Introduction to Ley Silla and its Purpose
Ley Silla, a recent reform to the Mexican Federal Labor Law (LFT), aims to prevent work-related risks associated with prolonged standing. This update establishes new obligations for employers to mitigate negative effects on employees’ health.
Current Situation and the Need for Ley Silla
According to OCC’s Termómetro Laboral survey, 45% of individuals working while standing do not receive any support from their employers to address the negative impacts. Half of these workers report physical discomfort, such as back pain or fatigue in their legs.
Implementation Timeline and Key Deadlines
The Ley Silla reform took effect on June 17, giving companies 180 days to adjust their internal regulations regarding break times, chair usage, and other related measures. This period concludes on December 14.
Simultaneously, the Secretaría del Trabajo y Previsión Social (STPS) has 30 natural days to issue guidelines on work-related risks associated with prolonged vertical posture.
Legal and Health Perspectives
Experts in labor law agree that, although the right to rest is now enforceable, it will not be subject to penalties until all deadlines are met. This includes the issuance of STPS guidelines and company policy adjustments.
From a health perspective, the Mexican Ramazzini College suggests that break times and posture changes depend on the nature of tasks. They emphasize that general criteria cannot be established for all work areas without considering specific job tasks and related physical and ergonomic risks.
Recommendations for Compliance
- Job Analysis: Conduct a job analysis to identify functions requiring adaptation, acquire appropriate ergonomic furniture, and train employees on new rights and obligations.
- Update Internal Regulations: Updating work regulations is not only a legal requirement but also a proactive measure to prevent conflicts and strengthen compliance culture.
- Periodic Breaks: Regulate break frequency based on task analysis and associated physical and ergonomic risks. Commissions of safety, health, and technical advisors should conduct this evaluation and propose break times and frequencies.
Conclusion
Ley Silla’s implementation marks a significant step towards protecting workers from prolonged standing risks. By understanding and adhering to the new obligations, employers can ensure a healthier work environment and prevent potential penalties.
