Demande directe (CEACR) - adoptée 2025, publiée 114ème session CIT (2026)

Bolivie (État plurinational de)

Convention (n° 136) sur le benzène, 1971 (Ratification: 1977)
Convention (n° 162) sur l'amiante, 1986 (Ratification: 1990)
Convention (n° 167) sur la sécurité et la santé dans la construction, 1988 (Ratification: 2015)

In order to provide a comprehensive view of the issues relating to the application of ratified Conventions on occupational safety and health (OSH), the Committee considers it appropriate to examine Conventions Nos 136 (benzene), 162 (asbestos) and 167 (safety and health in construction) together.

Protection against specific risks

Benzene Convention, 1971 (No. 136)

The Committee notes the information provided by the Government in response to its previous request regarding Article 6(1) of the Convention (prevention of the escape of vapour).

Article 2 the Convention. Replacement of benzene or of products containing it. Further to its previous comments, the Committee notes the Government’s indication in its report that the Regulations on activities involving hazardous substances (Supreme Decree No. 24176 of 8 December 1995) contains provisions that promote the prevention, optimization and replacement of hazardous substances in general, including benzene. In particular, the Government refers to section 37, which establishes the obligation for enterprises to consider prevention measures and measures to optimize the use, handling and replacement of technological elements and processes to reduce the volume and harmful characteristics of hazardous substances. The Committee observes that, although the above section establishes an obligation to consider prevention and optimization measures, including the possibility of replacing substances, it does not impose a direct obligation to carry out such replacement. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on whether additional measures have been taken requiring the replacement of benzene or products containing it whenever harmless or less harmful substitute products are available.

Article 4. Prohibition of the use of benzene, including as a solvent or diluent. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that the Environmental Regulations for the industrial manufacturing sector (Supreme Decree No. 26736 of 30 July 2002), the Environmental Regulations for the hydrocarbons sector (amended by Supreme Decree No. 2400 of 10 June 2015) and the Administrative Decision of the National Service for Agricultural Health and Food Safety (SENASAD) No. 021/2005 of 22 February 2005 established certain limits and prohibitions on the use of benzene. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on any other regulations prohibiting the use of benzene and of products containing it, at least as a solvent or diluent, except where the process is carried out in an enclosed system or where there are other equally safe methods of work.

Asbestos Convention, 1986 (No. 162)

The Committee notes the information provided by the Government in response to its previous request regarding Article 17(1) and (3) of the Convention (demolition of plants or structures containing asbestos).

Article 21(3) and (4) of the Convention. Information on medical examinations. Other means of maintaining income when assignment to work involving exposure to asbestos is inadvisable. Further to its previous comments and the conclusions adopted by the Committee on the Application of Standards, the Committee notes that the Government refers to section 44 of the Single Regulation on Benefits of the Supervisory Authority for Short-term Social Security – adopted by Administrative Decision No. 064/2018 – which provides that system management bodies, through their occupational health units, have an obligation to schedule periodic health checks with a view to the early detection of the effects of pollutants present in the working environment. In this regard, the Government indicates that the Short-term Social Security scheme is the cornerstone for the provision of medical services to workers, so that they are informed about their health in an adequate manner and can undergo all the necessary individual examinations, thereby ensuring that they are informed about their health. While noting this information, the Committee requests the Government to provide information on the measures taken or envisaged to ensure that, when continued assignment to work involving exposure to asbestos is found to be medically inadvisable, every effort is made, consistent with national conditions and practice, to provide the workers concerned with other means of maintaining their income, in accordance with Article 21(4).

Protection in specific branches of activity

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

The Committee notes the information provided by the Government in response to its previous request regarding Article 22(1) of the Convention (erection of structural frames and formwork).

Article 23 of the Convention. Work over water. Further to its previous comments, the Committee notes the Government’s indication that, although there is no specific standard on work over water, workers’ safety is covered by the general OSH standards. The Government also indicates that, as the country is landlocked, work over water is limited. While noting this information, the Committee asks the Government to provide more specific information on the adequate provision made to ensure that where work is done over or in close proximity to water: (a) workers are prevented from falling into water; (b) workers in danger of drowning are rescued; and (c) safe and sufficient transport is provided.

Article 27(b). Storing, transporting, handling and use of explosives by a competent person. Further to its previous comments, the Committee notes the information provided by the Government that the Ministry of Defence issues registration certificates and approves competency certificates for the handling of explosives to enterprises engaged in the manufacture, import, export and transport of firearms, ammunition, explosives and related materials, including in the construction sector, under the Regulations of Act No. 400 of 2013 (Supreme Decree No. 2175 of 6 November 2014). While noting this information, the Committee requests the Government to clarify whether the storing, transporting, handling and use of explosives may only be carried out by a competent person, who shall take such steps as are necessary to ensure that workers and other persons are not exposed to risk of injury.

[The Government is asked to reply in full to the present comments in 2026. ]