Occupational health and safety compliance in Guatemala
Author: Ruben Fuentes – Lawyer & Environmental Consultant of ZONE
The Government of Guatemala has implemented a series of measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Among these measures is the declaration of a State of Calamity and the issuance of Presidential Provisions that are updated at least once a week. The established government measures are mandatory for all inhabitants of the country, regardless of whether they are individuals or companies.
Occupational Health and Safety is an important part of the measures adopted. In fact, it has been established that in this stage of crisis, all work centers that continue to operate must apply the measures, protocols and recommendations for health, hygiene and sanitary and occupational safety for the prevention and containment of COVID-19 that is in the virtual communication platforms and electronic portals of the Government, as well as any provision established by the competent authorities, including national and international health regulations.
To implement Occupational Health and Safety measures, Guatemalan regulations require that there be a specific Regulation, duly authorized by the Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare. In the mandatory compliance health protocol ordered by the government authorities, some points stand out that, precisely, derive from the implementation of the Regulation:
- “… Ensure health services for all its employees in accordance with the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations …”
- “… Provide health services in the production plant for its employees, in accordance with the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations …”
- "... Have someone responsible for medical services ..." [1]