Introduction to the Ley Silla
On July 17, the guidelines for implementing the Ley Silla, issued by Mexico’s Secretaría del Trabajo y Previsión Social (STPS), came into effect. This legislation aims to address health risks associated with prolonged standing work, primarily in the commerce, service, and related sectors. The law mandates employers to provide ergonomic chairs for employees’ periodic rest, thereby preventing potential health issues.
Key Aspects of the STPS Guidelines
1. Risk Assessment
Companies must evaluate the risk level (low, medium, or high) to which employees are exposed through a questionnaire. This assessment will guide the implementation of preventive measures and determine the type of chair to be provided.
2. Documentation
Workplaces are required to document all implemented measures and safety and health committee inspection routes. Establishing or strengthening a safety and health committee is also recommended.
3. Chair Characteristics
The STPS outlines specific chair features to ensure employee comfort and health. These include:
- Backrest: Provides support to prevent muscle fatigue.
- Seat height: Allows feet to touch the ground without strain on legs or back.
- Lumbar support: Adapts to the natural spinal curve, offering firm yet flexible lower back support.
- Adjustability: Allows customization of seat height, depth, backrest inclination, armrest height, and recline.
- Ergonomics: Promotes healthy posture and reduces pressure on the back, shoulders, neck, and thigh creases.
- Mobility: Includes wheels or rotation mechanisms for easy movement without constant standing.
- Stability: Prevents unintended movement or tilt during use.
- Armrests: Offer support to reduce shoulder strain.
- Footrest: Provides adjustable support for leg elevation and increased comfort when reclining, enhancing circulation.
4. Additional Measures
Beyond providing chairs, the STPS guidelines recommend implementing further preventive actions, such as active break programs, floor resurfacing for better shock absorption, and ergonomic footwear.
5. Employee Obligations
The guidelines also outline employee responsibilities, including:
- Information provision: Employees must share necessary details for determining chair characteristics.
- Training participation: Employees must engage in training for proper chair usage and maintenance.
- Chair usage: Employees must adhere to chair usage instructions and maintenance procedures.
- Chair condition checks: Employees should regularly inspect chair conditions and report any issues.
- Maintenance reporting: Employees must inform employers of chair-related problems through the safety and health committee.
- Workplace cleanliness: Employees should maintain clean and organized workspaces and common areas where chairs are located.
Who is Affected by the Ley Silla?
The Ley Silla, a reform to Mexico’s Federal Labor Law, recognizes the right to rest during working hours. It obliges employers in commerce, service, and related sectors to provide ergonomic chairs for employees’ periodic rest. This law aims to prevent health issues like varicose veins, muscle fatigue, lower back pain, tendon and ligament damage, and various rheumatic disorders resulting from prolonged standing.
According to an OCC survey, 45% of standing workers receive no support from employers to mitigate negative effects. Half of these workers report physical discomfort, such as back pain or tired legs.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the Ley Silla? The Ley Silla is a labor law reform recognizing employees’ right to rest during working hours. It mandates employers in commerce, service, and related sectors to provide ergonomic chairs for periodic rest, aiming to prevent health issues from prolonged standing.
- What are the STPS guidelines? The STPS guidelines include risk assessment, documentation requirements, chair characteristics, additional preventive measures, and employee obligations for implementing the Ley Silla effectively.
- Who is affected by the Ley Silla? The Ley Silla primarily impacts employees in commerce, service, and related sectors. Approximately 45% of standing workers, half of whom report physical discomfort, lack employer support to address negative effects.
