Proposal for the design of the Occupational Health and Safety System for the control
and mitigation of occupational hazards in the aqueduct and sewage company in the
municipality of Guachucal, Nariño
93
Ana Sofía Aguirre Paredes
Damaris Díaz Nova
Samuel Alejandro Rodríguez Beltrán
Revista Criterios - vol. 31 n.
o
2 Julio-Diciembre 2024 - pp. 93-109
Rev. Criterios ISSN: 0121-8670, e-ISSN: 2256-1161
https://doi.org/10.31948/rev.criterios
Proposal for the design of the Occupational
Health and Safety System for the control
and mitigation of occupational hazards in
the aqueduct and sewage company in the
municipality of Guachucal, Nariño
Ana Sofía Aguirre Paredes
1
Damaris Díaz Nova
2
Samuel Alejandro Rodríguez Beltrán
3
To reference this article / Cómo citar este artículo
/ Para citar este artigo:
Aguirre-Paredes, A. S., Díaz-
Nova, D., & Rodríguez-Beltrán, S. A. (2024). Proposal for
the design of the Occupational Health and Safety System
for the control and mitigation of occupational hazards in
the aqueduct and sewage company in the municipality
of Guachucal, Nariño.
Revista Criterios, 31
(2),
93-109.
https://doi.org/10.31948/rc.v31i2.3599
Received:
October 4, 2023
Revised:
March 23, 2024
Accepted:
May 15, 2024
Abstract
Objective:
to determine the measures that should be included in the Occupational
Safety and Health Management System (OSHMS) in order to control the
existing occupational risks in the company.
Methodology:
non-experimental-
observational cross-sectional study, with quantitative approach and descriptive
scope.
Results:
Currently, the company has a qualifcation of 60% according to
the evaluation of the minimum standards, which indicates a critical risk level;
therefore, it is necessary to carry out improvement actions according to the
economic activity to prevent occupational risks.
Conclusions:
There is a need to
implement an occupational health and safety system in the Guachucal Aqueduct
1
Master in International Humanitarian Law, Human Rights, and Operational Law. Master in Criminal Law. Student of the Specialization
in Occupational Health and Safety Management, Corporación Universitaria Iberoamericana. Lawyer, Pontifcia Universidad Javeriana.
E-mail: aaguir22@ibero.edu.co
2
Student of the Specialization in Occupational Health and Safety Management, Corporación Universitaria Iberoamericana. Speech
therapist, Corporación Universitaria Iberoamericana. E-mail: ddiazn@ibero.edu.co
3
Student of the Specialization in Occupational Health and Safety Management, Corporación Universitaria Iberoamericana. Environmental
Engineer, Universidad Mariana. E-mail: srodr127@ibero.edu.co
Article resulting from the research entitled:
Propuesta para el diseño del SG-SST para el control y mitigación de riesgos laborales en
la empresa de acueducto y alcantarillado en el municipio de Guachucal-Nariño
, developed from January through August 2023, in the
municipality of Guachucal, Nariño, Colombia.
Proposal for the design of the Occupational Health and Safety System for the control
and mitigation of occupational hazards in the aqueduct and sewage company in the
municipality of Guachucal, Nariño
94
Ana Sofía Aguirre Paredes
Damaris Díaz Nova
Samuel Alejandro Rodríguez Beltrán
Revista Criterios - vol. 31 n.
o
2 Julio-Diciembre 2024 - pp. 93-109
Rev. Criterios ISSN: 0121-8670, e-ISSN: 2256-1161
https://doi.org/10.31948/rev.criterios
and Sewerage Company that meets the current legal requirements and complies
with occupational health and safety standards, as well as being a leader in this
feld, since this contributes to the improvement of the organization.
Keywords:
safety; health; system; occupational risks; reduction; control;
organization; PHVA cycle
Propuesta para el diseño del Sistema de
Seguridad y Salud en el Trabajo para el
control y mitigación de riesgos laborales en
la empresa de acueducto y alcantarillado en
el municipio de Guachucal, Nariño
Resumen
Objetivo
: establecer las medidas que debe contener el Sistema de Gestión de
Seguridad y Salud en el Trabajo (SG-SST), tendientes a controlar los riesgos
laborales existentes en dicha empresa.
Metodología:
estudio no experimental-
observacional de corte transversal, con enfoque de tipo cuantitativo y alcance
descriptivo.
Resultados
: en la actualidad, la empresa tiene una califcación
del 60 % de acuerdo con la evaluación de estándares mínimos, apuntando a
un nivel de riesgo crítico, por ende, es necesario que se lleven a cabo acciones
de mejoramiento según la actividad económica, con el fn de prevenir riesgos
laborales.
Conclusiones:
existe la necesidad de implementar un sistema de
seguridad y salud en el trabajo en la empresa de acueducto y alcantarillado de
Guachucal, que cuente con los requisitos legales vigentes y con el cumplimento
de los estándares de seguridad y salud en el trabajo; además, es necesario
contar con un líder en este ámbito, ya que esto contribuye con el mejoramiento
de la organización.
Palabras clave
: seguridad; salud; sistema; riesgos laborales; mitigar; controlar;
organización; ciclo PHVA
Proposal for the design of the Occupational Health and Safety System for the control
and mitigation of occupational hazards in the aqueduct and sewage company in the
municipality of Guachucal, Nariño
95
Ana Sofía Aguirre Paredes
Damaris Díaz Nova
Samuel Alejandro Rodríguez Beltrán
Revista Criterios - vol. 31 n.
o
2 Julio-Diciembre 2024 - pp. 93-109
Rev. Criterios ISSN: 0121-8670, e-ISSN: 2256-1161
https://doi.org/10.31948/rev.criterios
Proposta para o projeto do Sistema de
Saúde e Segurança Ocupacional para o
controle e a mitigação de riscos ocupacionais
na empresa de aquedutos e esgotos do
município de Guachucal, Nariño
Resumo
Objetivo
: determinar as medidas que devem ser incluídas no Sistema de
Gestão de Segurança e Saúde Ocupacional (SGSSO) para controlar os riscos
ocupacionais existentes na empresa.
Metodologia:
estudo não-experimental-
observacional de corte transversal, com abordagem quantitativa e escopo
descritivo.
Resultados:
Atualmente, a empresa tem uma qualifcação de 60%
de acordo com a avaliação dos padrões mínimos, o que indica um nível de
risco crítico; portanto, é necessário realizar ações de melhoria de acordo com a
atividade econômica para prevenir riscos ocupacionais.
Conclusões:
É forçoso
implementar um sistema de segurança e saúde ocupacional na companhia de
aquedutos e esgotos de Guachucal que atenda aos requisitos legais vigentes e
cumpra as normas de segurança e saúde ocupacional, além de um líder nesse
campo, pois isso contribui para a melhoria da organização.
Palavras-chave:
segurança; saúde; sistema; riscos ocupacionais; redução;
controle; organização; ciclo PHVA
Introduction
This work is based on a non-experimental-
observational study, cross-sectional, with a
quantitative approach and descriptive scope,
aimed at answering the question: What measures
should contain the Occupational Safety and
Health Management System (OSHMS), which
allow the control of existing occupational
risks in the aqueduct and sewerage company
of the municipality of Guachucal? Attending
the diferent areas of the organization and
complying with the current legal framework
on the matter, tending to establish preventive
measures for risk factors that afect the health
and safety of workers (accidents, incidents,
diseases, and adverse occupational events),
to improve the welfare and working conditions
of employees and thus, comply with the legal
requirements.
The aqueduct and sewerage company of the
municipality of Guachucal is a public utility
company, responsible for water collection,
treatment, and distribution, as well as garbage
collection in the rural and urban areas of the
municipality. It does not currently have an
OSHMS to mitigate and control the occupational
risks to which its workers are exposed, such
as physical, chemical, ergonomic, mechanical,
psychosocial, and even environmental and
biological risks; therefore, they are in a state
of vulnerability to these risks.
Although initial evaluations of the risks present
in the diferent work positions have been
attempted, they have not been implemented,
since the company does not have personnel
trained in the design of the OSHMS. In this
sense, the percentage of compliance with
occupational health and safety is nil.
At the national and international level, there
are several studies related to the topic
under investigation. Most of them focus on
the evaluation, mitigation, and control of
Proposal for the design of the Occupational Health and Safety System for the control
and mitigation of occupational hazards in the aqueduct and sewage company in the
municipality of Guachucal, Nariño
96
Ana Sofía Aguirre Paredes
Damaris Díaz Nova
Samuel Alejandro Rodríguez Beltrán
Revista Criterios - vol. 31 n.
o
2 Julio-Diciembre 2024 - pp. 93-109
Rev. Criterios ISSN: 0121-8670, e-ISSN: 2256-1161
https://doi.org/10.31948/rev.criterios
occupational risks and diseases at a general
level in various companies; for example,
in Argentina, the study by Ramírez (2021)
identifed unsafe conditions and a lack of
preventive measures; therefore, an OSHMS
was implemented based on ISO 45001, which
allowed identifying hazards and controlling
risks in the company, to avoid accidents and
comply with the relevant legislation.
In San Salvador, Chavarría et al. (2006) obtained
as a result of their research, the reduction of
occupational accidents and illnesses in the
study population, as well as the creation of
strategies that facilitated the improvement and
prevention of such accidents and illnesses.
Regarding research at the national level, the
study conducted by Gómez et al. (2021) in the
city of Bogota, noted that an OSHMS aligned
to the requirements of the Single Regulatory
Decree of the Labor Sector 1072 of 2015,
allows the strengthening of administrative
processes, optimizing the provision of services
through the physical and psychological well-
being of workers, which positively afects the
positioning in the market.
Moreno and Godoy (2012) addressed various
refections on the needs that companies should
have in the face of the occupational risks they
present in their environment, considering the
need to develop occupational health and safety
programs to improve the working conditions of
their human talent.
Although the above are some of the studies
that have been carried out on the subject,
they focus on the evaluation, mitigation, and
control of occupational risks and diseases at
a general level, afrming that these measures
are of utmost importance for the OSHMS. For
the specifc case and, for the company under
study, in the present work it is necessary
to identify the working conditions of the
employees, to evaluate them and to design an
efcient proposal for the control of mechanical,
biological, physical, chemical, psychosocial,
and environmental risks related to the daily
work activities they perform in it.
Methodology
The type of study was non-experimental-
observational, cross-sectional since it avoids
manipulating the variables. It had a quantitative
approach with a descriptive scope, considering
that the tendencies of a group or population
were described, by detailing the variables to be
identifed. The participants in this research are
mentioned below:
a. The researchers, in charge of establishing
the measures to be contained in the
company’s OSHMS.
b. The group of employees of the company,
composed of 17 people from diferent
areas: General Management (1),
Administrative Area (3), sewage operators
(2), water operators (4), collectors (5),
custodian (1), and driver (1), for a total of
15 men and two women.
No sample or inclusion and exclusion criteria
were considered in this study, since the
population was reduced and limited. It is
essential to highlight that, due to the economic
activity carried out by the company, such as
the collection, treatment, and distribution of
water, following the regulations of Decree 768
of 2022, the company is classifed in a Class III
Risk Level.
For the collection of information, surveys were
conducted and aspects such as the company’s
informed consent, the occupational risk matrix,
the checklists with the items corresponding to
the identifcation of occupational safety and
health hazards, GTC-45, were considered,
which helped to identify the occupational
safety and health hazards and risks to which
the study population was exposed. Resolution
0312 of 2019 made it possible to meet the
minimum standards of OSHMS.
The information was analyzed according to the
frequency with which workers were exposed to
occupational hazards. A comparison was made
between the secondary information consulted
and the primary information collected in the
feld, which was synthesized and used to identify
and evaluate the risks faced by workers. The
quantitative analysis was carried out using
Proposal for the design of the Occupational Health and Safety System for the control
and mitigation of occupational hazards in the aqueduct and sewage company in the
municipality of Guachucal, Nariño
97
Ana Sofía Aguirre Paredes
Damaris Díaz Nova
Samuel Alejandro Rodríguez Beltrán
Revista Criterios - vol. 31 n.
o
2 Julio-Diciembre 2024 - pp. 93-109
Rev. Criterios ISSN: 0121-8670, e-ISSN: 2256-1161
https://doi.org/10.31948/rev.criterios
the Microsoft Excel program; in this way, the
results are presented graphically for a better
understanding. It should be noted that the
data entered into the program were purifed
and synthesized to avoid the margin of error.
Based on the above, the following phases have
been identifed:
1. Diagnosis
: initial assessment of compliance
with minimum OSHMS standards to know
the current status of the company and to
identify the needs of the workers and the
company.
2. Application of methods
: Identifcation of
risks and hazards of the company’s work
areas, mainly using the risk matrix according
to GTC-45 and other tools such as socio-
demographic profle and perceived morbidity
surveys, recommendations for occupational
medical examinations, to determine the
applicable controls and obtain the qualitative
results of the research.
3. Statistical analysis
: following the
application of the risk matrix, the data were
systematized to be statistically tabulated
and to obtain the quantitative results of the
research.
4.
Preparation of the fnal report
: it was
based on the fnal results and adjustments
for the completion of the research project.
Results
Demographic Characterization
In the company, 88% of the employees are
male and only 12% are female. This is due to
the fact that most of the company’s employees
are operational and responsible for tasks such
as water and sewer maintenance and garbage
collection, tasks that are performed by men
in the region. The majority of employees are
between 26 and 45 years old, accounting for
82% of the workforce.
In the municipality of Guachucal, the census
is divided between the indigenous population
and the Sisben. Most of the workers who live in
the urban area belong to stratum 2; therefore,
it was preferred to classify them by urban or
rural area; 71% of them live in rural areas;
35% live in a free union; many of them say
they do not want to get married, but they have
been living with their partner for several years;
3% are married and 29% are single. Seventy-
fve percent have a family home and 25% rent
a house.
Three of them are professionals; the operational
personnel have graduated as technologists or
technicians in felds related to pipelines, water,
and sewerage; some have only a high school
degree, but due to their experience in the
position, they perform their work to the best
of their abilities. Considering that most of the
personnel are operational and occupy operator
positions, they do not have personnel under
their responsibility, since they limit themselves
to following the orders issued by the general
manager, who is the only one who has people
under his responsibility. Seventy-six percent
(13 people) work in the feld as operators, either
in the water, sewerage, or sanitation sectors,
and four people perform administrative tasks.
Accident, Illness, and Absenteeism
Reports
The accident, illness, and absenteeism reports
showed that of the 17 workers who reported
no occupational illness, four sufered minor
accidents due to being struck by tools (there
were no serious or fatal accidents). All 17
workers were absent from work for at least one
day, all within a fve-year period.
The absences (see Figure 1) were due to general
illness, force majeure, family reasons, personal
reasons, disability, and other unjustifed
absences. None of the employees reported that
they were absent for work-related reasons,
dissatisfaction, or other business reasons. In
total, there were 54 cases of absenteeism.
Proposal for the design of the Occupational Health and Safety System for the control
and mitigation of occupational hazards in the aqueduct and sewage company in the
municipality of Guachucal, Nariño
98
Ana Sofía Aguirre Paredes
Damaris Díaz Nova
Samuel Alejandro Rodríguez Beltrán
Revista Criterios - vol. 31 n.
o
2 Julio-Diciembre 2024 - pp. 93-109
Rev. Criterios ISSN: 0121-8670, e-ISSN: 2256-1161
https://doi.org/10.31948/rev.criterios
Figure 1
Number of cases of absenteeism in the company
Diagnosis of the company
A checklist was used to determine the current state of the company in terms of infrastructure,
assets, resources and human talent that would allow the correct development of occupational
health and safety; it considered the following points:
•
Administration of occupational risk prevention
•
Information and training for workers
•
Basic services
•
Emergency preparedness
•
Personal protective equipment
•
Working with contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers
•
Specifc conditions for chemical risk prevention
•
Task analysis
•
Basic requirements
•
Local conditions
•
Signage and demarcation
•
Noise and vibration
•
Alternating, continuous, and static electricity
•
Environmental pollution
•
Machines and tools
•
Hand tools and equipment
•
Material handling and transportation
•
Training and education.
Proposal for the design of the Occupational Health and Safety System for the control
and mitigation of occupational hazards in the aqueduct and sewage company in the
municipality of Guachucal, Nariño
99
Ana Sofía Aguirre Paredes
Damaris Díaz Nova
Samuel Alejandro Rodríguez Beltrán
Revista Criterios - vol. 31 n.
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2 Julio-Diciembre 2024 - pp. 93-109
Rev. Criterios ISSN: 0121-8670, e-ISSN: 2256-1161
https://doi.org/10.31948/rev.criterios
Figure 2
Company compliance by checklist items
Of the 18 items considered, seven were found to be compliant: 3, 5, 10, 13, 15, and 17; three
were not compliant: 2, 9, and 12; and eight were partially compliant: 1, 4, 7, 8, 11, 14, 16, and
18, indicating non-compliance primarily in the organization of induction and training processes,
document management, and committee formation. In general, the company complies with the
provision of safe workplaces and activities, but does not have documentation to support its
management or to organize health promotion and risk prevention activities. Only 39% were fully
compliant with developing an appropriate management system prior to this research.
The evaluation matrix of the minimum standards established by the Ministry of Labor was used,
considering Resolution 0312 of 2019, where there is evidence of the company’s non-compliance by
stage of the Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) cycle.
Figure 3 shows that Guachucal does not comply with the development of the PDCA cycle, which is
the basis of the OSHMS. In the review of the minimum standards, it obtained a score of 36.5%,
which shows a critical level, being a score below 60%; therefore, the standard requires immediate
improvement actions to be taken.
Figure 3
PHVA Cycle Compliance
Proposal for the design of the Occupational Health and Safety System for the control
and mitigation of occupational hazards in the aqueduct and sewage company in the
municipality of Guachucal, Nariño
100
Ana Sofía Aguirre Paredes
Damaris Díaz Nova
Samuel Alejandro Rodríguez Beltrán
Revista Criterios - vol. 31 n.
o
2 Julio-Diciembre 2024 - pp. 93-109
Rev. Criterios ISSN: 0121-8670, e-ISSN: 2256-1161
https://doi.org/10.31948/rev.criterios
Identifcation and assessment of risks
According to the methodology of GTC 45, the risks in the diferent areas of the company have to
be considered, the hazards have to be identifed and evaluated. Table 1 shows the results.
Table 1
Summary of Risk identifcation and assessment
Risk type
Rating
ManagementAdministrative Area Operational Area
Mechanical risks LowLowLow
Biological risks LowMediumHigh
Physical risks LowLowMedium
Ergonomic risks MediumMediumMedium
Chemical risks LowLowHigh
Psychosocial risks MediumHighLow
Environmental risks LowLowLow
Note.
Prepared based on the use of the GTC 45 risk matrix.
The highest rated risks are found in the
operational area due to their exposure in the feld
to falls, blows, constant exposure to biological
and chemical agents. On the other hand, in
the administrative and ofce areas, employees
tend to be more exposed to ergonomic risks
due to poor posture and psychosocial risks due
to stress.
OSHMS Design
In accordance with Resolution 312 of 2019,
there were four programs: plan, do, verify, act,
which comply with the minimum standards
applicable to the Guachucal Aqueduct and
Sewerage System, that is, those contemplated
in the Resolution for companies with between
11 and 50 workers for risks I, II, III, IV, and
V, and which include the standards and items
included in the Resolution. It should be noted
that the proposed OSHMS includes the tools
for the development of each program.
Thus, the OSH Policy has been formulated, in
which the Empresa Municipal de Acueducto,
Alcantarillado y Aseo de Guachucal commits
itself to provide a safe working environment
for its employees, to ensure compliance with
current legislation on occupational safety
and health, to control risks and minimize the
causes of incidents, occupational accidents,
and occupational diseases through the
implementation, strengthening, evaluation, and
continuous improvement of the OSHMS. The
complete policy can be found in the proposed
system.
In the same way, the legal matrix has been
prepared for the company, a tool that allows
not only to identify the legal requirements
applicable to occupational health and safety,
but also to determine the degree of compliance
in the performance of its activities. This matrix
is a document that contains the current national
or local regulations that need to be updated
and evaluated.
Table 2 shows the programs and a summary
of the activities developed by element for the
consolidation of the OSHMS.
Proposal for the design of the Occupational Health and Safety System for the control
and mitigation of occupational hazards in the aqueduct and sewage company in the
municipality of Guachucal, Nariño
101
Ana Sofía Aguirre Paredes
Damaris Díaz Nova
Samuel Alejandro Rodríguez Beltrán
Revista Criterios - vol. 31 n.
o
2 Julio-Diciembre 2024 - pp. 93-109
Rev. Criterios ISSN: 0121-8670, e-ISSN: 2256-1161
https://doi.org/10.31948/rev.criterios
Table 2
Summary of OSHMS programs
Program 1. Plan
Subprogram 1. OSH Resources
NumeralItemActions developed
1.1.1
Assignment of a person to design and
implement the OSH Management System
Format designed in the research
1.1.2Assignment of OSH responsibilitiesFormat designed in the research
1.1.3
Assignment resources to the OSH
management system
Format designed in the research
1.1.4
Afliation to the Integral Social Security
System
The company must submit a form
of afliation to the social security
system for health, pension, and
labor risks
1.1.5
Identify employees who are constantly
engaged in high-risk activities
Not applicable
1.1.6
Joint Committee on Occupational Safety
and Health
Format designed in the research
1.1.7
Training of the members of the Joint
Committee on Occupational Safety and
Health
Format designed in the research
1.1.8
Formation and functioning of the Labor
Coexistence Committee
Format designed in the research
Subprogram 2. OSHMS training
NumeralItemActions to be developed
1.2.1Annual training programFormat designed in the research
1.2.2Induction and re-induction on OSHFormat designed in the research
1.2.350-hour OSH virtual training course
The person responsible for the OSH
management system completes the
50-hour virtual training course and
submits the certifcate to be added
to the system.
Subprogram 3. Integral management of the OSHMS
NumeralItemActions to be developed
2.1.1Occupational Health and Safety PolicyPolicy formulated in the research
2.1.2OSH Objectives
Objectives formulated in the
research
2.1.3
Initial assessment of the Management
System
Format designed in the research
Proposal for the design of the Occupational Health and Safety System for the control
and mitigation of occupational hazards in the aqueduct and sewage company in the
municipality of Guachucal, Nariño
102
Ana Sofía Aguirre Paredes
Damaris Díaz Nova
Samuel Alejandro Rodríguez Beltrán
Revista Criterios - vol. 31 n.
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2 Julio-Diciembre 2024 - pp. 93-109
Rev. Criterios ISSN: 0121-8670, e-ISSN: 2256-1161
https://doi.org/10.31948/rev.criterios
2.1.4Annual Work PlanFormat designed in the research
2.1.5
OSH Management System archiving and
retention of documentation
Format designed in the research
2.1.6
AccountabilityFormat designed in the research
2.1.7Legal matrixFormat designed in the research
2.1.8Communication mechanismsFormat designed in the research
2.1.9
Identifcation and evaluation for the
procurement of goods and services
Format designed in the research
2.1.10
Evaluation and selection of suppliers and
contractors
Format designed in the research
2.1.11Change managementFormat designed in the research
Program 2. Do
Subprogram 1. Health management
NumeralItemActions to be developed
3.1.1
Sociodemographic description and
diagnosis of health conditions
Format designed in the research
3.1.2
Occupational medicine and health
prevention and promotion activities
Format designed in the research
3.1.3
Job profles
Format designed in the research
3.1.4Occupational medical evaluationsFormat designed in the research
3.1.5Custody of clinical recordsFormat designed in the research
3.1.6
Occupational medical restrictions and
recommendations
Format designed in the research
3.1.7Lifestyles and healthy environmentFormat designed in the research
3.1.8Hygiene services
Recommend that the company
have a permanent supply of potable
water, sanitation, and mechanisms
for disposal of excreta and garbage
3.1.9Waste Management
Advising the company to dispose of
its solid, liquid, or gaseous wastes,
as well as hazardous wastes, with
an authorized company.
Subprogram 2. Recording, reporting, and investigation of occupational diseases,
incidents, and accidents at work
NumeralItemActions to be developed
3.2.1
Report of work accidents and
occupational diseases
Format designed in the research
3.2.2
Investigation of incidents, accidents and
illnesses when diagnosed as work-related
Format designed in the research
Proposal for the design of the Occupational Health and Safety System for the control
and mitigation of occupational hazards in the aqueduct and sewage company in the
municipality of Guachucal, Nariño
103
Ana Sofía Aguirre Paredes
Damaris Díaz Nova
Samuel Alejandro Rodríguez Beltrán
Revista Criterios - vol. 31 n.
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2 Julio-Diciembre 2024 - pp. 93-109
Rev. Criterios ISSN: 0121-8670, e-ISSN: 2256-1161
https://doi.org/10.31948/rev.criterios
3.2.3
Recording and statistical analysis of
occupational accidents and diseases
Format designed in the research
3.3.1Frequency of accidents Format designed in the research
3.3.2Accident severityFormat designed in the research
3.3.3Proportion of fatal occupational accidentsFormat designed in the research
3.3.4Prevalence of occupational diseaseFormat designed in the research
3.3.5Incidence of occupational diseaseFormat designed in the research
3.3.6
Medical absenteeismFormat designed in the research
Subprogram 3. Hazard and risk management
NumeralItemActions to be developed
4.1.1
Methodology for hazard identifcation,
evaluation, and risk assessment
Format designed in the research
4.1.2
Hazard identifcation and risk assessment
and evaluation involving all levels of the
organization
GTC 45 Hazard identifcation and
risk assessment and evaluation
matrix implemented with
participation from all levels of the
organization
4.1.3
Identifcation of substances classifed as
carcinogenic or acutely toxic
Format designed in the research
4.1.4Environmental measurements
Recommending that the corporation
hire a company to perform
environmental measurements
4 .2.1
Prevention and control measures for
identifed hazards/risks
Format designed in the research
4.2.2
Internal occupational health and safety
procedures and instructions
Format designed in the research
4.2.3
Inspections of facilities, machinery, or
equipment
Format designed in the research
4.2.4
Periodic maintenance of facilities,
equipment, machines, and tools
Format designed in the research
4.2.5
Provision of personal protective
equipment (PPE) and training in its
proper use
Format designed in the research
Proposal for the design of the Occupational Health and Safety System for the control
and mitigation of occupational hazards in the aqueduct and sewage company in the
municipality of Guachucal, Nariño
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Damaris Díaz Nova
Samuel Alejandro Rodríguez Beltrán
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https://doi.org/10.31948/rev.criterios
Subprogram 4. Threat management
NumeralItemActions to be developed
5.1.1
Emergency prevention, preparedness,
and response plan
Format designed in the research
5.1.2
Emergency prevention, preparedness,
and response brigade
Format designed in the research
Program 3. Check
Subprogram 1. Verifcation of the OSHMS
NumeralItemActions to be developed
6.1.2
Annual auditFormat designed in the research
6.1.3
Review by top management. Scope of
the OSH Management System Audit
Format designed in the research
6.1.4
Audit planning with the
Committee on
Occupational Safety and Health
Format designed in the research
Program 4. Act
Subprogram 1. Improvement
NumeralItemActions to be developed
7.1.1Preventive and/or corrective actionsFormat designed in the research
7.1.2
Improvement actions according to top
management review
Format designed in the research
7.1.3
Improvement actions based on
investigations of work accidents and
occupational diseases
Format designed in the research
7.1.4Improvement plan
Recommend to the company to
implement the measures and
actions compiled according to the
case.
Discussion
According to the results, the company has the necessary space to implement areas that guarantee
occupational health and safety management. For Peña (2018), this is very important because an
optimal physical environment favors the safe performance of work activities, reducing incidents
and accidents; in addition, a pleasant space reduces stress levels and promotes the health of
workers. However, to reduce occupational risks of a chemical and locational nature, it is necessary
to adapt the storage area for the storage of hazardous substances and tools. According to Calera
et al. (2006), a rest area should be adapted and preventive and emergency signage should be
implemented, always with support and training. Rodríguez (2014) states that, in general, signs are
always present in facilities, but personnel are not aware of their importance and even do not know
the meaning of some signs.
Proposal for the design of the Occupational Health and Safety System for the control
and mitigation of occupational hazards in the aqueduct and sewage company in the
municipality of Guachucal, Nariño
105
Ana Sofía Aguirre Paredes
Damaris Díaz Nova
Samuel Alejandro Rodríguez Beltrán
Revista Criterios - vol. 31 n.
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2 Julio-Diciembre 2024 - pp. 93-109
Rev. Criterios ISSN: 0121-8670, e-ISSN: 2256-1161
https://doi.org/10.31948/rev.criterios
Workers have a rural culture with characteristic
aspects such as: owning their own home,
tendency to marry, and have a family. This is
a factor that can lead to absenteeism. In this
regard, Benavides et al. (2022) state that,
despite the fact that heads of households
tend to be more responsible because of their
responsibilities, they also tend to request more
leave for personal and family reasons, since
they have to deal with problems of children or
spouses. On the other hand, their educational
level is excellent; most of them are professionals,
and those with a bachelor’s degree have more
than ten years of work experience.
Employees take good care of themselves; there
are no records of serious accidents at work,
and minor accidents are rare. There are also
no workers with serious occupational illnesses;
therefore, absenteeism is usually limited
to factors outside of work, such as personal
and family aspects. Barros and Olaya (2017)
state that in these cases, workers voluntarily
implement self-care in their work, which favors
the implementation of the OSHMS, as they may
be more receptive to measures to promote
occupational health and safety.
The diagnosis of the checklists showed that
the company complies with several aspects
of occupational health and safety, particularly
with regard to the condition of the premises,
the provision of PPE, lighting, etc. However, the
main shortcoming is the lack of organization
and programming of activities, since it does not
have an established OSHMS, which means that
OSH activities are carried out in an empirical
manner and without order; nor does it have
an annual work plan; therefore, signage is
incomplete, as are introductions and training,
and strategies are redundant, with no impact
on risk prevention and health promotion.
According to the initial characterization and
diagnosis, the company does not comply with
the PHVA cycle or with most of the established
minimum standards. There is evidence of non-
compliance with OSH regulations, as the score
obtained is less than 36.5% and less than 60%,
which means that it is at a critical level.
For González et al. (2016), serious OSH
defciencies in the company mean a signifcant
increase in the probability of occurrence of
occupational accidents in the short, medium,
and long term. Mamani et al. (2007) state that
without OSHMS, workers are exposed to stress
conditions and other factors that can trigger
occupational diseases.
In addition, the company is exposed to both
economic and legal problems. First, there is
the administrative liability, which refers to the
imposition of fnes and penalties for not having
the OSHMS.
According to the provisions of Decree 1072
of 2015, the fnes depend on the size of the
company; in this case, since it is a small
company (11 to 50 workers), the amount of
the fnes will be calculated according to the
following ceilings:
•
For failure to comply with occupational
health standards: from 552.57 to 2,631.30
TVU.
•
For failure to report an occupational
accident or illness: from 1,341.96 to
2,631.30 TVU.
•
For non-compliance resulting in a fatal
accident: from 3,973.26 to 10,525.21 TVU.
Regarding the
closure
of the establishment, the
regulation is in accordance with the provisions
of Law 1610 of 2013. If the conditions of the
company endanger the life, integrity, and/
or personal safety of the workers, the labor
inspector may determine the closure of the site
based on the following criteria:
•
Depending on the seriousness of the
violation, the closure will be for a period
of between three and ten working days
(Article 8, Law 1610 of 2013).
•
If the company again commits any of the
sanctionable acts, the closure will occur
for a term between 10 and 30 working
days (Article 8, Law 1610 of 2013).
•
If the refusal continues, the labor inspector
must refer the case to the territorial
director. The latter may close the company
for up to 120 working days, or order the
permanent closure of the establishment
(article 13, Law 1512 of 2012) (Mancero,
2015, para. 12).
Proposal for the design of the Occupational Health and Safety System for the control
and mitigation of occupational hazards in the aqueduct and sewage company in the
municipality of Guachucal, Nariño
106
Ana Sofía Aguirre Paredes
Damaris Díaz Nova
Samuel Alejandro Rodríguez Beltrán
Revista Criterios - vol. 31 n.
o
2 Julio-Diciembre 2024 - pp. 93-109
Rev. Criterios ISSN: 0121-8670, e-ISSN: 2256-1161
https://doi.org/10.31948/rev.criterios
It should be emphasized that the measure
of closure or suspension of activities must
be imposed through a duly motivated order,
which must specifcally indicate the place
where it should be applied, the analysis of
facts and evidence, the period of closure and
the rules violated; it should also be considered
that the suspension or closure does not afect
the payment of salaries or social benefts to
workers (Mancero, 2015).
However, such non-compliance may trigger
other types of liability, such as civil, labor, and
even criminal liability for the damage that may
be caused; this is a system of strict liability,
since the employer, although not the cause of
the damage, is liable, generally because there
is the possibility of avoiding it. Therefore,
the employer has a series of obligations to
guarantee safety and health at work and
to recognize the worker’s right to efective
protection in this matter.
In the event of a possible labor problem, the
company does not have sufcient legal tools
to defend itself; however, Ortega et al. (2020)
mention that mistakes should not be made by
rushing to implement the system; it must be
well formulated, comply with the established
minimum standards, and meet the company’s
own labor needs.
In terms of identifying and assessing
occupational risks, in the area of administration
and management, the highest rated risks are
ergonomic and psychosocial, due to the stress
they face in the budgeting and collection of the
company, in addition to the fact that they remain
seated in ofce automation tasks throughout
the working day. This is a normal behavior
in all companies; according to Borja (2017),
administrative positions require a greater
mental load, since they must be responsible
for decision making and problem solving, while
the operational part fulflls routine tasks, where
the load that weighs the most is the physical
one. In the operational area, attention must
be paid to hygienic, mechanical and ergonomic
risks, since workers are mostly exposed to
microorganisms, variability of environmental
conditions, noise, vibrations, and chemical
agents, as well as handling tools and performing
repetitive movements (Castro, 2019).
In this order of ideas, the documentation,
resources, and OSH programs designed have
been focused on complying with the minimum
standards for companies with 11 to 50 workers,
for risks I, II, III, IV, V. Considering Resolution
0312 of 2019, the programs are governed by
the PHVA cycle, which, according to Cubillos
and Rodriguez (2009), is advantageous because
it guarantees a process and results based on
quality.
The policy establishes objectives and
responsibilities focused on mitigating existing
risks, and both the legal matrix and the annual
work and training plan support the OSHMS
policy. The system designed is 100% compliant
with the requirements of Resolution 0312 of
2019. The next step is the implementation of
the programs, activities, and formats included
in the OSHMS; in this way, in the future, the
company will move from a critical level (score
below 60%) to an optimal level, avoiding
accidents, illnesses, and fnes or sanctions in
this area.
At the beginning of the research, the company
under study did not have the OSHMS designed
(0%), but it had elements to consolidate it.
At the end of the research, the design of the
system was completed in its entirety, with
the formats ready and the corresponding
methodologies, so that the company and the
OSH professional can implement it. In this
sense, it is expected that in the next audit
to be carried out, the company will achieve a
minimum compliance of 90%.
Conclusions
The structure of the Occupational Health and
Safety Management System is made up of 37
points, according to Resolution 0312 of 2019,
in accordance with the mandatory minimum
standards of the PDCA cycle, according to
the socio-demographic characterization of
the participating population group, in addition
to the legal regulations in force. Thus, the
competencies of prevention, evaluation,
and control of risks allow the promotion and
improvement of the health of the employees,
establishing a better quality of their work in
the company.
Proposal for the design of the Occupational Health and Safety System for the control
and mitigation of occupational hazards in the aqueduct and sewage company in the
municipality of Guachucal, Nariño
107
Ana Sofía Aguirre Paredes
Damaris Díaz Nova
Samuel Alejandro Rodríguez Beltrán
Revista Criterios - vol. 31 n.
o
2 Julio-Diciembre 2024 - pp. 93-109
Rev. Criterios ISSN: 0121-8670, e-ISSN: 2256-1161
https://doi.org/10.31948/rev.criterios
This Management and Occupational Health
and Safety Plan of the Empresa de Acueducto,
Alcantarillado y Aseo de Guachucal complies
100% with the requirements to be applied and
used in the company.
Considering the evaluation carried out in
accordance with Resolution 0312 of 2019,
in which the company obtained a rating of
60%, which indicates a critical risk level, an
improvement plan must be implemented to
overcome the anomalies detected. Therefore,
the following improvement actions, among
others, will be carried out, seeing the economic
activity and risk level of the company:
a) Select a person in charge with a
license in OSH and allocate the
human talent, fnancial, technical, and
technological resources necessary for
the implementation, maintenance, and
continuity of the proposed OSHMS.
b) Establish the OSH Committee and the
Labor Coexistence Committee (LCC) to
monitor the system and ensure a good
working environment.
c) Provide PPE and apply inspection forms in
areas, tools, and personnel.
d) Present a documentation matrix and
prepare the training program, carrying
out all the trainings foreseen in the annual
training plan.
e)
Defne the objectives of the OSHMS in
accordance with the OSH policy.
f) Have a checklist of documents for the
evaluation of contractors and carry it out.
g) Apply the mechanisms for reporting,
measuring, and improving the incidence
of occupational accidents and illnesses,
subject to continuous improvement
processes and external and internal audits.
These actions are primarily the responsibility
of the General Manager and the OSH
Specialist, and are carried out within a period
of no more than three months from the initial
assessment and the start of corrective and
improvement actions.
This study makes it possible to establish and
comply with the design of the occupational
health and safety management system
through the implementation of this system in
the company, to identify the occupational risks
to which workers are exposed, and to prevent
risks through the successful implementation of
the system.
Finally, the design of the Occupational Health
and Safety Management is considered
relevant for this organization, since the lack
of commitment to the welfare of the workers
has been demonstrated in the management
area, since they do not have the appropriate
training and knowledge of occupational health
and safety related to the risks to which they
are exposed daily in their work activities.
Therefore, this design will make it possible to
comply with the indicators and standards of
the legal regulations in force for their work,
in accordance with the norms and laws of the
Ministry of Labor.
Confict of interest
The authors of this article declare that they have
no confict of interest in the work presented.
Ethical responsibilities
The research work was developed with the
participation of the workers assigned to the
Empresa de Acueducto y Alcantarillado de
Guachucal; for this reason it was necessary to
have the informed consent, a document that
contains explicit and clear information that
considers the following aspects: justifcation
and objectives of the research, procedures to
be used, purposes, risks and expected benefts,
freedom to withdraw consent and not continue
the study, confdentiality of information and
commitment to the research. If there were
additional expenses, they would be covered by
the research budget.
This document was prepared by the researchers,
reviewed, approved, and signed by the CEO of
the company, who authorized the researchers
to use the name and access the information
necessary for research purposes; however, the
name has been omitted for the purposes of
publication of this article.
Proposal for the design of the Occupational Health and Safety System for the control
and mitigation of occupational hazards in the aqueduct and sewage company in the
municipality of Guachucal, Nariño
108
Ana Sofía Aguirre Paredes
Damaris Díaz Nova
Samuel Alejandro Rodríguez Beltrán
Revista Criterios - vol. 31 n.
o
2 Julio-Diciembre 2024 - pp. 93-109
Rev. Criterios ISSN: 0121-8670, e-ISSN: 2256-1161
https://doi.org/10.31948/rev.criterios
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Contribution
Ana Sofía Aguirre Paredes:
Main researcher.
Preparation of the introduction, general
description of the project, statement of
objectives, and recommendations.
Damaris Díaz Nova:
Main researcher.
Development of the frame of reference through
a thorough review of the background and state
of the art. Methodological framework that
defnes the nature, approach, and scope of the
research, as well as the determinants of the
research phases, conficts of interest, ethical
responsibilities, and conclusions.
Samuel Alejandro Rodríguez Beltrán:
Main
researcher. General description of the project,
methodological framework with the procedure
and techniques for data collection; analysis
and interpretation of results, elaboration of the
discussion of results.
All authors participated in the preparation of
the manuscript, read and approved it.