. Article 5. The Committee notes the Government’s indication according to which the revision of the Provisions on Statutory Medical Checks has not been finished yet. Owing to the Swedish approach to eliminate the carcinogenic factors in the work environment in order to prevent cancer of occupational origin at its source, the Work Environment Authority has given an operational priority to this work and therefore the Provisions on Statutory Medical Checks are still being revised. In this respect, the Government adds that chemical and physical factors in the Swedish work environment are estimated to contribute only less than one-thousandth of all cancer cases in the country while a few decades ago the estimate was 2 per cent. Nevertheless, the revision work on statutory medical checks is in progress and the Work Environment Authority intends to study closely the possibilities of medical examinations, which will facilitate the early discovery of cancer in work environments with heightened cancer risks, so that rules on medical examinations can be introduced when it proves medically justifiable. With regard to medical examinations of workers after the termination of employment, the Government merely indicates that the setting of rules on this issue does not lie within the competence of the Work Environment Authority. The Committee, while noting with interest the different activities of the Work Environment Authority to eradicate carcinogenic factors in the work environment as well as the current revision of the Provisions on Statutory Medical Checks, wishes to underline the importance of medical examinations during and after the period of employment, which are necessary to evaluate the exposure of workers and their state of health. With regard to the Government’s indicated priority to eliminate the carcinogenic factors in the work environment, the Committee points out that periodic health examinations of workers frequently reveal the existence of health hazards in the workplace. The need to examine workers after they have ceased their employment is due to the fact that the occupational origin of cancer is often difficult to demonstrate, as from the clinical and pathological point of view, there is no difference between occupational cancer and other non-occupational forms. Moreover, its development is generally very slow, with the latent period stretching over anything from ten to 30 years or more. The Committee accordingly urges the Government to take the necessary measures to guarantee that workers are provided, during and after their employment, with medical examinations or biological or other tests or investigations necessary to evaluate their state of health in relation to the occupational hazards. The Government is also requested to transmit a copy of the Provisions on Statutory Medical Checks once they are have been revised.

5. Part IV of the report form. With regard to the Government’s indication concerning the planned supervision of workplaces in relation to workers’ exposure to isocyanates, the Committee asks the Government to provide information on the outcome of the above described supervision of workplaces and on its impact on future legislative measures, e.g. the revision of the Provisions on Synthetic Inorganic Fibres (AFS 1990:9).

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

The Committee notes the Government’s report. It notes with interest the information provided by the Government in relation to Article 3 of the Convention. Further to its previous comments, it draws the Government’s attention to the following points.

1. The Committee notes with interest the adoption of the overarching Provisions on Chemical Hazards of the Work Environment (AFS 2000:4) of 23 March 2000, and the Provisions on Occupational Exposure Limit Values and Measures Against Air Contaminants (AFS 2000:3) of 23 March 2000, issued by the Swedish National Board of Occupational Safety and Health (AFS), which consolidated and updated the existing national provisions aiming to prevent cancer at work.

2. Articles 1 and 2, paragraph 1, of the Convention. The Committee notes with interest that certain carcinogens, namely the agents hydrazine, monomethyl hydrazine and dimethyl hydrazine were added to group B of Annex 3 to the Provisions on Occupational Exposure Limit Values and Measures Against Air Contaminants (AFS 2000:3) indicating the substances that pursuant to section 23 may only be handled upon authorization of the competent authority. The Government considers that the grant of conditional permits would represent, on the one hand, an effective instrument to control the handling of substances having carcinogenic properties and, on the other hand, it would motivate the employer to deliberate on alternative non- or less-harmful substances or working methods. Taking note of the Government’s considerations, the Committee invites the Government to provide information on the impact of this approach in practice, i.e. to know whether the submission of the handling of carcinogens to prior authorization in fact would lead to their replacement as well as to the introduction of safer work processes.

3. The Committee further notes the revision concerning the handling of cytostatics and other pharmaceuticals with long-term toxic effects through the adoption of the Provisions on Cytostatic and Other Drugs with Enduring Toxic Effects (AFS 1999:11) aiming to reduce the exposure of workers significantly when handling them. The Committee also notes the adoption of the Ordinance on Asbestos (AFS 1996:13) revising and completing the Provisions AFS 1992:2 on the same subject. The Committee wishes to refer to its comments provided under the Asbestos Convention, 1986 (No. 162). The Committee finally notes the revision of the Provisions on Thermosetting Plastics (AFS 1996:4). The Government adds that the Work Environment Authority has allocated considerable resources to the supervision of workplaces where workers are exposed to isocyanates, which represent one of the most important thermoplastics. The Government further explains that, since certain isocyanates are deemed to entail a potential risk of cancer, the supervision was focused to the isocyanate hypersensitivity of the respiratory tract. With regard to the categorization of certain mineral fibres as carcinogens set forth in the European Union Directive 97/69/EC, amending Directive 67/548/EEC, the Swedish Work Environment Authority is charting the use and the exposure to mineral fibres in special projects. In this context, the Government indicates that a revision of the Provisions on Synthetic Inorganic Fibres (AFS 1990:9) is planned. The Committee taking due note of this information, requests the Government to supply additional information on the projects launched concerning workers’ exposure to mineral fibres. Finally, the Government is asked to transmit a copy of the Provisions on Synthetic Inorganic Fibres (AFS 1990:9) once they have been revised.

4. Article 5. The Committee notes the Government’s indication according to which the revision of the Provisions on Statutory Medical Checks has not been finished yet. Owing to the Swedish approach to eliminate the carcinogenic factors in the work environment in order to prevent cancer of occupational origin at its source, the Work Environment Authority has given an operational priority to this work and therefore the Provisions on Statutory Medical Checks are still being revised. In this respect, the Government adds that chemical and physical factors in the Swedish work environment are estimated to contribute only less than one-thousandth of all cancer cases in the country while a few decades ago the estimate was 2 per cent. Nevertheless, the revision work on statutory medical checks is in progress and the Work Environment Authority intends to study closely the possibilities of medical examinations, which will facilitate the early discovery of cancer in work environments with heightened cancer risks, so that rules on medical examinations can be introduced when it proves medically justifiable. With regard to medical examinations of workers after the termination of employment, the Government merely indicates that the setting of rules on this issue does not lie within the competence of the Work Environment Authority. The Committee, while noting with interest the different activities of the Work Environment Authority to eradicate carcinogenic factors in the work environment as well as the current revision of the Provisions on Statutory Medical Checks, wishes to underline the importance of medical examinations during and after the period of employment, which are necessary to evaluate the exposure of workers and their state of health. With regard to the Government’s indicated priority to eliminate the carcinogenic factors in the work environment, the Committee points out that periodic health examinations of workers frequently reveal the existence of health hazards in the workplace. The need to examine workers after they have ceased their employment is due to the fact that the occupational origin of cancer is often difficult to demonstrate, as from the clinical and pathological point of view, there is no difference between occupational cancer and other non-occupational forms. Moreover, its development is generally very slow, with the latent period stretching over anything from ten to 30 years or more. The Committee accordingly urges the Government to take the necessary measures to guarantee that workers are provided, during and after their employment, with medical examinations or biological or other tests or investigations necessary to evaluate their state of health in relation to the occupational hazards. The Government is also requested to transmit a copy of the Provisions on Statutory Medical Checks once they are have been revised.

5. Part IV of the report form. With regard to the Government’s indication concerning the planned supervision of workplaces in relation to workers’ exposure to isocyanates, the Committee asks the Government to provide information on the outcome of the above described supervision of workplaces and on its impact on future legislative measures, e.g. the revision of the Provisions on Synthetic Inorganic Fibres (AFS 1990:9).

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

The Committee notes the information provided by the Government. It notes that certain ordinances, such as the Ordinance on Occupational Limit Values (1993) and the Asbestos Ordinance (1992), are currently being revised and that the Ordinance on Dangerous Substances has been revised and adopted in 1994. Furthermore, the Committee notes with interest that pursuant to the Chlorinated Solvents (Various) Ordinance the professional use of methylene chloride and trichloroethylene is prohibited after 1 January 1996.

Article 3 of the Convention. The Committee notes the Government's indication according to which the work regarding the computerization of the official register of the National Board of Occupational Safety and Health ("Board") into which all data concerning permits for the handling of carcinogenic substances issued by authority of the Occupational Exposure Limit Values Ordinance, as well as the permits issued by the Board under the Asbestos Ordinance, is still in progress. It also notes the Government's explanation that priority has been given to the registration of data concerning new permits. The Government is requested to continue to provide information on the measures taken to protect workers against the risks of exposure to carcinogenic substances.

Article 5. With reference to its previous comments in which the Committee requested the Government to indicate the measures taken to ensure that all workers exposed to all types of carcinogenic substances undergo medical examinations or biological or other tests or investigations during the period of employment and thereafter, since only workers exposed to asbestos were provided with medical examinations during their employment and workers previously exposed to asbestos were engaged in voluntary medical examinations. In its response the Government had indicated that the Board cannot make it obligatory for an employer to provide post-employment medical examinations. In its latest report, the Government indicates that according to its understanding of Article 5 of the Convention, medical examinations have the purpose to facilitate an assessment of exposure to carcinogenic substances and also to monitor the health status of persons exposed. Therefore, the Government refers to the general approach of Swedish policy in this area aiming to reduce workers' exposure to carcinogenic substances to the extent that no worker will risk in future to develop cancer from their working environment. Exposure to carcinogenic substances is monitored through a system of national registration in which all newly discovered cases of cancer are reported to the Swedish Cancer Register which are used as a basis for risk monitoring. The Government also points out that workers who have been exposed to asbestos and who are now retired or for any reason no longer exposed, are covered by the public medical system in terms of medical examination in the case that any symptoms of cancer may occur. Nevertheless, the Government indicated that the National Board of Occupational Safety and Health is drafting an ordinance on medical checks to indicate when such checks are appropriate and meaningful. The Committee would recall that the inclusion of obligatory post-employment medical examinations, as necessary, to evaluate the exposure to carcinogenic substances and to supervise the state of health of the worker in relation to the occupational hazards was intended to respond to the not uncommon situation wherein the cancer is not detected until after a worker has terminated the employment involving exposure. Further, the Committee would point out that, in order to ensure medical observation of all workers who have been exposed to all kinds of carcinogenic substances and also to ensure the discovery of cancer at the earliest stages, it cannot be left to the worker's decision whether he or she will undergo medical examinations under the public medical system. The Committee therefore expresses once again the hope that the Government will take the necessary measures to ensure that all workers exposed to carcinogenic substances are provided with medical examinations or biological or other tests or investigations during the period of employment and thereafter as are necessary to evaluate their exposure and supervise their state of health in relation to the occupational hazards. The Government is requested to indicate, in its next report, the progress made in this regard and to supply a copy of the ordinance on medical checks when it is adopted.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1992, published 79th ILC session (1992)

The Committee notes the information supplied in the Government's report in reply to its previous direct request.

Article 3 of the Convention. The Committee notes with interest the information provided by the Government concerning the computerisation of the official register of the National Board of Occupational Safety and Health (the "Board") into which all data concerning permits for the handling of carcinogenic substances issued by authority of the Occupational Exposure Limit Values Ordinance, as well as the permits issued by the Board under the Asbestos Ordinance, are entered. It further notes that measures are being taken to develop this database so that all previous manual records can also be entered into the computerised register. The Government has also indicated in its report that the Board has begun drafting special Ordinances on work with carcinogenic substances which will take into account the provisions of this Article of the Convention. The Government is requested to continue to provide information on the measures taken to protect workers against the risks of exposure to carcinogenic substances and to communicate copies of these special ordinances once they are adopted.

Article 5. In its previous comments, the Committee had noted that only workers exposed to asbestos were provided with medical examinations during their employment and that workers previously exposed to asbestos were engaged in voluntary medical examinations. The Committee had requested the Government to indicate the measures taken to ensure that all workers exposed to all types of carcinogenic substances undergo medical examinations or biological or other tests or investigations during the period of employment and thereafter. The Government has indicated, in its latest report, that the provisions of this Article would be taken into account in the draft special Ordinances on work with carcinogenic substances. The Government has also indicated, however, that the Board cannot make it obligatory for an employer to provide post-employment medical examinations. The Committee would recall that the inclusion of post-employment medical examinations, as necessary, to evaluate the exposure to carcinogenic substances and to supervise the state of health of the worker in relation to the occupational hazards was intended to respond to the not uncommon situation wherein the cancer is not detected until after a worker has terminated the employment involving exposure. The Committee, therefore, hopes that the Government will take the necessary measures to ensure that (whether by the employer or by the State) all workers exposed to carcinogenic substances are provided with medical examinations or biological or other tests or investigations during the period of employment and thereafter as are necessary to evaluate their exposure and supervise their state of health in relation to the occupational hazards. The Government is requested to indicate in its next report the progress made in this regard.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1988, published 75th ILC session (1988)

The Committee notes the information supplied in the Government's report, in reply to its previous direct request.

Article 3 of the Convention. The Committee notes that the information obtained in connection with the permits required for the handling of group A and B substances, under the Hygienic Limit Values Ordinance, AFS 1984:5, continues to be recorded manually at the National Board of Occupational Safety and Health, but that preparations are in progress for the introduction of a computerised system. The Committee hopes that the operation of the computerised system will enable the Government to assemble, in a comprehensive system of records, the different procedures for recording data concerning exposure to carcinogic substances.

Article 5. The Committee notes that the National Board of Occupational Safety and Health, acting in association with the National Board of Health and Welfare, is currently engaged in a voluntary medical examination of persons previously exposed to asbestos. The Committee would once again draw the Government's attention to the need to take measures in conformity with this Article of the Convention to ensure that all workers exposed to all types of carcinogic substances contained in the Hygienic Limit Values Ordinance, AFS 1984:5 undergo medical examinations or biological or other tests or investigations during the period of employment and thereafter in so far as these are necessary to supervise their state of health as concerns occupational hazards. It hopes the Government will make every effort to take the above mentioned measures in the near future and that it will be able to indicate the progress made in this respect in its next report.