Study of Occupational Risks in Ecuador

Abstract

The study of occupational risks in Ecuador demonstrates that occupational health and safety is grounded in a legal framework guaranteeing the right to safe working conditions. Article 326, numeral 5, of the Constitution of Ecuador recognizes workers' rights to a suitable environment that ensures their health, physical integrity, and well-being. This principle is complemented by the Labor Code, which establishes employer responsibility regarding risk prevention, compensation for workplace accidents, and compliance with health and safety measures by both employers and workers. Furthermore, Article 432 reinforces the mandatory application of regulations issued by the Ecuadorian Social Security Institute (IESS). Article 155 of the Social Security Law extends this protection through programs for prevention, damage reparation, rehabilitation, and reintegration into the workforce. However, the analysis reveals that, despite the regulatory framework, limitations in implementation persist, as evidenced by the incidence of workplace accidents and occupational diseases. It is concluded that managing occupational risks in Ecuador requires strengthening the culture of prevention, improving regulatory compliance, and consolidating institutional coordination to ensure safe working conditions aligned with principles of social justice.