Psychosocial risk factors at work

Article

Psychosocial risk factors at work

September 10, 2021
Francisco Trejo Gutiérrez

Identification, analysis and prevention

In the Mexican Official Standard NOM-035-STPS-2018 (the Official Standard), the elements are established to identify, analyze and prevent psychosocial risk factors, as well as to promote a favorable organizational environment in the work centers.

The Official Standard applies throughout the national territory and applies in all work centers, regardless of the number of workers on the payroll.

For the prevention of psychosocial risk factors and workplace violence, as well as for the promotion of a favorable organizational environment, the work centers must establish the corresponding actions, as well as have a clear dissemination of information and training; having secure and confidential mechanisms for receiving complaints and reports of acts of workplace violence.

Actions and programs for the prevention of psychosocial risk factors and workplace violence, among other factors, shall consider the following:

  • Actions to manage conflicts at work.
  • Mechanisms to promote communication between supervisors or managers and workers.
  • Training and sensitization of directors, managers and supervisors regarding the prevention of psychosocial risk factors.
  • Planning of work activities, considering the production process, so that the necessary breaks or rest periods are taken.
  • Support for employees, so that they can attend to family emergencies.
  • Establishment of action and follow-up procedures to handle problems related to workplace violence, and train the person responsible for their implementation.

The issue of workplace violence is of great interest. Therefore, the labor authorities will place special emphasis on it. Until now, Verification Units have not been created, however, companies must fully comply with the provisions of the Official Standard, since there will be inspections to verify such compliance.

Likewise, the employer has the option of hiring an accredited and approved verification unit under the terms of the Federal Law on Metrology and Standardization and its Regulations, to verify the degree of compliance of his company with the Official Standard.

At Trejo Gutiérrez Abogados, we have a group of experts in labor matters with more than 20 years in the market. Please do not hesitate to contact us, we will be glad to provide the personalized legal advice that you require, including the implementation of training courses to ensure adequate compliance with the Mexican Official Standard NOM-035-STPS-2018 in the work centers.