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The Committee notes from the first report of the Government that the list of occupational diseases and corresponding trades or occupations established by Decree-law No. 40/95/M on the compensation of industrial accidents and occupational diseases is in conformity with the table appended to Article 2 of the Convention.

As regards the implementation of the Convention in practice, the Hazard Prevention Division within the Labour Affairs Bureau has the responsibility to conduct research, assessment and investigation for causes of occupational hazards so as to prevent the occurrence of occupational injuries and diseases, authenticate occupational diseases, investigate the occurrence of such diseases and monitor the compliance with the rules and regulations on occupational safety and health. One of the main duties of the Department of Labour Inspection is the establishment of procedures related to occupational diseases and the preparation of cases for judgment as well as the development of activities and the provision of information to promote the effective compliance with labour laws and regulations. In accordance with the regulations of the above Decree-law, the insurers must communicate to the Labour Affairs Bureau twice a year a statement concerning all cases of industrial accidents and occupational diseases. Out of a labour force composed of some 300,000 persons, the Government indicates that, for the period 2001 to 2006, three cases of occupational diseases have been registered within the territory of the Macau SAR. The Committee would appreciate receiving updated statistics on the number of cases of occupational diseases registered in Macau SAR, as well as information on any measures taken in practice by the above competent authorities in order to raise awareness among the employers and workers concerned with respect to the recognition and reporting of occupational diseases.