Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1994, published 81st ILC session (1994)

1. In its previous comments concerning the application of Article 11, paragraph 1, of the Convention, the Committee noted that regulation 11 of the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations, 1988, provided for periodic medical surveillance of workers exposed to certain hazardous substances. The Committee recalled, however, that this Article of the Convention also called for pre-assignment medical examinations to be provided, as determined by the competent authority. The Committee notes the reiteration in the Government's latest report that the regulations specific to work with asbestos, lead and chemicals require pre-assignment medical examinations. It once again requests the Government to indicate whether any measures are envisaged to ensure pre-assignment medical examinations for workers exposed to the other substances listed in Schedule 5 of the Regulations so as to ensure that, in cases where it might not be medically advisable for a worker to be engaged in work involving exposure to certain hazardous substances (regulation 11(6)), the worker will not be placed in a situation where he or she will have to take up such an assignment until the periodic examination is held as much as one year later (regulation 11(5)).

2. The Committee notes with interest from the Government's report the adoption of the Noise at Work Regulations (Northern Ireland), 1990, implementing the EC Directive on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to noise at work (86/188/EEC). In its previous comments, the Committee had noted the Government's indication in its report for the period ending 30 June 1989 that it hoped that the implementation of this legislation, which came into force in Great Britain on 1 January 1990, would enable it to ratify the Convention in respect of noise. In its latest report, the Government has indicated that it continues to keep its position towards the Convention under review with regard to ratification in respect of noise. The Committee looks forward to learning of further developments in this regard.

3. With reference to its previous comments concerning vibration, the Committee notes the indication in the Government's latest report that the Health and Safety Executive intends to publish advisory guidance on hand/arm vibration for managers, technical staff and health professionals, accompanied by leaflets for employers and employees. This information would explain the hazards involved, the measures for minimizing risk, the clinical effects of the disease and measures for monitoring worker exposure. In its report, the Government expressed its hope that the industry would use the non-statutory guidance as a framework to develop more specific advice. The Committee looks forward to learning of further progress along these lines giving effect to the Convention in respect of vibration, and hopes that the Government will be in a position to supply details in subsequent reports in conformity with Article 2, paragraph 2, of the Convention.