BY AG
FROM HONG KONG
UNCLASSIFIED
SAVING TELEGRAM
45
TO FCO TELNO 189 SAVING OF 30 AUGUST 1975.
2.
3.
TGD
G
(A)
61st Session of the
International Labour Conference June 1976
Report VI(1) Working Environment
ww
Our telegram dated 30th August 1975 refers.
RECEIVED IN
REGIO PY 40, 51
+O SEF1975
The answers to the questionnaire at pages 27 et seq of Report VI(1) "Working Environment" are set out as follows :
1.
1. Form of International Instrument
Yes, the working environment has a decisive influence on workers health and safety as well as on their physical, mental and social well being. As problems presented by the working environment are increasing both in scope and in complexity, it would be helpful if the ILO were to adopt an international instrument regarding the protection and control of hazards in the working environment caused by atmospheric pollution, noise and vibration.
A recommendation is preferable, "because of greater flexibility in application.
II. Preamble and Scope
The instrument should refer to the Protection of Workers' Health Recommendation, 1953, the Guarding of Machinery Recommendation, 1963, the Hygiene (Commerce and Offices) Convention and Recommen→ dation, 1964; the Benzene Convention and Recommendation, 1971, and the Occupational Cancer Convention and Recommendation, 1974, because these instruments are also related to workers' health, safety and their working conditions,
4(1) The instruments should be applicable to all economic activities
involving exposure of employees to atmospheric pollution or to noise and vibration.
(2) Apart from self-employed persons, no exclusion should be allowed.
If certain categories of workers were to be excluded from part or all of the provisions of the instrument, their employers may tend to be slow in introducing the essential protective measures.
(3) Yes. The working environment in maritime transport is generally
different from that of other industries, and the problems are different. Moreover, the standards of occupational safety and health in maritime transport are normally provided under shipping legislation which should form the subject of a separate instrument.
/5. Yes.