Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2023, published 112nd ILC session (2024)

Repetition

Article 3(1) of the Convention. Prohibition of the employment of young persons and women. The Committee notes that the Government’s report repeats the information provided in both 2004 and 2009 on provisions which prohibit the employment of young people on the basis of a risk assessment undertaken by the employer, taking into account the use of lead and its compounds; and provisions which provide protection for pregnant workers and workers who have recently given birth and are breastfeeding. The Committee once again refers the Government to its previous comments with regard to this Article, and reiterates its request that the Government provide information on measures taken or envisaged to prohibit the employment of men under the age of 18 years and of all women in any painting work of industrial character involving the use of white lead or sulphate of lead or other products containing these pigments. The Committee also asks the Government to provide further information on the risk assessment to be undertaken by employers under section 6 of the rules on the protection of health at work of children, adolescents and young people, with particular reference to a risk assessment related to employment involving the use of lead and its compounds.

Article 5(I)(a). Prohibition against the use of white lead. The Committee notes that the Government refers to the information already provided in its previous report, indicating that section 8(1) and (2) of the regulation on the protection of workers from risks of exposure to chemical substances at work require an employer to remove, or reduce to the least possible extent, the risk of hazardous chemical substances to the safety and health of workers at work. The Committee reiterates its request that the Government take the necessary measures to ensure that use of white lead, sulphate of lead, or products containing these pigments is prohibited in painting operations, except in the form of paste or of paint ready to use.