Observation (CEACR) - adopted 1990, published 77th ILC session (1990)

Workmen's Compensation (Occupational Diseases) Convention (Revised), 1934 (No. 42) - Guyana (Ratification: 1966)

The Committee notes once again with regret that the modified list of occupational diseases attached to Regulation No. 34 of 1969 has not yet been finalised, bearing in mind that the occupational health and safety department of the Ministry of Labour is still in the process of reorganisation. The Government states that it is at present considering the possibility of asking the ILO for technical assistance. Legislation will be drawn up for the areas in question with a view to completing it as soon as possible.

The Committee takes note of this statement with interest. It hopes that with the help of the ILO the above-mentioned list may soon be completed, taking the following indications into account:

(a) Nos. 1(x), (xi), (xii) and (xiv) on this list are to be replaced by a heading containing in general terms all halogen derivatives of hydrocarbons of the aliphatic series;

(b) No. 7, which refers to certain disorders due to radiation should include all pathological manifestations due to radium and other radioactive substances or X-rays and the list of processes likely to induce these should be completed;

(c) Nos. 1(i) and (v) relating to poisoning by lead and its compounds and mercury and its compounds should include lead alloys and mercury amalgams respectively;

(d) No. 1(iii), which refers to poisoning by phosphorus and its compounds, should include the inorganic compounds of phosphorus;

(e) to No. 2 should be added among the processes likely to induce anthrax infection, all loading and unloading or transport of merchandise of any kind;

(f) silicosis with or without pulmonary tuberculosis and the industries or processes involving the risk of this infection should also be added to the list.

Finally, the Committee would also hope that the Government will examine the possibility of including in the list of occupational diseases an explicit reference to the direct consequences of poisoning caused by arsenic and benzene (Nos. (iv), (vii) and (viii) of No. 1 of the list attached to Regulaton No. 34 of 1969). [The Government is requested to provide a detailed report on the period ending 30 June 1990.]