Ecuador - 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: Migrant workers are included within the scope of OSH legislation.

    • Codificación del Código del Trabajo 2005-017. (§ 9)

  • 2.2.1.2 Domestic workers

    Summary/citation: Domestic workers are included within the scope of OSH legislation.

    • Codificación del Código del Trabajo 2005-017. (§§ 262-270)

    Related CEACR Comments
    • Domestic Workers Convention, 2011 (No. 189) Direct Request 2020
    

  • 2.2.1.3 Home workers

    Summary/citation: Home workers are included within the scope of OSH legislation.

    • Codificación del Código del Trabajo 2005-017. (§ 270)

  • 2.2.1.4 Self-employed persons

    Summary/citation: Self-employed persons are included within the scope of OSH legislation.

    • Resolución del IESS núm. 390 que aprueba el Reglamento del Seguro General de Riesgos del Trabajo (§ 2)

2.3 Definition of employer

2.4 Exclusion of branches of economic activity

• 2.4.1 Agriculture

  Summary/citation: Included. The law does not exclude any sectors of activity from its scope of application.

  • Reglamento núm. 2393 de seguridad y salud de los trabajadores y mejoramiento del medio ambiente de trabajo. (§ 1)

• 2.4.2 Construction

  Summary/citation: Included. The law does not exclude any sectors of activity from its scope of application.

  • Reglamento núm. 2393 de seguridad y salud de los trabajadores y mejoramiento del medio ambiente de trabajo. (§ 1)

• 2.4.3 Services

  Summary/citation: Included. The law does not exclude any sectors of activity from its scope of application.

  • Reglamento núm. 2393 de seguridad y salud de los trabajadores y mejoramiento del medio ambiente de trabajo. (§ 1)

• 2.4.4 Public sector

  Summary/citation: Included. The law does not exclude any sectors of activity from its scope of application.

  • Reglamento núm. 2393 de seguridad y salud de los trabajadores y mejoramiento del medio ambiente de trabajo. (§ 1)

• 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: A list of occupational diseases is recognised in law.

  • Resolución del IESS núm. 390 que aprueba el Reglamento del Seguro General de Riesgos del Trabajo (Anexo I)

  • Codificación del Código del Trabajo 2005-017. (§ 363)

• 2.6.2 Mechanism for compensating other diseases as occupational ones

  Summary/citation: Other occupational diseases may be determined by the Risk Assessment Committee, whose decision will be reviewed by the respective Central Committee. The reports issued by the Central Committee are not appealable.
  

  • Codificación del Código del Trabajo 2005-017. (§ 364)

3.1 Competent national authority for safety and health at work

• 3.1.1 Objectives, roles and/or functions

  Summary/citation: The Ministry must enforce labour policies, promote the dialogue between labour demand and offer, protect the fundamental rights of workers, be the governing body for the administration of institutional development, management of human talent and public sector remuneration.

  • Acuerdo Ministerial núm. 111 de 11 de mayo de 2011 que aprueba el Estatuto por Procesos del Ministerio de Relaciones Laborales (§ 1)

• 3.1.2 Chairperson and composition

  Summary/citation: The structure of the Ministry is as follows:
  1. Ministry of employment relations
  2. Vice-Ministry of Labour and Employment
  3. Secretary of Labour
  4. Directorate of Occupational Safety and Health
  

  • Acuerdo Ministerial núm. 111 de 11 de mayo de 2011 que aprueba el Estatuto por Procesos del Ministerio de Relaciones Laborales (§§ 11(2)(3), 11(2)(3)(1), 11(2)(3)(1)(2))

3.2 National OSH research programme or institute

• 3.2.1 Objectives, roles and/or functions

  Summary/citation: The mission of the Directorate is to conduct studies, investigations, draft policies, rules and technical tools in the field of labour and employment, supported by statistical information.

• 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

• 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: Workplaces must provide an emergency kit for the provision of first aid to workers during the working day.
  If the workplaces have 25 or more workers an infirmary room must be provided.
  The employer shall ensure the proper functioning of these services, and shall provide necessary training to ensure that at least one worker from each shift has first aid knowledge.
  (Reglamento núm. 2393 de Seguridad y Salud de los Trabajadores y Mejoramiento del Medio Ambiente de Trabajo, §§ 46-47)

  For the effectiveness of the obligations to provide prompt medical and pharmaceutical assistance to workers, and also to prevent occupational hazards, employers, shall observe the following rules:
  1. Every employer shall keep at the workplace a kit with essential medicines for workers. Employers with 25 workers or more must provide an infirmary room.
  2. Employers with more than 100 workers must provide a preventive medical service with a doctor.
  3. If the workplace does not provide workers with the required assistance, the employer must transfer the worker to the nearest medical centre.
  (Código de Trabajo, § 430)

  • Codificación del Código del Trabajo 2005-017. (§ 430)

  • Reglamento núm. 2393 de seguridad y salud de los trabajadores y mejoramiento del medio ambiente de trabajo. (§§ 46-47 )

• 4.8.2 Sanitary installations

  Summary / Citation: Workplaces must provide sanitary installations, with toilets, showers and sinks, independent for each sex, proportionate to the number of workers and according with the specific requirements determined by law. Workplaces must provide changing rooms independent for each sex; in cases of hazardous work 2 locker rooms must be provided.

  • Reglamento núm. 2393 de seguridad y salud de los trabajadores y mejoramiento del medio ambiente de trabajo. (§§ 40-45,49,51)

  Related CEACR Comments
  • Hygiene (Commerce and Offices) Convention, 1964 (No. 120) Observation 1989
  

• 4.8.3 Drinking water

  Summary / Citation: 1. Workplaces must provide sufficient fresh and drinking water for consumption.
  2. There should be at least one water key for every 50 workers.
  3. No connections must exist between the system of water supply and the water not suitable for drinking. Necessary measures to prevent contamination must be taken.
  4. In workplaces where drinking water is not available, its treatment must be done according to the physical chemical bacteriological and convenient controls.
  5. If potable water at the workplace must be placed in tanks or cisterns, it must meet sufficient conditions for tightness, clean and aseptic, guaranteed by the competent authority.
  6. When for certain manufacturing processes or for the fight against possible fire a source of water unfit for drinking is used, it should be noted, clearly, fixed by signals, that such water is not drinkable under any circumstance.
  

  • Reglamento núm. 2393 de seguridad y salud de los trabajadores y mejoramiento del medio ambiente de trabajo. (§§ 39,52)

  Related CEACR Comments
  • Hygiene (Commerce and Offices) Convention, 1964 (No. 120) Observation 1989
  

• 4.8.4 Rest and eating areas

  Summary / Citation: Employers with 50 workers or more have a duty to provide eating areas when the workplaces are located at more than 2 km from the nearest town.
  (Código de Trabajo, § 42(4))

  The eating area must be located independently and in isolation from unhealthy sources, and with lighting, ventilation and adequate temperature.
  The floors, walls and ceilings must be easily susceptible of cleaning, with a minimum height for ceilings of 2.30 meters.
  The eating area must be equipped with drinking water, tables, cups, plates and cutlery for each worker.
  The law provides requirements for the kitchen as well.
  (Reglamento núm. 2393 de Seguridad y Salud de los Trabajadores y Mejoramiento del Medio Ambiente de Trabajo, §§ 37-38, 50).

  • Codificación del Código del Trabajo 2005-017. (§ 42(4))

  • Reglamento núm. 2393 de seguridad y salud de los trabajadores y mejoramiento del medio ambiente de trabajo. (§§ 37-38, 50)

5.1 Elements of an OSH management system

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

  Summary/citation: Workplaces must state a prevention risk plan. The law provides a list of issues to be included in the prevention risk plan.

  • Decisión núm. 584 del Acuerdo de Cartagena por la que se sustituye la Decisión 547, Instrumento Andino de Seguridad y Salud en el Trabajo. (§§ 11(a)(b)(d)(f))

• 5.1.2 Appointment of a person for health and safety

  No data available.
  

• 5.1.3 Written risk assessment

  Summary/citation: The employer must undertake a risk recognition and risk assessment through the Health and Safety Unit and the prevention risk plan.

  • Reglamento núm. 2393 de seguridad y salud de los trabajadores y mejoramiento del medio ambiente de trabajo. (§ 15(2)(a))

• 5.1.4 Safe operating work systems and procedures

  Summary/citation: Employers shall adopt and enforce the necessary measures to protect the health and welfare of workers, among others, through the safety and health systems management at work.

  • Decisión núm. 584 del Acuerdo de Cartagena por la que se sustituye la Decisión 547, Instrumento Andino de Seguridad y Salud en el Trabajo. (§ 12)

• 5.1.5 Training and information on risks

  Summary/citation: The employer must inform workers about the risks associated with the specific work and in particular, they must inform about the preventive measures.
  Employers have a duty to provide the workers' representative a copy of the OSH Law and the legislation related to preventative measures.
  

  • Reglamento núm. 2393 de seguridad y salud de los trabajadores y mejoramiento del medio ambiente de trabajo. (§§ 11(9),11(10),11(12),11(3)(1))

• 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

  Summary/citation: Employers shall promote the participation of workers and their representatives in the Committees to elaborate end execute the OSH prevention plan in each workplace.
  

  • Decisión núm. 584 del Acuerdo de Cartagena por la que se sustituye la Decisión 547, Instrumento Andino de Seguridad y Salud en el Trabajo. (§ 13)

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

  No data available.
  

  • 6.1.1.1 Qualifications of experts or professional services

    No data available.
    

6.2 Appointment of an OSH practitioner

• 6.2.1 Workforce size threshold for the appointment of OSH practitioners

  Summary/citation: Workplaces with 100 or more workers.
  Workplaces with 50 or more workers when there is a high risk activity.

  • Reglamento núm. 2393 de seguridad y salud de los trabajadores y mejoramiento del medio ambiente de trabajo. (§ 15(1))

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: The functions of the Inter-institutional OSH Committee are as follows:
  a) Colaborate in the formulation of plans and programs of the Ministry of Labour, Ministry of Health and other public sector bodies in OSH;
  b) Make recommendations to the Executive for draft amendments of the OSH Law;
  c) Evaluate the implementation of existing rules on risk prevention and dictate the necessary regulation for dangerous activities;
  d) Prepare and publish statistics of occupational accidents and diseases;
  e) Maintain control of the sanctions imposed by the Ministry of Labour, the IESS or other related to the offenses committed by employers or workers in relation with the occupational hazards prevention;
  f) Collect the OSH regulations approved by the Ministry of Labour Relations and the Superior Council of the IESS;
  g) Promote training and dissemination of OSH regulations;
  h) Encourage the research on occupational diseases and make their studies available to public.
  

  • Reglamento núm. 2393 de seguridad y salud de los trabajadores y mejoramiento del medio ambiente de trabajo. (§ 2(2))

• 8.1.2 Constitution and chairmanship modalities

  Summary / Citation: The composition of the Inter-institutional OSH Committee is as follows:
  a) The Head of the OSH Department, representing the Ministry of Labour;
  b) A representative of the National Directorate of Environmental Control, representing the Ministry of Health;
  c) The Head of the Risk Division of the Social Security Institute (I.E.S.S.), representing the Institute;
  d) Three employer delegates;
  e) Three worker delegates.
  

  • Reglamento núm. 2393 de seguridad y salud de los trabajadores y mejoramiento del medio ambiente de trabajo. (§ 2(3))

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: Up to 15 workers.

  • Resolución de la Secretaría Andina núm. 957 que aprueba el Reglamento del Instrumento Andino de Seguridad y Salud en el Trabajo (§§ 13-14)

• 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

  Summary / Citation: Workers have the right to access information and receive training on OSH issues.
  

  • Decisión núm. 584 del Acuerdo de Cartagena por la que se sustituye la Decisión 547, Instrumento Andino de Seguridad y Salud en el Trabajo. (§ 23)

• 8.4.3 Right to be present at interviews

  No data available.
  

• 8.4.4 Right to receive professional assistance from OSH experts

  Summary / Citation: Workers are entitled to receive information regarding risks associated with their labour activities.
  Additionally, employers must provide workers and their representatives with the necessary information on the measures put in place to safeguard their health and safety.

  • Decisión núm. 584 del Acuerdo de Cartagena por la que se sustituye la Decisión 547, Instrumento Andino de Seguridad y Salud en el Trabajo. (§ 19)

• 8.4.5 Right to accompany inspectors

  Summary / Citation: Workers or their representatives are entitled to demand to the competent authority to carry out a labour inspection in the workplace, if they consider there are no appropriate OSH conditions put in place. This right includes the right to be present during the visit of the inspector, and state his/her observation in the inspection report.

  • Decisión núm. 584 del Acuerdo de Cartagena por la que se sustituye la Decisión 547, Instrumento Andino de Seguridad y Salud en el Trabajo. (§ 20)

• 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

• 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 worker representatives shall be elected by the Company's Committee or by the workers organisations recognised by law at the workplace. When there is no labour organization in the company, the election shall be made by simple majority of the workers, with the presence of the Labour Inspector.
  

  • Reglamento núm. 2393 de seguridad y salud de los trabajadores y mejoramiento del medio ambiente de trabajo. (§§ 14(1), 14(4))

• 8.6.2 Conditions for establishing a joint OSH committee

  Summary / Citation: At workplace with more than 15 workers.

  • Reglamento núm. 2393 de seguridad y salud de los trabajadores y mejoramiento del medio ambiente de trabajo. (§ 14(1))

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

  Summary / Citation: a) Promote the compliance with the provisions on the prevention of occupational hazards;
  b) Review and comment the Internal OSH Regulation of the workplace;
  c) Perform general inspection of buildings, facilities and equipment of the workplace, and propose the necessary preventive measures;
  d) Get to know the results of the investigation agencies on occupational accidents and diseases that occur in the workplace;
  e) Perform monthly sessions in the absence of subcommittees or bimonthly sessions if present;
  f) Cooperate and make risk prevention campaigns and ensure that workers receive adequate training in this area;
  g) Analyse the working conditions in the workplace and ask their managers to adopt OSH measures;
  h) Monitor the compliance with the OSH legislation and with the Internal OSH Regulations at the workplace.
  

  • Reglamento núm. 2393 de seguridad y salud de los trabajadores y mejoramiento del medio ambiente de trabajo. (§ 14(10))

• 8.6.4 Keeping record of the work of joint OSH committees

  Summary / Citation: The Committee must record minutes.

  • Reglamento núm. 2393 de seguridad y salud de los trabajadores y mejoramiento del medio ambiente de trabajo. (§ 14)

• 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)

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

  Yes.
  

  • Norma Técnica Ecuatoriana del Instituto Ecuatoriano de Normalización (INEN) núm. 2266 sobre el Transporte, Almacenamiento y Manejo de Materiales Peligrosos y Requisitos, aprobada por Resolución núm. 12353 de la Subsecretaría de la Calidad del Ministerio de Industrias y Productividad de 28 de diciembre de 2012

  • Norma Técnica Ecuatoriana del Instituto Ecuatoriano de Normalización (INEN) núm. 2288 sobre Productos Químicos Industriales Peligrosos, Etiquetado de Precaución y Requisitos, aprobada por Acuerdo Ministerial núm. 2000383 de 3 de julio de 2000

  Related CEACR Comments
  • Benzene Convention, 1971 (No. 136) Observation 2013
  • Benzene Convention, 1971 (No. 136) Direct Request 2015
  

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

  Summary / Citation: The manufacturers and suppliers are responsible for compliance with all matters relating to the labelling of hazardous materials for packaging and containers.
  

  • Norma Técnica Ecuatoriana del Instituto Ecuatoriano de Normalización (INEN) núm. 2266 sobre el Transporte, Almacenamiento y Manejo de Materiales Peligrosos y Requisitos, aprobada por Resolución núm. 12353 de la Subsecretaría de la Calidad del Ministerio de Industrias y Productividad de 28 de diciembre de 2012 (§§ 6(1)(7)(10),6(1)(7)(11),6(1)(5)(1))

  Related CEACR Comments
  • Benzene Convention, 1971 (No. 136) Observation 2013
  • Benzene Convention, 1971 (No. 136) Direct Request 2015
  

• 9.2.3 Pesticides

  Yes.
  

  • Resolución de Agrocalidad núm. 118 que aprueba la Revaluación de los Plaguicidas Químicos de Uso Agrícola (tal y como modificada el 1 de agosto de 2011

9.3 Ergonomic hazards

9.4 Physical hazards

• 9.4.1 Ionising radiation

  Yes.
  

  • Reglamento núm. 2393 de seguridad y salud de los trabajadores y mejoramiento del medio ambiente de trabajo. (§ 62)

  Related CEACR Comments
  • Radiation Protection Convention, 1960 (No. 115) Observation 2013
  • Radiation Protection Convention, 1960 (No. 115) Direct Request 2015
  

• 9.4.2 Vibration and noise

  Yes.
  

  • Reglamento núm. 2393 de seguridad y salud de los trabajadores y mejoramiento del medio ambiente de trabajo. (§ 55)

  Related CEACR Comments
  • Hygiene (Commerce and Offices) Convention, 1964 (No. 120) Observation 1989
  • Working Environment (Air Pollution, Noise and Vibration) Convention, 1977 (No. 148) Observation 2013
  • Working Environment (Air Pollution, Noise and Vibration) Convention, 1977 (No. 148) Direct Request 2015
  

• 9.4.3 Working at height

  No data available.
  

• 9.4.4 Working in confined spaces

  No data available.
  

• 9.4.5 Risks arising from poor maintenance of workplace facilities

  Yes.
  

  • Reglamento núm. 2393 de seguridad y salud de los trabajadores y mejoramiento del medio ambiente de trabajo. (§§ 11(3),187(d))

  Related CEACR Comments
  • Hygiene (Commerce and Offices) Convention, 1964 (No. 120) Observation 1989
  

• 9.4.6 Exposure to extreme temperatures

  Yes.
  

  • Reglamento núm. 2393 de seguridad y salud de los trabajadores y mejoramiento del medio ambiente de trabajo. (§§ 53-54,69-72)

  Related CEACR Comments
  • Hygiene (Commerce and Offices) Convention, 1964 (No. 120) Observation 1989
  

• 9.4.7 Fire risks

  Yes.
  

  • Reglamento núm. 2393 de seguridad y salud de los trabajadores y mejoramiento del medio ambiente de trabajo. (§ 143-161)

• 9.4.8 Tobacco

  Yes.
  

  • Codificación del Código del Trabajo 2005-017. (§ 413)

• 9.4.9 Asbestos

  Yes.
  

  • Acuerdo Ministerial núm. 100 que aprueba el Reglamento de Seguridad para el Uso del Amianto (§ 1)

  Related CEACR Comments
  • Asbestos Convention, 1986 (No. 162) Observation 2013
  • Asbestos Convention, 1986 (No. 162) Direct Request 2015
  

• 9.4.10 Risks related to nanotechnology

  No data available.
  

• 9.4.11 Contraction of HIV in the workplace

  Yes.
  

  • Acuerdo Ministerial núm. 00398 que prohíbe despido a los trabajadores que padecen de VIH/SIDA. (§§ 1-5)

9.5 Psychosocial hazards

• 9.5.1 Psychosocial risks

  No data available.
  

• 9.5.2 Occupational violence

  No data available.
  

9.6 Other hazardous substances

9.7 Machineries

• 9.7.1 Risks related to machinery and tools

  Yes.
  

  • Reglamento núm. 2393 de seguridad y salud de los trabajadores y mejoramiento del medio ambiente de trabajo. (§§ 73-98)

  Related CEACR Comments
  • Guarding of Machinery Convention, 1963 (No. 119) Observation 2013
  • Guarding of Machinery Convention, 1963 (No. 119) Direct Request 2015
  

• 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.
  

  Related CEACR Comments
  • Guarding of Machinery Convention, 1963 (No. 119) Observation 2013
  • Guarding of Machinery Convention, 1963 (No. 119) Direct Request 2015
  

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

  Summary / Citation: The design and manufacture of equipment and machinery for industrial processes must comply with OSH law. In particular, all the parts that protrude from the moving parts of machines, such as bolts, adjusting screws, pins and similar items that pose a risk to the user shall be designed or protected as to prevent risk.
  The importation of equipment and machinery and the distribution of national manufacturing that does not meet the requirements and conditions specified in the law are forbidden.
  

  • Codificación del Código del Trabajo 2005-017. (§ 96)

  Related CEACR Comments
  • Guarding of Machinery Convention, 1963 (No. 119) Observation 2013
  • Guarding of Machinery Convention, 1963 (No. 119) Direct Request 2015
  

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

  Summary / Citation: The importation of equipment and machinery and the distribution of national manufacturing that does not meet the requirements and conditions specified in the law are forbidden.
  

  • Codificación del Código del Trabajo 2005-017. (§ 97)

  Related CEACR Comments
  • Guarding of Machinery Convention, 1963 (No. 119) Observation 2013
  • Guarding of Machinery Convention, 1963 (No. 119) Direct Request 2015
  

• 9.7.5 Maintenance of machinery and equipment

  Summary / Citation: The maintenance of machinery (also portable machinery) must be preventative and programmed.
  The law requires maintenance of the hosting apparatus. The machines, their guards and safety devices shall be reviewed, greased and subjected to all operations specified by the manufacturer for optimal function. The greasing and cleaning of machines shall utilize stabilization devices, preferably with a locking system, and should always be disconnected from the power source. A sign indicating the status of the machine and prohibiting its use shall be placed conspicuously.
  

  • Reglamento núm. 2393 de seguridad y salud de los trabajadores y mejoramiento del medio ambiente de trabajo. (§§ 92,94,102)

  • 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

  Summary / Citation: Pregnant workers have the right to maternity leave for 12 weeks. Employers are forbidden to dismiss a pregnant worker during the 12 weeks of maternity leave.

  • Codificación del Código del Trabajo 2005-017. (§§ 152-153)

  Related CEACR Comments
  • Benzene Convention, 1971 (No. 136) Observation 2013
  • Benzene Convention, 1971 (No. 136) Direct Request 2015
  

• 9.8.2 Protection of lactating women at work

  Summary / Citation: All employers with 50 or more women workers have the duty to adapt a room for lactating workers at the workplace or with an external service. Lactating women have the right to work up to 6 hours per day during 12 months post birth.
  

  • Codificación del Código del Trabajo 2005-017. (§ 155)

  Related CEACR Comments
  • Benzene Convention, 1971 (No. 136) Observation 2013
  • Benzene Convention, 1971 (No. 136) Direct Request 2015
  

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

  Summary / Citation: It is prohibited to employ women workers for hazardous work or unhealthy tasks.
  Pregnant workers are prohibited from performing tasks concerning ionising radiation.
  Pregnant workers in their 5th month of pregnancy are prohibited from tasks concerning infrared radiation.
  

  • Reglamento núm. 2393 de seguridad y salud de los trabajadores y mejoramiento del medio ambiente de trabajo. (§§ 138-139,149,60(4),62(2))

  Related CEACR Comments
  • Underground Work (Women) Convention, 1935 (No. 45) Direct Request 2010
  

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

  Summary / Citation: It is prohibited to employ young workers for hazardous work or unhealthy tasks.
  Workers under 18 years of age are prohibited from performing tasks concerning ionising radiation and infrared radiation.
  The following types of work are prohibited:
  1. All forms of slavery
  2. The use, procuring or offering of a child for prostitution, production of pornographic performances and trafficking;
  3. The use or offering of a child for illicit activities, in particular the production and trafficking of drugs as defined in international treaties
  4. The work which by its nature or the circumstances in which it is carried out, is likely to harm the health, safety or mental state of children, as in the following cases:
  a) distillation of alcohol
  b) manufacture of white lead, or any other toxic dyestuffs and the
  handling of paints, enamels and varnishes containing lead or arsenic salts;
  c) manufacture or processing of explosives,
  d) Sizing and polishing of glass,
  e) The loading or unloading of ships, they are provided by cranes or derricks;
  f) The underground workings or quarries;
  g) The work of engineers or firemen;
  h) The management straps, round close hazardous and other mechanisms;
  i) The melting of glass or metal;
  j) The transport of incandescent material ;
  k) The sale of alcoholic beverages, distilled or fermented;
  l) Fishing aboard;
  m) The guardianship or safety and;
  n) Others incorporated by the Child and Adolescent National Council.

  • Codificación del Código del Trabajo 2005-017. (§§ 138-139,149 )

  • Reglamento núm. 2393 de seguridad y salud de los trabajadores y mejoramiento del medio ambiente de trabajo. (§§ 60(4),62(2))

  Related CEACR Comments
  • Minimum Age Convention, 1973 (No. 138) Observation 2018
  • Minimum Age Convention, 1973 (No. 138) Direct Request 2021
  

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

  Summary / Citation: A system of record and notification of occupational accidents, incidents and diseases must be maintained at the workplace and must be made accessible to the competent authorities, employers and employees.

  • Decisión núm. 584 del Acuerdo de Cartagena por la que se sustituye la Decisión 547, Instrumento Andino de Seguridad y Salud en el Trabajo. (§ 11(f))

• 10.1.2 Near miss incidents

  Summary / Citation: A system of record and notification of occupational accidents, incidents and diseases must be maintained at the workplace and must be made accessible to the competent authorities, employers and employees.
  

  • Decisión núm. 584 del Acuerdo de Cartagena por la que se sustituye la Decisión 547, Instrumento Andino de Seguridad y Salud en el Trabajo. (§ 11(f))

• 10.1.3 Occupational diseases

  Summary / Citation: A system of record and notification of occupational accidents, incidents and diseases must be maintained at the workplace and must be made accessible to the competent authorities, employers and employees.
  

  • Decisión núm. 584 del Acuerdo de Cartagena por la que se sustituye la Decisión 547, Instrumento Andino de Seguridad y Salud en el Trabajo. (§ 11(f))

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: Inspectors have the right to enter and visit workplaces.

  • Codificación del Código del Trabajo 2005-017. (§ 545(3))

  Related CEACR Comments
  • Labour Inspection Convention, 1947 (No. 81) Observation 2019
  • Labour Inspection Convention, 1947 (No. 81) Direct Request 2019
  

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

  Summary / Citation: Inspectors have the power to review documents and records of the workplace, interrogate workers without the presence of witnesses, and other functions to control the compliance with OSH law.
  

  • Codificación del Código del Trabajo 2005-017. (§ 545(4))

  Related CEACR Comments
  • Labour Inspection Convention, 1947 (No. 81) Observation 2019
  • Labour Inspection Convention, 1947 (No. 81) Direct Request 2019
  

• 11.2.3 Power to investigate

  No data available.
  

• 11.2.4 Duty to provide advice on OSH

  No data available.
  

  Related CEACR Comments
  • Labour Inspection Convention, 1947 (No. 81) Observation 2019
  • Labour Inspection Convention, 1947 (No. 81) Direct Request 2019
  

11.3 OSH inspectors’ enforcement powers

• 11.3.1 Power to issue orders or notices

  Summary / Citation: The OSH Department must ensure the compliance of the OSH law and analyze workers and employers requests. In case of recidivism or negligence, it must impose financial penalties.

  • Codificación del Código del Trabajo 2005-017. (§ 435)

  Related CEACR Comments
  • Labour Inspection Convention, 1947 (No. 81) Observation 2019
  • Labour Inspection Convention, 1947 (No. 81) Direct Request 2019
  

• 11.3.2 Power to impose financial penalties

  Summary / Citation: The inspectorate has the power to impose financial penalties for contraventions of the Labour Code of up to 200 USD. For the application of penalties, it shall be taken into account the circumstances, the severity of the infringement, and the financial capacity of the offender.

  • Codificación del Código del Trabajo 2005-017. (§§ 545(7),628)

• 11.3.3 Power to revoke or suspend licenses or authorisations

  Summary / Citation: The Inspectors do not have the power to revoke or suspend licenses or authorizations but the Ministry of Labour has the power to order the suspension of activities or the closure of workplaces that present a serious danger to the life or health of workers.
  

  • Codificación del Código del Trabajo 2005-017. (§ 436)

  Related CEACR Comments
  • Labour Inspection Convention, 1947 (No. 81) Observation 2019
  • Labour Inspection Convention, 1947 (No. 81) Direct Request 2019
  

• 11.3.4 Power to require the cessation of dangerous work

  Summary / Citation: The Inspectors do not have the power to require the cessation of dangerous work but the Ministry of Labour has the power to order the suspension of activities or the closure of workplaces that present a serious danger to the life or health of workers.
  

  • Codificación del Código del Trabajo 2005-017. (§ 436)

  Related CEACR Comments
  • Labour Inspection Convention, 1947 (No. 81) Observation 2019
  • Labour Inspection Convention, 1947 (No. 81) Direct Request 2019
  

• 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

  No data available.
  

11.4 Application of sanctions by courts

• 11.4.1 Financial penalties for legal persons

  Summary / Citation: The Labour Tribunal has the power to impose financial penalties up to 50 USD for contraventions of the Labour Code.

  • Codificación del Código del Trabajo 2005-017. (§ 628)

• 11.4.2 Financial penalties for natural persons

  Summary / Citation: The Labour Tribunal has the power to impose financial penalties up to 50 USD for contraventions of the Labour Code.
  (Código de Trabajo, § 628)

  The Criminal Tribunal has the power to impose a financial penalty from 8 to 31 USD in case of manslaughter.
  (Código Penal, § 460)

  • Codificación del Código del Trabajo 2005-017. (§ 628)

  • Código Penal. (§ 460)

• 11.4.3 Non-financial sanctions

  No data available.
  

• 11.4.4 Criminal liability

  Summary / Citation: The crime of manslaughter is provided for in the Criminal Code.

  • Código Penal. (§§ 459-460)

• 11.4.5 Terms of imprisonment for natural persons

  Summary / Citation: Minimum: 3 months
  Maximum: 2 years

  • Código Penal. (§ 460)