Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of - 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

  Yes.
  

  Related CEACR Comments
  • Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155) Observation 2020
  • Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155) Direct Request 2020
  

  • 2.2.1.1 Migrant workers

    Summary/citation: The Organic Labour Law applies to the labour relations on national territory between employers and workers, both Venezuelan and foreign workers (Art. 3).
    

    Remarks / comments: The Organic Law on Prevention, Working Conditions and Working Environment does not exclude migrant workers from its scope of application (Art. 4).

    • Decreto núm. 8938 mediante el cual se dicta el Decreto con rango, valor y fuerza de Ley Orgánica del Trabajo, los Trabajadores y las Trabajadoras. (Art. 3)

    • Ley Orgánica de Prevención, Condiciones y Medio Ambiente de Trabajo. (Art. 4)

    Related CEACR Comments
    • Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155) Observation 2020
    • Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155) Direct Request 2020
    

  • 2.2.1.2 Domestic workers

    Summary/citation: Domestic workers are expressly included within the scope of application of the Organic Law on Prevention, Working Conditions and Working Environment (Art. 4).

    Workers who provide services in a home or to a given person as regards to his/her personal needs or that of his/her family, such as private drivers, waiters, waitresses, cooks, gardeners, babysitters, nannies, laundresses, ironers, pressers and other occupations of this nature, are governed by the Organic Labour Law (Art. 207).

    Restrictions / obligations: The Organic Labour Law specifies that the rules governing labor relations of workers who perform domestic work shall be established in a special law, elaborated with broad participation of workers who provide services for households and their social organizations (Art. 208).

    Remarks / comments: The Organic Labour Law indicates that its Title IV applies to the labour relations defined therein (which include domestic workers), and that aspects not regulated in that Title shall be governed by the rest of provisions contained in the Organic Labour Law, its Regulation and special laws (Art. 205).

    • Decreto núm. 8938 mediante el cual se dicta el Decreto con rango, valor y fuerza de Ley Orgánica del Trabajo, los Trabajadores y las Trabajadoras. (Art. 207)

    • Ley Orgánica de Prevención, Condiciones y Medio Ambiente de Trabajo. (Art. 4)

    Related CEACR Comments
    • Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155) Observation 2020
    • Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155) Direct Request 2020
    

  • 2.2.1.3 Home workers

    Summary/citation: Home workers are expressly included within the scope of application of the Organic Law on Prevention, Working Conditions and Working Environment (Art. 4).

    A home worker is defined by the Organic Labour Law as any person who performs a paid work at his/her home with or without the support of his/her relatives, subordinated to an employer or several employers but without the employer's direct supervision, using own materials and tools, supplied by the employer/s or his/her representative. Home workers enjoy the rights relating to
    social security and are governed by Chapter III, Title IV of the Organic Labour Law (Art. 209).

    Restrictions / obligations: The Organic Labour Law specifies that a special law, developed with broad participation of home workers and employers shall regulate matters related to work at home (Art. 209).

    Remarks / comments: The Organic Labour Law indicates that its Title IV applies to the labour relations defined therein (which include home workers), and that aspects not regulated in that Title shall be governed by the rest of provisions contained in the Organic Labour Law, its Regulation and special laws (Art. 205).

    • Decreto núm. 8938 mediante el cual se dicta el Decreto con rango, valor y fuerza de Ley Orgánica del Trabajo, los Trabajadores y las Trabajadoras. (Art. 209)

    • Ley Orgánica de Prevención, Condiciones y Medio Ambiente de Trabajo. (Art. 4)

    Related CEACR Comments
    • Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155) Observation 2020
    • Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155) Direct Request 2020
    

  • 2.2.1.4 Self-employed persons

    Summary/citation: The Organic Labour Law defines the following categories of workers: dependent workers, non-dependent workers, workers at managerial positions and workers in charge of inspection and surveillance. A dependent worker is a natural person providing services subject to remuneration under the control of another natural or legal person. A non-dependent worker or self-employed worker is the one who does not depend on any employer.
    (Organic Labour Law, Arts. 35-38)

    OSH legislation applies also to non-dependent workers whenever it is compatible with the nature of their tasks.
    (Organic Law on Prevention, Working Conditions and Working Environment, Art. 4)

    • Decreto núm. 8938 mediante el cual se dicta el Decreto con rango, valor y fuerza de Ley Orgánica del Trabajo, los Trabajadores y las Trabajadoras. (Arts. 35-38)

    • Ley Orgánica de Prevención, Condiciones y Medio Ambiente de Trabajo. (Art. 4)

2.3 Definition of employer

2.4 Exclusion of branches of economic activity

• 2.4.1 Agriculture

  Summary/citation: Chapter V, Title IV of the Organic Labour Law is specifically devoted to agricultural workers (Art. 229).

  The Organic Law on Prevention, Working Conditions and Working Environment applies to any dependent worker, whatever is the nature of the work, the place where the work is performed, be it a profit or a non-profit-making activity, public or private, and in general, this Law applies to any provision of personal services by a worker to an employer, whatever the form is, with exception of the cases expressly excluded by the law (Art. 4).

  Remarks / comments: The Organic Law on Prevention, Working Conditions and Working Environment does not expressly exclude workers in the agricultural sector.

  • Decreto núm. 8938 mediante el cual se dicta el Decreto con rango, valor y fuerza de Ley Orgánica del Trabajo, los Trabajadores y las Trabajadoras. (Art. 229)

  • Ley Orgánica de Prevención, Condiciones y Medio Ambiente de Trabajo. (Art. 4)

  Related CEACR Comments
  • Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155) Observation 2020
  • Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155) Direct Request 2020
  

• 2.4.2 Construction

  Summary/citation: The Organic Law on Prevention, Working Conditions and Working Environment applies to any dependent worker, whatever is the nature of the work, the place where the work is performed, be it a profit or a non-profit-making activity, public or private, and in general, this Law applies to any provision of personal services by a worker to an employer, whatever the form is, with exception of the cases expressly excluded by the law (Art. 4).

  Remarks / comments: The Organic Law on Prevention, Working Conditions and Working Environment does not expressly exclude workers in the construction sector.

  • Ley Orgánica de Prevención, Condiciones y Medio Ambiente de Trabajo. (Art. 4)

  Related CEACR Comments
  • Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155) Observation 2020
  • Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155) Direct Request 2020
  

• 2.4.3 Services

  Summary/citation: The Organic Law on Prevention, Working Conditions and Working Environment applies to any dependent worker, whatever is the nature of the work, the place where the work is performed, be it a profit or a non-profit-making activity, public or private, and in general, this Law applies to any provision of personal services by a worker to an employer, whatever the form is, with exception of the cases expressly excluded by the law (Art. 4).

  Remarks / comments: The Organic Law on Prevention, Working Conditions and Working Environment does not expressly exclude workers in the service sector.

  • Ley Orgánica de Prevención, Condiciones y Medio Ambiente de Trabajo. (Art. 4)

  Related CEACR Comments
  • Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155) Observation 2020
  • Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155) Direct Request 2020
  

• 2.4.4 Public sector

  Summary/citation: The Organic Law on Prevention, Working Conditions and Working Environment applies to any dependent worker, whatever is the nature of the work, the place where the work is performed, be it a profit or a non-profit-making activity, public or private, and in general, this Law applies to any provision of personal services by a worker to an employer, whatever the form is, with exception of the cases expressly excluded by the law (Art. 4).

  Restrictions / obligations: Both the Organic Labour Law and the Organic Law on Prevention, Working Conditions and Working Environment exclude from its scope of application members of the National Military Forces.

  • Decreto núm. 8938 mediante el cual se dicta el Decreto con rango, valor y fuerza de Ley Orgánica del Trabajo, los Trabajadores y las Trabajadoras. (Art. 5)

  • Ley Orgánica de Prevención, Condiciones y Medio Ambiente de Trabajo. (Art. 4)

  Related CEACR Comments
  • Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155) Observation 2020
  • Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155) Direct Request 2020
  

• 2.4.5 Other

  Summary/citation: The Organic Law on Prevention, Working Conditions and Working Environment expressly applies to workers in cooperatives (Art. 4).

  Title IV of the Organic Labour Law also contains provisions governing labour relations of sportsmen/sportswomen, workers in the transportation sector, maritime, river and lake navigation and air transportation among others.

  • Decreto núm. 8938 mediante el cual se dicta el Decreto con rango, valor y fuerza de Ley Orgánica del Trabajo, los Trabajadores y las Trabajadoras. (Título IV)

  • Ley Orgánica de Prevención, Condiciones y Medio Ambiente de Trabajo. (Art. 4)

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 provided by the law (Annex 1).
  

  Remarks / comments: The list of occupational diseases does not exclude other diseases which may be considered as occupational ones (Title III).

  • Norma Técnica para Declaración de Enfermedad Ocupacional (Venezuelan Standard Classification Regarding Occupational Injuries). (Título III, Anexo 1)

• 2.6.2 Mechanism for compensating other diseases as occupational ones

  Summary/citation: The National Institute for Prevention, Health and Safety at Work shall, following an investigation, make a report and qualify the source of a work accident or occupational disease. Such report shall be considered a public document.
  Every worker who is diagnosed with an occupational disease shall go to the National Institute for Prevention, Health and Safety at Work for the necessary assessments, testing, qualification and certification of the occupational disease. This report can be reviewed.
  Workers and their families, the employer and the Social Security Treasury have the right to exercise the administrative and judiciary appeals against the decisions of the National Institute for Prevention, Health and Safety at Work.

  • Norma Técnica para Declaración de Enfermedad Ocupacional (Venezuelan Standard Classification Regarding Occupational Injuries).

  • Ley Orgánica de Prevención, Condiciones y Medio Ambiente de Trabajo. (Arts. 76, 77)

3.1 Competent national authority for safety and health at work

• 3.1.1 Objectives, roles and/or functions

  Summary/citation: The Ministry responsible for OSH shall:
  - Define the guidelines, policies, plans and strategies of the Organic Law on prevention, working conditions and working environment (LOPCYMAT);
  - Approve the National Plan on Safety and Health at Work;
  - Follow up and evaluate policies, plans and programs, and propose corrections deemed necessary in coordination with the Social Security Superintendence;
  - Draft regulations and assign budgetary plans and programs;
  - Review and propose amendments to the applicable legislation in order to ensure the effectiveness of the system;
  - Establish interaction means and joint coordination between public and private institutions;
  - Ensure compliance with the obligations of the Organic Law on prevention, working conditions and working environment (LOPCYMAT);
  - Define, in conjunction with the Ministry of Health, the criteria for the diagnosis of occupational diseases and update it regularly;
  - Perform other duties assigned.

  • Ley Orgánica de Prevención, Condiciones y Medio Ambiente de Trabajo. (Art. 14)

• 3.1.2 Chairperson and composition

  Summary/citation: The OSH system shall be composed by members of the following agencies:

  1. Direction:
  The Ministry responsible for occupational health and safety.
  2. Management functions:
  a. The National Institute for Prevention, Health and Safety at Work.
  b. The National Training Institute.
  3. Supervision and inspection functions:
  a. Supervisory units attached to the Labour Inspectorate.
  b. Technical and administrative units of the National Institute for Prevention, Health and Safety at Work.
  6. Organizations and agencies with consultation and participation functions:
  a. OSH Council.
  b. OSH Committees of workplaces,establishments or holdings.
  c. OSH Delegates.
  d. Unions.
  e. Other instances.
  7. Organizations and institutions providing services:
  a. The National Public Health System.
  b. Others.

  • Ley Orgánica de Prevención, Condiciones y Medio Ambiente de Trabajo. (Arts. 12-13)

3.2 National OSH research programme or institute

• 3.2.1 Objectives, roles and/or functions

  Summary/citation: The National Institute for Prevention, Health and Safety at Work shall:
  - Promote research and development agreements on OSH issues with scientific or technical organizations, national and international, public and private, to achieve its key objectives;
  - Develop OSH education and technical training for workers and employers;
  - Investigate accidents and occupational diseases.

  • Ley Orgánica de Prevención, Condiciones y Medio Ambiente de Trabajo. (Arts. 15, 26, 27)

• 3.2.2 Governance board constitution and chairmanship

  Summary/citation: The National Institute for Prevention, Health and Safety at Work is composed of:
  - the President of the Institute;
  - a representative of the Ministry responsible for health;
  - a representative of the Ministry responsible for OSH;
  - a representative of the National Institute for Training and Recreation of Workers;
  - a representative of the most representative trade unions;
  - a representative of cooperatives and other forms of associative community services.

  • Ley Orgánica de Prevención, Condiciones y Medio Ambiente de Trabajo. (Art. 19)

• 3.2.3 Source of funding

  Summary / Citation: The source of funding for the National Institute for Prevention, Health and Safety at Work is the national budget. The Budgetary Law for each budgetary year shall foresee a special provision for the promotion and prevention of occupational health and safety.

  • Ley Orgánica de Prevención, Condiciones y Medio Ambiente de Trabajo. (Art. 24)

3.3 National OSH programme

• 3.3.1 Consultation on the national OSH programme

  Summary/citation: The Ministry responsible for health and safety at work shall formulate and assess the national OSH policy. The Ministry shall consult with the most representative organizations of employers, workers, technical and academic agencies, associations of workers with disabilities and other relevant organizations.

  • Ley Orgánica de Prevención, Condiciones y Medio Ambiente de Trabajo. (Art. 10)

  Related CEACR Comments
  • Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155) Observation 2020
  • Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155) Direct Request 2020
  

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: Employers shall establish an occupational safety and health service at the workplace which shall organize a first-aid system, transportation of injured workers, emergency medical response and contingency plans (Arts. 39, 40.13).

  Work shall be performed in adequate working conditions offering immediate provision of first-aid to injured workers (Art. 59.6).

  • Ley Orgánica de Prevención, Condiciones y Medio Ambiente de Trabajo. (Arts. 39, 40.13, 59)

  Related CEACR Comments
  • Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155) Observation 2020
  • Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155) Direct Request 2020
  

• 4.8.2 Sanitary installations

  Summary / Citation: Employers shall adopt the necessary measures to ensure that workers perform their tasks in safe and healthy working conditions.
  (Ley Orgánica de Prevención, Condiciones y Medio Ambiente de Trabajo, Art. 56)

  According to the law, unsafe and unhealthy conditions are all those conditions under which the employer does not guarantee workers the elements of basic sanitation, including drinking water, bathrooms, toilets, changing rooms and the necessary conditions for taking meals, among others.
  (Reglamento parcial de la Ley orgánica de prevención, condiciones y medio ambiente de trabajo, Art. 12.1)

  • Decreto núm. 5078 de 22 de diciembre de 2006 por el que se dicta el Reglamento parcial de la Ley orgánica de prevención, condiciones y medio ambiente de trabajo. (Art. 12.1)

  • Ley Orgánica de Prevención, Condiciones y Medio Ambiente de Trabajo. (Art. 56)

  Related CEACR Comments
  • Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155) Observation 2020
  • Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155) Direct Request 2020
  • Hygiene (Commerce and Offices) Convention, 1964 (No. 120) Direct Request 2020
  

• 4.8.3 Drinking water

  Summary / Citation: Employers shall adopt the necessary measures to ensure that workers perform their tasks in safe and healthy working conditions.
  (Ley Orgánica de Prevención, Condiciones y Medio Ambiente de Trabajo, Art. 56)

  According to the law, unsafe and unhealthy conditions are all those conditions under which the employer does not guarantee workers the elements of basic sanitation, including drinking water, bathrooms, toilets, changing rooms and the necessary conditions for taking meals, among others.
  (Reglamento parcial de la Ley orgánica de prevención, condiciones y medio ambiente de trabajo, Art. 12.1)

  • Decreto núm. 5078 de 22 de diciembre de 2006 por el que se dicta el Reglamento parcial de la Ley orgánica de prevención, condiciones y medio ambiente de trabajo. (Art. 12.1)

  • Ley Orgánica de Prevención, Condiciones y Medio Ambiente de Trabajo. (Art. 56)

  Related CEACR Comments
  • Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155) Observation 2020
  • Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155) Direct Request 2020
  • Hygiene (Commerce and Offices) Convention, 1964 (No. 120) Direct Request 2020
  

• 4.8.4 Rest and eating areas

  Summary / Citation: Employers shall adopt the necessary measures to ensure that workers perform their tasks in safe and healthy working conditions.
  (Ley Orgánica de Prevención, Condiciones y Medio Ambiente de Trabajo, Art. 56)

  Work shall be performed in adequate working conditions offering the necessary facilities for recreation, rest, consumption of meals, cultural and sport activities, as well as for technical and professional training.
  (Ley Orgánica de Prevención, Condiciones y Medio Ambiente de Trabajo, Art. 59.4).

  According to the law, unsafe and unhealthy conditions are all those conditions under which the employer does not guarantee workers the elements of basic sanitation, including drinking water, bathrooms, toilets, changing rooms and the necessary conditions for taking meals, among others.
  (Reglamento parcial de la Ley orgánica de prevención, condiciones y medio ambiente de trabajo, Art. 12.1)

  Workers are provided with, at least, a lunch break of one hour and are allowed to leave the work premises during this break if they wish to.
  When workers cannot leave the workplace for the lunch break they are provided with, at least, half and hour break that shall be considered as working time.
  (Reglamento parcial de la Ley orgánica de prevención, condiciones y medio ambiente de trabajo, Arts. 168-169)

  • Decreto núm. 8938 mediante el cual se dicta el Decreto con rango, valor y fuerza de Ley Orgánica del Trabajo, los Trabajadores y las Trabajadoras. (Arts. 168-169)

  • Decreto núm. 5078 de 22 de diciembre de 2006 por el que se dicta el Reglamento parcial de la Ley orgánica de prevención, condiciones y medio ambiente de trabajo. (Art. 12.1)

  • Ley Orgánica de Prevención, Condiciones y Medio Ambiente de Trabajo. (Art. 56)

  Related CEACR Comments
  • Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155) Observation 2020
  • Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155) Direct Request 2020
  

5.1 Elements of an OSH management system

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

  Summary/citation: Employers shall design a prevention policy for the workplace and elaborate an OSH programme. This programme shall be approved by the National Institute for Prevention, Health and Safety at Work.

  • Ley Orgánica de Prevención, Condiciones y Medio Ambiente de Trabajo. (Arts. 61-62)

• 5.1.2 Appointment of a person for health and safety

  Summary/citation: Employers shall set up OSH services in workplaces with more than 250 workers, and in workplaces with between 50 and 250 workers for economic activities indicated in the technical standards issued in this regard.

  • Decreto núm. 5078 de 22 de diciembre de 2006 por el que se dicta el Reglamento parcial de la Ley orgánica de prevención, condiciones y medio ambiente de trabajo. (Art. 22)

• 5.1.3 Written risk assessment

  Summary/citation: Employers shall assess and record the levels of safety and working conditions and keep them updated.

  • Ley Orgánica de Prevención, Condiciones y Medio Ambiente de Trabajo. (Art. 62.2)

• 5.1.4 Safe operating work systems and procedures

  Summary/citation: Employers shall develop and maintain an surveillance system of occupational accidents and epidemiological diseases in accordance with the provisions of the OSH legislation.

  • Ley Orgánica de Prevención, Condiciones y Medio Ambiente de Trabajo. (Art. 40.5, Art. 40.8, Art. 40.9)

  Related CEACR Comments
  • Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155) Observation 2020
  • Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155) Direct Request 2020
  

• 5.1.5 Training and information on risks

  Summary/citation: The employer, the contractor or the beneficiary employer, shall ensure the necessary training and publication of information related to the hazardous conditions of work, prior to initiating such work.

  • Ley Orgánica de Prevención, Condiciones y Medio Ambiente de Trabajo. (Art. 58)

  Related CEACR Comments
  • Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155) Observation 2020
  • Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155) Direct Request 2020
  

• 5.1.6 Review or assessment of the results of preventive measures

  Summary/citation: Employers shall assess and record the levels of safety and working conditions and keep them updated.

  • Ley Orgánica de Prevención, Condiciones y Medio Ambiente de Trabajo. (Art. 62.2)

• 5.1.7 Consultation with workers in health and safety

  Summary/citation: Employers shall consult workers and their organizations before they undertake measures that could bring about organizational changes that may affect a group of workers or all of them in OSH related matters.

  • Ley Orgánica de Prevención, Condiciones y Medio Ambiente de Trabajo. (Art. 56.2)

  Related CEACR Comments
  • Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155) Observation 2020
  • Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155) Direct Request 2020
  

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 Services shall be comprised of professionals from different disciplines in the area of safety and health at work.

  Restrictions / obligations: Employers shall set up OSH services in workplaces with more than 250 workers, and in workplaces with between 50 and 250 workers for economic activities indicated in the technical standards issued in this regard.

  • Decreto núm. 5078 de 22 de diciembre de 2006 por el que se dicta el Reglamento parcial de la Ley orgánica de prevención, condiciones y medio ambiente de trabajo. (Arts. 20-22)

  • 6.1.1.1 Qualifications of experts or professional services

    Summary / Citation: The OSH Services shall be comprised of professionals from different disciplines in the area of safety and health at work.

    • Decreto núm. 5078 de 22 de diciembre de 2006 por el que se dicta el Reglamento parcial de la Ley orgánica de prevención, condiciones y medio ambiente de trabajo. (Art. 20)

6.2 Appointment of an OSH practitioner

• 6.2.1 Workforce size threshold for the appointment of OSH practitioners

  Summary/citation: Employers shall set up OSH services in workplaces with more than 250 workers, and in workplaces with between 50 and 250 workers for economic activities indicated in the technical standards issued in this regard.

  • Decreto núm. 5078 de 22 de diciembre de 2006 por el que se dicta el Reglamento parcial de la Ley orgánica de prevención, condiciones y medio ambiente de trabajo. (Arts. 20-22)

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

  Summary / Citation: Workers have the right to withdraw from work, in the case of omissions or imprudence which may seriously affect their health and safety.

  • Decreto núm. 8938 mediante el cual se dicta el Decreto con rango, valor y fuerza de Ley Orgánica del Trabajo, los Trabajadores y las Trabajadoras. (Art. 80 f)

8.1 National OSH committee, commission, council or similar body

• 8.1.1 Objectives, roles and/or functions

  Summary / Citation: The National Council of Safety and Health at Work shall:
  - Advise the Governing Body in the formulation of the National OSH Policy;
  - Advise the President of the Republic of Venezuela on OSH matters;
  - Suggest guidelines for the compliance with the National OSH policy;
  - Propose the basis for the national research policy on OSH;
  - Evaluate and issue opinions in relation to the signing and ratification of International Conventions on safety and health at work;
  - Set up internal rules;
  - Others.

  • Ley Orgánica de Prevención, Condiciones y Medio Ambiente de Trabajo. (Art. 38)

• 8.1.2 Constitution and chairmanship modalities

  Summary / Citation: The National Council of Safety and Health at Work shall be composed of:
  - the President;
  - 1 representative of the ministries responsible for health, labour, environment, production and trade, tourism and recreation, education, planning and science and technology;
  - 2 representatives of the most representative trade unions;
  - 2 representatives of the most representative employer's organizations;
  - 2 representatives of cooperatives and other community organizations;
  - 1 representative of organizations related to OSH;
  - 1 representative of indigenous peoples, organizations and communities;
  - 1 representative of community organizations related with recreation, use of leisure, rest and social tourism;
  - 1 representative of institutions of higher education with programs related to OSH issues;
  - 1 representative of institutions of higher education with programs related to recreation, leisure, rest and social tourism;
  - 2 representatives of organizations of workers with disabilities;
  - 2 representatives of OSH professional and technical organizations;
  - 1 representative appointed by each National Council and one representative appointed by each economic sector.

  • Ley Orgánica de Prevención, Condiciones y Medio Ambiente de Trabajo. (Art. 37)

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: Internal regulations shall determine the number of prevention (OSH) delegates. This number will depend on the number of workers, the organization of labour, work shifts, areas, departments, location of the working spaces, as well as the danger of working processes. In this sense, there will be a a minimum of delegates established according to the following scale:
  Up to 10 workers: 1 prevention delegate
  From 11 to 50 workers: 2 prevention delegates
  From 51 to 250 workers: 3 prevention delegates
  From 251 or more workers: 1 prevention delegate extra for each 500 workers or fraction.

  • Ley Orgánica de Prevención, Condiciones y Medio Ambiente de Trabajo. (Art. 41)

• 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

  Summary / Citation: Prevention (OSH) delegates have the right to visit workplaces and areas for recreation and rest, for surveillance and control of working conditions and working environment. For that purpose, delegates shall enter in any area thereof and communicate freely during the work day with workers without interrupting the normal development of the productive process.

  • Ley Orgánica de Prevención, Condiciones y Medio Ambiente de Trabajo. (Art. 43.5)

• 8.4.2 Right to access OSH information

  Summary / Citation: Prevention (OSH) delegates, in order to perform their duties, shall have access, with the limitations provided by the law, to the necessary information and documentation relating to the working conditions. This information shall be provided in a manner that will ensure respect for confidentiality and trade secrets.

  • Ley Orgánica de Prevención, Condiciones y Medio Ambiente de Trabajo. (Art. 43.2)

  Related CEACR Comments
  • Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155) Observation 2020
  • Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155) Direct Request 2020
  

• 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: Employers shall provide prevention (OSH) delegates and unions with the facilities and the necesssary OSH training to perform their duties. This training shall be provided by the employer or through specialized agencies in the field, according to the specifications of the undertaking.

  • Ley Orgánica de Prevención, Condiciones y Medio Ambiente de Trabajo. (Art. 44)

• 8.4.5 Right to accompany inspectors

  No data available.
  

• 8.4.6 Right to use facilities

  Summary / Citation: Employers shall provide prevention (OSH) delegates and unions with the facilities and OSH training necessary to perform their duties.

  • Ley Orgánica de Prevención, Condiciones y Medio Ambiente de Trabajo. (Art. 44)

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

  Summary / Citation: Employers shall facilitate and take all measures to ensure prevention (OSH) delegates perform their duties. Time taken by the prevention (OSH) delegates to perform their duties and for training on OSH issues, shall be considered part of the working day and shall be paid.

  • Ley Orgánica de Prevención, Condiciones y Medio Ambiente de Trabajo. (Art. 44)

• 8.4.8 Right to issue remedial notices

  Summary / Citation:

• 8.4.9 Right to resolve OSH issues in consultation with employers

  Summary / Citation: The duties of the prevention (OSH) delegates include collaboration with the employer and their representatives to improve the prevention and promotion of health and safety at work.

  • Ley Orgánica de Prevención, Condiciones y Medio Ambiente de Trabajo. (Art. 42.3)

• 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.
  

  Related CEACR Comments
  • Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155) Observation 2020
  • Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155) Direct Request 2020
  

• 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.
  

  Related CEACR Comments
  • Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155) Observation 2020
  • Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155) Direct Request 2020
  

• 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 (OSH) Committee shall be composed by an equal number of representatives of workers and employers.
  Internal regulations shall determine the number of prevention (OSH) delegates. This number will depend on the number of workers, the organization of labour, work shifts, areas, departments, location of the working spaces, as well as the danger of working processes. In this sense, there will be a a minimum of delegates established according to the following scale:
  Up to 10 workers: 1 prevention delegate
  From 11 to 50 workers: 2 prevention delegates
  From 51 to 250 workers: 3 prevention delegates
  From 251 or more workers: 1 prevention delegate extra for each 500 workers or fraction.

  • Ley Orgánica de Prevención, Condiciones y Medio Ambiente de Trabajo. (Arts. 41, 46.2)

  Related CEACR Comments
  • Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155) Observation 2020
  • Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155) Direct Request 2020
  

• 8.6.2 Conditions for establishing a joint OSH committee

  Summary / Citation: A joint committee on safety and health at work shall be established in every workplace, undertaking or working unit of any public and private entity.

  • Ley Orgánica de Prevención, Condiciones y Medio Ambiente de Trabajo. (Art. 46)

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

  Summary / Citation: The OSH committees shall:
  - Participate in the development, adoption, implementation and evaluation of the OSH Plan of the workplace;
  - Promote initiatives on methods and procedures for the effective control of hazardous working conditions, proposing the improvement of existing controls;
  - Approve the draft Plan on Safety and Health at Work for the workplace for consideration by the National Institute for Prevention, Health and Safety at Work and monitor the compliance of the Plan;
  - Monitor the health and safety conditions at work making visits for that purpose as appropriate;
  - Supervise the OSH service at the workplace;
  - Assist and advise employers and workers on OSH issues;
  - Be informed of documents and reports on working conditions;
  - Report unsafe conditions and non-compliance with OSH agreements;
  - Understand and analyse health hazards, in order to evaluate their causes and propose preventive measures;
  - Be informed and approve the annual OSH report.

  • Ley Orgánica de Prevención, Condiciones y Medio Ambiente de Trabajo. (Arts. 47-49)

  Related CEACR Comments
  • Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155) Observation 2020
  • Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155) Direct Request 2020
  

• 8.6.4 Keeping record of the work of joint OSH committees

  Summary / Citation: Requirements for record keeping in relation to OSH committees are set out in the legislation. Following each meeting, the committee shall record a minute signed by the people who were present, which shall be transcribed in the minute books of the committee. The minute books will record the information regarding the place, date and time of the meeting, identification of members, issues addressed, agreements taken and any other observation that could be considered appropriate. These books will have no amendments and shall be signed by the members of the Committee.

  • Ley Orgánica de Prevención, Condiciones y Medio Ambiente de Trabajo. (Art. 76.3)

• 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.
  

  • Ley sobre Sustancias Materiales y Desechos Peligrosos (Hazardous Substances Law) (Art. 9.13, Arts. 27-37)

  Related CEACR Comments
  • Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155) Observation 2020
  • Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155) Direct Request 2020
  

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

  Summary / Citation: The National Institute for Prevention, Health and Safety at Work shall provide mechanisms to ensure that local and imported machinery, equipment, products, tools, and working equipment, comply with the legal security conditions, regulatory standards and international accepted scientific knowledge.

  Those who import substances potentially harmful to the health of workers, as classified by the National Institute for Prevention, Health and Safety at Work, shall comply with law provisions and provide a certificate of free sale in their country of origin.

  Manufacturers, importers and suppliers of products and chemicals used in the workplace are required to package and label them, ensuring safe storage and handling.

  Manufactures, importers and suppliers of products and chemicals used in the workplace shall provide information indicating the correct way to use the chemical substances by workers, additional preventive measures to be taken, and the hazards associated with both proper and improper use and handling.
  The manufacturers, importers and suppliers shall provide employers with the necessary information for the use and handling of machinery, equipment, products, raw materials and working tools.

  The employer shall ensure that this information is conveyed properly, including with specific training for workers.

  • Ley Orgánica de Prevención, Condiciones y Medio Ambiente de Trabajo. (Arts. 66-67)

  Related CEACR Comments
  • Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155) Observation 2020
  • Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155) Direct Request 2020
  

• 9.2.3 Pesticides

  Yes.
  

  • Ley sobre Sustancias Materiales y Desechos Peligrosos (Hazardous Substances Law) (Arts. 57-64)

9.3 Ergonomic hazards

9.4 Physical hazards

• 9.4.1 Ionising radiation

  Yes.
  

  • Ley sobre Sustancias Materiales y Desechos Peligrosos (Hazardous Substances Law) (Art. 9.15)

• 9.4.2 Vibration and noise

  No data available.
  

  Related CEACR Comments
  • Hygiene (Commerce and Offices) Convention, 1964 (No. 120) Direct Request 2020
  

• 9.4.3 Working at height

  Yes.
  

  • NORMA VENEZOLANA ARNESES Y ESLINGAS DE PROTECCIÓN. COVENIN 1042:2000 (Venezuelan Work at height Standard)

• 9.4.4 Working in confined spaces

  Yes.
  

  • Norma Obligatoria TRABAJO EN ESPACIOS CONFINADOS. MEDIDAS DE SALUD OCUPACIONAL. No.3153 (Work in Confined Spaces Compulsory Rule)

• 9.4.5 Risks arising from poor maintenance of workplace facilities

  Summary / Citation: Employers shall adopt all the necessary measures to ensure workers the adequate safety and health and the appropriate working conditions.
  The OSH Service at the workplace shall assess and propose measures to control the conditions and working environment that can affect both the physical and mental health of workers in the workplace or the external environment of the workplace and the health of workers' families.

  • Ley Orgánica de Prevención, Condiciones y Medio Ambiente de Trabajo. (Art. 56, Art. 40.3)

  Related CEACR Comments
  • Hygiene (Commerce and Offices) Convention, 1964 (No. 120) Direct Request 2020
  

• 9.4.6 Exposure to extreme temperatures

  Yes.
  

  • Norma Covenin 2254 - 95 / Calor y Frío. Límites máximos permisibles de exposición en lugares de trabajo. (1era revisión) (Venezuelan Maximum Level Temperatures at Work Standard)

  Related CEACR Comments
  • Hygiene (Commerce and Offices) Convention, 1964 (No. 120) Direct Request 2020
  

• 9.4.7 Fire risks

  Yes.
  

  • Norma Covenin 30 55 - 3056 Protección contra incendios, agentes extinguidores ( Venezuelan Fire Protection Standard)

• 9.4.8 Tobacco

  Yes.
  

  • Resolución 030 mediante la cual se dicta la Resolución de Ambientes Libres de Humo de Tabaco. (Tobbaco Resolution)

• 9.4.9 Asbestos

  Yes.
  

  • Norma Obligatoria ASBESTOS. TRANSPORTE, ALMACENAMIENTO Y USO. MEDIDAS DE HIGIENE OCUPACIONAL. (1RA. REVISION).2251 1998 (Asbestos Compulsory Rule)

• 9.4.10 Risks related to nanotechnology

  No data available.
  

• 9.4.11 Contraction of HIV in the workplace

  Summary / Citation: The law lays down the right of workers to confidentiality of their personal health records.
  

  • Ley Orgánica de Prevención, Condiciones y Medio Ambiente de Trabajo. (Art. 53.11)

9.5 Psychosocial hazards

• 9.5.1 Psychosocial risks

  Summary / Citation: Employers shall report to workers and the OSH committee about unsafe psychosocial conditions in the workplace that could cause harm to health.

  Employers shall not commit by themselves or through their representatives, any offensive, malicious or intimidating act harming workers psychologically or morally. Employers shall prevent any harassment situation including the degradation of the work environment, physical or psychological violence, isolation or failure to provide a reasonable position to workers according to their abilities and background and shall avoid placing unjustified sanctions or criticisms on workers and their performance.

  • Ley Orgánica de Prevención, Condiciones y Medio Ambiente de Trabajo. (Art. 56.4-5)

• 9.5.2 Occupational violence

  Summary / Citation: Employers shall not commit by themselves or through their representatives, any offensive, malicious or intimidating act harming workers psychologically or morally. Employers shall prevent any harassment situation including the degradation of the work environment, physical or psychological violence, isolation or failure to provide a reasonable position to workers according to their abilities and background and shall avoid placing unjustified sanctions or criticisms on workers and their performance.

  Employers shall take the adequate measures so as to prevent any kind of sexual harassment and establish a policy in view of eliminating it.

  • Ley Orgánica de Prevención, Condiciones y Medio Ambiente de Trabajo. (Arts. 56.5, 56.8)

9.6 Other hazardous substances

9.7 Machineries

• 9.7.1 Risks related to machinery and tools

  Yes.
  

  • Ley Orgánica de Prevención, Condiciones y Medio Ambiente de Trabajo. (Art. 59.2, Art. 60)

  Related CEACR Comments
  • Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155) Observation 2020
  • Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155) Direct Request 2020
  

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

  Summary / Citation: The National Institute for Prevention, Health and Safety at Work shall provide mechanisms to ensure that local and imported machinery, equipment, products, tools, and working equipment, comply with the legal security conditions, regulatory standards and international accepted scientific knowledge.

  The manufacturers, importers and suppliers of machinery, equipment, products and equipment are required to ensure that these are not a source of danger to the worker, when used in the recommended conditions and manner.

  Manufacturers, importers and suppliers of products and chemicals used in the workplace are required to package and label them, ensuring safe storage and handling.

  Manufactures, importers and suppliers of products and chemicals used in the workplace shall provide information indicating the correct way to use the chemical substances by workers, additional preventive measures to be taken, and the hazards associated with both proper and improper use and handling.

  The manufacturers, importers and suppliers shall provide employers with the necessary information for the use and handling of machinery, equipment, products, raw materials and working tools. The employer shall ensure that this information is conveyed properly, including through specific training for workers.

  • Ley Orgánica de Prevención, Condiciones y Medio Ambiente de Trabajo. (Arts. 66-67)

  Related CEACR Comments
  • Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155) Observation 2020
  • Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155) Direct Request 2020
  

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

  Summary / Citation: Manufacturers, importers and suppliers of products and chemicals used in the workplace are required to package and label them, ensuring safe storage and handling.

  Manufactures, importers and suppliers of products and chemicals used in the workplace shall provide information indicating the correct way to use the chemical substances by workers, additional preventive measures to be taken, and the hazards associated with both proper and improper use and handling.

  The manufacturers, importers and suppliers shall provide employers with the necessary information for the use and handling of machinery, equipment, products, raw materials and working tools. The employer shall ensure that this information is conveyed properly, including through specific training for workers.

  • Ley Orgánica de Prevención, Condiciones y Medio Ambiente de Trabajo. (Arts. 66-67)

  Related CEACR Comments
  • Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155) Observation 2020
  • Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155) Direct Request 2020
  

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

  Summary / Citation: The National Institute for Prevention, Health and Safety at Work shall provide mechanisms to ensure that local and imported machinery, equipment, products, tools, and working equipment, comply with the legal security conditions, regulatory standards and international accepted scientific knowledge.

  • Ley Orgánica de Prevención, Condiciones y Medio Ambiente de Trabajo. (Arts. 66-67)

  Related CEACR Comments
  • Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155) Observation 2020
  • Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155) Direct Request 2020
  

• 9.7.5 Maintenance of machinery and equipment

  Summary / Citation: The design, construction, operation, maintenance, amendments and processes in work places shall be conceived, designed and executed with strict compliance with standards and technical and scientific criteria universally accepted in health, hygiene, ergonomics and safety at work, in order to eliminate or control possible risks.
  The technical standards related to safety and health at work approved by the Ministry of Labour are mandatory.

  • Ley Orgánica de Prevención, Condiciones y Medio Ambiente de Trabajo. (Art. 63)

  Related CEACR Comments
  • Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155) Observation 2020
  • Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155) Direct Request 2020
  

  • 9.7.5.1 List of equipment where applicable

    No data available.
    

    Related CEACR Comments
    • Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155) Observation 2020
    • Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155) Direct Request 2020
    

9.8 Provisions to protect workers in specific condition of vulnerability

• 9.8.1 Protection of pregnancy at work

  Summary / Citation: Pregnant workers are exempt from any type of task or activity that might engender their life or the life of the child.
  Pregnant workers and their partners shall not be dismissed from work by employers from the beginning of the pregnancy until two years after delivery.
  Pregnant workers have the right to maternity leave of 6 weeks before delivery and 20 weeks after, with possibility of extension.

  • Decreto núm. 8938 mediante el cual se dicta el Decreto con rango, valor y fuerza de Ley Orgánica del Trabajo, los Trabajadores y las Trabajadoras. (Arts. 333, 335-338, 420 )

• 9.8.2 Protection of lactating women at work

  Summary / Citation: Enterprises with more than 20 women workers shall have a Primary Education Center with a nursing room.
  The Primary Education Center shall ensure the adequate attention of the children of working men and women from 3 months to 6 years.
  Lactating women have two half hour breaks per day to feed their children in the nursing room or two breaks of 1 hour and a half if there is not nursing room at workplace.

  • Decreto núm. 8938 mediante el cual se dicta el Decreto con rango, valor y fuerza de Ley Orgánica del Trabajo, los Trabajadores y las Trabajadoras. (Art. 343, Art. 345)

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

  Summary / Citation: Pregnant workers are exempt from any type of task or activity that might engender their life or the life of the child.

  • Decreto núm. 8938 mediante el cual se dicta el Decreto con rango, valor y fuerza de Ley Orgánica del Trabajo, los Trabajadores y las Trabajadoras. (Art. 333)

  Related CEACR Comments
  • Underground Work (Women) Convention, 1935 (No. 45) Direct Request 2020
  

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

  Summary / Citation: It is prohibited to employ workers under the age of 14, except in the cases of artistic and cultural activities approved by the competent authority working on the protection of children and adolescents.

  • Decreto núm. 8938 mediante el cual se dicta el Decreto con rango, valor y fuerza de Ley Orgánica del Trabajo, los Trabajadores y las Trabajadoras. (Art. 32)

  Related CEACR Comments
  • Minimum Age Convention, 1973 (No. 138) Observation 2020
  • Minimum Age Convention, 1973 (No. 138) Direct Request 2020
  • Night Work of Young Persons (Industry) Convention, 1919 (No. 6) Observation 2017
  • Night Work of Young Persons (Industry) Convention, 1919 (No. 6) Direct Request 2007
  

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: Employers shall, trough the prevention (OSH) delegates and OSH Services at the workplace establish a system of surveillance of workers health. This system shall include the record, analysis, interpretation and dissemination, if possible, derived from individual or collective evaluation of the health condition of employees.

  • Norma Técnica del Programa de Seguridad y Salud en el Trabajo ( OSH Programme Technical Regulations) (Art. 2.6.1)

  Related CEACR Comments
  • Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155) Observation 2020
  • Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155) Direct Request 2020
  

• 10.1.2 Near miss incidents

  Summary / Citation: Employers shall, trough the prevention (OSH) delegates and OSH Services at the workplace establish a system of surveillance of workers health. This system shall include the record, analysis, interpretation and dissemination, if possible, derived from individual or collective evaluation of the health condition of employees.

  • Norma Técnica del Programa de Seguridad y Salud en el Trabajo ( OSH Programme Technical Regulations) (Art. 2.6.1)

• 10.1.3 Occupational diseases

  Summary / Citation: Employers shall, trough the prevention (OSH) delegates and OSH Services at the workplace establish a system of surveillance of workers health. This system shall include the record, analysis, interpretation and dissemination, if possible, derived from individual or collective evaluation of the health condition of employees.
  

  • Norma Técnica del Programa de Seguridad y Salud en el Trabajo ( OSH Programme Technical Regulations) (Art. 2.6.1)

  Related CEACR Comments
  • Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155) Observation 2020
  • Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155) Direct Request 2020
  

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 shall, providing identification, visit workplaces falling under their jurisdiction, at any time during working hours, to verify compliance with labour legislation, and without prior notice to the employer.

  • Decreto núm. 8938 mediante el cual se dicta el Decreto con rango, valor y fuerza de Ley Orgánica del Trabajo, los Trabajadores y las Trabajadoras. (Art. 514.1 )

  Related CEACR Comments
  • Labour Inspection Convention, 1947 (No. 81) Observation 2020
  • Labour Inspection Convention, 1947 (No. 81) Direct Request 2020
  

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

  Summary / Citation: OSH inspectors in charge of the supervision and inspection of workplaces have the power to interrogate workers, employers and their representatives, as well as to require the necessary information for the performance of their duties.
  The law specifies the requirements concerning inspection reports.

  • Ley Orgánica de Prevención, Condiciones y Medio Ambiente de Trabajo. (Art. 136)

  Related CEACR Comments
  • Labour Inspection Convention, 1947 (No. 81) Observation 2020
  • Labour Inspection Convention, 1947 (No. 81) Direct Request 2020
  

• 11.2.3 Power to investigate

  Summary / Citation: OSH inspectors in charge of the supervision and inspection of workplaces have the power to interrogate workers, employers and their representatives, as well as to require the necessary information for the performance of their duties.

  • Ley Orgánica de Prevención, Condiciones y Medio Ambiente de Trabajo. (Art. 136)

• 11.2.4 Duty to provide advice on OSH

  Summary / Citation: Inspectors shall, when the circumstances do not threaten the physical integrity or health of workers, warn and advise the employer of the necessary changes to be undertaken at the workplace rather than initiate a sanctioning process. In the case of a warning, a deadline for compliance shall be set out. When recommendations or change measures are not met by the deadline, a sanctioning process shall be initiated.

  • Ley Orgánica de Prevención, Condiciones y Medio Ambiente de Trabajo. (Art. 126)

  Related CEACR Comments
  • Labour Inspection Convention, 1947 (No. 81) Observation 2020
  • Labour Inspection Convention, 1947 (No. 81) Direct Request 2020
  

11.3 OSH inspectors’ enforcement powers

• 11.3.1 Power to issue orders or notices

  Summary / Citation: Inspectors have the power to make comply with and enforce the provisions of OSH legislation.

  • Ley Orgánica de Prevención, Condiciones y Medio Ambiente de Trabajo. (Art. 507.1)

  Related CEACR Comments
  • Labour Inspection Convention, 1947 (No. 81) Observation 2020
  • Labour Inspection Convention, 1947 (No. 81) Direct Request 2020
  

• 11.3.2 Power to impose financial penalties

  Summary / Citation: Labour inspectorates have the power to impose financial penalties.

  • Decreto núm. 8938 mediante el cual se dicta el Decreto con rango, valor y fuerza de Ley Orgánica del Trabajo, los Trabajadores y las Trabajadoras. (Art. 507.7)

• 11.3.3 Power to revoke or suspend licenses or authorisations

  Summary / Citation: The National Institute for Prevention, Health and Safety at Work where there is grave and imminent danger, or a detrimental situation to the safety and health of workers, shall suspend fully or partially the activity, production, operation or tasks of a workplace, until such situation has been solved.
  

  • Ley Orgánica de Prevención, Condiciones y Medio Ambiente de Trabajo. (Art. 135)

  Related CEACR Comments
  • Labour Inspection Convention, 1947 (No. 81) Observation 2020
  • Labour Inspection Convention, 1947 (No. 81) Direct Request 2020
  

• 11.3.4 Power to require the cessation of dangerous work

  Summary / Citation: The National Institute for Prevention, Health and Safety at Work where there is grave and imminent danger, or a detrimental situation to the safety and health of workers, shall suspend fully or partially the activity, production, operation or tasks of a workplace, until such situation has been solved.

  • Ley Orgánica de Prevención, Condiciones y Medio Ambiente de Trabajo. (Art. 135)

  Related CEACR Comments
  • Labour Inspection Convention, 1947 (No. 81) Observation 2020
  • Labour Inspection Convention, 1947 (No. 81) Direct Request 2020
  

• 11.3.5 Power to initiate prosecutions

  Summary / Citation: In case of non-payment of financial penalties for contraventions of the Labour Code, offenders could endure arrest, for a period from 10 up to 90 days. The Inspector shall request the intervention of the Attorney General to exercise criminal action.

  • Decreto núm. 8938 mediante el cual se dicta el Decreto con rango, valor y fuerza de Ley Orgánica del Trabajo, los Trabajadores y las Trabajadoras. (Art. 546)

• 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

  Yes.
  

  • Ley Orgánica de Prevención, Condiciones y Medio Ambiente de Trabajo. (Art. 121)

  Related CEACR Comments
  • Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155) Observation 2020
  • Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155) Direct Request 2020
  

• 11.4.2 Financial penalties for natural persons

  Yes.
  

  • Ley Orgánica de Prevención, Condiciones y Medio Ambiente de Trabajo. (Art. 120)

  Related CEACR Comments
  • Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155) Observation 2020
  • Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155) Direct Request 2020
  

• 11.4.3 Non-financial sanctions

  No data available.
  

  Related CEACR Comments
  • Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155) Observation 2020
  • Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155) Direct Request 2020
  

• 11.4.4 Criminal liability

  Summary / Citation: In the event of the death of a worker as a result of serious violations of occupational safety and health regulations, the employer or their representatives, shall be punished with imprisonment from eight (8) up to ten (10) years. The law provides penalties against employers and their representatives when the violation of OSH regulations leads to permanent damages or disabilities of workers.

  Workers and their families shall exercise civil action for compensations.

  The crime of manslaughter is provided for in the Criminal Code.

  • Ley Orgánica de Prevención, Condiciones y Medio Ambiente de Trabajo. (Art. 131-132 )

  • Código Penal (pdf)

  • Código Penal. (Art. 409)

  Related CEACR Comments
  • Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155) Observation 2020
  • Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155) Direct Request 2020
  

• 11.4.5 Terms of imprisonment for natural persons

  Summary / Citation: In the event of the death of a worker as a result of serious violations of occupational safety and health regulations, the employer or their representatives, shall be punished with imprisonment from eight (8) up to ten (10) years.

  The crime of manslaughter is provided for in the Criminal Code.

  • Ley Orgánica de Prevención, Condiciones y Medio Ambiente de Trabajo. (Arts. 131-132)

  • Código Penal (pdf)

  • Código Penal. (Art. 409)

  Related CEACR Comments
  • Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155) Observation 2020
  • Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155) Direct Request 2020