The OSH legal framework and institutional structure in Colombia is broad and complex.
The Labour Code contains a number of OSH provisions which are largely developed by thespecific OSH legislation. The leading OSH legislation is compound by the Law No. 9 of 24 January 1979 that establishes health and safety measures, followed by the Decree No. 614 of 14 March 1984 on the organization and management of occupational health.
In Colombia there are OSH Committees at a national, sectional and local level according to Decree No. 16 of 9 January 1997 that regulates the integration, functioning and the network of OSH Committees. OSH joint Committees at the workplace are required for companies with10 or more workers.
With regard to the Professional Risk System, the OSH legislation foresees a set of standards and procedures to prevent, protect and assist workers from the effects of occupational diseases and accidents that may happen during or as a result of the work performed, besides maintaining vigilance for strict compliance with occupational health standards. The main legislation in this aspect is Decree Law 1295 of 1994.
The OSH legal framework and institutional structure in Colombia is broad and complex.
The Labour Code contains a number of OSH provisions which are largely developed by thespecific OSH legislation. The leading OSH legislation is compound by the Law No. 9 of 24 January 1979 that establishes health and safety measures, followed by the Decree No. 614 of 14 March 1984 on the organization and management of occupational health.
In Colombia there are OSH Committees at a national, sectional and local level according to Decree No. 16 of 9 January 1997 that regulates the integration, functioning and the network of OSH Committees. OSH joint Committees at the workplace are required for companies with10 or more workers.
With regard to the Professional Risk System, the OSH legislation foresees a set of standards and procedures to prevent, protect and assist workers from the effects of occupational diseases and accidents that may happen during or as a result of the work performed, besides maintaining vigilance for strict compliance with occupational health standards. The main legislation in this aspect is Decree Law 1295 of 1994.
Main research sources
• Web site of the Joint OSH Committee of the "Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana" (27 January 2013)
• Official web site of the Health Secretariat of Bogota (27 January 2013)
• Official web site of the Ministry of Labour (27 January 2013)
• Official Web site of the National Health Institute (28 January 2013)
• Official Website of SENA (Institution for safety work at height) (29 January 2013)
Occupational safety and health is defined as the discipline which deals with the prevention of injuries and diseases caused by working conditions, and the protection and promotion of the workers' health. The occupational safety and health aims to improve working conditions and environment as well as occupational health including promotion and maintenance of the physical, mental and social wellbeing of workers at any workplace.
• Ley núm. 1562 de 11 de Julio de 2012 por la cual se modifica el sistema de riesgos laborales y se dictan otras disposicion e materia de salud ocupacional. - Art.1 definition
Not specified
The employer is under the obligation to grant the worker two breaks of thirty (30) minutes each one duing the working day to nurse her child, without deduction in pay, during the first six (6) months following the birth.
• Código sustantivo de Trabajo - S24 (1)(A) and (B) of the OHSA and Reg 9 of the General Administrative Regulations GN R929 in GG 25129 of 25 June 2003.
Not specified
The OSH legislation does not contain a definition of worker. However with regard to the scope of application of the Labour Code the Code says that it applies to the entire territory of the Republic for all residents, regardless of their nationality.
Remarks: The same scope of application may be applied to the OSH legislation as it is a concrete branch of labour law.
• Código sustantivo de Trabajo - Art. 2
Occupational safety and health is defined as the discipline which deals with the prevention of injuries and diseases caused by working conditions, and the protection and promotion of the workers' health. The occupational safety and health aims to improve working conditions and environment as well as occupational health including promotion and maintenance of the physical, mental and social wellbeing of workers at any workplace.
• Ley núm. 1562 de 11 de Julio de 2012 por la cual se modifica el sistema de riesgos laborales y se dictan otras disposicion e materia de salud ocupacional. - Art.1 definition
Not specified
The employer is under the obligation to grant the worker two breaks of thirty (30) minutes each one duing the working day to nurse her child, without deduction in pay, during the first six (6) months following the birth.
• Código sustantivo de Trabajo - S24 (1)(A) and (B) of the OHSA and Reg 9 of the General Administrative Regulations GN R929 in GG 25129 of 25 June 2003.
Not specified
The OSH legislation does not contain a definition of worker. However with regard to the scope of application of the Labour Code the Code says that it applies to the entire territory of the Republic for all residents, regardless of their nationality.
Remarks: The same scope of application may be applied to the OSH legislation as it is a concrete branch of labour law.
• Código sustantivo de Trabajo - Art. 2