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Occupational Safety and Health (OSH)

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Costa Rica - 2013

Themes

1 Description of national OSH regulatory framework
- 1.1 Description of OSH regulatory framework
  Summary/citation: The Constitution of Costa Rica provides, in the article 66, a duty upon employers to take all the necessary hygiene and security measures in the workplace.
  
  The General Occupational Safety and Health Regulations of 1967 is the leading OSH legislation. It aims to provide general and obligatory OSH conditions at all workplaces to protect the life, health, physical integrity and the morality of workers.
  
  The Labour Code, reformed in 2011, under the Title IV about the protection of workers during the exercise of the work completes the OSH norms. There are also many other regulations addressing specific hazards or risks (as pesticides, noise and vibration, asbestos, ionising radiation, etcetera) issued and enforced by the Ministry of Labour and Social Security in coordination with other agencies.
  • Decreto 1 por el que se promulga el reglamento general de seguridad e higiene de trabajo.
  • Constitución Política de la República de Costa Rica.
  • Código de Trabajo.
  • Ministry of Labour and Social Security Website
  • National Attorney Office Website
2 Scope, coverage and exclusions
- 2.1 Health and safety covers physical and psychological health
  Summary/citation: The Labour Code declares the public interest of all issues in relation to occupational health, which aims to promote the highest level of physical, mental and social health for workers.
  
  • Código de Trabajo. (§ 273)
- 2.2 Definition of worker
  Summary/citation: Worker is any person who provides services (physical, intellectual or both) under an employment contract (implicit or explicit, oral or written, individual or collective).
  
  • Código de Trabajo. (§ 4)
  - 2.2.1 Coverage of particular categories of workers
    Yes.
    - 2.2.1.1 Migrant workers
      Summary/citation: Migrant workers are included.
      • Ley núm. 8764 General de Migración y Extranjería. (§ 94)
    - 2.2.1.2 Domestic workers
      Summary/citation: Domestic workers are included.
      • Código de Trabajo. (§§ 101-108)
      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: Home workers are included.
      • Código de Trabajo. (§§ 109-113)
    - 2.2.1.4 Self-employed persons
      Summary/citation: Self-employed workers are included.
      • Decreto núm. 28192-MTSS, por el que se aprueba el Reglamento al seguro por riesgos del trabajo para trabajo independiente y por cuenta propia realizado por personas adolescentes. (§ 3)
- 2.3 Definition of employer
  Summary/citation: Employer is a person or legal entity, private or public, who uses the service of other persons, under an employment contract (implicit or explicit, oral or written, individual or collective).
  • Código de Trabajo. (§ 2)
  Related CEACR Comments
  • Labour Clauses (Public Contracts) Convention, 1949 (No. 94) Observation 2017
  • Labour Clauses (Public Contracts) Convention, 1949 (No. 94) Direct Request 2013
- 2.4 Exclusion of branches of economic activity
  Summary/citation: The General Occupational Health and Safety Regulations at Work do not exclude any sectors of activity from its scope of application.
  - 2.4.1 Agriculture
    Summary/citation: The General Occupational Health and Safety Regulations at Work do not exclude any sectors of activity from its scope of application.
    • Decreto núm. 13466-TSS por el cual se dicta el Reglamento General de Riesgos del Trabajo. (§ 2)
  - 2.4.2 Construction
    Summary/citation: The General Occupational Health and Safety Regulations at Work do not exclude any sectors of activity from its scope of application.
    
    • Decreto núm. 13466-TSS por el cual se dicta el Reglamento General de Riesgos del Trabajo. (§ 2)
  - 2.4.3 Services
    Summary/citation: The General Occupational Health and Safety Regulations at Work do not exclude any sectors of activity from its scope of application.
    • Decreto núm. 13466-TSS por el cual se dicta el Reglamento General de Riesgos del Trabajo. (§ 2)
  - 2.4.4 Public sector
    Summary/citation: The General Occupational Health and Safety Regulations at Work do not exclude any sectors of activity from its scope of application.
    
    • Decreto núm. 13466-TSS por el cual se dicta el Reglamento General de Riesgos del Trabajo. (§ 2)
    Related CEACR Comments
    • Labour Clauses (Public Contracts) Convention, 1949 (No. 94) Observation 2017
    • Labour Clauses (Public Contracts) Convention, 1949 (No. 94) Direct Request 2013
  - 2.4.5 Other
    No data available.
- 2.5 Definition of occupational accident
  No data available.
- 2.6 Definition of occupational disease
  No data available.
  - 2.6.1 List of occupational diseases
    Summary/citation: A list of occupational diseases is provided in the Labour Code.
    • Código de Trabajo. (§ 224)
  - 2.6.2 Mechanism for compensating other diseases as occupational ones
    Summary/citation: In the case of occupational diseases not included in the article 224 of the Labour Code but complying with the requirements of article 197, the Executive power in consultation with the National Institute of Insurance and the Occupational Health Committee may extend by decree the table of occupational diseases. The Occupational Health Committee is entitled to request the extension of the list.
    • Decreto núm. 13466-TSS por el cual se dicta el Reglamento General de Riesgos del Trabajo. (§§ 26-27)
3 Institutions and programmes relating to OSH administration and/or enforcement
- 3.1 Competent national authority for safety and health at work
  Summary/citation: The Ministry of Labour and Social Security is responsible for all labour and social welfare issues. The Ministry must monitor the implementation of laws, decrees and regulation related to labour relations between employers and workers. The Ministry of Labour and Social Security through the Department of Social Welfare, has an Occupational Safety and Health Office.
  
  • Ley orgánica del Ministerio de Trabajo y Seguridad Social (§§ 1, 63)
  - 3.1.1 Objectives, roles and/or functions
    Summary/citation: The functions of the Occupational Safety and Health Office are to:
    - Maintain a general manual of industrial hygiene;
    - Research about occupational diseases;
    - Promote the formation of industrial safety Committees;
    - Support the Occupational Health Advisory Committee;
    - Attributions on pensions.
    • Ley orgánica del Ministerio de Trabajo y Seguridad Social (§§ 64-72)
  - 3.1.2 Chairperson and composition
    Summary/citation: The Ministry of Labour and Social Security through the Department of Social Welfare, has an Occupational Security and Health Office which aims to
    improve the OSH working conditions in all private or public workplaces and institutions.
    • Ley orgánica del Ministerio de Trabajo y Seguridad Social (§ 63)
- 3.2 National OSH research programme or institute
  No data available.
  - 3.2.1 Objectives, roles and/or functions
    No data available.
  - 3.2.2 Governance board constitution and chairmanship
    No data available.
  - 3.2.3 Source of funding
    No data available.
- 3.3 National OSH programme
  Summary/citation: The Labour Code requires a short term and long term National OSH Plan to be developed.
  The Plan is structured as follows:
  I. Framework of References.
  II. Essential aspects: legislation, funding and design and implementation of OSH Policy (promotion of prevention services and the role of workers: investigation, training and education, information, monitoring system, evaluation).
  • Decreto núm. 26904 del Ministro de Trabajo y Seguridad Social de 3 de abril de 1998 que aprueba el Plan Nacional de Salud Ocupacional (§ 1)
  - 3.3.1 Consultation on the national OSH programme
    No data available.
4 Employers’ duties and responsibilities to protect the safety and health of workers and others
- 4.1 Duty to ensure the health and safety of employees
  Summary/citation: Employers must adopt occupational safety and health measures at the workplace to protect workers' lives, safety, moral and physical integrity.
  • Decreto 1 por el que se promulga el reglamento general de seguridad e higiene de trabajo. (§ 3 )
  • Código de Trabajo. (§ 282 )
- 4.2 Duty to protect the health and safety of people other than their own employees
  No data available.
- 4.3 Collaboration among two or more employers at the same workplace
  No data available.
- 4.4 Surveillance of workers’ health in relation to work
  Summary / Citation: Employers are required to perform medical examinations.
  • Código de Trabajo. (§ 285(a))
  - 4.4.1 Specific hazards for which surveillance is required
    No data available.
- 4.5 Surveillance of the working environment and working practices
  No data available.
- 4.6 Duty to provide personal protective equipment
  Summary / Citation: Legal provisions place a duty on employers to provide and maintain personal protective equipment.
  • Decreto 1 por el que se promulga el reglamento general de seguridad e higiene de trabajo. (§§ 81-82)
  • Código de Trabajo. (§ 284(ch))
  Related CEACR Comments
  • Hygiene (Commerce and Offices) Convention, 1964 (No. 120) Observation 2007
  • Hygiene (Commerce and Offices) Convention, 1964 (No. 120) Direct Request 2016
- 4.7 Duty to ensure the usage of personal protective equipment
  Summary / Citation: Legal provisions place a duty on employers to ensure the use of personal protective equipment by workers.
  • Código de Trabajo. (§ 284(ch))
- 4.8 Duty to provide first-aid and welfare facilities
  Yes.
  - 4.8.1 Arrangements for first-aid
    Summary / Citation: Workplaces must have first aid kits equipped at least with the list of materials provided by law.
    The workplace must have a first aid station according to the dimension of the workplace or hazard of the work.
    • Decreto 1 por el que se promulga el reglamento general de seguridad e higiene de trabajo. (§§ 98-100)
  - 4.8.2 Sanitary installations
    Summary / Citation: Workplaces are required to have 1 toilet per every 20 male workers and 1 per every 15 female workers, with sufficient water and toilet paper.
    The law sets out the requirements regarding sinks and showers.
    • Decreto 1 por el que se promulga el reglamento general de seguridad e higiene de trabajo. (§§ 85-92)
    Related CEACR Comments
    • Hygiene (Commerce and Offices) Convention, 1964 (No. 120) Observation 2007
    • Hygiene (Commerce and Offices) Convention, 1964 (No. 120) Direct Request 2016
  - 4.8.3 Drinking water
    Summary / Citation: The executive power shall promulgate regulations containing requirements to guarantee among other the maintenance, preservation and use of drinking water.
    • Código de Trabajo. (§ 283(3)(b))
    Related CEACR Comments
    • Hygiene (Commerce and Offices) Convention, 1964 (No. 120) Observation 2007
    • Hygiene (Commerce and Offices) Convention, 1964 (No. 120) Direct Request 2016
  - 4.8.4 Rest and eating areas
    Summary / Citation: If workers need to eat or sleep at the work premises, the employer must provide suitable and hygienic areas for workers. The law sets up the requirements that eating areas shall meet.
    • Decreto 1 por el que se promulga el reglamento general de seguridad e higiene de trabajo. (§§ 94-97)
    • Código de Trabajo. (§§ 295-297)
5 Employers’ duty to organize prevention formally along generally accepted OSH management principles and practices
- 5.1 Elements of an OSH management system
  Sometimes.
  - 5.1.1 Policy or plan specifying responsibilities and arrangements for health and safety
    No data available.
  - 5.1.2 Appointment of a person for health and safety
    Summary/citation: Employers with more than 50 permanent workers in the workplace are obligated to maintain an office or department on occupational health. In consultation with the Occupational Health Advisory Committee some regulations shall be established regarding professional requirements relating to the responsibilities of the office or department.
    • Código de Trabajo. (§ 300)
  - 5.1.3 Written risk assessment
    No data available.
  - 5.1.4 Safe operating work systems and procedures
    Summary/citation: Employers must adopt occupational safety and health measures at the workplace to protect workers life, safety and moral and physical integrity, in particular regarding to:
    a) Buildings, facilities and environmental conditions;
    b) Operations and work processes;
    c) Provision, use and maintenance of personal protective equipment;
    d) Installation and maintenance of safeguards and protections of all kinds of machines and installations;
    e) Reduction, through technical measures, of the impact of noise and vibration.
    
    • Código de Trabajo. (§ 282)
  - 5.1.5 Training and information on risks
    Summary/citation: Legal provisions place employers under a duty to provide and promote occupational health training to all workers.
    • Decreto 1 por el que se promulga el reglamento general de seguridad e higiene de trabajo. (§ 4(b))
    • Código de Trabajo. (§ 284(b))
  - 5.1.6 Review or assessment of the results of preventive measures
    No data available.
  - 5.1.7 Consultation with workers in health and safety
    No data available.
- 5.2 Obligation to implement a specific OSH management system or standard
  No data available.
6 Employers’ duty to ensure availability of expertise and competence in health and safety
- 6.1 OSH competence
  No data available.
  - 6.1.1 Requirement to access expert advice and/or support in health and safety
    No data available.
    - 6.1.1.1 Qualifications of experts or professional services
      Summary / Citation: The senior managers of the Office or Department on occupational health must be professionals with expertise in Occupational Health.
      
      • Reglamento sobre las oficinas o departamentos de salud ocupacional. (§ 5)
- 6.2 Appointment of an OSH practitioner
  No data available.
  - 6.2.1 Workforce size threshold for the appointment of OSH practitioners
    No data available.
7 Workers' rights and duties
- 7.1 Duty to take reasonable steps to protect their own safety and health
  No data available.
- 7.2 Duty to take reasonable steps to protect the safety and health of others
  Summary / Citation: It is prohibited for workers to do games or to make jokes that threaten the life, health or physical integrity of workers.
  • Decreto 1 por el que se promulga el reglamento general de seguridad e higiene de trabajo. (§ 7(e))
- 7.3 Supervisors’ duty to take reasonable steps to protect the safety and health of others
  Summary / Citation: All employer's representatives must adopt occupational safety and health measures at the workplace to protect workers' lives, safety, moral and physical integrity.
  • Decreto 1 por el que se promulga el reglamento general de seguridad e higiene de trabajo. (§ 3)
- 7.4 Senior officers’ duty to take reasonable steps to protect the safety and health of others
  Summary / Citation: All employer's representatives must adopt occupational safety and health measures at the workplace to protect workers' lives, safety, moral and physical integrity.
  • Decreto 1 por el que se promulga el reglamento general de seguridad e higiene de trabajo. (§ 3)
- 7.5 Self-employed persons’ duty to take reasonable steps to protect their own and other people’s health and safety
  No data available.
- 7.6 Duty to comply with OSH-related requirements
  Summary / Citation: Workers are required to meet OSH legal standards, as well as internal rules and instructions issued by the workplace or competent authorities, aimed at protecting life, health, integrity and morality of workers.
  • Decreto 1 por el que se promulga el reglamento general de seguridad e higiene de trabajo. (§ 6)
- 7.7 Right to enquire about risks and preventive measures
  No data available.
- 7.8 Right to remove themselves from a dangerous situation
  No data available.
- 7.9 Right to be reassigned to non-hazard work
  No data available.
  - 7.9.1 Right to withdraw with compensation when workers are not reassigned to non-hazard work
    Summary / Citation: Workers have the right to withdraw from work:
    g. in a situation where there is serious danger to the safety or health of the worker or his family, either due to the lack of hygienic workplace conditions or because the employer does not comply with safety and security measures that the legal provisions establish.
    h. when the employer compromise by his imprudence or inexcusable negligence the safety of workplace or workers.
    • Código de Trabajo. (§ 83(g)-(h))
8 Consultation, collaboration and co-operation with workers and their representatives
- 8.1 National OSH committee, commission, council or similar body
  Summary / Citation: The Labour Code requires an Occupational Health Committee to act as a technical body under the Ministry of Labour and Social Security.
  • Código de Trabajo. (§ 274)
  - 8.1.1 Objectives, roles and/or functions
    Summary / Citation: a) Promote the highest standards of occupational health in all workplaces in the country;
    b) Conduct studies and research;
    c) Promote the necessary regulations to ensure, in any workplace, optimal occupational health conditions;
    ch) Promote, the creation of sub professional staff, specializing in various branches of occupational health and train employers and workers on occupational health;
    d) Create awareness of methods and technical systems for the prevention of occupational hazards;
    e) Prepare manuals, catalogues and safety devices and personal protective equipment for workers from different sectors;
    f) Prepare draft laws and regulations;
    g) Propose to the Executive the list of equipment and personal protective equipment for workers, which can be imported and admitted into the country duty free, fees and surcharges;
    h) Carry out or coordinate OSH campaigns;
    i) Make all kinds of statistical and economic studies related to matters within its competence;
    j) Any other activities in the field of OSH.
    • Código de Trabajo. (§ 274)
  - 8.1.2 Constitution and chairmanship modalities
    Summary / Citation: The Occupational Health Advisory Committee is composed of 8 members and has a tripartite structure:
    - 1 representative from the Ministry of Labour;
    - 1 representative from the Ministry of Health;
    - 1 representative from the National Insurance Institute;
    - 1 representative form the Social Security Fund;
    - 2 employers' representatives;
    - 2 workers' representatives.
    • Código de Trabajo. (§ 275)
- 8.2 Employers’ duty to consult workers on risks
  No data available.
- 8.3 Workers’ right to select their representatives for health and safety matters
  No data available.
  - 8.3.1 Workforce size conditions for workers’ representation in health and safety
    No data available.
  - 8.3.2 Conditions of eligibility to represent workers in health and safety
    No data available.
- 8.4 OSH representatives’ functions, rights and powers
  No data available.
  - 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
    No data available.
  - 8.4.6 Right to use facilities
    No data available.
  - 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
  No data available.
  - 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
  Summary / Citation: In every workplace with 10 or more workers there must be an OSH Committee.
  • Código de Trabajo. (§ 288)
  - 8.6.1 Participation of workers’ representatives in joint OSH committee
    Summary / Citation: Legal provisions impose a duty on the employer to establish joint OSH committees in workplaces with 10 or more workers which shall investigate the causes of specific occupational hazards, determine the measures to prevent them and monitor the compliance with the provisions of occupational health.
    • Decreto núm. 18379-TSS por el que se expide el Reglamento de las Comisiones de salud ocupacional. (§ 1)
    • Código de Trabajo. (§ 288)
  - 8.6.2 Conditions for establishing a joint OSH committee
    Summary / Citation: In workplaces with 10 or more workers.
    • Decreto núm. 18379-TSS por el que se expide el Reglamento de las Comisiones de salud ocupacional. (§ 18)
  - 8.6.3 Objectives, roles and/or functions of joint OSH committees
    Summary / Citation: a) Inspect the building and equipment at the workplace;
    b) Inform workers and employers about OSH issues;
    c) Promote awareness of the regulations, instructions, or any material relating to OSH;
    d) Inform workers about the causes of hazards in their workplace and the preventive measures;
    e) Collaborate with the Occupational health services;
    f) Collaborate with OSH campaigns carried out at the National or at the workplace level;
    g) Record statistics on accidents and diseases;
    h) Submit to the National OSH Committee an annual report;
    i) Prepare a work programme.
    • Decreto núm. 18379-TSS por el que se expide el Reglamento de las Comisiones de salud ocupacional. (§ 17)
  - 8.6.4 Keeping record of the work of joint OSH committees
    Summary / Citation: The sessions of the Committee must be recorded.
  - 8.6.5 Sharing the minutes of joint OSH committees meetings
    No data available.
- 8.7 Mandatory training for members of joint OSH committee(s)
  No data available.
- 8.8 Protection against reprisals
  No data available.
- 8.9 Immunity from civil and criminal liability for exercising OSH related rights and duties
  No data available.
9 Specific hazards or risks
- 9.1 Biological hazards
  No data available.
- 9.2 Chemical hazards
  Sometimes.
  - 9.2.1 Handling, storage, labelling and use
    Yes.
    • Decreto 1 por el que se promulga el reglamento general de seguridad e higiene de trabajo. (§§ 74-77)
  - 9.2.2 Duty of manufacturers, suppliers and importers of chemicals in relation to the safety and health of users
    No data available.
  - 9.2.3 Pesticides
    Yes.
    • Decreto núm. 33507-MTSS por el que se dicta el Reglamento de Salud Ocupacional en el Manejo y Uso de Agroquímicos. (§ 2)
- 9.3 Ergonomic hazards
  Yes.
  • Decreto 1 por el que se promulga el reglamento general de seguridad e higiene de trabajo. (§§ 83-84)
- 9.4 Physical hazards
  Sometimes.
  - 9.4.1 Ionising radiation
    Yes.
    • Decreto núm. 24037-S por el cual se dicta el reglamento sobre protección contra las radiaciones ionizantes. (§ 2)
  - 9.4.2 Vibration and noise
    Yes.
    • Decreto núm. 10541-TSS, por el que se expide el Reglamento para el control de ruidos y vibraciones. (§§ 1-29)
    Related CEACR Comments
    • Hygiene (Commerce and Offices) Convention, 1964 (No. 120) Observation 2007
    • Hygiene (Commerce and Offices) Convention, 1964 (No. 120) Direct Request 2016
    • Working Environment (Air Pollution, Noise and Vibration) Convention, 1977 (No. 148) Observation 2007
    • Working Environment (Air Pollution, Noise and Vibration) Convention, 1977 (No. 148) Direct Request 2016
  - 9.4.3 Working at height
    No data available.
  - 9.4.4 Working in confined spaces
    Yes.
    • Decreto 1 por el que se promulga el reglamento general de seguridad e higiene de trabajo. (§ 36)
  - 9.4.5 Risks arising from poor maintenance of workplace facilities
    No data available.
    Related CEACR Comments
    • Hygiene (Commerce and Offices) Convention, 1964 (No. 120) Observation 2007
    • Hygiene (Commerce and Offices) Convention, 1964 (No. 120) Direct Request 2016
  - 9.4.6 Exposure to extreme temperatures
    Yes.
    • Decreto 1 por el que se promulga el reglamento general de seguridad e higiene de trabajo. (§§ 22-23)
    Related CEACR Comments
    • Hygiene (Commerce and Offices) Convention, 1964 (No. 120) Observation 2007
    • Hygiene (Commerce and Offices) Convention, 1964 (No. 120) Direct Request 2016
  - 9.4.7 Fire risks
    Yes.
    • Decreto 1 por el que se promulga el reglamento general de seguridad e higiene de trabajo. (§§ 30-35, §§ 79-80)
  - 9.4.8 Tobacco
    Yes.
    • Decreto núm. 37185-S-MEIC-MTSS-MP-H-SP que aprueba el Reglamento a la Ley General de Control de Tabaco y sus Efectos Nocivos en la Salud (§ 5(b))
  - 9.4.9 Asbestos
    Yes.
    • Decreto núm. 25056-S-MEIC-MINAE por el cual se dicta el Reglamento del uso controlado del asbesto y los productos que lo contengan. (§ 2)
  - 9.4.10 Risks related to nanotechnology
    No data available.
  - 9.4.11 Contraction of HIV in the workplace
    Yes.
    • Decreto núm. 27894-S, reglamento de la ley general sobre VIH-SIDA. (§§ 26-28)
- 9.5 Psychosocial hazards
  No data available.
  - 9.5.1 Psychosocial risks
    No data available.
  - 9.5.2 Occupational violence
    No data available.
- 9.6 Other hazardous substances
  Yes.
  • Decreto 1 por el que se promulga el reglamento general de seguridad e higiene de trabajo. (§§ 65-70)
- 9.7 Machineries
  Sometimes.
  - 9.7.1 Risks related to machinery and tools
    Yes.
    • Decreto 1 por el que se promulga el reglamento general de seguridad e higiene de trabajo. (§§ 37-50)
  - 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
    Summary / Citation: Legal provisions require employers to keep machinery, installations, and tools in good state.
    • Decreto 1 por el que se promulga el reglamento general de seguridad e higiene de trabajo. (§ 4(a))
    - 9.7.5.1 List of equipment where applicable
      No data available.
- 9.8 Provisions to protect workers in specific condition of vulnerability
  Yes.
  - 9.8.1 Protection of pregnancy at work
    Summary / Citation: Employers are forbidden to dismiss a pregnant worker. The pregnant worker has the right to go to the labour tribunal if this occurs. Pregnant workers have the right to be given a maternity leave for four months with possibility of extension.
    • Código de Trabajo. (§§ 94-100)
  - 9.8.2 Protection of lactating women at work
    Summary / Citation: Employers are forbidden to dismiss a lactating worker during the period of three months after birth. Lactating women have a 15 minute break every 3 hours. All employers with more than 30 women workers have the duty to adapt a room in the workplace for lactating workers.
    • Código de Trabajo. (§§ 94-100)
  - 9.8.3 Limits to women’s access to specific occupations, undertakings or shifts
    Summary / Citation: It is prohibited to employ women for hazardous work, heavy or unhealthy tasks.
    Night work for women is prohibited, with some exceptions.
    • Código de Trabajo.
    Related CEACR Comments
    • Underground Work (Women) Convention, 1935 (No. 45) Direct Request 2011
  - 9.8.4 Limits to workers’ access to specific occupations, undertakings or shifts by reason of age
    Summary / Citation: It is prohibited:
    For persons under 12 years of age: all work.
    For persons between 12 and 15 years of age: working more than 5 hours per day and work in theatres.
    For persons between 15 and 18 years of age: working more than 7 hours per day.
    For workers under 18 years of age:
    1. unhealthy work, heavy or dangerous tasks;
    2. night work;
    3. works in contact with alcohol;
    4. employment that interferes with school attendance;
    5. occupation in public spaces.
    • Código de Trabajo.
    Related CEACR Comments
    • Minimum Age Convention, 1973 (No. 138) Observation 2014
    • Minimum Age Convention, 1973 (No. 138) Direct Request 2021
    • Night Work of Young Persons (Industry) Convention (Revised), 1948 (No. 90) Observation 1996
10 Recording, notification and investigation of accidents/incidents and diseases
- 10.1 Duty to record and/or investigate the causes of work accidents, near misses incidents and cases of occupational diseases
  No data available.
  - 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
  Summary / Citation: Employers must notify to the National Insurance Institute all occupational hazards or risks. The notification must be effected within no more than 8 working days from the date the occupational hazard or risks occurs.
  • Código de Trabajo. (§ 214(b), § 221)
  Related CEACR Comments
  • Labour Inspection Convention, 1947 (No. 81) Observation 2015
  • Labour Inspection Convention, 1947 (No. 81) Direct Request 2015
11 OSH inspection and enforcement of OSH legislation
- 11.1 Appointment of OSH inspectors
  Summary / Citation: The Inspectorate of Labour, through its inspectors will ensure compliance with laws, collective agreements and regulations governing the conditions of work and OSH.
  The National Insurance Institute can also appoint inspectors to perform enforcement of the relevant OSH regulations
  • Decreto núm. 28578-MTSS: Reglamento de organización y de servicios de la inspección de trabajo (§§ 9(a), 24(b))
  • Código de Trabajo. (§ 268)
- 11.2 OSH inspectors’ powers
  Sometimes.
  - 11.2.1 Power to enter workplaces
    Summary / Citation: Inspectors have the power to enter workplace premises to conduct an inspection/ visit at the workplace during the day or the night. In particular, the inspectors must ensure the compliance with OSH law and the prevention of risks at work.
    • Decreto núm. 28578-MTSS: Reglamento de organización y de servicios de la inspección de trabajo (§§ 9(a), 24(b), 15(c), 24(b), 24(i), 29)
    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: Inspectors have the power to enter workplace premises to conduct an inspection/ visit at the workplace during the day or the night. In particular, the inspectors must ensure the compliance with OSH law and the prevention of risks at work.
    • Decreto núm. 28578-MTSS: Reglamento de organización y de servicios de la inspección de trabajo (§ 24(i))
    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
    No data available.
  - 11.2.4 Duty to provide advice on OSH
    Summary / Citation: The inspectorate must prevent conflicts in the workplace through education, advice and training provided to employers and workers and their unions about their rights and obligations.
    • Decreto núm. 28578-MTSS: Reglamento de organización y de servicios de la inspección de trabajo (§ 9B)
    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
  Sometimes.
  - 11.3.1 Power to issue orders or notices
    Summary / Citation: Inspectors have the power to issue orders and make recommendations to the employer to take certain steps within a specified term. If the employers do not comply with the order, the inspection can initiate legal actions.
    • Ley orgánica del Ministerio de Trabajo y Seguridad Social (§ 92)
    • Código de Trabajo. (§ 310(f)(2))
    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
    No data available.
  - 11.3.3 Power to revoke or suspend licenses or authorisations
    Summary / Citation: When in the workplace there is a construction without the licence required, the inspectors must suspend the works until the employer obtains the license.
    • Decreto 1 por el que se promulga el reglamento general de seguridad e higiene de trabajo. (§ 104)
    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 case of serious infraction of OSH requirements the inspectorate may order the temporary cessation of the work until the employer complies with the provisions.
    
    • Decreto 1 por el que se promulga el reglamento general de seguridad e higiene de trabajo. (§ 105)
    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
    Summary / Citation: The inspectorate must write minutes and present reports which are estimated as evidence to initiate legal actions and the inspectorate has also the power to initiate prosecutions.
    • Decreto núm. 28578-MTSS: Reglamento de organización y de servicios de la inspección de trabajo (§ 24(j)-(k))
    • Código de Trabajo. (§ 565(a))
  - 11.3.6 Power to conduct prosecutions
    No data available.
  - 11.3.7 Other enforcement powers
    Summary / Citation: The inspectors have the power to require the police and other authorities to provide assistance in order to fulfil their functions.
    • Decreto 1 por el que se promulga el reglamento general de seguridad e higiene de trabajo. (§ 103)
- 11.4 Application of sanctions by courts
  Yes.
  - 11.4.1 Financial penalties for legal persons
    Summary / Citation: Labour tribunals have the discretion to impose financial penalties for contravention of labour and OSH legislation.
    The amount of the financial penalty varies from 1 to 23 basic salaries.
    • Código de Trabajo. (§§ 578, 610, 612, 614)
  - 11.4.2 Financial penalties for natural persons
    Summary / Citation: Labour tribunals have the discretion to impose financial penalties for contravention of labour, and OSH legislation.
    The amount of the financial penalty varies from 1 to 23 basic salaries.
    • Código de Trabajo. (§§ 578, 610, 612, 614)
  - 11.4.3 Non-financial sanctions
    Summary / Citation: Labour tribunals have the discretion to confirm the order of inspectorate, related to the temporary cessation of work until the employer complies with the OSH law. Labour tribunals have also the discretion to impose the closure of the workplace for up to a month.
    • Código de Trabajo. (§§ 270-272)
  - 11.4.4 Criminal liability
    Summary / Citation: The possibility of prosecution for manslaughter is foreseen by the Criminal Code.
    • Ley núm. 4573 - Código Penal. (§ 117)
  - 11.4.5 Terms of imprisonment for natural persons
    No data available.

Costa Rica - 2013

Themes

1 Description of national OSH regulatory framework

1.1 Description of OSH regulatory framework

2 Scope, coverage and exclusions

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

2.2.1.2 Domestic workers

2.2.1.3 Home workers

2.2.1.4 Self-employed persons

2.3 Definition of employer

2.4 Exclusion of branches of economic activity

2.4.1 Agriculture

2.4.2 Construction

2.4.3 Services

2.4.4 Public sector

2.4.5 Other

2.5 Definition of occupational accident

2.6 Definition of occupational disease

2.6.1 List of occupational diseases

2.6.2 Mechanism for compensating other diseases as occupational ones

3 Institutions and programmes relating to OSH administration and/or enforcement

3.1 Competent national authority for safety and health at work

3.1.1 Objectives, roles and/or functions

3.1.2 Chairperson and composition

3.2 National OSH research programme or institute

3.2.1 Objectives, roles and/or functions

3.2.2 Governance board constitution and chairmanship

3.2.3 Source of funding

3.3 National OSH programme

3.3.1 Consultation on the national OSH programme

4 Employers’ duties and responsibilities to protect the safety and health of workers and others

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

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

4.8.2 Sanitary installations

4.8.3 Drinking water

4.8.4 Rest and eating areas

5 Employers’ duty to organize prevention formally along generally accepted OSH management principles and practices

5.1 Elements of an OSH management system

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

5.1.2 Appointment of a person for health and safety

5.1.3 Written risk assessment

5.1.4 Safe operating work systems and procedures

5.1.5 Training and information on risks

5.1.6 Review or assessment of the results of preventive measures

5.1.7 Consultation with workers in health and safety

5.2 Obligation to implement a specific OSH management system or standard

6 Employers’ duty to ensure availability of expertise and competence in health and safety

6.1 OSH competence

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

6.1.1.1 Qualifications of experts or professional services

6.2 Appointment of an OSH practitioner

6.2.1 Workforce size threshold for the appointment of OSH practitioners

7 Workers' rights and duties

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

8 Consultation, collaboration and co-operation with workers and their representatives

8.1 National OSH committee, commission, council or similar body

8.1.1 Objectives, roles and/or functions

8.1.2 Constitution and chairmanship modalities

8.2 Employers’ duty to consult workers on risks

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