Introduction
The Silla Law, which came into effect on June 17, is a reform to the Mexican Federal Labor Law (LFT) that mandates rest periods for employees during their workday. Employers are now required to provide seated rest areas for employees who must stand for extended periods. Despite this, some uncertainty remains regarding its implementation.
Background and Purpose
The primary goal of the labor reform is to prevent various risks associated with prolonged standing during work. It also prevents employers from compelling employees to remain standing throughout their entire workday.
This law primarily targets sectors where employees spend significant time standing, such as retail, services, and similar workplaces. Its application in industrial sectors will depend on the nature of individual job roles.
Common Questions and Answers
1. What is the ideal rest time for an individual?
According to París Ravelo, a health and wellness specialist, a minimum recommended break is 15 minutes for every two to four hours of continuous work. This recommendation aligns with guidelines from the Spanish National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (INSST).
2. Is the rest time the same for everyone?
Ravelo suggests that repetitive or screen-based jobs should have breaks of five to ten minutes per hour, while physically intensive tasks need more frequent and longer breaks (60-90 minutes). For prolonged or night shifts, additional rest is recommended due to accumulating fatigue.
3. Which job types require seated rest areas?
Ravelo explains that fixed, prolonged posture jobs like office work, reception, surveillance, lab work, and call centers necessitate ergonomic chairs. Screen-based visual data tasks also require adjustable ergonomic chairs, while mixed (sitting-standing) jobs benefit from supportive or ergonomic stools for posture alternation.
4. Which job functions require more breaks?
Repetitive or monotonous tasks, such as assembly, data entry, labeling; extensive screen use in programming, design, and customer service; physically demanding jobs; and high-cognitive or emotional demand areas like teaching, healthcare, technical support, and surveillance require more breaks.
5. What type of chair is most recommended?
Ravelo, following international standards, recommends an ergonomic chair with adjustable height (40-52 cm), reclining and height-adjustable backrest with lumbar support, a stable base with five supports and wheels, rounded, firmly padded seat edges, adjustable armrests, and breathable, easy-to-clean material.
6. What benefits come from scheduled breaks?
Scheduled breaks prevent physical and mental fatigue, reduce musculoskeletal injuries, improve focus and productivity, decrease stress, enhance work climate, lower absenteeism and staff turnover, and ultimately increase job satisfaction and overall well-being.
7. Is rest time considered part of the workday?
José Sesma, a labor lawyer, confirms that rest time is indeed considered part of the workday. However, the duration and frequency of breaks are yet to be defined as the Mexican Secretariat of Labor and Social Prevision (STPS) is expected to release guidelines by July 17.
8. How many chairs should be provided?
The LFT does not specify a minimum number of chairs based on the workforce size. The ambiguity remains until STPS issues guidelines clarifying the required number of chairs per employee.
9. Who does the Silla Law apply to?
Sesma clarifies that the law applies to all private sector employers, particularly those requiring prolonged standing. It covers any job that necessitates standing, thus making it applicable.
10. Is a fixed space for chairs necessary?
Sesma advises having a fixed space for chairs, though no specific regulation dictates their placement. Thus, either a dedicated area or strategic positioning within the workplace is acceptable.
11. How should internal work regulations be adapted?
Sesma recommends revising each organization’s internal regulations to incorporate Silla Law provisions. Once the STPS releases all guidelines by July 17, it’s advisable to update these regulations accordingly.
12. What will inspectors check in companies?
Sesma explains that inspectors will verify sufficient chair numbers, compliance with STPS parameters (ergonomic chairs with backrests), designated rest areas, and updated internal regulations. They will also ensure that employers aren’t forcing employees to stand throughout their shifts.
