Colombia - 2013

1.1 Description of OSH regulatory framework

2.1 Health and safety covers physical and psychological health

2.2 Definition of worker

• 2.2.1 Coverage of particular categories of workers

  • 2.2.1.1 Migrant workers

    Summary/citation: The OSH legislation does not contain a definition of worker. However with regard to the scope of application of the Labour Code the Code says that it applies to the entire territory of the Republic for all residents, regardless of their nationality. Migrant workers are not excluded from the scope of application.

    • Decretos 2663 y 3743 de 1950, adoptados por la Ley 141 de 1961 como legislación permanente, por la cual se dicta el Código Sustantivo del Trabajo. (§ 2)

  • 2.2.1.2 Domestic workers

    Summary/citation: The OSH legislation does not contain a definition of worker. However with regard to the scope of application of the Labour Code the Code says that it applies to the entire territory of the Republic for all residents, regardless of their nationality. Domestic workers are not excluded from the scope of application.

    • Decretos 2663 y 3743 de 1950, adoptados por la Ley 141 de 1961 como legislación permanente, por la cual se dicta el Código Sustantivo del Trabajo. (§ 2)

    Related CEACR Comments
    • Domestic Workers Convention, 2011 (No. 189) Observation 2019
    • Domestic Workers Convention, 2011 (No. 189) Direct Request 2019
    

  • 2.2.1.3 Home workers

    Summary/citation: The OSH legislation does not contain a definition of worker. However with regard to the scope of application of the Labour Code the Code says that it applies to the entire territory of the Republic for all residents, regardless of their nationality. Home workers are not excluded from the scope of application.

    • Decretos 2663 y 3743 de 1950, adoptados por la Ley 141 de 1961 como legislación permanente, por la cual se dicta el Código Sustantivo del Trabajo. (§ 2)

  • 2.2.1.4 Self-employed persons

    No data available.
    

2.3 Definition of employer

2.4 Exclusion of branches of economic activity

• 2.4.1 Agriculture

  Summary/citation: Not excluded from the scope of application of the Labour Code.

• 2.4.2 Construction

  Summary/citation: Not excluded from the scope of application of the Labour Code.

  Related CEACR Comments
  • Safety and Health in Construction Convention, 1988 (No. 167) Direct Request 2015
  

• 2.4.3 Services

  Summary/citation: Not excluded from the scope of application of the Labour Code.

• 2.4.4 Public sector

  Summary/citation: Individual labour relations between the public administration and railway workers, companies, public works and other State servants, are not governed by the Labour Code but by special statutes enacted subsequently.
  (Código Sustantivo de Trabajo, § 4)

  Scope of application of the occupational health standards. The provisions on Occupational Health apply to any workplace. All employers, both public and private, contractors, subcontractors and workers and the public and private entities are subject to the provisions on the organization and administration of the Occupational Health established in the lead OSH decree.
  (Decreto núm. 614 por el cual se determinan las bases para la organización y administración de salud ocupacional en el país, § 4)

  Remarks / comments: Public servants fall under the application of OSH legislation; however the labour code is not applicable to them as they are governed by a special law.

  • Decreto núm. 614, de 14 de marzo de 1984, por el cual se determinan las bases para la organización y administración de la Salud Ocupacional en el país. (§ 3)

  • Decretos 2663 y 3743 de 1950, adoptados por la Ley 141 de 1961 como legislación permanente, por la cual se dicta el Código Sustantivo del Trabajo. (§ 4)

• 2.4.5 Other

  No data available.
  

2.5 Definition of occupational accident

2.6 Definition of occupational disease

• 2.6.1 List of occupational diseases

  Summary/citation: The National Government will periodically establish a list with occupational diseases on the basis of a proposal prepared by the National Council of Occupational Risks.

  In this respect, the Ministry of Health and Social Protection jointly with the Ministry of Labour will update the list of occupational diseases at least once every 3 years taking into consideration the technical research funded by the National Fund of Occupational Risks.

  The Labour Code contains a list with occupational diseases.

  • Decretos 2663 y 3743 de 1950, adoptados por la Ley 141 de 1961 como legislación permanente, por la cual se dicta el Código Sustantivo del Trabajo. (§ 201)

  • Decreto núm. 1832 de 1994 por el cual se adopta la tabla de enfermedades profesionales

• 2.6.2 Mechanism for compensating other diseases as occupational ones

  No data available.
  

3.1 Competent national authority for safety and health at work

• 3.1.1 Objectives, roles and/or functions

  Summary/citation: The Ministries of Labour and Social Security and Health will act jointly and in coordination. They are considered as the national managing body of the National OSH Plan at the different levels of organization and administration. For that purpose they have the following responsibilities:
  a) Issue administrative and technical rules governing occupational health, derived from the Labour Code, the Law No. 9 dated 24 January 1979 which establishes Health Measures and this Decree;
  b) Establish criteria for setting research priorities in occupational health;
  c) Encourage and guide investigations that meet the criteria and priorities;
  d) Establish rules and procedures for collecting and processing information to the units required for decision-making;
  e) Issue rules and procedures to ensure timely feedback of information to agencies and entities involved in the National OSH Plan;
  f) Determine the scope of provision of advice and technical assistance by the government institutions in each of the levels of the National OSH Plan, in accordance with this Decree;
  g) Issue rules for the conduct of outreach courses and informal training for employers and workers;
  h) Establish a mandatory training on OSH for human resources;
  i) Determine the methods, procedures and technology in medicine, industrial health and safety, prior concept of National OSH Committee;
  j) Keep the diagnosis of Occupational Health in the country in order to define policies and to ensure the proper implementation of Occupational Health activities at different levels;
  k) Plan and coordinate the OSH activities described in this Decree through the National OSH Committee.

  Responsibilities of Departmental Divisions of Labour and Occupational Health:
  a) Perform the inspection visits in sanctioning processes workplaces to check compliance with the laws;
  b) Study and resolve consultations within their competence;
  c) Propose and execute job relocation programs for workers with reduced working capacity;
  d) Monitor and exercise coercive control of compliance with legal regulations on job relocation;
  e) Provide advice, concepts and medical expert opinions in their jurisdiction;
  f) Advance surveillance and control programs designed to extend the coverage of social security, particularly in hazardous and unhealthy works;
  g) Maintain close relations with sectional health agencies, the Social Security Institute and the SENA and actively participate in the Sectional Committees on Occupational Health.

  The Regional Health Services in relation to occupational health activities taking place in their respective jurisdiction, shall have the following responsibilities:
  a) Propose the adoption of laws and suggest modification of existing laws in the area of ​​occupational health;
  b) Participate in the implementation of national research on occupational health;
  c) Submit the plan to the national research needs for Occupational Health Branch;
  d) Run investigations of a regional and sectional interest, directly or in coordination with other entities and with sectional and national approval;
  e) Incorporate the area of occupational health in training programs to the Service Branch staff;
  f) Train and educate workers and employers in occupational health, in coordination with the Institute of Social Security and other entities;
  g) Develop outreach and informal training in occupational health, for workers and employers;
  h) Provide advice and technical assistance in occupational health to the regional and local NHS in their jurisdiction;
  i) Provide advice and technical assistance to other government agencies that are engaged in occupational health in the sectional level;
  j) Implement programs and activities on occupational health in undertakings within its jurisdiction;
  k) Develop outreach activities in occupational medicine, industrial hygiene and safety;
  l) Supervise occupational health activities at regional and local levels;
  m) Exercise technical oversight in the area of occupational health;
  [...]

  Remarks / comments: Responsibilities of the National Social Security Fund and other security and social welfare entities. The National Social Security Fund and other social security and welfare entities in relation to the National Occupational Health Plan which are regulated in this Decree, shall have the following responsibilities:
  a) Implement a mandatory Occupational Health Programme for its members, administered directly or in coordination with other agencies in order to develop occupational health activities;
  b) Comply with the general rules on occupational health and the provisions of this decree which apply to the Social Security Institute and other regulations that are issued in the area of ​​occupational health.

  • Decreto núm. 614, de 14 de marzo de 1984, por el cual se determinan las bases para la organización y administración de la Salud Ocupacional en el país. (§§ 42, 13-20)

• 3.1.2 Chairperson and composition

  No data available.
  

3.2 National OSH research programme or institute

• 3.2.1 Objectives, roles and/or functions

  Summary/citation: The functions of the National Health Institute with regard to the National OSH Plan are the following:
  - Function as a central laboratory of reference and standardization in the OSH field. The results it provides are official.
  - Standardize the techniques used to analyse environmental and biological agents in order to determine their effects on human beings.
  - Support the OSH related research activities.
  - Carry out research programmes according to the priorities indicated by the Ministries of Health, Labour and Social Security.
  - Submit to the Ministry of Health proposals indicating research programmes which must be included in the national research programme.
  - Carry out laboratory analysis required for the control process on occupational health, which cannot be made at sectorial level.
  - Develop capacity building programmes on technical or scientific aspects of OSH in the public and private centres that request it.
  - Supervise laboratories working on OSH and environmental toxicology.

  The objectives of the National Youth and Sports Institute are basically to cooperate, provide advice and support to the Ministries of Health, Labour and Social Security with regard to physical conditions and training, physical activities, physical and mental rests, corrective gym, etc.

  • Decreto núm. 614, de 14 de marzo de 1984, por el cual se determinan las bases para la organización y administración de la Salud Ocupacional en el país. (§§ 21-22)

• 3.2.2 Governance board constitution and chairmanship

  Summary/citation: The National Health Institute has the following structure:
  1. Governing Body.
  2. Directorate- General.
  2.1 Advisory Office on Planning and Information Systems.
  2.2 Legal Advisory Office.
  2.3 Internal Control Office.
  3. Secretariat-General.
  4. Subdirectorate of Research
  5. Subdirectorate of Public Heath and Control.
  6. Subdirectorate of National Chain of Laboratories.
  7. Subdirectory of Production.
  8. Advisory and Coordination bodies.
  8.1 Staff Commission
  8.2 Coordination Committee of the Internal Control System

  Remarks / comments: In order to see the structure of the National Health Institute, please visit its official website at: http://www.ins.gov.co/conocenos/PublishingImages/Imagen_Organigrama_INS.jpg

  For more information regarding the National Youth and Sports Institute, please visit its official web site at: http://www.coldeportes.gov.co/

  • Decreto núm. 272 del 29 de enero de 2004 por el cual se modifica la estructura del Instituto Nacional de Salud (INS) y se determinan las funciones de sus dependencias (§ 5)

• 3.2.3 Source of funding

  No data available.
  

3.3 National OSH programme

• 3.3.1 Consultation on the national OSH programme

  No data available.
  

4.1 Duty to ensure the health and safety of employees

4.2 Duty to protect the health and safety of people other than their own employees

4.3 Collaboration among two or more employers at the same workplace

4.4 Surveillance of workers’ health in relation to work

• 4.4.1 Specific hazards for which surveillance is required

  No data available.
  

4.5 Surveillance of the working environment and working practices

4.6 Duty to provide personal protective equipment

4.7 Duty to ensure the usage of personal protective equipment

4.8 Duty to provide first-aid and welfare facilities

• 4.8.1 Arrangements for first-aid

  Summary / Citation: The employer must provide first-aid to the injured, even if the accident is due to negligence or deliberate provocation by the victim.
  All employers must have at the working place the necessary medicines to assist in case of accidents or sudden attack of illness, according to the regulations issued by the National Bureau of Medicine and Industrial Hygiene (Today Division of Occupational Health).

  Immediate assistance: the employer must promptly provide the injured worker or worker suffering from occupational disease the necessary health care and pharmaceuticals.

  • Decretos 2663 y 3743 de 1950, adoptados por la Ley 141 de 1961 como legislación permanente, por la cual se dicta el Código Sustantivo del Trabajo. (§§ 205-206)

• 4.8.2 Sanitary installations

  Summary / Citation: All work establishments (with some exceptions pointed out by the law) where there is a public sewer, must have or install a toilet, a sink, a urinal and a shower, in proportion of one for every fifteen employees, segregated by sex, and endowed with all the essential elements for workers service, consisting of toilet paper, collection containers, paper towels, soap, disinfectants and deodorants.

  • Resolución núm. 2400 del 22 de mayo de 1979 por la cual se establecen algunas disposiciones sobre vivienda, higiene y seguridad en los establecimientos de trabajo (§ 17)

• 4.8.3 Drinking water

  Summary / Citation: Providing food and water for human use, industrial water processing and waste in the workplace, should be conducted in a manner that ensures the health and welfare of workers and that of the general population.
  (Ley núm. 9 de 24 de Enero de 1979 por la que se dictan Medidas Sanitarias § 122)

  A least one drinking water supply system must be installed per every fifty workers. If ice is used to cool the water, direct contact between the water and the ice must be avoided. It is preferred tu use cooling pipes through which water circulates. However, if this is not possible, a closed container with compartment may be used separately from the ice. The use of open containers is not allowed.
  (Resolución núm. 2400 de 22 mayo de 1979 por la cual se establecen algunas disposiciones sobre vivienda, higiene y seguridad en los establecimientos de trabajo, § 24)

  • Resolución núm. 2400 del 22 de mayo de 1979 por la cual se establecen algunas disposiciones sobre vivienda, higiene y seguridad en los establecimientos de trabajo (§ 24)

  • Ley núm. 9 del 24 de enero de 1979 por la que se dictan Medidas Sanitarias (§ 122)

• 4.8.4 Rest and eating areas

  Summary / Citation: Dining rooms must be located outside the workplace, and separated from other rooms and unhealthy sources.
  

  Restrictions / obligations: The law does not oblige the employer to provide dining rooms or dormitores. This provision applies when there are dining rooms.

  • Resolución núm. 2400 del 22 de mayo de 1979 por la cual se establecen algunas disposiciones sobre vivienda, higiene y seguridad en los establecimientos de trabajo (§ 25)

5.1 Elements of an OSH management system

• 5.1.1 Policy or plan specifying responsibilities and arrangements for health and safety

  Summary/citation: The law requires the OSH programmes to include the following issues:

  a) The sub-programme of preventive medicine include the activities referred to in Articles 125, 126 and 127 of the Act 9a/1979, and those of recreation and sports approved by the competent authorities, under the guidance of the Colombian Institute of Youth and Sports;
  
  b) The sub-programme of occupational medicine must:
  1. Provide medical, clinical and paraclinical examinations for admission, recruitment, skills-based assignment to a position, occupational changes, re-entry and other work-related health risks for operators.
  2. Develop epidemiological surveillance of occupational diseases, pathologies, and work-related absenteeism due to such causes.
  3. Develop prevention of occupational diseases and accidents, and health education for employers and employees, together with the industrial hygiene and safety sub-programme .
  4. Provide advice on industrial toxicology and risk agents in the introduction of new processes and substances.
  5. Keep a timely first-aid service.
  6. Provide advice on medical aspects at work.
  7. Determine appropriate spaces for rest and recreation, as means for the maintenance of the physical and mental health of workers.
  
  c) The sub-programme of industrial hygiene and safety must:
  1. Identify and evaluate, through periodic environmental studies, agents and occupational risk factors that affect or may affect the health of workers.
  2. Identify and implement measures to control risks of accidents and work-related diseases and periodically verify its efficiency.
  3. Investigate accidents and illnesses, determine their causes and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
  4. Develop and maintain updated statistics on accidents, occupational diseases, absenteeism and staff exposed to risk agents and work together with the occupational medicine sub-programme.
  5. Develop and propose rules and regulations on OSH, together with the occupational medicine sub-programme.

  • Decreto núm. 614, de 14 de marzo de 1984, por el cual se determinan las bases para la organización y administración de la Salud Ocupacional en el país. (§ 30)

• 5.1.2 Appointment of a person for health and safety

  Summary/citation: The employer is not require to assign the OSH management to a senior manager or specialist but the law says that the employer may contract the services of a company specialised in OSH administration, which will not exonerate the employer from his/her OSH related duties imposed by the law.
  

  • Decreto núm. 614, de 14 de marzo de 1984, por el cual se determinan las bases para la organización y administración de la Salud Ocupacional en el país. (§ 34)

• 5.1.3 Written risk assessment

  Summary/citation: The risk assessment is not required to be written. The sub-programme on industrial safety (part of the company's OSH programme) must identify and evaluate, through periodic environmental studies, agents and occupational risk factors that affect or may affect the health of workers.

  • Decreto núm. 614, de 14 de marzo de 1984, por el cual se determinan las bases para la organización y administración de la Salud Ocupacional en el país. (§§ 30(1)(c)(1))

• 5.1.4 Safe operating work systems and procedures

  Summary/citation: The employers must prove to the relevant OSH authorities, if necessary through evaluations, that they meet the standards of medicine, industrial hygiene and safety required for the protection of workers' health.

  • Decreto núm. 614, de 14 de marzo de 1984, por el cual se determinan las bases para la organización y administración de la Salud Ocupacional en el país. (§ 24(b))

• 5.1.5 Training and information on risks

  Summary/citation: The employers are under a duty to inform the workers about the risks they are exposed to and the preventive measures put in place.
  The employers are under a duty to facilitate the attendance of workers to courses and educational programs provided by the authorities in order to prevent occupational hazards.
  

  • Decreto núm. 614, de 14 de marzo de 1984, por el cual se determinan las bases para la organización y administración de la Salud Ocupacional en el país. (§ 24(e)(f))

• 5.1.6 Review or assessment of the results of preventive measures

  Summary/citation: The employers must prove to the relevant OSH authorities, if necessary through evaluations, that they meet the standards of medicine, industrial hygiene and safety required for the protection of workers' health.

  • Decreto núm. 614, de 14 de marzo de 1984, por el cual se determinan las bases para la organización y administración de la Salud Ocupacional en el país. (§ 24(b))

• 5.1.7 Consultation with workers in health and safety

  Summary/citation: Even it is not explicitly indicated that the employer must consult with workers in all aspects of OSH prevention system, the law says that workers are under a duty to take participation in the implementation, monitoring and control process of OSH programmes and activities, through their representatives in the Committees of Medicine, Hygiene and Industrial Safety. Workers are also under the obligation to collaborate actively in the development of occupational health activities in the company.

  • Decreto núm. 614, de 14 de marzo de 1984, por el cual se determinan las bases para la organización y administración de la Salud Ocupacional en el país. (§ 31(b)(c))

5.2 Obligation to implement a specific OSH management system or standard

6.1 OSH competence

• 6.1.1 Requirement to access expert advice and/or support in health and safety

  Summary / Citation: The OSH legislation provides the employer with several options. In this respect the employer may create his/her own OSH programme, the employer may manage it in cooperation with other companies or may employ an OSH expert entity certified by the Ministry of Health.

  • Decreto núm. 614, de 14 de marzo de 1984, por el cual se determinan las bases para la organización y administración de la Salud Ocupacional en el país. (§ 29)

  Related CEACR Comments
  • Occupational Health Services Convention, 1985 (No. 161) Observation 2011
  • Occupational Health Services Convention, 1985 (No. 161) Direct Request 2015
  

  • 6.1.1.1 Qualifications of experts or professional services

    No data available.
    

    Related CEACR Comments
    • Occupational Health Services Convention, 1985 (No. 161) Observation 2011
    • Occupational Health Services Convention, 1985 (No. 161) Direct Request 2015
    

6.2 Appointment of an OSH practitioner

• 6.2.1 Workforce size threshold for the appointment of OSH practitioners

  No data available.
  

7.1 Duty to take reasonable steps to protect their own safety and health

7.2 Duty to take reasonable steps to protect the safety and health of others

7.3 Supervisors’ duty to take reasonable steps to protect the safety and health of others

7.4 Senior officers’ duty to take reasonable steps to protect the safety and health of others

7.5 Self-employed persons’ duty to take reasonable steps to protect their own and other people’s health and safety

7.6 Duty to comply with OSH-related requirements

7.7 Right to enquire about risks and preventive measures

7.8 Right to remove themselves from a dangerous situation

7.9 Right to be reassigned to non-hazard work

• 7.9.1 Right to withdraw with compensation when workers are not reassigned to non-hazard work

  No data available.
  

8.1 National OSH committee, commission, council or similar body

• 8.1.1 Objectives, roles and/or functions

  Summary / Citation: OSH Committees provide advice to the employer concerning OSH.

  Remarks / comments: In order to check the functions of the Sectional and Local Occupational Health Committees please refer to §§ 15-18 of the Decree No. 16 dated 9 January 1997 that regulates the integration, functioning and the network of the OSH Committes at national, sectional and local level.

  • Decreto núm. 16 del 9 de enero de 1997 por el cual se reglamenta la integración, el funcionamiento y la red de los comités nacional, seccionales y locales de salud ocupacional (§ 7)

• 8.1.2 Constitution and chairmanship modalities

  Summary / Citation: The National Occupational Health Committee shall consist of the entities mentioned in Article 71 of Decree-Law 1295 of 1994, as follows:
  1. The Head of the sub preventive occupational health risk from the technical directorate of professionals risks from the Ministry of Labour and Social Security.
  2. The deputy director of occupational health at the Ministry of Health.
  3. The head of the competent occupational health or occupational hazards of the Social Security Institute.
  4. The head of occupational health at the National Institute of Health.
  5. A representative of the professional risk management entities other than the Social Security Institute.
  6. Two representatives of the workers.
  7. Two representatives of employers.

  Remarks / comments: In order to check the composition of the Sectional and Local Occupational Health Committees please refer to §§ 15-18 of the Decree No. 16 dated 9 January 1997 that regulates the integration, functioning and the network of the OSH Committes at national, sectional and local level.

  • Decreto núm. 16 del 9 de enero de 1997 por el cual se reglamenta la integración, el funcionamiento y la red de los comités nacional, seccionales y locales de salud ocupacional (§ 6)

8.2 Employers’ duty to consult workers on risks

8.3 Workers’ right to select their representatives for health and safety matters

• 8.3.1 Workforce size conditions for workers’ representation in health and safety

  Summary / Citation: - Workplaces with 10-49 workers: 1 workers' representative
  - Workplaces with 50-499 workers: 2 workers' representatives
  - Workplaces with 500-999 workers: 4 workers' representatives
  - Workplaces with 50-499 workers: 4 workers' representatives

  • Resolución núm. 02013, de 6 de junio de 1986, por la cual se reglamenta la organización y funcionamiento de los Comités de Medicina, Higiene y Seguridad Industrial en los lugares de trabajo. (§ 2)

• 8.3.2 Conditions of eligibility to represent workers in health and safety

  No data available.
  

8.4 OSH representatives’ functions, rights and powers

• 8.4.1 Right to inspect the workplace

  No data available.
  

• 8.4.2 Right to access OSH information

  No data available.
  

• 8.4.3 Right to be present at interviews

  No data available.
  

• 8.4.4 Right to receive professional assistance from OSH experts

  No data available.
  

• 8.4.5 Right to accompany inspectors

  Summary / Citation: The employer is required to allow workers' representatives to participate in inspections and investigations to be carried out by the Occupational Health authorities at the workplace.

  • Decreto núm. 614, de 14 de marzo de 1984, por el cual se determinan las bases para la organización y administración de la Salud Ocupacional en el país. (§ 24(g))

• 8.4.6 Right to use facilities

  Summary / Citation: It is not explicitly pointed out by the law, but it says that the employer is under a duty to provide necessary facilities to the Medicine, Hygiene and Industrial Safety Committee in order to enable it to carry out its functions (the Committee includes also workers' representatives).

  • Resolución núm. 02013, de 6 de junio de 1986, por la cual se reglamenta la organización y funcionamiento de los Comités de Medicina, Higiene y Seguridad Industrial en los lugares de trabajo. (§ 14(d))

• 8.4.7 Right to have time off work with pay to perform duties

  No data available.
  

• 8.4.8 Right to issue remedial notices

  No data available.
  

• 8.4.9 Right to resolve OSH issues in consultation with employers

  No data available.
  

• 8.4.10 Right to direct that dangerous work cease

  No data available.
  

8.5 Right of workers’ representatives from outside the undertaking to address OSH issues at the workplace

• 8.5.1 Right to enter the workplace

  No data available.
  

• 8.5.2 Right to investigate suspected non-compliance with OSH legislation

  No data available.
  

• 8.5.3 Right to consult with workers

  No data available.
  

• 8.5.4 Right to advise workers

  No data available.
  

• 8.5.5 Right to initiate enforcement action

  No data available.
  

8.6 Joint OSH Committee

• 8.6.1 Participation of workers’ representatives in joint OSH committee

  Summary / Citation: The Medicine, Hygiene and Industrial Safety Committee is a joint committee made up of the same number of workers' and employers' representatives.

  • Resolución núm. 02013, de 6 de junio de 1986, por la cual se reglamenta la organización y funcionamiento de los Comités de Medicina, Higiene y Seguridad Industrial en los lugares de trabajo. (§ 2)

• 8.6.2 Conditions for establishing a joint OSH committee

  Summary / Citation: All public and private institutions with more than 10 workers must establish a Medicine, Hygiene and Industrial Safety Committee.

  - Workplaces with 10-49 workers: 1 workers' representative and 1 employers' representative.
  - Workplaces with 50-499 workers: 2 workers' representatives and 2 employers' representatives.
  - Workplaces with 500-999 workers: 4 workers' representatives and 4 employers' representatives.
  - Workplaces with 50-499 workers: 4 workers' representatives and 4 employers' representatives.

  In workplaces with less than 10 workers the employer must also create an OSH programme in cooperation with workers.

  • Resolución núm. 02013, de 6 de junio de 1986, por la cual se reglamenta la organización y funcionamiento de los Comités de Medicina, Higiene y Seguridad Industrial en los lugares de trabajo. (§§ 1-3)

• 8.6.3 Objectives, roles and/or functions of joint OSH committees

  Summary / Citation: The functions of the Medicine, Hygiene and Industrial Safety Committees are as follows:
  a) Propose to the company's administration the necessary measures to be taken in order to develop and maintain health at workplaces and work environments.
  b) Propose and participate in trainings on OSH organised for workers,
  supervisors and managers of the company or workplaces.
  c) Collaborate with officials of OSH governmental agencies in activities provided to companies and receive reports.
  d) Monitor the development of activities in the field of medicine, industrial hygiene and safety which must be carried out by the companies under the Hygiene and Industrial Safety Regulations and related rules; promote disclosure and enforcement thereof.
  e) Assist in the analysis of the causes of accidents and occupational diseases, propose the necessary corrective measures to the employer in order to prevent their occurrence. Evaluate programmes that have been implemented.
  f) Visit periodically workplaces and inspect working environments, machines, equipment and operations performed by the workers in each area or section of the company and inform the employer about the existence of risk factors and suggest corrective and control measures.
  g) Analyse and consider suggestions submitted by employees with regard to medicine, industrial hygiene and safety.
  h) Act as a coordinating body of the employer and the employees with regard to the solution of problems relating to occupational health. Process claims on occupational health presented by workers.
  i) Request regularly the company to provide reports on accidents and occupational diseases in order to comply with the provisions of this resolution.
  j) Elect the secretary of the Committee.
  k) Maintain a file of the minutes of each meeting and other activities taking place, which will be available at any time for the employer, the workers and the competent authorities.
  l) Any other functions assigned to them in accordance with the occupational health rules.
  (Resolución núm. 2013 de 6 de junio de 1986 por la cual se reglamenta la organización y funcionamiento de los comités de Medicina, Higiene y Seguridad Industrial en los lugares de trabajo, § 11)

  The Medicine, Hygiene and Industrial Safety Committees have the following obligations:
  a) Participate in promotions and information sessions on medicine, hygiene and industrial safety organised for employers and workers in order to encourage their active participation in the development of OSH programmes.
  b) Monitor OSH programmes at the company's workplaces and inform the OSH authorities on the stage of development of these OSH programmes when deficiencies are identified.
  c) Receive copies of OSH inspections and investigation reports.
  (Decreto núm. 614 de 14 de marzo de 1984 por el cual se determinan las bases para la organización y administración de Salud Ocupacional en el país)

  • Resolución núm. 02013, de 6 de junio de 1986, por la cual se reglamenta la organización y funcionamiento de los Comités de Medicina, Higiene y Seguridad Industrial en los lugares de trabajo. (§ 11)

  • Decreto núm. 614, de 14 de marzo de 1984, por el cual se determinan las bases para la organización y administración de la Salud Ocupacional en el país.

• 8.6.4 Keeping record of the work of joint OSH committees

  Summary / Citation: The Medicine, Hygiene and Industrial Safety Committee must record minutes of each meeting and other activities taking place and make them available at any time to the employer, the workers and the competent authorities.

  • Resolución núm. 02013, de 6 de junio de 1986, por la cual se reglamenta la organización y funcionamiento de los Comités de Medicina, Higiene y Seguridad Industrial en los lugares de trabajo. (§ 11(k))

• 8.6.5 Sharing the minutes of joint OSH committees meetings

  Summary / Citation: The Medicine, Hygiene and Industrial Safety Committee must record minutes of each meeting and other activities taking place and make them available at any time to the employer, the workers and the competent authorities.

  • Resolución núm. 02013, de 6 de junio de 1986, por la cual se reglamenta la organización y funcionamiento de los Comités de Medicina, Higiene y Seguridad Industrial en los lugares de trabajo. (§ 11(k))

8.7 Mandatory training for members of joint OSH committee(s)

8.8 Protection against reprisals

8.9 Immunity from civil and criminal liability for exercising OSH related rights and duties

9.1 Biological hazards

9.2 Chemical hazards

• 9.2.1 Handling, storage, labelling and use

  Summary / Citation: The necessary measures to avoid the presence of chemical and biological agents in air concentrations, quantities or levels which represent risks to the health and welfare of workers or the general population must be taken at any workplace.

  • Ley núm. 9 del 24 de enero de 1979 por la que se dictan Medidas Sanitarias (§§ 101-104)

  Related CEACR Comments
  • Chemicals Convention, 1990 (No. 170) Observation 2017
  • Chemicals Convention, 1990 (No. 170) Direct Request 2017
  • Benzene Convention, 1971 (No. 136) Observation 2015
  • Benzene Convention, 1971 (No. 136) Direct Request 2017
  

• 9.2.2 Duty of manufacturers, suppliers and importers of chemicals in relation to the safety and health of users

  Summary / Citation: Upon import, manufacture, storage, transport, trade, handling or disposal of
  hazardous substances all necessary measures and precautions to prevent damage to the human and animal health or the environment must be taken, according to the regulations of the Ministry of Health.

  The Ministry of Health may prohibit the use or place restrictions on the import, manufacturing, transportation, storage, trading and use of a substance or product as deemed highly dangerous for public health reasons.

  • Ley núm. 9 del 24 de enero de 1979 por la que se dictan Medidas Sanitarias (§§ 130-131)

  Related CEACR Comments
  • Chemicals Convention, 1990 (No. 170) Observation 2017
  • Chemicals Convention, 1990 (No. 170) Direct Request 2017
  • Benzene Convention, 1971 (No. 136) Observation 2015
  • Benzene Convention, 1971 (No. 136) Direct Request 2017
  

• 9.2.3 Pesticides

  Summary / Citation: The Ministry of Health shall establish standards for the protection of health and safety of people from the dangers arising from the manufacture, storage, transport, trade, use or disposal of pesticides.

  For the import, manufacture or sale of any pesticide registration is required,
  issued in accordance with this Act and its regulations. This record can only be
  issued by the competent authority when according to the Ministry of Health the pesticide in question does not represent a serious risk to human health or the environment and cannot be replaced by less hazardous products.

  • Ley núm. 9 del 24 de enero de 1979 por la que se dictan Medidas Sanitarias (§§ 136-144)

9.3 Ergonomic hazards

9.4 Physical hazards

• 9.4.1 Ionising radiation

  Summary / Citation: When developing any activity that involves use of ionizing radiation all necessary measures to ensure the protection of the health and safety of persons directly or indirectly exposed, and the general population, must be adopted by employers, owners or users.

  • Ley núm. 9 del 24 de enero de 1979 por la que se dictan Medidas Sanitarias (§§ 150-154)

• 9.4.2 Vibration and noise

  Summary / Citation: The Ministry of Health will determine the levels of noise, vibration and pressure changes workers may be exposed to.

  • Ley núm. 9 del 24 de enero de 1979 por la que se dictan Medidas Sanitarias (§ 106)

• 9.4.3 Working at height

  Summary / Citation: There are a number of resolutions with regard to safety at working at height.

  Remarks / comments: For further information please refer to the entity in charge of promoting safe conditions at working at height- SENA.

  • Resolución núm. 2291 del 22 de junio de 2010 por la cual se amplia el plazo establecido en el art. 4 de la Resolución núm. 736 del 13 de marzo de 2009 y se dictan otras disposiciones

  • Resolución núm. 1938 de 16 de julio de 2009 por la cual se modifica el art. 1 de la Resolución 1486 del 24 de junio 2009

  • Resolución núm. 1486 del 24 de junio de 2009 por la cual se establecen los alineamientos para el cumplimiento de la Resolución núm. 736 del 13 de marzo de 2009 sobre trabajo en alturas

  • Resolución núm. 736 de 13 de marzo de 2009 por la cual se modifica parcialmente la Resolución núm. 3673 del 26 de septiembre de 2008 y se dictan otras disposiciones

  • Resolución núm. 3673 del 26 de septiembre de 2008 por el que se establece el reglamento técnico de trabajo seguro en alturas

• 9.4.4 Working in confined spaces

  No data available.
  

• 9.4.5 Risks arising from poor maintenance of workplace facilities

  Summary / Citation: Commercial and industrial premises must have water, washing elements, sanitizing equipment and utensils in sufficient quantity and quality to maintain their adequate conditions of hygiene and cleanliness.

  • Ley núm. 9 del 24 de enero de 1979 por la que se dictan Medidas Sanitarias (§ 264)

• 9.4.6 Exposure to extreme temperatures

  Summary / Citation: Working methods and conditions that apply excessive heat or loss of temperature which can cause damage to the health of workers are forbidden.

  At workplaces where there are conditions or methods which could affect the health of workers due to cold or heat all necessary measures must be taken to control the exchange between the atmosphere and the body of the worker.

  Workplaces should have ventilation to ensure clean and fresh air supply, permanently and in sufficient quantity.

  • Ley núm. 9 del 24 de enero de 1979 por la que se dictan Medidas Sanitarias (§§ 107-109)

• 9.4.7 Fire risks

  Summary / Citation: All buildings must be equipped with the necessary elements to control and fight fire accidents according to the regulations that exist in this regard.

  • Ley núm. 9 del 24 de enero de 1979 por la que se dictan Medidas Sanitarias (§ 205)

• 9.4.8 Tobacco

  Summary / Citation: There is a law with regard to the consumption of tobacco which establishes the prohibition to smoke in closed areas of workplaces and/or public places, such as bars, restaurants, shopping malls, stores, fairs, festivals, parks, stadiums, cafes, clubs, cafes, hotels, fairs, pubs, casinos, communal areas and waiting areas, among others.
  

  • Ley núm. 1335 de 21 de julio de 2009 Antitabaco

• 9.4.9 Asbestos

  Summary / Citation: Specific provisions covering asbestos were not identified. However, there are occupational diseases caused by asbestos which are recognised by the law.

  Remarks / comments: Colombia ratified the Asbestos Convention No. 162 of 1986.

  • Decretos 2663 y 3743 de 1950, adoptados por la Ley 141 de 1961 como legislación permanente, por la cual se dicta el Código Sustantivo del Trabajo. (§ 201)

  Related CEACR Comments
  • Asbestos Convention, 1986 (No. 162) Observation 2017
  • Asbestos Convention, 1986 (No. 162) Direct Request 2017
  

• 9.4.10 Risks related to nanotechnology

  No data available.
  

• 9.4.11 Contraction of HIV in the workplace

  No data available.
  

9.5 Psychosocial hazards

• 9.5.1 Psychosocial risks

  Summary / Citation: There is a special resolution on psychosocial risks at the workplace.

  • Resolución núm. 002646 del 17 de julio de 2008 por la cual se establecen disposiciones y se definen responsabilidades para la identificación, evaluación, prevención, intervención y monitoreo permanente

• 9.5.2 Occupational violence

  Summary / Citation: The termination of the labour contract can be declared both by employer or employee upon occupational violence.

  • Decretos 2663 y 3743 de 1950, adoptados por la Ley 141 de 1961 como legislación permanente, por la cual se dicta el Código Sustantivo del Trabajo. (§ 62(2))

9.6 Other hazardous substances

9.7 Machineries

• 9.7.1 Risks related to machinery and tools

  Summary / Citation: All machinery, equipment and tools must be designed, constructed, installed, maintained and operated so as to avoid the possible causes of accidents and illnesses.

  • Ley núm. 9 del 24 de enero de 1979 por la que se dictan Medidas Sanitarias (§ 112)

• 9.7.2 Duty of designers and/or manufacturers of machineries in relation to the occupational safety and health of operators of machineries

  No data available.
  

• 9.7.3 Duty of designers, manufacturers, importers or suppliers of machineries to provide machineries information

  No data available.
  

• 9.7.4 Duty to purchase machineries from authorised/certificated suppliers or only if approved/certificated

  No data available.
  

• 9.7.5 Maintenance of machinery and equipment

  No data available.
  

  • 9.7.5.1 List of equipment where applicable

    No data available.
    

9.8 Provisions to protect workers in specific condition of vulnerability

• 9.8.1 Protection of pregnancy at work

  No data available.
  

  Related CEACR Comments
  • Benzene Convention, 1971 (No. 136) Observation 2015
  • Benzene Convention, 1971 (No. 136) Direct Request 2017
  

• 9.8.2 Protection of lactating women at work

  Summary / Citation: The employer is under the obligation to grant the worker two breaks of thirty (30) minutes each one during the working day to nurse her child, without deduction in pay, during the first six (6) months following the birth.

  • Decretos 2663 y 3743 de 1950, adoptados por la Ley 141 de 1961 como legislación permanente, por la cual se dicta el Código Sustantivo del Trabajo. (§ 238)

  Related CEACR Comments
  • Benzene Convention, 1971 (No. 136) Observation 2015
  • Benzene Convention, 1971 (No. 136) Direct Request 2017
  

• 9.8.3 Limits to women’s access to specific occupations, undertakings or shifts

  Summary / Citation: Women, regardless of age, cannot be employed during night in any industry, except in the case of a company where only members of the same family are employed.

  It is prohibited to employ children under the age of eighteen and women in painting works, industrial processes involving the use of white lead, sulphate of lead or any other product containing these pigments.

  Women, regardless of age, and children under the age of eighteen cannot be employed in underground work in mines or, in general, work in hazardous, unhealthy place or requiring great efforts.

  • Decretos 2663 y 3743 de 1950, adoptados por la Ley 141 de 1961 como legislación permanente, por la cual se dicta el Código Sustantivo del Trabajo. (§ 242)

• 9.8.4 Limits to workers’ access to specific occupations, undertakings or shifts by reason of age

  Summary / Citation: Children under the age of fourteen are not allowed to work in industrial enterprises, or farms when their work prevent them from attending school.

  Children under the age of eighteen are not allowed to work at night, except in non industrial companies and in the domestic service, provided that the work is not hazardous to their health or morality.

  Children under the age of eighteen are not allowed to work as trimmers or stokers in shipping vessels.

  Every employer must keep a register of all persons under the age of eighteen employed by him/her, indicating the date of their births.

  • Decretos 2663 y 3743 de 1950, adoptados por la Ley 141 de 1961 como legislación permanente, por la cual se dicta el Código Sustantivo del Trabajo. (§ 171)

  Related CEACR Comments
  • Minimum Age Convention, 1973 (No. 138) Observation 2021
  • Minimum Age Convention, 1973 (No. 138) Direct Request 2014
  • Night Work of Young Persons (Industry) Convention, 1919 (No. 6) Observation 2011
  • Night Work of Young Persons (Industry) Convention, 1919 (No. 6) Direct Request 2016
  

10.1 Duty to record and/or investigate the causes of work accidents, near misses incidents and cases of occupational diseases

• 10.1.1 Work-related accidents

  No data available.
  

• 10.1.2 Near miss incidents

  No data available.
  

• 10.1.3 Occupational diseases

  No data available.
  

10.2 Employers’ duty to notify OSH authorities of work related death and/or injuries to health

11.1 Appointment of OSH inspectors

11.2 OSH inspectors’ powers

• 11.2.1 Power to enter workplaces

  Summary / Citation: The inspectors or technicians of occupational health have have the function of caring out inspections at the workplaces, which must be reported to the head of the competent occupational health authority.

  • Decreto núm. 614, de 14 de marzo de 1984, por el cual se determinan las bases para la organización y administración de la Salud Ocupacional en el país. (§ 43)

  Related CEACR Comments
  • Labour Inspection Convention, 1947 (No. 81) Observation 2015
  • Labour Inspection Convention, 1947 (No. 81) Direct Request 2015
  

• 11.2.2 Power to inspect and carry out any examination, test or enquiry

  Summary / Citation: The inspectors or technicians of occupational health have have the function of caring out inspections at the workplaces, which must be reported to the head of the competent occupational health authority.

  • Decreto núm. 614, de 14 de marzo de 1984, por el cual se determinan las bases para la organización y administración de la Salud Ocupacional en el país. (§ 43)

  Related CEACR Comments
  • Labour Inspection Convention, 1947 (No. 81) Observation 2015
  • Labour Inspection Convention, 1947 (No. 81) Direct Request 2015
  

• 11.2.3 Power to investigate

  Summary / Citation: The inspectors or technicians of occupational health have have the function of caring out inspections at the workplaces, which must be reported to the head of the competent occupational health authority.

  • Decreto núm. 614, de 14 de marzo de 1984, por el cual se determinan las bases para la organización y administración de la Salud Ocupacional en el país. (§ 43)

• 11.2.4 Duty to provide advice on OSH

  No data available.
  

  Related CEACR Comments
  • Labour Inspection Convention, 1947 (No. 81) Observation 2015
  • Labour Inspection Convention, 1947 (No. 81) Direct Request 2015
  

11.3 OSH inspectors’ enforcement powers

• 11.3.1 Power to issue orders or notices

  Summary / Citation: In the event that as a result of the monitoring and control inspection violations and anomalies in the implementation of the occupational health programs, which may cause damage to the health of the workers, are found, the Occupational Health Head of the Unit shall require the employer of the company to meet the standards and correct the identified anomalies within the deadlines stipulated for compliance.

  • Decreto núm. 614, de 14 de marzo de 1984, por el cual se determinan las bases para la organización y administración de la Salud Ocupacional en el país. (§ 44)

  Related CEACR Comments
  • Labour Inspection Convention, 1947 (No. 81) Observation 2015
  • Labour Inspection Convention, 1947 (No. 81) Direct Request 2015
  

• 11.3.2 Power to impose financial penalties

  Summary / Citation: When the deadlines imposed to employers have passed without meeting the requirements issued by the inspectors, the competent departments of the Ministry of Labour and Social Security will impose a fine.

  • Decreto núm. 614, de 14 de marzo de 1984, por el cual se determinan las bases para la organización y administración de la Salud Ocupacional en el país. (§ 45(b))

• 11.3.3 Power to revoke or suspend licenses or authorisations

  Summary / Citation: The Head of Regional Health Service can order the confiscation of products or the suspension or cancellation of licenses.

  • Decreto núm. 614, de 14 de marzo de 1984, por el cual se determinan las bases para la organización y administración de la Salud Ocupacional en el país. (§ 45(c))

  Related CEACR Comments
  • Labour Inspection Convention, 1947 (No. 81) Observation 2015
  • Labour Inspection Convention, 1947 (No. 81) Direct Request 2015
  

• 11.3.4 Power to require the cessation of dangerous work

  Summary / Citation: In the event that during inspections at workplaces emergency situation for the or community are detected, the inspectors must immediately alert the employer, the Committee on Medicine, Industrial Hygiene and Safety and competent OSH Unit in order to take the appropriate action.

  • Decreto núm. 614, de 14 de marzo de 1984, por el cual se determinan las bases para la organización y administración de la Salud Ocupacional en el país. (§ 43)

  Related CEACR Comments
  • Labour Inspection Convention, 1947 (No. 81) Observation 2015
  • Labour Inspection Convention, 1947 (No. 81) Direct Request 2015
  

• 11.3.5 Power to initiate prosecutions

  No data available.
  

• 11.3.6 Power to conduct prosecutions

  No data available.
  

• 11.3.7 Other enforcement powers

  Summary / Citation: The Head of the Regional Labour Office or the Chief of the Division of Occupational Health of the Ministry of Labour and Social Security may order the temporary closure or closure of a part of the workplace, based on the occupational health problem. A copy of the resolution must be forwarded immediately the Ministry of Labour and Social Security.
  The Ministry of Labour and Social Security may order the definitive closure of the workplace, based on the background and the persistence of the occupational health problem.
  (Decreto núm. 614 por el cual se determinan las bases para la organización y administración de Salud Ocupacional en el país, § 45(d)(e))

  Preventive measures may be imposed as follows:
  a) The isolation or confinement of people to prevent disease transmission. This isolation will be based on medical certificate issued by the health authority and will last only as long as it is strictly necessary to clear the danger of contagion;
  b) Capture and observation of animals suspected of communicable diseases;
  c) Vaccination of humans and animals;
  d) Control of insects or other vermin or transmissible diseases;
  e) Suspension of works or services;
  f) Confiscation of objects, and
  g) Eviction of establishments or houses.
  (Ley núm. 9 por la que se dictan Medidas Sanitarias, § 591)
  

  • Decreto núm. 614, de 14 de marzo de 1984, por el cual se determinan las bases para la organización y administración de la Salud Ocupacional en el país. (§ 45(d)(e))

  • Ley núm. 9 del 24 de enero de 1979 por la que se dictan Medidas Sanitarias (§ 591)

11.4 Application of sanctions by courts

• 11.4.1 Financial penalties for legal persons

  Summary / Citation: Minimum: 200 daily minimum wages
  Maximum: 10.000 daily minimum wages

  • Decreto núm. 614, de 14 de marzo de 1984, por el cual se determinan las bases para la organización y administración de la Salud Ocupacional en el país. (§ 45(b))

  • Ley núm. 9 del 24 de enero de 1979 por la que se dictan Medidas Sanitarias (§ 577(b))

• 11.4.2 Financial penalties for natural persons

  Summary / Citation: Minimum: 200 daily minimum wages
  Maximum: 10.000 daily minimum wages

  • Decreto núm. 614, de 14 de marzo de 1984, por el cual se determinan las bases para la organización y administración de la Salud Ocupacional en el país. (§ 45(b))

  • Ley núm. 9 del 24 de enero de 1979 por la que se dictan Medidas Sanitarias (§ 577(b))

• 11.4.3 Non-financial sanctions

  No data available.
  

• 11.4.4 Criminal liability

  Summary / Citation: The figure of manslaughter is foreseen by the Criminal Code.

  • Ley 599, del 24 de julio de 2000, por la cual se expide el Código Penal. (§ 109)

• 11.4.5 Terms of imprisonment for natural persons

  Summary / Citation: Administrative sanctions imposed by health authorities do not exempt from civil or criminal liability that may be required for violations of the provisions of this Act.

  • Ley núm. 9 del 24 de enero de 1979 por la que se dictan Medidas Sanitarias (§ 580)