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For many years, noting the operational difficulties of the system of notification of employment injuries and particularly occupational diseases, the Committee has been inviting the Government to take the necessary measures to make notification of occupational diseases compulsory. It has also noted the Government’s undertaking to reform the Labour Code in order to remedy this situation and has pointed out that it may seek technical assistance from the Office.

In its latest report, the Government indicates that it has not been possible to carry out the planned reform, but that it hopes to be in a position to adopt a legislative decree on this subject. It also provides statistical data on seven cases of lead poisoning and 1,793 cases of poisoning by organophosphorus pesticides used in agriculture. With regard to the latter cases, no claims for compensation for temporary or permanent incapacity were submitted to the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, even though in 30 per cent of them the poisoning was recognized as being occupational in origin. The Government also indicates that the limit on compensation and pensions relating to occupational risks has been raised following the increase in social security contributions during the period covered by the report.

While it takes due note of this information, the Committee is obliged to note once again the absence of any practical measures to improve the operation of the system of compensation for occupational diseases. It hopes that the Government will be in a position to show in its next report that tangible progress has been achieved in this regard, with a view to ensuring the effective cover of occupational diseases in the country. Please also provide further information on the possible reasons for the absence of compensation for the recognized occupational diseases referred to in the Government’s report. Finally, the Committee would be grateful if the Government would continue to provide the information requested in Part V of the report form, and particularly statistics on the number of cases of disease or poisoning which have been reported and the amounts paid to the victims by way of compensation.