CMNT_TITLE

Radiation Protection Convention, 1960 (No. 115) - Barbados (RATIFICATION: 1967)

Other comments on C115

Observation

Direct Request

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General Observation of 2015. The Committee would like to draw the Government’s attention to its general observation of 2015 under this Convention, and in particular to the request for information contained in paragraph 30 thereof.

Articles 1, 3, 5–9 and 11–15 of the Convention. Legislation. Consultations. Activities covered and effective protection of workers. The Committee notes with concern that, despite its reiterated comments, there has been no progress in the application of the Convention. The Government recognizes in its report that there are shortcomings in the Radiation Protection Act (Cap. 353A) of 1971, which only gives effect to Article 10 of the Convention (notification of work involving exposure to ionizing radiations). In addition, the Committee notes the Government’s indication that, with the exception of the systems put in place in the main public hospital, workers who are exposed to ionizing radiations are not protected. The Government expresses its intention to revise the Radiation Protection Act (Cap. 353A), in order to bring it into conformity with the Convention. In this regard, the Government indicates that a regulation on radiation protection could be established under the Safety and Health at Work Act (Cap. 356), proclaimed in January 2013.

In response to the previous observations of the Barbados Workers’ Union (BWU) concerning the reactivation of the Advisory Committee on Radiation Protection, the Government indicates that a similar tripartite committee would be established to review and propose the necessary revision of the legislation in order to comply with the requirements of the Convention. In this respect, the Committee draws the attention of the Government to the guidance contained in its 2015 general observation. While noting the intent of the Government to revise the Radiation Protection Act (Cap. 353A) of 1971, the Committee requests the Government to take the necessary steps, without delay and in consultation with representatives of employers and workers, to give full effect to the abovementioned provisions of the Convention, in light of its 2015 general observation, and to submit a detailed report in this regard.