“NOM-036-1-STPS-2018: Promoting Occupational Safety and Health in the Mexican Work Environment”

In the world of work, occupational safety and health are fundamental aspects to ensure the well-being of workers and improve productivity in companies. In Mexico, the standard NOM-036-1-STPS-2018 plays a crucial role by establishing specific requirements for the identification, analysis, prevention, and control of ergonomic risk factors in the workplace. In this blog, we will explore the key aspects of this Mexican standard and its importance in promoting safe and healthy work environments.

What is NOM-036-1-STPS-2018?

NOM-036-1-STPS-2018, issued by Mexico’s Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare (STPS), is a technical standard whose main objective is to protect the health and physical integrity of workers in relation to the ergonomic risk factors present in the workplace. This standard sets out the necessary guidelines for the identification, analysis, prevention, and control of these factors, with the aim of minimizing associated risks and promoting a safe work environment.

Ergonomic Risk Factors

The NOM-036-1-STPS-2018 standard specifically focuses on ergonomic risk factors. These factors are related to working conditions that can affect the health of workers, especially in terms of repetitive movements, uncomfortable postures, physical effort, vibrations, and mental workload. By identifying and controlling these factors, companies can reduce the risk of musculoskeletal injuries, fatigue, stress, and other work-related health problems.

Requirements and Obligations

NOM-036-1-STPS-2018 establishes a series of requirements and obligations for companies, with the aim of ensuring the effective implementation of ergonomic risk prevention and control measures. Some of these requirements include:

1. Identification and evaluation of ergonomic risk factors present in the workplace.
2. Development of ergonomic risk prevention and control programs.
3. Training workers on ergonomic risks and prevention measures.
4. Conducting periodic evaluations to verify the effectiveness of the measures implemented.
5. Record and documentation of actions taken to comply with the standard.

Benefits of the Standard

The proper implementation of NOM-036-1-STPS-2018 offers various benefits for both workers and companies. Some of these benefits are:

1. Reduction of injuries and occupational diseases related to ergonomic risk factors.
2. Improvement of the well-being and quality of life of workers.
3. Increase in productivity and work efficiency.
4. Improvement of the company’s image and reputation as an employer committed to occupational safety and health.
5. Compliance with legal regulations and avoidance of possible sanctions for non-compliance.

Implementation of the Standard

To successfully implement NOM-036-1-STPS-2018, companies should follow some key steps:

1. Identification of ergonomic risk factors: Conduct a comprehensive assessment of the different jobs to identify ergonomic risk factors. This can include analysis of postures, repetitive movements, use of inadequate tools and furniture, among others.
2. Risk analysis and evaluation: Once the risk factors have been identified, it is necessary to analyze and evaluate their impact on the health and safety of workers. This will help prioritize the prevention and control measures that need to be implemented.
3. Development of prevention programs: Based on the risk analysis, prevention programs should be developed that include specific measures to control and mitigate the identified risk factors. These measures may include changes in work processes, ergonomic adjustments in equipment and furniture, worker training, among others.
4. Training and awareness: It is essential to train workers on ergonomic risks and the prevention and control measures implemented. This will help create awareness and promote the active participation of employees in improving their working conditions.
5. Monitoring and review: It is important to carry out periodic evaluations to verify the effectiveness of the measures implemented. This will allow for adjustments and continuous improvements, thus ensuring the protection of workers in the long term.

Conclusion

The NOM-036-1-STPS-2018 standard plays a fundamental role in promoting safe and healthy work environments in Mexico. By establishing specific requirements for the identification, analysis, prevention, and control of ergonomic risk factors, this standard helps reduce occupational injuries and diseases, improve worker productivity and well-being, and ensure compliance with legislation on occupational safety and health.

By properly implementing NOM-036-1-STPS-2018, companies can demonstrate their commitment to the safety and health of their employees, which provides benefits at both the human and business level. Moreover, it is important to remember that occupational safety and health is not only a legal responsibility but also an ethical one, which should be a priority in all organizations.

References:

• Official Mexican Standard NOM-036-1-STPS-2018, Ergonomic risk factors at work-Identification, analysis, prevention, and control. Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare.
• Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare (STPS) of Mexico: https://www.gob.mx/stps