0% found this document useful (0 votes)
3 views203 pages

Occupational Risk Assessment in Construction

This document outlines a study conducted in Azogues, focusing on the identification and evaluation of occupational risks in construction activities. It includes an introduction to construction, necessary concepts for understanding occupational safety, a risk analysis methodology, and the application of these methods to selected constructions, along with preventive measures. The findings culminate in a summary of results and proposals for mitigating identified risks.

Translated by

ScribdTranslations
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
0% found this document useful (0 votes)
3 views203 pages

Occupational Risk Assessment in Construction

This document outlines a study conducted in Azogues, focusing on the identification and evaluation of occupational risks in construction activities. It includes an introduction to construction, necessary concepts for understanding occupational safety, a risk analysis methodology, and the application of these methods to selected constructions, along with preventive measures. The findings culminate in a summary of results and proposals for mitigating identified risks.

Translated by

ScribdTranslations
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

SUMMARY

The present work done in the city of Azogues aims to


mainly the identification and evaluation of the occupational risks present in a
discrete number of private and/or public constructions in the area.

For this, in Chapter I; an introduction to construction is presented.


global, national and local, highlighting the associations that bring together the
professionals who develop their services in this labor area, also they
highlight the constructions that will be analyzed.

In Chapter II, a series of necessary concepts and terms are presented.


for the understanding of the upcoming aspects developed in this
research: Occupational risks, Occupational medicine, Workplace safety
ergonomics, etc., in addition, an analysis of the legal regulations governing is presented

the development of these activities.

Chapter III presents the risk analysis methodology that is followed to


the obtaining of firsthand information, the FINE method is used and the
CHECK-LIST method (Audit sheets)

In Chapter IV; the methodology and concepts already analyzed are applied to the
selected constructions, additionally presents the preventive measures
corresponding.

Lastly, Chapter V consists of a summary of the results found.


as well as the proposal for preventive measures to mitigate or eliminate the
described risks divided into a managerial or administrative part and a
purely labor-related.

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 1


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

Keywords:

Industrial Security
Risks in Construction
Occupational Risks
Identification evaluation risk analysis.
Aspectos legales
FINE Method
CHECK – LIST
Security audit.

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 2


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

INDEX
CHAPTER I.
INTRODUCTION
1. Introduction
1.1. Historical evolution of construction
1.2. Construction at the equator
1.2.1. Local construction
[Link]. Associations and public and/or private entities
1.3. Analysis of the construction in the area
1.4. Specific characteristics of the construction sector
CHAPTER II. OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH
2.1. Work and health
2.2. Occupational risks
2.3. Working conditions
2.3.1. Security conditions
2.3.2. Environmental conditions or factors
2.3.3. The workload
2.3.4. The organization of work
2.4. Materialización de los riesgos
2.5 Disciplines in preventive matters
2.5.1. Occupational Medicine
2.5.2. Workplace Safety
2.5.3. Industrial Hygiene
2.5.4. Psychosociology
2.5.5. Ergonomics
2.6. Current legal regulations
2.6.1. Organizations and international regulations

2.6.2. National legislation


[Link]. Constitution
[Link]. Andean instrument for occupational safety and health.
[Link]. International agreements ratified by the country
[Link]. Labor Code

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 3


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

[Link]. Social Security Law


[Link]. Regulation on health and safety of workers
improvement of the work environment.
[Link]. General Regulation of Occupational Risk Insurance
[Link]. Specific regulations for occupational safety and health.
CHAPTER III: IDENTIFICATION, ANALYSIS, AND EVALUATION OF RISKS
3.1. Danger, risk, and risk assessment
3.2. Risks arising from security conditions
3.3. Risks derived from environmental conditions
3.4. Risks derived from psychosocial conditions
3.5. Risks derived from ergonomic conditions
3.6. Principles of preventive action
3.7. Identification, analysis, and evaluation of risks
3.7.1. Basic steps for overall risk assessment
3.7.2. Methods of analysis and risk assessment
[Link]. Checklists or verification methods (check-list)
[Link]. Fine method.
CHAPTER IV: APPLICATION
4. Application in selected constructions
4.1. General risk assessment
4.1.1. Construction 1.
4.1.2. Construction 2.
4.1.3. Construction 3.
4.1.4. Construction 4.
Prevention measures
CHAPTER V. PREVENTIVE ACTIONS.
5.1. Results found.
5.2. Preventive actions.
5.2.1. Managerial
5.2.2. Labor.
CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
ANNEXES.

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 4


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

ANNEX 1. PRELIMINARY INFORMATION COLLECTION FORMAT


ANNEX 2. JOB EVALUATION FORMAT
ANNEX 3. TOOLS USED IN CONSTRUCTION
ANNEX 4. CONSTRUCTION SHEETS 1.
ANNEX 5. CONSTRUCTION FILES 2.
ANNEX 6. CONSTRUCTION SHEETS 3.
ANNEX 7. CONSTRUCTION SHEETS 4.

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 5


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

MASTER'S IN ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT FOR INDUSTRIES OF


PRODUCTION AND SERVICES

THESIS PRIOR TO OBTAINING


MASTER'S DEGREE IN ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT FOR INDUSTRIES
OF PRODUCTION AND SERVICES

TITLE: "Identification and assessment of the present occupational risks"


in the main construction activities of the city of Azogues and
proposal for prevention actions

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ

DIRECTORA: ING. DIANA MOSCOSO [Link].

CUENCA - ECUADOR

JULY - 2010

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 6


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

GRATITUDE

A sincere thank you to Eng. Diana Moscoso V, director of this


research who has patiently guided my efforts to achieve
this valuable goal.

To Ing. Jorge Cárdenas R for his openness and willingness to collaborate.


selflessly in the purely engineering aspects from the
construction present in this work.

To the University of Cuenca and the Center for Environmental Studies for welcoming us
and to nourish ourselves with the necessary knowledge to advance as professionals
of success.

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 7


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

DEDICATORIA:

To my family; Hernán, Teresa, and Judith.

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 8


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

CHAPTER I: INTRODUCTION

CHAPTER I: INTRODUCTION

1. INTRODUCTION
The social development and mainly the global and local economic development, the constant
population growth, urban and wealth, the unstoppable need to have
with services that guide, lead, or enable this growth leads to the
imperative need to create, modify or alter the considered conditions
as natural in our environment.

A fundamental and critical role in this development has historically been held by the
construction.

By definition, construction is the process of assembling anything, such as


houses, skyscrapers, bridges, dams, roads, and even ships.

The most common use of the term construction refers to the art or technique of
to manufacture buildings and infrastructures. In a broader sense, it is called.
build everything that requires, before being done, to have or to dispose of
a predetermined project plan, or one that is made by combining various
components according to an undetermined order.

Since the dawn of humanity, man has developed techniques of


construction from the primitive to the modern and technologically advanced
advanced techniques used in our days.

1.1. HISTORICAL EVOLUTION OF CONSTRUCTION


Caves, roads, bridges, houses, castles, buildings, skyscrapers, etc. The
The historical evolution of construction goes hand in hand with all the others.
technological and scientific advancements of society. It can be said that in the
Many, if not all, sciences are developed through construction.

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 9


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

considered as exact or technical: physics, chemistry, as pure sciences and


engineering techniques and developments that include multiple areas of
conocimiento como ciencia y resistencia de materiales, mecánica, metalurgia,
etc.

Since man changes his life activities and goes from being a nomad to
sedentary arises the concern to implement or improve the conditions of
your home, history shows us the progress of what is now known as
construction, the different eras mark specific characteristics in
styles and types of construction with advancements based on technology
available.

Places and times with unique and unrepeatable characteristics in construction of


monuments, palaces, that to this day hold enigmas regarding the
the way they are conceived and developed, such as the pyramids of
Egypt, palaces and coliseums in ancient Rome among the main ones
they show the capacity and development that these civilizations had.

Currently, the progress and reach of construction is in sight of


everyone in increasingly larger and more imposing projects.
The proportion that represents construction in the gross domestic product in
The industrialized countries vary widely. They represent about 4%.
of the GDP in the United States, 6.5% in Germany, and 17% in Japan. In the
In most countries, companies have relatively few employees.
full-time work. There are many companies specialized in their respective fields.
trades such as electricity, plumbing or tilers, for example, who work as
subcontractors.

Without a doubt, this branch of activities is of great importance.


, economic, labor, social etc., at a global and local level so it is expected in
this work analyze it and study it appropriately within the context
suitable.

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 10


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

1.2. CONSTRUCTION IN ECUADOR


In Ecuador, construction has been one of the most important activities.
and has seen significant growth in recent years, public works represent between a
60% and 65% of construction activity, while the remaining percentage
it is represented by the construction of housing, which is currently estimated to employ
6% of the economically active population in direct employment, and also
it generates a greater amount in indirect employment, it is fundamental in the country.

capital is approximately 60% of all activities. The participation of


the sector in GDP must be at 20% of the total, in addition to contributing to
counteract the housing deficit. Also requires labor,
mainly from the unqualified, a depression in the sector of the
Construction primarily affects the workforce, impacting politics.
economic and social of Ecuador. The use of labor must be in
around three million people. The materials sales sector
Construction grew by 8% annually since the year 2000, higher than
growth of the country
The public works strongly defended by the current government and aimed at a
growth highlights the importance of this activity.

1.2.1. CONSTRUCTION AT THE LOCAL LEVEL


[Link]. INTRODUCTION TO CONSTRUCTION
It will aim to explain in general the activities and processes of
construction but it is convenient to differentiate certain specific groups with
special characteristics such as the following:

1. Building projects: Its objective is the construction of a


building that will house one or several predetermined uses and these
they will configure the dimensions, the proportions, the functioning, the
the constructive characteristics of that building, we have the following:
residential, cultural and educational, industrial and commercial buildings,
religious, health, and social, for public administration, etc.

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 11


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

2. Civil works projects: Their objective is the construction of


elements of great importance at the communication level,
supply, security, etc. are large-scale interurban works,
regional or territorial, among them are the roads,
railways, transport terminals, dams, channels, bridges, and works
specials for ecological or sanitary purposes. Finally, it also encompasses
all the necessary works to urbanize a land: supply of
water, electricity, telephony, gas, sanitation, roads, green areas.

3. Urban planning projects:


They are intended to organize a territory that will be more or less
large depending on the planning figure we are in
speaking. These projects are drafted following a hierarchy of
planning figures.

[Link].-These are tasks that are not precisely


constructions, rather it is about the recovery of landscapes, riverbanks
of rivers, spaces degraded by anthropogenic activities, closure of
quarries, closure of landfills, mines, etc.

Regarding the province of Cañar and its capital, the city of Azogues, with
a high rate of migration, whose remittances, despite decreasing in the
last two years, are allocated 22.2% for construction or
modification of the house.
Little by little, construction is slowly transforming from artisanal and
a technique to a construction with support of technology and tools that
they cause improvements in time, productivity but at the same time increase
risks and dangers existing as it develops at greater heights, more
long workdays, use of industrial equipment of different scales, etc.

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 12


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

This improvement in construction is also due to the grouping of entities.


builders as public and private institutions: chambers of the
construction, colleges of civil engineers and architects, organizations
particular some of them powerful transnational corporations.

[Link]. ASSOCIATIONS AND PUBLIC AND/OR PRIVATE ENTITIES


Framing and delimiting the present work to the area corresponding to the
urban part of the city of Azogues, the following is presented
main associations or public and/or private entities that in one way or another
way they relate to the topic of construction and therefore to the central theme
risk prevention.

It is worth noting that currently the work of these guilds is minimal.


reason for the drastic decrease in activities in recent years that
they usually carried out, for example, the issuance of the required permits
for all the constructions or activities that were carried out have been
totally eliminated, also the collection of fees and taxes such as
direct income that fed and kept these groups operational or
unions have also been eliminated, bringing with them the logical consequence
to gradually disappear if alternative sources of income are not found.
Despite this, it is necessary to cite them as they continue to be somehow.
organizations that still maintain a relationship with construction activities
and with its main actors, the professionals from various fields.

[Link].1. College of Civil Engineers of Cañar, CICAR.- , aggregates among


its members are more than 150 professionals in Civil Engineering from all over

the province was at one time the largest organization of its kind, the
The activities that I primarily carried out were the following:
control of titles, affiliations, references to guarantee the
professional, prevent counterfeiting, issuance of professional license
certificates, etc.

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 13


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

[Link].[Link] camera of Azogues.- Also with activities


similar to those of professional colleges, carries out until the
current events: courses, seminars,
presentations, fairs, etc.
[Link].[Link]' College of Ecuador CAE, Cañar.- I was carrying out
activities similar to those of the engineering college but in the area
professional in architecture and urbanism, currently going through
the same problem and it may even stop working in the
upcoming months.
[Link].4. Municipality of the city of Azogues.- it is necessary to mention this
entity since the public activities and works related to the canton
Azogues, are channeled by the municipality, for smaller amounts the
hiring is direct, for larger amounts the hiring is done at
through the National Institute of Public Procurement INCOP, the municipality
verify and audit or control the execution of the work under the terms
previously established.
[Link].5. Provincial Council of Cañar.- It is very important to highlight this entity
since it controls and executes projects throughout the province of Cañar,
it has road equipment or heavy equipment for activities
mainly in the road area, also in charge of this is
buildings of all kinds: schools, courts, dispensaries, etc. The
Hiring, just like the municipality, occurs through the INCOP.

Although the direct control of the execution of the work with all its activities
specific such as safety, environmental management, human resources management or
logistical resources in general, are not the responsibility of this organization, but
rather directly under the responsibility of the professional or legal entity that executes it,

the relative importance they maintain is sufficient to be considered in this


study and that is why they have been cited and described.

[Link]. MAIN PROCESSES AND ACTIVITIES

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 14


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

The organisms mentioned in the previous point aim to


specify channeling the resources of society and directing them in a manner
technical and professional to achieve the proposed construction objectives.
The construction then requires a large number of processes and their
specific activities of all kinds, this classification will be very
important as it will represent our common thread that will allow us
carry out future and important analyses throughout this work.

The following processes and activities are then described; among them the
next;

Before starting the execution of works, the builder must immerse themselves in the
project through knowing it, defining its execution and establishing the parameters
of control.
Project knowledge.- The managerial staff must be aware of the
project through the review and analysis of existing information: data
of the project, specifications, plans, contract conditions, scope of
project, etc.
Analysis and implementation of the works.- The responsible parties for each of the
áreas: ingeniería, proceso, procuramiento, construcción, planillaje, administración
contracts must carry out the analysis, implementation, and subsequent control
of the following aspects:
Initial budget.- Its purpose is to determine the magnitude and degree of
complexity of the activities to be carried out, emphasizes the prices of equipment,
materials, direct and indirect labor in construction; costs of
office: personnel, supplies, etc.; determines an average of man-hours
required both in construction and in the office. This analysis must
incorporate a study of sensitivity, risks, and contingencies.
Initial planning.- The initial planning must include at least the
next information: the activities to be carried out with their start dates and
completion, list of critical activities, list of critical equipment and materials,
work breakdown structure, progress curves according to the details

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 15


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

of the activities that must be carried out between the first thirty and sixty
days (according to project).

Engineering plan.- The information provided by the engineering plan is


composed of the scope of engineering work, the philosophy, and the foundations of
design, the criteria for material selection, the technical specifications,
codes and standards to be used, the execution plan and the description of the activities
criticisms with their contingency plan.
Procurement plan.- Within the procurement plan, the person in charge must
prepare for the analysis of the following: a supplier management plan, a
list of equipment and materials, a list of purchase orders, a strategy of
purchase, a monitoring and inspection plan, an approved list of suppliers
and manufacturers, a list of materials to be provided by the owner, in addition
it must include an identification of critical components, potential issues
that can arise and a contingency plan. At the moment there are many
tools that facilitate inventory control that integrate systems that
allow the receipt of products, perform physical inventories, locate stocks
and dispatch orders, the new automated systems allow for handling by
through portable terminals, the reception of materials by means of reading
barcodes and conduct physical inventories automatically, just like
dispatch the orders by transmitting the information to equipment
central computing.
Construction plan.- The construction plan must contain information
general related to the physical space in which the project will be implemented as
It is the access, the site, the planned temporary facilities, the weather forecast.
from the area, as well as the regulatory provisions of the locality for
process the legal permits related to the work.
It must also include the construction methods and procedures, the elements
prefabricated to be used, the modular coordination, the handling schemes
within the work of storage, transportation, and disposal of the material
for its installation, the priorities and sequence of construction and/or assembly, the
organization of construction through sequential process plans.

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 16


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

Regarding the construction equipment, a list should be prepared of the


required equipment, including its reception, installation and transportation if applicable.
Currently, there are tools such as GPS, which is a system of
global positioning that uses a radionavigation system that can be
installed on heavy construction machinery and material transport equipment, for
localize them or coordinate the delivery of materials at the works, which can
to be used by the builder.

SPECIFIC ACTIVITIES
The construction includes a large number of specific activities and
changing according to the adaptation to the particular work, the following deals with
to generalize certain activities possibly present in most
they
Preliminary activities.- Any activity necessary before
tostarttheactualconstructionactivity.
Clearing work.- Operation of felling trees, shrubs, weeding,
de-rooting, which is carried out on a land either manually or mechanically.
Excavation. - Normally, the first work that is carried out on the site.
after the land survey and layout, varies depending on the
type of construction, a house will need something more than a meter of
excavation for foundation, but for a bridge, dam or larger building
will require solid and deep foundations.
Embankment.- Inclined surface of the material of a cut or an embankment.
Shoring.- It is a type of very flexible temporary containment structure.
commonly used in construction and civil engineering.
It is constructed using wooden planks or metal elements and plates.
square, with dimensions around one meter by one meter. There are also
larger panels already mounted.
Demolitions: manual, mechanical traction or push - Series of operations
necessary requirements in the jobs to undo, disassemble any type
of construction or elements that integrate it.

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 17


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

Management, storage, and removal of debris.- After the demolition


logically, transportation, storage or some management of the
debris to allow other important work in a construction.
Foundation.- The set of elements is called foundation.
structural elements whose mission is to transmit the loads of the building to the ground.

Because the soil resistance is generally lower than the pillars or


walls that will support, the contact area between the ground and the foundation will be
proportionally larger than the supported elements
Structures: metal and concrete. The superstructure, both of buildings
civil works often involve the erection of significant
metal and/or concrete structures, sometimes of great height in order to
be a permanent part of the construction or temporarily to
to reach or complete other activities such as covering, scaffolding, etc.
Formwork.- The traditional formwork technique for a concrete slab
consists of wooden supports (young tree trunks), arranged in
rows, from one to two meters apart, depending on the thickness of the slab,
that support the formwork elements. Among these elements, the
sopandas, beams are placed approximately every thirty.
centimeters, along with overlaid plywood. These beams of
wood (sopandas) are generally five to ten centimeters wide and
about fifteen high.
Slabs.- A foundation slab is a concrete plate supported on the
ground that serves as a foundation distributing the weight and loads of the building
over the entire support surface.
Finishes: plastering, polishing, painting, etc. - If the structure is made of brick or of

concrete, the interior finish may require an initial plaster coating to


obtain a surface that can be painted, the finish may require the
fixing tiles and slabs of various types of material to the walls and
floors. Some of the materials used for interior finishes may
they can also be used outdoors, but the exterior finishes
they are generally related to coatings, sealing, and painting.

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 18


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

Electrical installations.- It is the arrangement of cables and other accessories that


once installed, they will provide lighting and electrical energy in general to the

building.
Sanitary and plumbing.- Installation of sanitary fixtures, pipes, and networks
plumbing necessary to supply liquid to the building.
Carpentry.-Name of the trade and the workshop or place where wood is worked.
and its derivatives with the aim of changing its physical form to create objects
tools for human development such as furniture for the home, frames of
doors and windows, cabins, toys, work desks, etc.
Cutting and welding.-Welding is a manufacturing process where
it joins two materials, (usually metals or thermoplastics),
usually achieved through coalescence (fusion), in which the pieces
they are welded by melting both and adding a molten filler material
(metal or plastic).
Scaffolding.- Any temporary structure, fixed, suspended, or mobile, and the
components on which it is based, that serve as support for workers and
materials or allow access to said structure. The scaffolding consists of
easily assemblable steel or wooden frames on which are
They can set up work platforms.
These are, among others, the activities to be carried out in a construction, the list is
very extensive since we could add masonry, drainage,
restoration, equipment, flooring and roads, ceiling and more than 150 items
with whom professionals in this field normally work in a
construction.
1.3. ANALYSIS OF CONSTRUCTION IN THE AREA.
Currently, construction in the study area is very varied, it has
chosen those that possess distinctive individual characteristics and that in
conjunto todas representen una adecuada variedad necesaria para que el
the study is not centered or biased, the following have been selected
constructions emphasizing that at the request of the promoters, builders or
the owners of the works will keep confidentiality regarding the identification of
the same in this work will be given a distinctive generic name.

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 19


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

1.3.1. Large-scale construction #1


Intended to function as a university in the urban area of the city of
Azogues, located in the southern part with an area of approximately a
hectare, the construction in its first phase will be valued at 1,500,000
dollars. The resources are university savings, the higher entity does not receive
no contribution from the state.

A second stage has a similar cost, the premises are necessary because the
The university has 1,800 students. This is undoubtedly the largest building.
of its kind currently in this city, up to this moment the progress of the
The work is 20% complete with foundations and structures almost finished.

1.3.2. Large-scale construction # 2.- it is decided to qualify or name it as


this way since it is a large-scale private construction
intended to be a shopping center, it is a 3-story building whose
progress to date is at 80%.

1.3.4. Construction 3, Public works. - This is about the construction of networks.

underground electric ETAPA 1. Which consists of establishing the structure


underground necessary for electrical networks to be deployed through it
telecommunications; its main objective is to improve the visual aesthetics of
city center, it is expected that the entire sector will have this type of networks,
the first stage being developed since the month of April will be analyzed.
de 2010.

1.3.4. Construction 4. Remodeling of wooden housing.-for effects


of variety within the study, it is decided to consider the construction of a
small housing located in the rural part of the canton specifically in the
Santa Martha area, Borrero parish, the characteristics of this housing being

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 20


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

a country or vacation house built mostly of wood, will give


a different perspective at the time of the respective analysis.

1.4. SPECIFIC CHARACTERISTICS OF THE SECTOR OF


CONSTRUCTION
Construction is one of the most important sectors of the industry.
terms of the economies of the countries of the world, however, it is also
one of the sectors with the highest accident rate.
The lack of proper management of safety and health at work of the
works imply significant increases in production costs, losses of
productivity, quality, and deadline compliance.
The International Labour Organization ILO states that annually there are
around 100,000 accidents in the construction area, the majority of
which can be prevented, we cannot ignore underreporting.
given the particular characteristics of this sector, the temporality, the
informality, the high turnover of labor, the difficulty of supervision, etc.
They have been the international specialized agencies in labor such as the
OIT was the first to put on the public agenda the need for regulation.
specifically the management of safety and health in work environments
the construction, in this way, the agreements on Health Safety
and construction represents an important step to establish security and
health in this important area of the Ecuadorian industry.
This agreement emphasizes the need for security in planning and the
coordination of safety and health at works, emphasizing that it is
obligation of the persons responsible for the conception and planning of a
construction project take into account the Safety and Health of
Workers.

1.4.1. HEALTH RISKS IN CONSTRUCTION WORKS


Construction workers build, repair, maintain, restore,
they reform and tear down houses, office buildings, temples, factories, hospitals,
roads, bridges, tunnels, stadiums, ports, airports, etc. The

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 21


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

International Labor Organization (ILO) classifies within the sector of the


construction to those public and private companies that build buildings for
housing or for commercial purposes and infrastructure such as roads, bridges,
tunnels, dams, and airports.
They are exposed in their work to a wide variety of risks to the
salud, la exposición varía de oficio en oficio, de obra a obra, cada día, incluso
Every hour, exposure to any risk tends to be intermittent. short
duration, but it is likely to be repeated. A worker can not only
not only faces the primary risks of their own work, but can also
exposing oneself as a passive observer to the risks generated by those who
they work in their proximity or in their sphere of influence. This model of
exposure is one of the consequences of having many employers with
relatively short duration jobs and working alongside workers
of other trades that generate other risks. The severity of each risk
it depends on the concentration and duration of exposure for a given
work. Passive displays can be predicted approximately.
if the trade of the nearby workers is known.

The main risks in the area are detailed in the following table.
construction.
Table 1.1. Primary risks in specialized construction trades.
Professions Risks
Masons Cement dermatitis, postures
inadequate, heavy loads
Stone masons Cement dermatitis, postures
inadequate, heavy loads
Tilers and pavers Fumes from the adhesive pastes,
dermatitis, improper postures
Carpenters Sawdust, heavy loads, movements
repetitive
Gypsum board installers Plaster powder, walking on stilts,
loads heavy, postures
inadequate
Electricians Heavy metals from the fumes of the
welding, improper postures
heavy loads, asbestos dust
Installers and repairers of heavy metal lines from the fumes of the

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 22


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

electric welding, heavy loads, dust of


asbestos
Painters Emissions of solvents, metals
toxins from pigments, additives of
the paintings
Paperhangers Vapors of the tail, postures
inadequate
Revokers Dermatitis, inadequate postures
Plumbers Emissions and lead particles,
welding fumes
Plumbers Emanations and lead particles,
welding fumes, dust of
asbestos
Boiler fitters Welding fumes, dust of
asbestos
Carpet layers Knee injuries, postures
inadequate, adhesives and their
emanations
Placers of coatings Adhesive agents
flexible
Concrete and terrazzo polishers Inappropriate postures
Glassmakers Inadequate postures
Insulation installers Asbestos, synthetic fibers, postures
inadequate
Operators of machinery from Silica dust, heat
railway track laying
Paver operators, Emissions from asphalt, fumes from
graders and rollers gasoline and diesel engines,
heat
Roofers Tar, heat, work at height
Steel duct installers Postures inadequate, loads
heavy, noise
Metal structure assemblers Inappropriate postures, loads
heavy, work at height
Welders (electrical) Welding emissions
Welders (oxygen-acetylene) Emanations metallic, lead,
cadmium
Trenchers, on land, on rock Silica powder, vibrations all over the
body, noise
Pneumatic hammer operators Noise, vibrations throughout the body,
silica powder
Pile driver machinists Noise, vibrations throughout the body
Lathe and forklift operators Noise, lubrication oil
Cranes (tower cranes and automobiles) Fatigue, isolation
Machinery operators of Octopus of silica, histoplasmosis,
excavation and loading vibrations throughout the body, fatigue
for heat, noise

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 23


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

Operators of motor graders, silica dust, vibrations throughout the


bulldozers and trailers cuerpo, calor, ruido
Construction workers: asphalt emissions, heat, fumes
roads and streets of diesel engines
Truck drivers and tractor drivers Vibrations throughout the body, fumes
of diesel engines
Demolition workers Asbestos, lead, dust, noise
Workers handling waste Heat, fatigue
toxics
Source: Encyclopedia of Health and Safety at Work. Third Edition;
2001. International Labour Organization, I.L.O.
Each trade is included in the list with an indication of the risks.
primary ones to which a worker in that trade may be exposed, the
exposure can equally affect supervisors and workers.

Worldwide, there is practically a statistical coincidence that the


the construction activity holds a prominent (and regrettable) place of
victims as a consequence of work. Within the variety of activities
in civil construction, there are different rates of Frequency and Severity of
depending on the type of work (bridges, tunnels, roads, dams, etc.), its
complexity, its organization, the technology used, the labor
employee.
But even for the same type of work, the injury rates are not
directly comparable as they have been collected and processed in
different times and places, and without a completely uniform criterion, besides the
it is a fact that each work has its own unique characteristics that make it
irrepetible.
It is also a fact that great works generally present indices.
of lower frequency than the smallest ones, and this is due to the fact that in
the number of employees assigned to services is proportionally
higher, and these activities present a lower risk than those
linked to production; and also because in large works it
pay more attention to accident prevention.
Even so, in the great works they usually stand out clearly within the
differentiated production risk activities, which make some

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 24


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

sectors usually have higher accident rates than the


average of the work.

Based on the presented context, the chapters that follow are


they will develop, address this topic, that is, related to risks
labor issues present in this activity, addressed and analyzed at the local level in the
environment also described in this chapter.

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 25


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

CHAPTER II. OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH

CHAPTER II. OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY

In this chapter, a series of definitions and concepts will be presented.


as a guide and support for the development of the research work, it is necessary
to establish a global understanding or conceptualization that supports the
present work.

[Link] AND HEALTH


It is understood as labor, a factor of production compensated by wages and,
more specifically, the activity for which the person develops their
physical and intellectual abilities in exchange for a salary, to be able to
satisfy their needs and lead a dignified life.
Health, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), is the state of
physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of harm and
disease. That is to say, it is the state in which the person normally functions.
all its functions with perfect balance between its strengths and the demands
of the surrounding environment in which it develops its activities.
The person, when doing the work, produces variations in the environment
that surrounds him, these variations can be of a physical, mental nature and
social. It is logical to deduce that these changes can sometimes affect the
worker's health when modifying their initial equilibrium situation, situation to the
what is called health.
There is thus a notable conclusion: not the work, but the modifications.
that their performance introduces into the environment, can be aggressive for the
person, by enabling the existence of risks.

2.2. WORKPLACE RISKS


Work risks are the harmful eventualities to
to which the worker is subject, on occasion or as a consequence of their activity,
For the purposes of employer liability, risks are considered

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 26


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

I work on occupational diseases and accidents. (Labor Code


Article 347
Work risk - It is the possibility of harm occurring to health.
people with the presence of accidents, diseases, and states of
dissatisfaction caused by factors or risk agents present in the
productive process (Safety regulations for construction and works
public, Article 1, Definitions

2.3. WORKING CONDITIONS


The modifications of the environment are produced by the conditions of
development of the work that is defined as any characteristic of it
that may have a significant influence on the generation of risks for the
worker safety and health.
Thus, the working conditions are the machines, the noise produced by
them, the solvents used for cleaning certain materials, the lighting
of the workshops, the required attention, relationships with others, etc.
When these working conditions are negative, in the sense that
They can cause health damage or significantly influence the
the magnitude of the risks is commonly referred to as risk factors,
dangerous, processes, activities, operations or potentially products
dangerous.
The working conditions categorized as risk factors are classified
usually in:

2.3.1. SECURITY CONDITIONS


They are those characteristics of the work that can significantly influence the
generation of risks that can materialize in a workplace accident;
we can include among them:
• General characteristics of workplaces or centers of work. Within

this category can include aspects of the workplace such as the


spaces necessary for the development of work under conditions of

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 27


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

safety, characteristics of corridors, floors, stairs, railings


firefighting elements, etc.
• Facilities. This category refers to the own infrastructures.

or incorporated into the building, which provide certain services


added, but that can constitute a source of risks. Thus, we
we found with electrical, gas, and air conditioning installations,
etc.
• Work teams. Any machine, device, tool or
installation used in the work. Therefore, we must include within this
definition both machines (in the strict sense) and all
tools (manual or mechanical), lifting devices, of
maintenance, transportation (including vehicles), etc. that may be
used for the development of the activity.
• Storage and handling of materials and loads. The
conditions under which the loads (raw materials) are handled and stored
accessory elements of the production process, products in process or
finished products) constitute safety conditions in the sense
that if the procedures are inadequate, they may also be a source
of occupational risk.
• Existence or use of products (substances or preparations)

hazardous chemicals. Although they are typically studied as part of the


Environmental conditions of work can also be a source of risks.
of accident (for example explosion, fire, etc.)

2.3.2. ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS OR FACTORS


They are those characteristics of the work that can significantly influence
the generation of risks that can materialize in a disease
professionals; are included under this concept:
• Exposure of workers to physical agents. They are called

physical agents to the different energies or manifestations of energy that


they are present in the production process. It is worth mentioning among them the

noises, vibrations, radiations, electromagnetic fields, etc.

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 28


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

• Exposure of workers to chemical agents. The use of

chemical products are not only present in the industries of the sector
chemical but appear in all work activities.
• Exposure to biological agents. This definition includes the

microorganisms susceptible to causing any type of infection,


allergy or toxicity in humans.
• Exposure to carcinogenic and mutagenic agents. They are those

substances, preparations or processes capable of causing cancer or effects


irreversible genetic changes in humans.
• Lighting

• Thermo-hygrometric conditions: heat, cold, relative humidity, quality

of the air, general conditioning of the workplace.

2.3.3. THE WORKLOAD


Physical or mental characteristics specific to the work, specifically referred to
to the amount required from the worker, which can have a significant influence
in the generation of risks both of workplace accidents and of
occupational diseases.

2.3.4. THE ORGANIZATION OF WORK


Characteristics of the work, specifically related to the way it is
ordered the same, which may have a significant influence on the
generation of risks of workplace accidents or occupational diseases. Among
we can highlight the following characteristics:

• Monotony of work.

• Repetitiveness or chain work.

• Possibility of initiative.

• Isolation.

• Shift work or night work.

• Insufficient breaks poorly distributed.

This classification of working conditions or factors will be extremely


important in the context of this work, as they will group and delimit

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 29


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

the way in which the analyses, assessments, application will be developed


sheets (check list), etc. divided into these mentioned groups:
safety conditions or factors, environmental conditions or factors
the workload, the organization of work.

2.4. MATERIALIZATION OF RISKS


It has been mentioned that inadequate working conditions can lead to
in the achievement of various health damages for the worker, the risks
labor relations can become, if materialized, a series of
multiple consequences (economic, social, etc.) that go beyond the
stated in the current legislation.
The preventive approach that should govern all studies of occupational risks.
makes it so that, logically, we cannot base preventive action on the
fight against these consequences, but rather, we must
we focus on its causes or origin, that is, on the risks and on the
risk factors that have produced them.
In fact, for statistical purposes and to combat occupational risks, they have
great importance to the so-called blank accidents, that is, accidents
that, due to circumstances of chance or luck, have not had consequences, but
which must be taken into account for preventive purposes, due to the consequences
that they could have had.

2.4.1. THE WORK ACCIDENT


Work accidents are undoubtedly the most evident characteristic that
the uncontrolled risks or dangers materialized, despite the growing
Interest and efforts dedicated to reducing them remain present and in large numbers.
for the following reasons:
• The slowness with which the so-called preventive culture is being implemented,
mainly among workers.
• The overall situation of economic boom in the national economy that entails a
greater business activity and therefore a greater number of workers
exposed to professional risks.

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 30


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

At the local level, the following specific features can be added:


• Lack of knowledge of the regulations by the employer.
• Lack of knowledge of the regulations by the employee.
• Existence of informal, unstable, or rotating labor force.
• Reluctance on the part of the employee or collaborator to to gather the
provisions of their employer.
• Focus on security and prevention as an unnecessary expense.
• Difficult access to or knowledge of the true costs of accidents and
work incidents.
• Development of the activity based on ingrained customs and reluctance
to the change (PARADIGM)
However, certain sectors such as mining, the steel industry, and
other renowned and important companies, with traditionally some indices
high levels of workplace accidents have proportionally experienced their
growth index, a slight improvement that makes us more optimistic about
regarding.
Far from the statistical indices, we cannot forget that, behind each
serious workplace accident, there is at least one personal and family tragedy, like this

like a whole series of social consequences that should make us all,


from our position as workers, entrepreneurs, etc., in an attitude of
compromiso para evitar su aparición y, por supuesto, sus consecuencias
nefarious.
The definition of accident can have two different approaches:
Legal approach:
A work accident is any unforeseen and sudden event that causes
worker a bodily injury or functional disturbance, in occasion or by
consequence of the work performed for others. (Labor Code
Art. 348)
This legal definition refers both to the injuries that occur in the
work center similar to those that occur on the usual route between this
and the worker's address.

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 31


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

Preventive technical approach:


Work accident is any abnormal event, not wanted or desired, that occurs
presents itself abruptly and unexpectedly, although it is normally avoidable, and
that interrupts the normal continuity of work and can cause injuries to the
people.
Accidents, no matter how unexpected, surprising, and undesired they may be
Appearances do not arise by chance. They are the consequence and effect of a situation.
previous, in which the conditions existed that made it possible that the
accident would occur.

There are always some causes (generally multiple) of a natural character, not
mysterious or supernatural, and although sometimes it's hard to find them, we must not
to resort to "bad luck" or resign ourselves to its inevitability, because of that
in a way it is not possible to prevent the fact and stop it from reappearing and giving

place to new accidents.


Work accidents have natural and explainable causes, and if not
We discovered and controlled them, accidents will occur again.

2.4.2. THE OCCUPATIONAL DISEASE


Regarding the concept or definition of occupational disease, we find ourselves
again facing a dual approach:
Legal approach:
Occupational diseases are acute or chronic conditions caused
in a direct manner through the exercise of the profession or work that they perform
trabajador y que producen incapacidad.(Código del Trabajo Art. 349)
Preventive technical approach:
From this broader perspective, it is generically referred to as
disease derived from work, not from occupational disease, being understood
due to an illness derived from work, that slow and gradual deterioration of the
worker's health, caused by chronic exposure to situations

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 32


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

adverse, whether produced by the environment in which it develops


the work, or by the way the tasks they have to are organized
to lend the worker (conditions or factors of work).
The factors that determine the appearance and severity of a certain
occupational disease are:
• El tiempo de exposición del trabajador al agente causante de la
disease
• The concentration or intensity of that causative agent or pollutant.
• The personal characteristics of workers, such as age, gender,
Immunodeficiencies, allergies, etc. can significantly influence the
degree to which the disease arises and develops in humans.
• The simultaneous presence of several pollutants, such that they can
interact or multiply their effects if given in a combined form.

2.4.3. OTHER CONSEQUENCES


The manifestation of occupational risks in a certain event does not
desired, it can be accompanied by a series of consequences different from the
health damage to the worker that has already been mentioned.
We can highlight its importance:
• The economic costs for the entrepreneur, among which,
traditionally, the following are distinguished:

• Direct costs: Losses or deterioration of work equipment, materials


primas, etc., surcharges on Social Security contributions and other penalties,
days not worked as a result of the work accident or
occupational disease, etc.
• Indirect costs: Production can be halted by breakdowns in the
machines, which can in turn cause delays in supply and the
possible loss of clientele; on the other hand, in the event that it
producing casualties, it may become necessary to hire and train personnel who
replace the injured or sick person.
• The deterioration of the company's image, as well as the emergence of a
greater labor conflict.

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 33


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

• Economic costs for society as a whole. When it occurs


an accident or occupational disease, society must assume certain responsibilities

hospitalization costs, treatment, rehabilitation, etc.


• Ethical and moral consequences.
• Environmental consequences. - Although none have occurred
health damages to workers, certain accidents can
have an impact on the environment that can in turn be translated into
costs due to administrative fines, poor image of the company, etc.

2.5 DISCIPLINAS EN MATERIA PREVENTIVA


To fight against the situations described so far, the
prevention techniques aimed at avoiding harm from removal
of risk, acting on the causes; that is, they help to eliminate or reduce the
possibility of materialization of the risk factor.
They can be divided into two large groups: those aimed at acting on the
worker and those that act on the environment.

ACTION REGARDING THE WORKER


The following stand out:
• Staff selection.- Without being specific to prevention, a proper
staff selection helps to study the skills and attitudes of the
workers in order to place them in a task that they can develop without
problems. It is complemented by preventive medical check-ups.
carried out before the worker joins a specific position
work.
Occupational medicine. Study the consequences of the conditions
materials and environmental factors regarding the worker, trying to establish
medical conditions that do not cause harm or diseases. The treatments
preventive (administering vaccines and medications that reinforce health
in certain situations) and health education (creating habits of
hygiene in specific cases) are specific aspects of this technique.

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 34


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

ACTION ON THE ENVIRONMENT


The following stand out:
• Ergonomics.- It is a technique to combat fatigue, it aims to adapt the
job position to the person. At first, he/she was concerned with adapting the
geometric dimensions of the workplace and define the efforts and
movements required for the correct development of the task; subsequently
expanded its scope to those conditions of lighting, temperature, humidity
and noise that ceased to be an object of industrial hygiene, insofar as it no longer
it caused damage so severe as to provoke occupational diseases,
but they did have a relevant influence on the emergence of worker fatigue; for
the same reason, expanded its scope to the workday, the pace of its
performance and the distribution of break periods during the workday, is thus a
absolutely multidisciplinary technique.
• Psychosociology.- It aims to prevent health damages caused by tasks.
depersonalized, monotonous, repetitive, and without a sense of identity,
conditions of relationship that hinder communication, command systems that
they nullify the ability to make decisions, etc., that is to say, it has its field of

acting in all those aspects governed by the organization of work


that cause a series of damages encompassed in the concept of dissatisfaction
labor, which appears when the worker is not taken into account as
person with its own individual entity.
• Safety techniques at work.-These are the ones that have the shortest-term impact.

they provide greater effectiveness against accidents. They study the factors of
risks that endanger the physical integrity of workers.
Industrial hygiene.- Studies the identification, assessment, and correction of
physical, chemical, and biological factors present in the work environment that
they can cause permanent alterations (occupational diseases). Together
with safety techniques and occupational medicine, it attempts to establish the
working conditions that do not cause physical harm or illness.
Finally, and for your effective collaboration in the field of prevention, you can
include training as one of the general prevention techniques most
notable in the face of the emergence of damages.

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 35


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

In general, these are the basic disciplines in the field of prevention.


of risks, some are grouped together such as ergonomics and
psychosociology constituting a single subdiscipline, as well as the training
it can be considered discipline or just a tool, for the
current study we will classify these disciplines according to their academic status or

recognition represented in Table 2.1.


Table 2.1. Basic disciplines in risk prevention
occupational (PRL)
BASIC DISCIPLINES IN
SUBJECT OF PREVENTION OF
Occupational Risks (PRL)

Occupational Medicine

WORKPLACE SAFETY

INDUSTRIAL HYGIENE

Ergonomics

Psychosociology

Each of them is described in greater detail:

2.5.1. OCCUPATIONAL MEDICINE


It is the medical specialty that addresses health disturbances and the
pathologies related to occupational risks (curative function), is concerned
of the protective measures against risk factors (protective function),
studies the control of them (preventive function), intervenes in the
adaptation of work to the man (ergonomic function) and acts in the improvement of
the working conditions and health levels of workers (function of
promotion), its preventive action refers to individual prevention; the

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 36


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

Occupational medicine aims to keep the worker in an optimal condition.


health status, through various types of techniques such as:
a) Preventive techniques.- Avoiding damages that may arise from
work, is mainly epidemiology (study of a population to
to know the possible causes of the anomalies in your health status), the
health surveillance (mainly through medical check-ups) and the
health education.
b) Healing techniques.- They consist of the diagnosis and treatment of the
damages caused by work.
c) Rehabilitation techniques.- Go beyond simple physiological healing,
trying to restore the worker to the condition he was in
before the damages occurred.

2.5.2. WORKPLACE SAFETY


This discipline aims to prevent the risks of accidents.
work, that is, the risks derived from the security conditions in
that work activity is developed, Occupational Safety makes use of a
a series of security techniques, which we classify based on their objectives:

[Link]. GENERAL OR UNSPECIFIC TECHNIQUES.- Those applicable


general in any work activity, with any risk factor.

[Link]. SPECIFIC TECHNIQUES.- Those that, being a development of the


general techniques are applied to detect and correct specific risks
(machine protection, electrical risks, fires, etc.) or risks in
specific productive sectors (construction, metallurgy, mining,
etc.).
Considering the moment of its application within preventive management, it
they will consider the applicable security techniques in the phases of:
• Identification, location, and assessment of risks.
• Risk prevention.
• Protection against the consequences of the accident.

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 37


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

Equipped with the following security techniques: analytics,


operational and organizational.

ANALYTICAL TECHNIQUES.- They exclusively aim to identify the causes.


the possibilities of accidents, in themselves, do not prevent, but without them
prevention is not possible; information is collected through them
obtained from previous accidents.
Security inspections or audits
They aim to identify, assess, and correct risk factors for
preventing the accident from occurring will be much more effective the more
experience regarding the inspected facilities and elements;
the experience will be greatly enriched with the notification, registration and
investigation of all previously occurred accidents.

Notification and registration of accidents


The accidents that occurred are an unbeatable source of information about the
existing factors in a work environment that are truly decisive
of risk, their knowledge is very valuable for applying it consequently
corrective measures to prevent its recurrence or at least its consequences,
The accident notification aims to provide basic information about it.
it consists of the preparation and sending of a formal document where it is described
clearly and concisely where, how, and why the accident happened, a
Subsequent study and analysis will allow for the definition of an appropriate preventive policy.
The notification will be made by the person in charge, intermediate or superior management of the

worker injured, after conducting a brief investigation immediately


after the accident, completed with an observation of the conditions
real estate existing in the place where it was produced.

The next logical step after the notification is the registration of accidents, which
it consists of the sorting of all the data provided by the different
accident notifications; finally, an investigation will be carried out.

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 38


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

Statistical analysis of accident rates


Consiste en aplicar técnicas estadísticas para ordenar, cuantificar y controlar la
evolution and trend of the circumstances surrounding the work accident, it
they use statistical indices, among which the following stand out:

a) Frequency Index (FI):


Number of accidents
IF= 106
Number of actual hours worked

Accidents are not included1in itiniere

b) Severity Index (SI):


Number of lost days
IF= 103
Number of hours worked
Accident investigation
As a result of the accident notification, an investigation is proposed.
of the same, a technique used to try to locate the different causes that
they have caused a particular accident, prior verification of the facts
realized that were produced.
Accident investigation is the most important analytical technique. The others
three (safety inspections, notification and registration of accidents and analysis
accidentability statistics) are techniques applicable in the phases of
identification, location, and assessment of risks.

OPERATIONAL TECHNIQUES.-Once the risk factors have been


identified and assessed, true prevention involves the elimination of the
same, being this the basic and main objective of operational techniques; are
the techniques that truly 'make' security.
Some of them act at the source and aim to eliminate the risk.

1
The term 'accidente in itinere' refers to an accident that occurs to a worker while commuting from their home.
to their workplace, and vice versa, provided that the worker has not interrupted the journey for reasons
unrelated to work.

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 39


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

(operational conception techniques) and others aim to minimize


effects in the face of an inevitable risk (corrective operational techniques).

Integrated techniques in the design of equipment and facility projects


The equipment, machines, and facilities are designed in such a way that, even in
In case of a distraction, the worker cannot have an accident, these are the techniques.
more effective operations, a clear example is the current machines
known as machining centers, the machine, capable of performing multiple
material machining operations are really 'contained' in a
metal bunker with a security door; if the security door is
open, the machine does not work, with the door closed, the accident is impossible
by not allowing the worker's proximity to any of the hazards of the
machine (pulleys, gears, moving torsion elements, etc.).

Integrated techniques in the definition of working methods


In the definition of operational working modes, the following are taken into account
preventive principles, designing a way to carry out operations of
so that the worker does not suffer the action of risk factors, in case it occurs
it is impossible to prevent the action of the risk factor, the measures are defined
adequate protection that prevents or minimizes its effects (for example, the
obligation to use personal protective equipment.

Personnel selection techniques


They aim to select the worker based on their aptitudes and attitudes that are
better suits the job requirements in terms of safety
refers; for example: to work at heights it is essential obviously
that the worker does not suffer from vertigo, for maintenance work in
installations with cutting or piercing mechanical elements are incompatible
a worker with visual problems. In the two previous examples the
the suitable worker should also have a positive attitude towards the
security to ensure that appropriate protective measures will be taken
(seat belt in your case, protective gloves, etc.).

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 40


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

Training
Knowing the risks, the prevention and protection measures are defined.
by the security technicians, but these measures would be of no use if they do not
complement it with a training plan that achieves:
• Inform the worker of the existing risks.
• Shape it according to the corresponding preventive measures.
• Achieve a sincere commitment from him to ensure that he will 'comply' with the
measures in which it is formed.

Safety propaganda campaigns


They are usually carried out through posters or brochures that are simple and
attractive, show the present risk factors and how to avoid them.
action, or some basic principle of general prevention.

Adaptation of security systems, defenses, and safeguards


machines
When, by design, such elements are not part of the original equipment, they
they are subsequently designed to avoid or reduce the effect of the risk factor
present, its effectiveness is lower than if defined in the design phase of the
machines.

Personal protective equipment


Carried by the worker, they prevent or reduce the possible damage caused by the
risk factor, to be effective, the choice must be appropriate for each case
individually; like all operational techniques, it must be complemented with
the appropriate selection of the worker and good training in the job of
corresponding equipment, are examples: glasses, gloves, footwear, belt of
security, masks, etc.

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 41


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

Signage of risk or dangerous areas


With the appropriate signals, the worker is warned of the presence of risks and
the preventive and protective measures that must be developed to avoid the
damage.

Safety regulations
Son las reglas de comportamiento que, a nivel de empresa, interpretan y
they adapt the existing legal regulations to each specific situation; they refer to
exclusively to safety, hygiene, or occupational health matters, thus they are
those that affect the use of machines, equipment, facilities, or aspects of
behavior, for these rules to be effective, they must be known,
correctly interpreted and sincerely accepted by the worker.

ORGANIZATIONAL TECHNIQUES.- Organizational techniques define,


they implement and maintain the necessary security organization so that
the techniques can be defined and carried out correctly and continuously
analytical and operational.
They understand the definition and implementation of the following aspects:
• Security organizational chart.
• Safety managers and technicians (prevention delegate, technician of
security, etc.)
• Occupational health and safety committees.
• Security meetings.
• Company medical service.

2.5.3. INDUSTRIAL HYGIENE


It is a non-medical science of action with a preventive nature, about the
pollutants found in the workplace that can
affect the health of workers, its purpose is to identify these
risk factors (chemical, physical, and biological agents), measure them and
evaluate them, with the aim of their reduction or elimination.

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 42


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

To achieve its objectives, it is based on a methodology composed of


through a series of procedures that generally follow the same sequence,
Therefore, we can speak of a general procedure for action of the
hygienist
• Identification of the different risk agents.
• Measurement, if necessary, of exposure to the agent, by virtue of the
concentration of each substance at work, the intensity and the time
of exhibition.
• Assessment of this exposure risk, comparing the doses of
exhibition with certain reference values established in
various technical standards.
• Determination, as a consequence of the aforementioned assessment, of whether the
Is the work environment dangerous or not, and to what degree.

• Correction of the situation.


• Carrying out periodic controls of the effectiveness of the measures
adopted and the periodic monitoring and surveillance of health.

[Link]. BRANCHES OF INDUSTRIAL HYGIENE


The branches of industrial hygiene are as follows:
Theoretical.- Analyzes the effects of pollutants on the person, studies the
dose-response relationships and establishes the acceptable standards of
concentration of the pollutant. Theoretical hygiene works at the level of
laboratory (through experimentation) and at the field level (checking by
real experience obtained in the laboratory.
Field. -Studies the hygienic problems in the workplace environment
collecting samples to assess the risks. Thus, it analyzes the
job positions, detects contaminants and takes samples.
Field hygiene identifies the contaminating agents present in the
work position in a methodical manner called "hygienic survey", in
the one that is being analyzed:

• Company activity.
• Raw materials and facilities,

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 43


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

• Processes used for the manufacturing of the products.


• Number of people exposed, schedules and frequency of
exhibitions.
• Use of personal protective equipment.

Having obtained this data, the sampling strategy is designed by which


define:
• Place, number, and duration of the measurements.
• Number of people to sample.
• Type of measurements (continuous, punctual, personal, environmental
generalities, etc.).
Analytics. Qualitatively and quantitatively analyze the pollutants
present in the samples taken from the work environment.
Operational.- Choose and recommend the control measures to be implemented in the premises.

to work to reduce contaminant concentration levels to values


not harmful to health, in the short, medium, and long term.
Operational hygiene, based on the data provided by the survey
hygienic and the results obtained from analytical hygiene, defines measures of
control to reduce concentration levels to non-harmful levels
for the health of the worker. These measures can act on three levels:
1. About the emitting focus:
• Replacing the pollutant with another non-pollutant or less harmful one
contaminant.
• Isolating the emitting source.
• For localized extraction of the contaminant.
• Retaining the pollutant at the emission source.
2. About the propagation environment:
• By general ventilation.
3. About the receiver:
• By rotating job positions (the time is reduced
exhibition.

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 44


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

• For worker training and use of protective equipment


individual.
In summary, industrial hygiene operates according to the following cycle:
• Identify the pollutants according to the criteria defined by the survey
hygienic.
• Measure the pollutants.
• Evaluate according to defined criteria.
• Establish the control measures.
The pollutants present in the workplaces are divided into:
Physical (pollute in the form of energy). They exist:
Mechanics: noise and vibrations.
Thermals: heat and cold.
Chemicals (materially pollute). They appear in the form:
• Molecular: gases and vapors.
• Aerosols (molecular aggregates): solids (dust and fumes) and liquids
(fog).
Biologicals: bacteria, protozoa, viruses, fungi, parasitic animals and derivatives
animals (fur, feathers, proteins) and plants (pollen, mycotoxins)
antibiotics, etc.).

2.5.4. PSYCHOSOCIOLOGY
We call psychology the science that studies the functioning of the
human mind, its behaviors, motivations, etc., likewise, the
sociology studies human behavior in relation to the group
social environment in which he lives, talking about aspects such as integration into the

group, role assumption, etc.


Well, by combining both concepts and applying them, we can deduce
quickly in what lapsicosociology consists: It is a discipline
preventive action on psychological and social factors (psychosocial)
that can influence the occurrence of a workplace accident or an illness
professional.

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 45


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

Of the three dimensions of the health concept studied, the medicine of


work, safety and hygiene, emphasize the physical dimension of the
health; however, labor psychosociology wants to echo the
repercussions that work can have on the other two dimensions of the
health (mental and social) in order to achieve the sought balance between them.
It is therefore clear the importance that this can acquire.
discipline, taking into account the new trends in the conditions of
emerging jobs in our society, where the improvement of conditions
The physics of work is inversely proportional to the worsening of the
psychosocial conditions in relation to the mental workload, demands
of more responsibilities, etc.

[Link]. PSYCHOSOCIAL FACTORS THAT CAN ALTER HEALTH


The World Health Organization analyzes the psychosocial factors in the
jobs that can alter health, classifying them into three groups:

Related to the type of task:


• Level of employment of personal skills.
• Valuation of the person by the level of responsibility in their
decisions.
• Repetitiveness and monotony of the tasks performed. - Isolation
of the worker in the work environment.

Related to working conditions:


• Physical and chemical factors of the work environment.
• Job stability.
• Environmental comfort conditions.
• Insufficient or excessive workload.
• The size of the company in terms of the possibility of
depersonalize the worker.

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 46


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

Related to the organization of work:


• Organization of work shifts.
• Leadership style.
• Level of interpersonal communication and participation in decisions of
group.
• Group cohesion.
• Compensation systems and vacations.

[Link]. WORKPLACE STRESS


Not all workers are stimulable in the same way, and dysfunction in
the interconnected system of the mentioned factors can cause the
work-related stress. In 1984, a joint committee of the International Organization
of Labor and the World Health Organization classified the situation of
stress due to the following indicators:
Behavioral reactions:
• Alteration of family relationships.
• Sleep disturbances and eating habits.
• Worsening of addictive behaviors and antisocial conduct.
• General decrease in activity.
Emotional reactions:
• Apathy and fatigue.
• Irritability and aggression.
• Anguish and tension.
• Work frustration.
Psychosomatic disorders:
• Cardiovascular and digestive dysfunctions.
• Headaches and discomfort in the eyes.
• Osteo-muscular pain.

Cognitive alterations:
• Reduction of attention and concentration level.

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 47


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

• Decrease in creative capacity.


• Memory disorders.
• Decrease in decision making.

The observable labor indicators or symptoms in population situations


stressed work is:
• Increase in absenteeism and accident rates.
• Decrease in the quality and quantity of work.
• Increase in interpersonal conflicts at all levels.
• Reckless behaviors.

[Link]. VALUATION METHODS AND PREVENTION TECHNIQUES


From the above, the importance of evaluation is deduced.
psychosocial factors in companies to prevent undesirable effects.
This assessment is made through valuation methods that are grouped into
two categories:

Methods of valuing data collected directly.- among the


that highlight the techniques of direct observation, the analysis of data
statistical methods for measuring physiological parameters and the different
methods of analyzing working conditions (ANACT, LEST, etc.).2

Valuation methods for data collected indirectly.


from the opinion of the workers, we can cite the valuation scales
subjective, multiple choice tests, open checklists,
group discussions, etc. All these methods aim to assess the
psychosocial factors of the analyzed company in order to verify the existence

2
The LEST method basically consists of a relatively simple and quick observation guide that
allows for the collection of some data as objectively as possible about the various elements of the
working conditions of a job position, to establish a diagnosis.
The ANACT method, unlike other methods, was developed with the intention of serving as a foundation in each case.
for the development of the tool that seems most appropriate. It is an instrument for analysis and for
The action on working conditions, with the aim of understanding and acting upon them, allows for an evaluation of a
situation and identify the causes that have led to this situation.

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 48


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

of favorable conditions of stress that would therefore require a


corrective intervention.
Among the most notable prevention techniques in the field of
Psychosociology highlights the flexibilization of schedules, redesign of the position of
work according to personal characteristics, reduction of monotony by
job rotation and elongation, increased responsibility
for enrichment of tasks, improvement of delegation, improvement of the par-
participation by organization in autonomous or semi-autonomous work groups,
etc.

2.5.5. ERGONOMICS
This preventive discipline is studied as a specialty of Technicians in
Higher Level Prevention, along with psychosociology, as both are
very related.
However, it has a unique feature that makes it remarkably
different from the rest, in that the previous disciplines study the
working conditions from the perspective of their negative aspects or
negative repercussions on health, while ergonomics not only
pursues the improvement of working conditions to avoid their effects
negatives in health, but rather the improvement of any aspect that
affects the balance of the person, considered together in their
environment.
Given its globalizing nature, in search of an ideal work environment, it has
referred to ergonomics as the science of well-being or comfort.
Ergonomics aims to adapt work to the conditions
physiological and psychological aspects of people, studies and designs the positions of

work, its processes and the work teams according to the characteristics
of the worker.

In this way, conducts studies and proposes designs for the workstations.
in order to achieve a perfect adaptation between them and the people who

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 49


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

they occupy. It aims to provide greater comfort, avoid fatigue, and eliminate
risk situations.

[Link]. FIELDS OF STUDY OF ERGONOMICS


Currently, the fields of study of ergonomics can be grouped
like this:
•Ergonomics of position and effort. With the help of Anthropometry and
the Biomechanics (which analyzes the musculoskeletal system in relation to
man - machine), defines the geometric configuration of benches, tables and
work chairs, the plans and work volumes, the displays and controls, the
visual and acoustic signaling media, ergonomic hand tools,
etc.
Environmental ergonomics. It studies light and colors, noise, vibrations, and conditions.

thermohygrometric conditions of the workplace.


Temporal ergonomics. Analyzes work schedules, duration and distribution of
breaks during the day, some agreements include in this section the
feeding system, composition of meals and influence of the
duration and circumstances of transfers to the workplace.
•Congestive ergonomics. Analyzes the psychosocial factors that condition
the effectiveness and job satisfaction, motivation, communication, degree of
autonomy, influence of leadership, work in autonomous groups or
semi-autonomous, etc.
Social ergonomics. In this last and novel section, the analysis focuses on the

appropriate intervention criteria to adapt the workplaces to the


workers with disabilities or impairments as well as the issue of
maintenance of autonomy and work efficiency for workers of
older age (normally includes workers over 55 years of age).

[Link]. ERGONOMIC CRITERIA


It can be inferred that ergonomic criteria encompass all factors.
of work that have repercussions on physical, mental, and social comfort of the
person and that, therefore, influence the quality and quantity of their work.

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 50


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

The most relevant classic ergonomic criteria are:


• In carrying out the task, use the members that incur the least expense.
energetic: use fingers better than the whole hand and better only the
hand movements that also involve the forearm,
etc. Horizontal movements are more comfortable than vertical ones.
and the circular movements are better than zigzag or straight movements with
sudden changes of direction.
• Perform symmetrical movements as they favor the precision of the task and
they reduce the effort in slowing down the movement.
Example: use both hands simultaneously instead of just one.
• Preferably work sitting down, avoiding keeping legs and arms
extended as well as one-arm movements (because it increases the
static physical effort of the trunk muscles.
• The distance between the eye and the work plane must be defined based on
the visual demands of the task to be performed (greater demand less
distance)
• The devices of the machines (buttons, levers, wheels,
Handles, buttons, etc. will be arranged in such a way that their handling
do not perform precise movements made away from the trunk (i.e., to
distance greater than the arm's length) to avoid static stress in
the back and shoulders.
• The amount and quality of information to be addressed must be
assumed by the worker, being convenient for him to be able to adjust his
work rhythm and establish the number and duration of break pauses.
• The environmental conditions of light, noise, and temperature will be maintained at
comfortable limits for the worker. It is left to the field of hygiene
industrial the analysis of the environmental factors mentioned in values that, by
excess or deficiency may cause irreversible damage
(occupational diseases).
• The factors of task content, the level of performance autonomy,
the degree of communication with peers, participation in the

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 51


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

decisions, etc., influence the mental and social comfort of the position, although its
analysis is more comprehensive carried out in the sphere of influence of the
Psychosociology.

These broadly cited concepts help to better understand the


studied environment, more specific aspects such as the development of some of the
techniques will be cited in the next chapters.

2.6. CURRENT LEGAL REGULATIONS.


A complementary aspect of the topic of security, risks, and its
prevención lo es sin duda la parte legal o la normativa vigente, en este punto se
It aims for an approach to this topic first in a general way or
global and also on a local specific level in reference to our country,
province or city in which the central part of this will be developed
research.
Concern for job security is one of the most important aspects.
relevant in terms of state intervention to limit autonomy
of the parts (employers and workers) in the labor relationship.

Before the 17th century, there were no industrial structures and the main
work activities focused on artisanal work, agriculture, and livestock farming.
animals, etc., fatal accidents and a countless number of mutilations occurred
and diseases, reaching disproportionate and astounding levels for the
era attributed to the design of providence.

With the arrival of the so-called 'Machine Age,' it began to be seen the
necessity to organize industrial safety in the workplaces.

The first Industrial Revolution took place in the United Kingdom at the end of the century.

In the 17th and early 18th century, the British made great progress in
Regarding their manual industries, especially in the textile area;
the emergence and use of steam power and the mechanization of industry
caused an increase in labor in the spinners and looms

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 52


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

mechanical issues which resulted in a significant increase in accidents and


diseases.

In 1833, the first government inspections were carried out and it was in the
year 1850 when improvements were observed as a result of the
recommended guidelines. The legislation shortened the workday,
established a minimum age for children and workers and made some
improvements in security conditions.

In the 19th century, in the United States of America, the factories were located
in rapid and significant expansion, at the same time the increased the
workplace accidents. In 1867, they begin to provide service in Massachusetts.
industrial or factory inspectors. In 1877, the first law was enacted that
obliga resguardar toda maquinaria peligrosa. Más tarde, se realizan esfuerzos
to establish economic responsibilities in this regard.

In 1883, the first stone of modern industrial safety was laid when
In Paris, a firm is established that advises industrialists. But it is in this
century in which the issue of workplace safety reaches its highest expression at
to create the International Workers Protection Association. In the
The ILO, International Labour Organization, is the body
rector and guardian of the principles and concerns regarding security of the
worker

SOURCE AND SCOPE OF APPLICATION


Definimos el Derecho del Trabajo como el conjunto sistemático de normas que,
according to the social idea of justice, it regulates social relations
individual and collective that have their budget in the provision of
private professional services on behalf of others.
When we talk about sources of a sector of the legal system, we
we refer to the different types of legal norms that constitute this sector.
The constitution is the supreme source of our entire legal system.
this means that every norm, law, regulation, etc., (in this case labor) must

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 53


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

respect its content; likewise, they will be issued with the formalities
established by the constitution.
Likewise, the aspects of safety and occupational health are
governed by international agreements, laws, regulations, agreements and
other legal entities that will be cited in this chapter.
2.6.1. ORGANISMS AND INTERNATIONAL NORMATIVE
International Labour Organization (ILO)
The International Labour Organization is a specialized agency of
the United Nations aims to promote social justice and rights
human and labor rights internationally recognized. It was created in 1919 and in
1946 became the first specialized agency of the United Nations.
United.
The ILO formulates international labor standards through conventions and ...
recommendations, in order to achieve minimum conditions regarding
fundamental labor rights:
• Trade union freedom
• Right to unionize
• Right to collective bargaining
• Abolition of forced labor
• Equality of opportunities and treatment
• Other regulations that govern conditions that encompass everything
spectrum of work-related issues

The ILO's mission is to establish general guidelines related to issues


labor issues, which it carries out through Agreements, Recommendations and
Resolutions.
Agreements resulting from the Conference are understood as Conventions.
International ILO that establishes standards with the force of law, of
binding compliance for the countries that ratify it through integration
in its legal order.

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 54


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

The recommendations are lower-level norms. In them, they


they develop, supplement, or perfect the rules contained in the
Convenios, aunque a veces abordan temas nuevos no reglados.
Resolutions are instruments related to the internal organs of the ILO.

World Health Organization (WHO)


It was established on June 22, 1946 with the aim of 'reaching for all the
peoples of the earth the highest possible degree of health.
All countries that wish to can be part of the Organization. Among
the functions assigned to the WHO stand out:
• Promote accident prevention.
• Conduct research on health.
• Provide help and information in the field of health.
• Proporcionar ayuda técnica en temas de salud a los gobiernos.
It is made up of:
World Health Assembly: composed of delegations from each State
member. Determines the general policy of the Organization.
Executive Council: formed by 24 representatives from various areas.
equitable geographic. It acts as the executive and advisory body of the Assembly.
Secretariat: formed by the General Director and a technical administrative team.
As a result of the technical cooperation with the Member States, there
they can highlight 5 series of guidelines aimed at helping the training of
workers in the health field, referred to:
• Organizational principles for occupational health care.
• Environmental and health control in the workplace.
• Hygiene methods in the workplace.
• Limits of exposure to contaminants.
• Early detection of health problems in professional exposure to
occupational risks Due to the common points that both organizations have
In the field of occupational health and safety, it is important to highlight the significant

collaboration that WHO has with ILO.

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 55


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

2.6.2. NATIONAL REGULATIONS


In the Republic of Ecuador, the agency responsible for occupational health is
The Ministry of Labor Relations (formerly Ministry of Labor and
Employment), one of its functions is to 'safeguard and protect the integrity
Physics and mental health of workers in the performance of their duties.
Also, the IESS through the National Division of Labor Risks and
their respective Provincial Departments issue regulations, train
workers and employers, and evaluates compliance with current legislation
in the field of occupational risk prevention.

All regulations on safety and hygiene in the workplace require the employer to
ensure the safety and health of workers. To comply with this
duty, the entrepreneur must evaluate the existing risks in the activity and
adopt the appropriate preventive measures. Likewise, in general, it is
requires providing practical and appropriate training in this area to the
workers that they hire, or when they have to change jobs,
or they apply a new technique that can pose serious risks to the
worker, their colleagues or third parties. The breach of these
obligations can generate, according to each legislation, responsibilities
administrative (fines), civil (compensation in case of damage or
accident) and criminal (crime of workplace injuries, crime against security
in the job or crime due to negligence.

The regulations on occupational risks are compiled.


fundamentally in the following legal bodies:
• Political Constitution of Ecuador
• Decision 584 of the CAN, Andean Instrument of Safety and Health in
Work.
• Resolution 957 of the CAN
• International agreements ratified by the Country
55 agreements ratified with ILO

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 56


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

19 specific and about 15 related to Security and


Health in the Workplace.
Labor inspection, radiation protection, protection of
machinery, benzene, asbestos, occupational cancer, noise vibrations.
• Simón Rodríguez Agreement - CAN
• Labor Code
• Social Security Law
• Regulation on the Safety and Health of Workers and Improvement
of the work environment.
• Law and Regulation of Company Medical Services.
• General Regulation of Work Risk Insurance.
• Specific regulations on Occupational Safety and Health.
• Technical Standards INEN.
• Acuerdos Ministeriales y resoluciones del IESS.

The following summarizes the most important aspects of the aspects.


most relevant legal issues.

[Link]. CONSTITUTION
As mentioned, the foundation of every norm or law is the Ecuadorian constitution.
The most important points related to the topic are presented below
study.

TITLE II, Chapter two, Section eight


Work and social security
Article 33.- Work is a right and a social duty, and an economic right.
source of personal fulfillment and the foundation of the economy. The State will guarantee to

the working people full respect for their dignity, a decent life,
fair remuneration and compensation and the performance of a healthy job
and freely chosen or accepted.

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 57


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

Article 34.- The right to social security is an inalienable right of all


people, and it will be the primary duty and responsibility of the State.
Social security shall be governed by the principles of solidarity and obligatoriness,
universality, equity, efficiency, subsidiarity, sufficiency, transparency and
participation, to address individual and collective needs.
The State will guarantee and make effective the full exercise of the right to the
social security, which includes people who perform work not
paid work in homes, activities for self-sustenance in the countryside,
all forms of self-employment and those who find themselves in a situation of
unemployment.

[Link]. DECISION 584 OF CAN, ANDIN INSTRUMENT


SAFETY AND HEALTH AT WORK.
In summary, the purpose or intent of this agreement would be the following:
Article 2.- The rules established in this Instrument aim to
promote and regulate the actions that must be developed in the centers of
work of the Member Countries to reduce or eliminate damage to
worker's health, through the application of control measures and the
development of the necessary activities for risk prevention
derived from work.
To that end, the Member States shall implement or improve their
national systems of security and health at work, through actions that
they advocate for prevention and participation policies of the State, of the
employers and workers.
For this, concrete actions highlighted in some of the
most important articles that we cite below:

CHAPTER II, OCCUPATIONAL RISK PREVENTION POLICY


Article 4.- Within the framework of their National Systems of Security and Health in

the Work, the Member Countries must promote the improvement of the
safety and health conditions at work, in order to prevent harm to

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 58


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

the physical and mental integrity of workers that is a consequence,


they are related or arise during work.
d) Update, systematize and harmonize their national security regulations
and health at work promoting programs for health promotion and
workplace safety, aimed at the creation and/or strengthening of the
National Standards Normalization Plans in the field of Safety and Health
at work;
e) Develop a Risk Map;
f) Ensure the proper and timely compliance with prevention regulations.
of occupational risks, through the conduct of inspections or others
periodic evaluation mechanisms, organizing, among others, groups
specific inspection, surveillance, and control equipped with technical tools
and legal frameworks for its effective exercise;

Article 7.-In order to harmonize the principles contained in their


national legislation, the Member Countries of the Andean Community
they will adopt the necessary legislative and regulatory measures, taking into account
based on the principles of effectiveness, coordination, and participation of the stakeholders

involved, so that their respective legislations on safety and health


at work contain provisions that regulate, at least, the aspects
which are stated below:
a) Minimum levels of safety and health that must be met by the conditions of
work;
b) Restriction of operations and processes, as well as the use of substances
and other elements in the workplaces that involve exposures to
agents or risk factors duly proven and that are harmful
for the health of workers.
e) Establishment of norms or procedures for risk assessment
for the health and safety of workers, through systems of
occupational epidemiological surveillance or other similar procedures;
h) Inspection, monitoring, and control procedures for conditions
safety and health at work;

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 59


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

CHAPTER III, MANAGEMENT OF SECURITY AND HEALTH IN CENTERS


WORK - EMPLOYERS' OBLIGATIONS
Article 11.- Measures must be taken in every workplace aimed at
reduce occupational risks. These measures should be based on achieving
of this objective, in guidelines on management systems for security and
health at work and its environment as social and corporate responsibility.

CHAPTER IV, OF THE RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF THE


WORKERS
Article 18.- All workers have the right to develop their work
in a suitable work environment conducive to the full exercise of their
physical and mental faculties that ensure their health, safety, and well-being.
Article 24.- Workers have the following obligations regarding
occupational risk prevention
a) Comply with the rules, regulations, and instructions of the programs
safety and health at work to be applied in the workplace, as well as
with the instructions given to them by their direct hierarchical superiors;
[Link]. INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENTS RATIFIED BY THE COUNTRY
Ecuador has ratified a series of agreements that covers many
aspects related to work activity and such as: contracts of
work, equal pay between male and female labor
of women's work, wages, prevention and the control of their risks
professionals, safety and hygiene in various activities, etc.

[Link]. LABOR CODE


The Labor Code in its TITLE IV legislates on Work Risks.
In its Chapter V, it establishes the prevention of risks, of the measures of
safety and hygiene, of the assistance posts and the reduction of the
capacity for work.
Se recalca los siguientes puntos.

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 60


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

Article 38.- The risks arising from work are the responsibility of the employer and
when, as a result of them, the worker suffers personal harm. It will be in
the obligation to compensate you in accordance with the provisions of this Code.
As long as such benefit is not granted to him by the Ecuadorian Institute of
Social Security
Article 42.- Employer Obligations.- The obligations of the employer are:
3. Compensate workers for the accidents they suffer in the workplace and
for occupational diseases, with the exception provided in Art. 38 of
this Code;
8. Provide workers with the tools, instruments, and supplies in a timely manner.
necessary materials for the execution of the work, in adequate conditions
for this to be carried out;

TITLE IV, OF WORK RISKS,


Chapter I, Determination of risks and responsibility of
employer
Article 353.- Compensation to be borne by the employer.- The employer is obliged
to cover the compensation and benefits established in this Title, in all
in case of an accident or occupational illness, as long as the worker does not...
to be included within the Social Security system and protected by it,
except for the cases provided for in the following article.
Article 354.-Exemption from liability.- The employer shall be exempt from all
responsibility for workplace accidents:
1. When the victim has intentionally provoked it or
produced exclusively due to its own serious fault;
2. When it is due to force majeure unrelated to work, understood as such
the one that has no relation to the exercise of the profession or work of
that it deals with; and,

3. Regarding the beneficiaries of the victim who have caused


voluntarily the accident or causing it through his gross fault, only
in this regard and without prejudice to the criminal liability to which
there would be place.

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 61


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

The burden of proof for the exceptions indicated in this article corresponds to the

employer.
Chapter IV, On Compensation
Los artículos: Art. 365.- Asistencia en caso de accidente; Art. 366.- Aparatos de
{"prosthetics_and_orthopedics":"prosthetics and orthopedics","article_369":"Article 369 - Death due to work accident","article_370":"Article 370 -"}

Compensation for permanent disability; Art. 371.- Compensation for


permanent decrease; Paragraph 2 of the compensation in case of
occupational diseases, among others, they dictate the mechanisms, amounts,

calculations and other aspects related to the necessary compensation by


of the employer in case their responsibility in the matter is proven
accidents, diseases, etc.
Chapter V, On the prevention of risks, on security measures
and hygiene, of the aid stations, and of the reduction of capacity
for work
Art. 410.- Obligations regarding risk prevention.- Employers
they are required to ensure their workers conditions of work that do not
pose a danger to their health or their life.
Workers are obliged to comply with prevention measures.
security and hygiene determined in the regulations and provided by the
employer. Their omission constitutes just cause for the termination of the contract.
of work.
Art. 434.- Hygiene and safety regulations.- In all collective means and
permanent of work that has more than ten workers, the
employers are required to prepare and submit for approval the
Ministry of Labor and Employment through the Regional Directorate of Labor,
a hygiene and safety regulation, which will be renewed every two
years.
Article 436.- Suspension of work and closing of establishments.- The Ministry of Labor and
Employment may arrange for the suspension of activities or the closure of places or
collective work means, in which health will be endangered or affected
safety and hygiene of workers, or if the measures are contravened
safety and hygiene dictated, without prejudice to other legal sanctions. Such

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 62


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

the decision will require a prior opinion from the Head of the Security Department
Occupational Hygiene.
TITLE VII, OF SANCTIONS
Art. 628.- In case of violation of the rules of the Labor Code.- The
violations of the rules of this Code will be sanctioned in the manner
prescribed in the relevant articles and, when no sanction has been established
especially, the Regional Director of Labor may impose fines of up to
two hundred dollars of the United States of America, without prejudice to
established in Article 95 of the Code for Children and Adolescents.

[Link]. SOCIAL SECURITY LAW


Art. 94.- Employer liability.- If due to the fault of an employer the IESS does not
could grant a worker or their heirs monetary benefits
that were claimed and to which they could have had rights, or if
the benefits reduced due to non-compliance with the
employer's obligations, he will be responsible for the damages caused
to the insured or their heirs, a responsibility that the Institute will enforce
through coercive measures.

The IESS will grant such benefits, corresponding to the omission or fault.
of the employer, only when the responsibility of the latter is made effective,
unless the employer provides satisfactory guarantees for the payment of what
I should owe for that concept.
Art. 158.- Employer liability for work risks.- The employer
that, in compliance with this Law, has insured the workers to the
IESS and are under their service, they will be paid one hundred percent (100%) of their
remuneration in the first month, and if the recovery period were greater than
this will be relieved from the compliance with the obligations that on the
employer's responsibility for workplace accidents and diseases
professionals establish the Labor Code. But if these were to occur by
serious fault of the employer or its representatives, which gives rise to compensation
according to common law, the Institute will proceed to demand payment of that
compensation, which will remain in your favor up to the calculated amount of the

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 63


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

benefits that may have been granted due to the accident or illness, must
deliver to the beneficiaries the balance, if any.

[Link].REGULATION OF SECURITY Y HEALTH OF THE


WORKERS AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT OF
WORK.
It will apply to all work activities and in every workplace having
with the goal of preventing, reducing, or eliminating occupational risks
and the improvement of the working environment, Executive Decree 2393,
published in the Official Register 565 on November 17, 1986
Article 11. Obligations of employers.
2. Adopt the necessary measures for the prevention of risks that
may affect the health and well-being of workers in the places of
work of their responsibility.
9. Instruct about the risks of different jobs and how to
methods to prevent them, to the personnel entering to work in the company.
10. Provide training on risk prevention to the staff of the
company, with special attention to technical executives and middle management, to
through regular and periodic courses.
Article 12. Obligations of intermediaries.- The obligations and
prohibitions indicated in the current regulation for employers,
are also applicable to subcontractors, hookers, intermediaries and
in general to all people who give or commission work for another
natural or legal person, regarding their workers.
Article 14. On safety and hygiene committees at work.
In every workplace where more than fifteen workers are employed, there must be
organize a Health and Safety Committee integrated in a way
parity for three representatives of the workers and three representatives of
the employers, who will designate a President from among their members and
Secretary who will serve for one year in their duties and can be re-elected.

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 64


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

indefinitely. If the President represents the employer, the Secretary


will represent the workers and vice versa. Each representative will have a
substitute elected in the same way as the main one and who will be made main in
in case of absence or impediment of this.
Once the period for which they were elected is concluded, they must appoint the

President and Secretary.


Article 15. On the unit of work safety and hygiene.
In permanent companies with one hundred or more workers
stable, there must be a Safety and Hygiene Unit, led by
a technician in the field who will report to the highest authority of the company or
entity.
Chapter I, Security in the project.
Art. 18. The construction, reform or substantial modification that is carried out in
the future of any workplace must adapt to the
prescriptions of the Law and this Regulation. The Municipalities of the
Republic, when approving the plans, must require compliance with such
provisions.
Chapter II, BUILDINGS AND PREMISES
These articles detail the characteristics, shapes, dimensions,
provisions etc., relating to all aspects presented in a center
of work, to be fulfilled in order to ensure an adequate development of the tasks
workers safeguarding their safety and health at all times, among
these we have:
Surface and cubature in the premises and workstations, floors,
roofs and walls, hallways, temporary ramps, fixed and mobile stairs.
service, machinery, noise, vibrations, exposures, etc.
These articles will be cited when necessary in the risk analysis.
specific to be carried out later (filling out forms Chapter IV) in which
specific aspects will be found in the construction area.

[Link]. GENERAL REGULATIONS OF RISK INSURANCE


WORK

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 65


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

For the purposes of granting the benefits of the Risk Insurance


Work, this regulation specify the conditions, characteristics,
ratings, specifications, etc.,
CHAPTER III, ON EMPLOYER LIABILITY FOR RISKS OF
WORK
Article 55. When the investigations carried out by the agencies
prevention of risks of the IESS, it appears that the accident or the illness
The incident has occurred due to non-compliance with preventive measures.
established in the Law, Regulations, and those ordered by the dependencies of
Work Risks, the insured will have the right to benefits
corresponding, but its value shall be charged to the employer of
compliance with the rules governing cases of liability
employer in the Occupational Risk Insurance.

[Link]. SPECIFIC HEALTH AND SAFETY REGULATIONS AT THE


WORK.
[Link].1. SAFETY REGULATIONS FOR CONSTRUCTION AND
PUBLIC WORKS
This is a specific regulation for the construction area.
obligations, prohibitions, area definitions, responsibilities and aspects
specific punctual and activities of this branch, as well as other regulations
It will be described in full when required later (Chapter IV).

[Link].2. INEN TECHNICAL STANDARDS


The Ecuadorian Institute of Standardization, among others, maintains standards.
specific in different aspects such as: signage, specification of
construction, handling of hazardous materials, etc. Since construction is a
a multitude of activities of all kinds, at certain moments it should be taken
consider the provisions of these regulations to carry out the activities of
correct way.

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 66


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

REGULATORY CONCLUSIONS:
As can be seen, worker protection is backed by the
less theoretically or embodied in laws and regulations, the fact that it exists
it doesn't mean that they are fulfilled or developed in any way in the present time

way.
That is why one of the objectives of this work is to contrast the regulations with the
real and practical application in the analyzed workplaces, it is expected that
this way to have an approach to the current situation in the construction area.

The following chapter specifies the area of risk prevention and control of
work for which the theoretical part and the models that will be applied are detailed
later for obtaining firsthand data.

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 67


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

CHAPTER III: IDENTIFICATION, ANALYSIS AND EVALUATION OF RISKS

CHAPTER III: IDENTIFICATION, ANALYSIS, AND EVALUATION OF RISKS


En este capitulo se desglosara o ampliara el concepto de riesgo citado en el
In the previous chapter, the characteristics, types, and classifications will be detailed.

methodologies and other aspects necessary to identify, analyze, and evaluate


the specific risks in the construction area.

3.1. DANGER, RISK AND RISK ASSESSMENT


• Danger: intrinsic property or aptitude of something (for example, materials)

of work, equipment, methods and work practices) to cause


damages, Danger is one of the inherent properties of any
substance, object or activity that can potentially cause effects
adverse or harmful.
• Risk: the possibility that the ability to cause damage is

update under the conditions of use or exposure, and the possible


importance of damages.
• Exhibition: The exhibition is a quantitative measure of the degree of

presence of a certain danger, for a person to be


exposed, the danger will have to be present in a dimension
Specifically, in this dimension, the person could be affected.
• Risk assessment: process of evaluating the risk involved

for the health and safety of workers the possibility that it may be
check a specific hazard in the workplace.

3.2. RISKS DERIVED FROM SECURITY CONDITIONS


We can define them as the possibility of the worker suffering an accident.
as a result of or on the occasion of work, the most common risks
related to safety, that statistically more workplace accidents
the following are the causes.

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 68


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

Table 3.1. Most common security risks.


MOST COMMON RISKS EXAMPLES
Falls of people from different heights
From a scaffold, ladder
level
Falls of people at the same
Slips, trips.
level
Falling objects due to
Of materials, earth, etc.
collapse or fall
Falling Objects in
Tools, materials, etc.
manipulation
Shocks and blows Against with objects.
Hit-and-runs For transport vehicles
Cortes Knives, saw, etc.
For materials or part of
Particle projection
machinery.
Burns Welding, friction parts.
Electrical contacts Unprotected cables.
Explosions and fires. Combustion material.

3.3. RISKS DERIVED FROM ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS


They can be triggered by one or several working conditions.
inadequate environmental conditions (referred to as environmental risk factors) or

also due to working conditions related to the load or organization of


same.

In environmental risks, the probability of damage occurring comes


represented by the dose of the contaminating agent received by the organism,
being the latter any agent produced as a consequence of development of
a work activity that can pose a hygienic risk or even a
occupational disease. And the dose can be measured as energy received by
unit of time, if it is a physical agent, or as a quantity of substance

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 69


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

that penetrates into the organism per unit of time if it is an agent


chemical.
In exposure to chemical agents, the routes must be considered.
penetration of the organism. The routes of penetration are: Respiratory,
Parenteral, Digestive and Dermal.
Environmental risks can produce (if materialized) two types
of effects: the immediate and the deferred effects over time.
The immediate effects are those in which the damage occurs in the
moment when the event that causes it is triggered.
While the effects deferred in time are those in which the
continued or repeated exposure to certain levels or doses of one or
more environmental agents implies the possibility of suffering after a certain
time a health alteration.

The classification of the main pollutants is presented below.


according to their nature:

Table 3.2. Risks present in environmental conditions.


Energy manifestations in the
environment Noise, vibrations,
PHYSICS
ionizing radiation, non-ionizing radiation
ionizing, lighting, heat, cold.
Those natural substances or
CHEMICALS synthetics lacking their own life:
gases, vapors, dusts, fumes, fibers.
Living agents: bacteria, viruses, etc.
BIOLOGICALS
capable of causing diseases.

3.4. RISKS DERIVED FROM PSYCHOSOCIAL CONDITIONS


It is the possibility that a worker may suffer a work accident or
occupational disease, derived from the workload, organization or
ordering of it.

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 70


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

Among them, work-related stress and fatigue stand out, the source of many
cases of workplace accidents (due to unsafe acts of the worker) and of
occupational diseases that are difficult to identify, as they can have a
multiple origins, work-related and non-work-related (factors of the worker's personal life)
that leads them to suffer from a certain illness.
The elimination of these risks will positively impact performance.
of the workers, and consequently in the quality of the product or service
final.
Among the main ones we have: content, monotony, roles, autonomy,
communications, relationships, work time, overload, underload.

3.5. RISKS DERIVED FROM ERGONOMIC CONDITIONS


The ergonomic working conditions refer to the adequacy
physical and environmental of it to the characteristics of the human being, of this
the way, the place where the work is done, the machines used, etc., must
meet certain comfort characteristics.
Among others, we can cite the following risks:
• By position or posture

• By displacement

• For effort

• For load management

• Chronic fatigue

It is advisable to group all these risks by families based on their


causal origin since certain methodologies that will be used in this work are
based on this approach; thus we would have the following groups:

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 71


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

Table 3.3. Grouping of risks by origin


Workplace
Machines
Elevation and transport
Hand tools
CONDITIONS OF
Manipulation of objects
SECURITY
Electrical installation
Pressure vessels and gases
Fires and explosions
Chemical substances
Chemical pollutants
Biological contaminants
Ventilation and air conditioning
Noise
CONDITIONS Vibrations
Environmental Lighting
Heat and cold
Ionizing radiation
Non-ionizing radiation.
Hyperbaric work.
Physical load
WORK LOAD
Mental load
ORGANIZATION OF Shift work
WORK Factors of the organization.

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 72


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

3.6. PRINCIPLES OF PREVENTIVE ACTION


Prevention is the set of activities or measures adopted or planned,
in all phases of the company's activity (starting with the phase of
conception, design and project of processes, workplaces, facilities,
etc.), aimed at avoiding or minimizing risks, in this case, occupational or
derived from work.
The World Health Organization (WHO) distinguishes three levels in the field of
prevention, presented in order of priority or preference
established between them:

3.6.1. PRIMARY
Those aimed at preventing risks or the occurrence of damages (materialization
of the risks) through the effective control of the risks that cannot be
to avoid it, by adopting three types of actions:
Prevention in design: Absolutely the most effective, each of the
installations, tools, centers, positions, processes, work methods
etc. must be designed with the safety and health of the
workers.
Prevention at the source: It is about combating the risks that have not arisen.
could have been avoided by the previous method, at its origin or source (for example,

isolating it correctly).
Prevention in the medium of propagation or transmission: If the previous
method is not possible, we will put barriers between the source of the risk and the
people (for example, a ventilation system that prevents the spread of
a polluting gas).
Prevention regarding oneself: It is about acting on the person
subject to risk, in order to eliminate or reduce the risk to which it is
submitted. The means to achieve it can range from training and
appropriate information up to the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 73


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

3.6.2. SECONDARY
Secondary prevention is the one that acts when the alteration has already begun.
of health, in a reversible or subclinical manner, the action is based on the
health surveillance for early diagnosis and effective treatment of
diseases.

3.6.3. TERTIARY
It comes into action when a pathological alteration of health has occurred,
or during recovery, its purpose is to prevent recurrences, relapses,
complications and sequelae, is medically based on treatment and
rehabilitation of the sick person.

3.7. IDENTIFICATION, ANALYSIS AND EVALUATION OF RISKS


The Assessment of Occupational Risks is the fundamental tool for
function of the result of it, plan the preventive action.
Therefore, the following will address what is understood by Evaluation of
Risks, what characteristics must they meet and what types of evaluation can we have
find.

3.7.1. BASIC STEPS FOR GENERAL RISK ASSESSMENT


The basic points necessary for evaluation are briefly described.
risks:

STEP 1. Sections and jobs.


Systematically divide the company into sections, and these into positions.
work that is included, in order to have a global view of the company, is
it is advisable that you make, in case you do not already have it, a list of all
the sections in which the totality of activities can be divided
carry out in it.
These sections can be of a generic type, such as in the case of warehouses,
office, workshop, etc., or in specific cases go into more detail if the

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 74


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

risks can be very different, for example warehouse of products


flammables, hardware store warehouse, etc.
Once the sections have been determined, the job positions must be detailed.
In this sense, we will understand as jobs that set of
operations carried out by each worker throughout their workday
labor and represents a logical and independent productive process in itself
same as others from the company.
The number of jobs does not have to be the same as that of
workers, a job position can correspond to more than one worker
(and a worker can be assigned to more than one job position).

STEP 2. Personnel of the Workstations.


Identify for each job position, all the people who
may be exposed to occupational risks, including groups of
people who run a special risk. Workers will be taken into account.
that are assigned to that job position, in this sense, it is worth highlighting
that in some way the company must take into account those workers
although not directly assigned to a job position, they are
indirectly affected by one or more of its risks, for example, a
worker painting a surface is directly exposed to the
solvents, while other nearby workers (with different tasks)
they are exposed to the same risk inadvertently and indirectly. In the
evaluation of these last ones, it will have to be taken into account.

On the other hand, special attention should be paid to groups of workers.


especially sensitive to certain risks. Thus, they are considered as
workers especially sensitive to those who are in one of the
following situations:
• Physical Disability

• Sensory disability

• Psychic disability

• Women in a state of gestation

• Women in a breastfeeding state

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 75


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

• Pathological processes or dysfunctions that may increase the


magnitude of the risk or the probability of the occurrence of other risks
Immunodeficiencies, diabetes, renal dysfunctions, allergies, etc.
• Minors or advanced age

• It should also take into account those people who could

affected by the risks of the workplace and that may not


belong to the company, for example visits, external contractors, etc.

STEP 3. Risk Assessment.


Determine, for each job position, the sources of risk (origin) and the
different risks of accidents, occupational illness, or fatigue that may
to be generated.
At this point, one or both of the chosen methodologies will be applied and

later detailed. (Check – list and FINE method)

STEP 4. Risk Assessment and Results.


At each workstation and for each identified source of risk, evaluate
these risks taking into account the reliability and suitability of the measures of
existing prevention or caution.
Based on what was applied in the previous point, it will be determined according to the methodology.

used the degree of severity of a specific risk; with the method


quantitative END a numerical indicator will be obtained that determines its
location in relation to priority with the other risks found; with the
checklist method will obtain an indicator in the following way:
Correct, Improveable, deficient, and Very deficient equally
They will serve to prioritize the actions that require the most urgency.

STEP 5. Prioritize the assessed risks.


According to the result obtained in the evaluation, a plan must be developed.
Action for risk control, following the order from greatest to least
score obtained in the evaluation. (Eliminate or reduce risks first
more serious).

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 76


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

STEP 6. Decision on Prevention Measures.


According to the scores obtained and once prioritized, adopt in its
case, a decision regarding the measures that should be taken when the
elimination or the reduction of risks is possible, based on those that are
they consider correct practices.
Now, when establishing the measures of action, the following will be taken into account:

• Risk classification

• The number of people who could be affected.

• The time necessary to adopt preventive measures.

• The necessary economic and human resources.

That is to say, it will require a decision based on many influencing factors.


mainly the managerial decision to adopt or ignore the measures
proposals.
Once the measures are obviously decided, it will remain essential that,
through inspections, controls or other management systems, ensure the
proper application and maintenance of preventive measures.

3.7.2. RISK ANALYSIS AND EVALUATION METHODS


A methodology has just been mentioned in general without detail or
specific characteristics of how to assess risks, as follows
Two methodologies to be used for obtaining are briefly described.
of information in this research.
• Check-list method.

• Fine method.

[Link]. CHECKLIST METHODS


CHECK-LIST
Se trata del método relativamente rápido y sencillo de los utilizados para la
identification and assessment of risks. It is easy to apply and does not require much
experience for its execution, although its elaboration requires experience and
knowledge.

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 77


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

It consists of using questionnaires or checklists that must


answering predetermined questions or justifying and documenting one
series of points.
The difficulty of the method lies in the preparation of the check-list because, as in
all the questionnaires, the omission of a relevant point for the evaluation
it means that this aspect will not be valued, which may affect the final result
to be falsified.
The preparation of the questionnaire is done by experts knowledgeable about
theme to be evaluated. All possible aspects of the problem are considered, and to
through questions or checks by analysis or any other type of
records, all necessary information is acquired so that in the end, after its
analysis, issue the corresponding report. The questions from the check-list are
answered very briefly (yes, no; complies, does not comply; true,
false), and when other types of data are requested, the questions must be
formulated in a concrete way to be obtained with strictly the answers
the stated data (example: physicochemical analysis regarding certain
characteristics of a substance.
It is emphasized that the most significant aspects within the file
they will be marked with a different color or shading than the other points,
These aspects will determine the rating given at the time of evaluating them.

In this case, compliance with pre-established formats is carried out based on


to the characteristics of the construction and the current legal provisions
indicated in Chapter II Point 2.6.2.; the formats or questionnaires cover the
detailed classification in the Table 3.3. Grouping of risks according to
origin, plus a general preventive management questionnaire of the organization.

[Link]. FINE METHOD.


Based on the calculation of the degree of danger: consequences,
exposure, and probability of the accident occurring.
For each job position, these three aspects are detailed: consequences,
exposure and probability according to an assessment or weighting on a scale

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 78


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

certain, there are and several scoring scales are used; in the end
product of the consequence ratings (degree of severity) and
exhibition results in a partial grade that determines the probability,
same that serves to prioritize according to a list,
which determine those
risks with a higher likelihood of materializing and that must be
considerations with higher priority by eliminating or mitigating them with actions
corrective and preventive.

To comply with this method, certain formats are required.


data collection including the following:
ANNEX 1. Preliminary information collection format.
allows for the completion of steps 1 and 2 of the methodology.

ANNEX 2. Job evaluation format, covering the steps


3, 4 and 5 of the methodology.
In its columns, there are certain aspects that can be cited to
continuation.
Risk source:
A basic list of irrigation sources in a place is presented below.
from work, when applying the format, all must be established
sources of risk either through observation, direct consultation with workers and
in charge of the constructions or bibliographic references; it should be taken into account

be careful not to omit any source of risk.


Table 3.4. Some sources of risk.
SOURCES OF RISK
Hallways and surfaces of 16. Chemical contaminants
2. Espacios de trabajo 17. Exposure to mineral dust
3. Stairs 18. Asbestos exposure
4. Machines 19. Exposure to lead
5. Hand tools 20. Exposure to vinyl chloride
6. Objects. Manipulation 21. Exposure to pollutants
7. Objects. Storage 22. Exposure to noise
8. Electrical installation 23. Exposure to vibrations
9. Pressure vessels 24. Exposure to heat or cold
10. Gas installations 25. Exposure to radiation
11. Refrigeration installations 26. Exposure to radiation not

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 79


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

12. Devices and equipment of 27. Rumination


13. Transportation vehicles 28. Physical workload
14. Fires 29. Mental workload
15. Chemical substances 30. Organization of work

Generated risk:
In this column, the source of the risk is related to the generated risk; as
Support presents a basic list of risks since at the time of filling out the
relevant formats will be found additionally from the observation
or the employees and managers.

Table 3.5. Most common consequences or risks generated.


RISK OF ACCIDENT
1 Fall of people from different levels
2 Fall of people at the same level
3 Falling objects due to collapse or landslide
4 Object drop during handling
5 Falling of detached objects
6 Footprints on objects
7 Collisions against immovable objects
8 Collisions with moving objects
9 Blows/cuts from objects or tools
10 Projection of fragments or particles
11 Trapping by or between objects
12 Trapped by overturning of machines or vehicles
13 Overexertion
14 Exposure to extreme temperatures
15 Thermal contacts (burns)
16.1 Direct electrical contacts with conductors or
naked parts
16.2 Indirect electrical contacts with parts in
tension due to failure
17 Exposure to harmful or toxic substances.

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 80


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

18 Contact with caustic or corrosive substances


19 Accident due to exposure to radiation
20 Explosions
21.1 Fire Ignition
21.2 Facilitate the spread of fire
21.3 Insufficient fire fighting media or
inadequate
21.4 Difficult evacuation in case of emergency
21.5 Insufficient or inadequate lighting of
emergency
22 Accidents caused by living beings
23 Runovers or hits with vehicles
RISK OF OCCUPATIONAL DISEASE
31 Exposure to chemical pollutants
32 Exposure to biological contaminants
33 Exposure to noise
34 Exposure to vibrations
35 Thermal stress
36 Occupational disease due to exposure to
ionizing radiation
37 Exposure to non-ionizing radiation
38 Insufficient or inadequate light sources
38.1 Excessive or insufficient lighting level
38.2 Existence of inadequate brightness and contrasts
RISK OF FATIGUE
41 Physical fatigue due to posture

42 Physical fatigue due to displacement


43 Physical fatigue due to effort
44 Physical fatigue from handling loads
45 Mental fatigue from information reception
46 Mental fatigue from information processing
47 Mental fatigue due to information response
DISSATISFACTION

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 81


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

51 Dissatisfaction due to low job content


52 Dissatisfaction due to the monotony of work
53 Dissatisfaction with the job role
54 Dissatisfaction due to low work autonomy
55 Dissatisfaction due to lack of communication in the
work
56 Dissatisfaction with work relationships

Probability:
To fill in this column, we must take into account the following table:
Table 3.6. Probability of risk materialization
Probability Characteristics
1. It is extremely rare. It is not known to have occurred.
Improbable until now.
Possible It is rare but it has happened somewhere.
3. Probably it would not be strange, since it has happened in some
4. It is the most likely result if exposure occurs to
Inevitable risk will occur in the long term.
Assessing this probability, we will note the corresponding number for the.
estimated probability (from 1 to 4)
To assess a certain risk as unlikely, possible, likely or
Inevitable, we must see under what conditions it occurs in the workplace.
since any professional risk undoubtedly depends on the degree of
control that we can exert over said risk, and if the risk has not
has been removed, which means there is a chance that it will be updated.
Severity Degree (consequences):
The question it answers is: what is the degree of severity of the injury?
in case it materializes? To measure the degree of severity we must
take into account the following table:

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 82


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

ANNEX 1. PRELIMINARY INFORMATION COLLECTION FORMAT


ANNEX 2. JOB EVALUATION FORMAT
ANNEX 3. TOOLS USED IN CONSTRUCTION
ANNEX 4. CONSTRUCTION SHEETS 1.
ANNEX 5. CONSTRUCTION FILES 2.
ANNEX 6. CONSTRUCTION SHEETS 3.
ANNEX 7. CONSTRUCTION SHEETS 4.

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 5


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

Table 3.8. Risk Classification


Degree of
Severity Probability of Risk Materialization
Possible
consequence 1 2 3
as) 4 Inevitable
Improbable Posible Probabl
Incident Irrelevant Irrelevant Very Low Very Low
1 1 2 3 4
No injuries Irrelevant Very low Under Medium
2 2 4 6 8
Mild lesion Muy Bajo Low Medium High
3 3 6 9 12
Severe lesion Very Low Medium High Very High
4 4 8 12 16
Very injury Extremely
grave o Bajo High Very High and high
mortal 5 5 10 15 20

Based on the results obtained, a classification has been established.


the risks and the intervention criteria whose scoring scale is the
next:
Table 3.9. Classification of risks and intervention criteria.
Product of
Tipo de riesgo Characteristics
the
It is possible to skip the correction of the
1-2 Irrelevant
causas que originan el riesgo.
3-4 Very low The convenience of should be considered
correct the causes that originate the
Study the possible measures of
5-6 Under
prevention to implement. Analyze the
rentabilidad de las mismas
8-9 Middle Implement preventive measures for
medium term.
. 10-12 High Implement prevention measures to
corto plazo
15-16 Very high Implement preventive measures of
inmediato
Grave and imminent risk situation.
Extremely
20 The activity must be removed or
high
suspend until corrected

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 84


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

The steps outlined will be followed applying the methodology as appropriate.


in the next chapter.

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 85


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

CHAPTER IV: APPLICATION IN SELECTED CONSTRUCTIONS

CHAPTER IV: IDENTIFICATION, ANALYSIS AND EVALUATION OF RISKS


APPLICATION IN SELECTED CONSTRUCTIONS
Once the concepts, methods, steps, and sequence are detailed and understood
follow to identify, analyze, and evaluate the risks, in this chapter, it
practically apply everything seen, this part will be the most
important of the present work as it allows to obtain the desired information
to achieve the stated objectives.

It is worth highlighting the following provision or order to be followed:

1. The constructions detailed in Chapter I, Point 1.3. are cited in


the same order presented and the methodological development is carried out
described in Chapter III, Point 3.7.1., for each construction, that is
upon completing the corresponding construction, it moves on to the next one.
cumpliendo los pasos indicados con la excepción del último punto que
It will be considered and analyzed at the end of this chapter together.
2. Step 3 of the mentioned methodology and for each construction
detail the corresponding option among the chosen methods (FINE or
Check - List).
3. The formats previously completed and to be filled in the place of the
construction, will be arranged in separate and labeled annexes
clearly.

4.1. GENERAL RISK ASSESSMENT


4.1.1. LARGE SCALE CONSTRUCTION 1.
In this construction, representing the largest and most important aspect of this study.
will be evaluated using the checklist method as it allows for a
more specific level of analysis when comparing each activity with it
that the regulations establish.
It should be emphasized that it was not possible to analyze all the activities that were

they present from start to finish as this would require follow-up

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 86


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

I continue that it was not possible to carry it out in this research, rather it
specific observations are made over a short period of time distributed in
various visits made to the site.

STEP 1. Sections and workstations.


Based on the preliminary information collection format ANNEX 1, it
obtained the following:

The number of workers at the time of the initial inspection and who in
The average worker in construction is between 26 and 30 with the characteristic
of variations according to week or even days for many reasons among them the
staff turnover typical of the informality of this labor area.
Of this number, 12 correspond to welders, who do not respond.
directly to the person in charge of the work but rather to organizations
independents who provide specific services through a contract of
outsourcing.
The remaining staff is distributed among foremen (between 10 and 12) and the
the others are helpers or as they are known, site workers.
The sections and job positions specifics are detailed to
continuation and the images of the tools used are arranged in
ANNEX 3.

1. REPLANTING AND EARTH MOVEMENT.


1.A. Description.
Bypassing the initial earth movement for the foundation (as it could not
this activity consists of small earth movements with the
the objective of leveling the surface to then carry out casting work
cement that forms the floor of a specific area.
1.B. Job positions.
1.B.1. Reconsidered.- consists of earth and material movement in order to
level the surface, the movements are made manually or with
pavers.

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 87


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

Imagen 4.1. Replanteo


Tools / machinery / resources
Hand tools such as shovels, picks, etc.
1.B.2. Filling.- consists of permanently leveling the surface to the height and
desired density for which a mixture of materials such as soil is placed,
arena, gravel, etc. Once placed, they are compacted with manual means
or with the help of pneumatic mechanical equipment such as the vibro-compactor.

Tools / machinery / resources


Hand tools such as shovels, picks, etc., Mechanical - pneumatic equipment
like the vibro-compactor, electricity

2. FOUNDRY
2.A. Description.-It consists of depositing concrete over the material
previously arranged as support or base, the concrete for purposes of
the resistance consists of a metal structure made up of iron rods or
prefabricated meshes and installed to the appropriate size. The casting can
to be carried out according to the scale, with mobile concrete mixers or with mixer trucks

from private companies that offer this service.


2.B. Job positions
2.B.1. Cutting of rod, mesh or sheets (METAL DECK).- to improve the
the resistance of concrete metal structures made of rods are deposited

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 88


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

steel, prefabricated mesh or solid plates known as DEK


METALLIC, cut to size.
Tools / machinery / resources
pliers, hand saws, electric saws or Radial - grinder
electricity.
2.B.2. - Foundry.-It consists of downloading specific amounts of
ready-mixed concrete and spread or distribute it evenly over
all the surface to be covered, this can be manual, with small concrete mixers or
mobile and also with concrete trucks or mixers, as needed.
Tools / machinery / resources
Concrete mixer, mixer truck, vibrators, manual tools such as shovels,
popsicles, etc., electricity, water.

3. MASONRY
3.A. Descripción.- Masonry is called the traditional system of
construction of walls and facades, for various purposes, through the
manual placement of elements that can be: brick or blocks of
prefabricated concrete

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 89


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

Images 4.3. Masonry.


3.B. Job Positions
3.B.1. Mixing.-It consists of dosing specific amounts of materials.
such as: sand, gravel, stone, cement, and water that form the necessary mixture
to join or fix the bricks, blocks, or stone used in construction of the
wall
Tools / machinery / resources
Pallet, (a concrete mixer can be used if necessary), single-wheel wheelbarrow,
water.
3.B.2. Cutting and placing of bricks or blocks.-It consists of placing the
elements that form the wall or barrier whether they are blocks, bricks or others, the
the cut is mainly done by hand with the help of various palettes
If cutting is required, it is done with the help of a grinder or cutting tool.
Tools / machinery
Palettes, grinder or cutting tool, electricity.
3.B.3. Plastering.-It consists of applying the mixture on the walls in order to
obtain a smooth and even surface, since the walls may have height
It may be necessary to use scaffolding.
Tools / machinery / resources
Pallets of different types and materials, scaffolding, wheelbarrow, etc.

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 90


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

WELDING
4.A. Description.-Welding is a manufacturing process where
joins two materials together, (generally metals or thermoplastics),
usually achieved through coalescence (fusion), in which the pieces
They are soldering both and adding a melted filler material.
With the welding of metal beams, rods, profiles, or prefabricated plates
structures or frameworks are built to support either walls, floors,
roofs or columns in general.

Images. 4.4. Welding.


4.B. Job Positions
4.B.1. Court. it is sought that the necessary dimensions come
specified at the time of purchasing these materials, but sometimes they
requires cutting of beams, meshes or metal sheets, the same that are
they are done only with a grinder, no other cutting system is used
as smelting (autogenous).
Tools / machinery / resources
Radial saw or grinder, hand saw, electricity
4.B.2. Welding.- a power source for welding is used to
create and maintain an electric arc between an electrode and the base material to
melt the metals at the welding point. They can use both current
continues (DC) as alternate (AC), and consumable or non-consumable electrodes.

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 91


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

As this activity can be carried out at height, the use of may be required
scaffolding.
Tools / machinery / resources
Welder: Machine of alternating or direct current (or a combination of the two)
two) conductors and insulators, welding cables, electrode holders, staples
for land; scaffolding, electricity.

5. ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS
5.A. Description.- Once the structure, the walls and the
Plastering requires having enough space for the wires that
they will conduct electrical energy for lighting, power sources, and others
functions inherent to electricity.

Image 4.5. Electrical connections


5.B. Job positions
5.B.1. Wall channeling and installation of elements
conduction.- they are openings or "punched" channels in which are placed
elements that allow the passage of conductive cables, these
elements are plastic or metal pipes and boxes in which the
power outlet or switches for lighting control, requires
scaffolding.

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 92


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

Tools / machinery / resources


Picks, steel tips, hammer, scaffolding.
5.B.2. Cable installation. the cable is placed through the channels or
preconstructed pipes according to the provisions in the corresponding plans, are
adjust and isolate the respective connections. After this, it is necessary to cover the
canals with cement (plaster).
Tools / machinery / resources
Pliers, tweezers, blades, screwdrivers, insulating material, scaffolding.

6. ELEVATION AND TRANSPORT


6.A. Description.-As it is a multi-level construction it is
constantly necessary to move and transport materials and elements between
different levels, this is done in two ways, manually and with the help of a
pulley.
6.B. Job positions.
6.B.1. Lifting and manual transport.-To move any item,
material or device between levels or at the same level, it is done in a way
manual loading these elements and moving them through the stairs that fit
highlight not completed or suitable for use, these may also occur
transport using carts or scaffolding.

Image 4.6. Elevation and manual transportation by stairs.

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 93


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

Tools / machinery / resources


Wheelbarrows, scaffolding.
6.B.2. Lifting and transport with pulley. to take the different
elements such as materials or tools at the final level of construction
se usa una polea adaptada y construida de manera “artesanal”, no es una
pulley acquired that meets the basic conditions in its structure or
functioning.

Image 4.7. Lifting by pulley.


Tools / machinery / resources
Pulleys, ropes or cables.

7. OTHER AREAS OR SECTIONS.


7.A. Description.-In addition to the mentioned sections, there are other areas that
informally they serve certain functions such as a warehouse or waste yard thus
as parking and general access to the work.
7.B. Job Positions.
7.B.1. Access routes and waste. The building has two
accesses, the first one at the front with very limited space, the second
It is an access with more space where materials and vehicles are entered,
etc. In this second space there is a place to deposit
the waste produced in construction such as rubble, waste from
materials and waste in general.

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 94


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

STEP 2. Personnel at the Workstations.


As mentioned, it is not possible to determine an exact number of personnel.
exposed to a certain condition, we will limit ourselves to the initial description and detail

made for this construction.

STEP 3. Risk Assessment.


At this point, the compliance with the described forms is carried out.
next table and presented in ANNEX 4

Table 4.1. List of cards to be filled in construction 1


RISK CARDS
SECTION JOB POSITION TO EVALUATE ACCORDING TO
ITS ORIGIN

1.B.1. Rethinking 01 Workplace


REPLANTING 04 Tools
AND MOVEMENT manuals
OF LANDS 01 Workplace
02 Machines
1.B.2. Filling
05 Manipulation of
objects
01 Workplace
04 Tools
2.B.1. Bar cutting,
manuals
malla or sheets.
05 Manipulation of
2. CASTING
objects
01 Workplace
04 Tools
2.B.2. Casting manuals
13 Noise
02 Machines
3.B.1. Mixture 01 Workplace
3.
Masonry 3.B.2. Cutting and 05 Manipulation of

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 95


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

brick laying objects


or blocks 04 Tools
3.B.3. Plastering manuals
01 Workplace
04 Tools
manuals

4.B.1. Cut 02 Machines

4. 4.B.2. Welding 17
WELDING Radiations
ionizing
06 Installation
electric
01 Workplace

5.B.1. Channeling of 04 Tools

walls and placement manuals


5. 05 Manipulation of
of elements of
CONNECTIONS objects
ELECTRIC driving
5.B.2. Placement of
cableado

6. ELEVATION 6.B.1. Elevation and


manual transport 01 Workplace
Y
05 Manipulation of
TRANSPORT 6.B.2. Elevation and objects
transport with pulley 03 Elevation and
transport
7. OTHER 7.B.1. Access routes and
05 Manipulation of
AREAS O waste objects
SECTIONS. 20 Physical load
[Link] 24 Preventive Management
13 Noise

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 96


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

STEP 4. Risk Assessment and Results.


Based on the completed questionnaires (ANNEX 4), the following is obtained.
Table 4.2. Results of the filled questionnaires.
RISK CARDS CRITERION /
POSITION OF
TO EVALUATE ACCORDING TO CONDITION
WORK
HIS ORIGIN

01 Workplace Improvement needed


1.B.1. Reconsidered
04 Deficient tools.
manuals
01 Workplace Improvement needed
Very
02 Machines
Filling deficient
05 Manipulation of Very
objects deficient.
01 Workplace Improvement needed
04 Improvement Tools
2.B.1. Rod cutting,
manuals
nets or sheets.
05 Manipulation of Deficient
objects
Workplace Improvable
04 Improvisable Tools

2.B.2.- Foundry manuals


Very
13 Noise
deficient
02 Machines Correct
Very
3.B.1. Mixture 01 Workplace
deficient
3.B.2. Cut and
05 Handling of Deficient
brick laying
objects
or blocks
04 Very Tools
3.B.3. Plastering
manuals deficient
Very
4.B.1. Cut 01 Workplace
deficient
4.B.2. Welding
04 Deficient Tools

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 97


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

manuals
02 Machines Improvement needed

17 Deficient
Radiations
ionizing
06 Very installation
electric deficient
5.B.1. Canalization of 01 Workplace Improvement needed
walls and placement 04 Improvement Tools
of elements of manuals
driving Improvement needed
5.B.2. Placement of 05 Manipulation of
objects
wiring
Very
6.B.1. Elevation and
01 Workplace deficient.
manual transportation
05 Manipulation of Very
6.B.2. Elevation and
objects deficient
transport with pulley 03 Elevation and Very
transport deficient
7.B.1. Access routes Deficient
05 Manipulation of
and waste objects
Very
20 Physical Load
deficient
7.B.2. GENERAL Very
24 Preventive Management
deficient
13 Noise Deficient

STEP 5. Prioritize the assessed risks by origin.


The information obtained in the previous step is analyzed according to the evaluated aspect and the

grading of each work section, in this methodology it is not possible


locate in positions or hierarchy since the analysis of the same point
corresponds to various sections or job positions, it is simply presented
the following table as a summary of the results.

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 98


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

respect its content; likewise, they will be issued with the formalities
established by the constitution.
Likewise, the aspects of safety and occupational health are
governed by international agreements, laws, regulations, agreements and
other legal entities that will be cited in this chapter.
2.6.1. ORGANISMS AND INTERNATIONAL NORMATIVE
International Labour Organization (ILO)
The International Labour Organization is a specialized agency of
the United Nations aims to promote social justice and rights
human and labor rights internationally recognized. It was created in 1919 and in
1946 became the first specialized agency of the United Nations.
United.
The ILO formulates international labor standards through conventions and ...
recommendations, in order to achieve minimum conditions regarding
fundamental labor rights:
Trade union freedom
Right to unionize
Right to collective bargaining
Abolition of forced labor
Equality of opportunities and treatment
Other regulations that govern conditions that encompass everything
spectrum of work-related issues

The ILO's mission is to establish general guidelines related to issues


labor issues, which it carries out through Agreements, Recommendations and
Resolutions.
Agreements resulting from the Conference are understood as Conventions.
International ILO that establishes standards with the force of law, of
binding compliance for the countries that ratify it through integration
in its legal order.

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 54


CUENCA UNIVERSITY

address or analyze other activities that were not in the previous construction
possible.
The construction in this final finishing phase had 20 to 25
workers distributed across different activities, maintains the characteristic
to have foremen (from 2 to 5) and the others carry out tasks such as
officials or assistants.
This work applies the CHECK LIST method
STEP 1. Sections and Job Positions.
Based on the preliminary information collection format ANNEX 1, it
obtained the following information:
The number of workers at the time of the initial inspection and who in
The average person working in construction is between 20 and 25 with the characteristic
of variations according to week or even days for many reasons among them the
turnover of personnel typical of the informality of this work area.
The sections and work positions specifics are detailed to
continuation and the images of the tools used are displayed in
ANNEX 3.

WALL FINISH
1.A. Description.- The walls, whether made of block or brick, are covered with
cement to leave a smooth and consistent surface, which is then covered
with paint or another protective element.
1.B. Job positions
1.B.1. Plastering.- consists of applying the mixture onto the walls in order to
to obtain a smooth and even surface, since the walls can have height
Scaffolding may be needed.

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 100


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

Tools / machinery / resources


Palettes of different types and materials, scaffolding, wheelbarrow, etc.

Image 4.9. Plastering


1.B.2. Painting.-The smooth surfaces are covered by a layer of paint
que puede ser de varios tipos a fin de proteger la superficie de los elementos.
They are relatively easy to apply and clean, most are water-based.
(water-based latex paints), also oil-based paints (enamels)
synthetic), both are formulated for indoor and outdoor use.
Tools / machinery / resources
Different types and materials of palettes, scaffolding, simple brush, roller brush
, torch, compressor, etc.

Image 4.10. Painting


2. FLOOR FINISHING
2.A. Description.- Just like the walls, the surface of the floors is
covered either with cement (plaster) or any other material such as
porcelain, plaster, granule, etc.

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 101


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

Image 4.11. Floor finishing


2.B. Puestos de trabajo
2.B.1. Cutting and preparation of ceramics. Before putting anything
ceramic element often needs to adapt its shape
dimensions of the same to match the place where it will be placed.
Tools / machinery / resources
Radial saw or grinder, hand saw, electricity, spatulas,
2.B.2. Placement and stacking of ceramics.- The ceramics are arranged in the
designated position and it is fixed to the floor with cement, then the spaces that
are sealed or filled (Emporado) with materials
like cement, plaster or others
Tools / machinery / resources
Pallets, cement, sponges, packing material, bald heads, string.

Ceiling
3.A. Description.- For aesthetic purposes and to cover wiring, pipes, etc.,
a layer of materials such as plaster, mineral fiber, wood, etc. is applied,
It is known as a drop ceiling.

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 102


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

Image 4.12. Ceiling


3.B. Job positions
3.B.1. Place supporting elements. - It can be done using wire mesh.
in the case of stucco or more solid elements such as wood or metal
for another type of finishes.
3.B.2. Install ceiling. - The prefabricated gypsum boards are arranged and
they are fixed together by layers of plaster that bind and cover the spaces in between

Each gypsum board can be used to construct shapes, bevels, and details as needed.
necessary.
Tools / machinery / resources
Scaffolding, pallets, pliers, tweezers, wire, etc.
4. OTHER AREAS OR SECTIONS.
4.A. Description.-In addition to the aforementioned sections, there are other areas that

informally they serve certain functions as a storage room or waste yard


as parking and general access to the work.
4.B. Job positions.
4.B.1. Access roads and waste. it has a front income of
materials, vehicles, etc. Furthermore has a place to deposit the
debris produced in construction such as rubble, waste of
materials and waste in general.
General aspects such as preventive management, noise, and load are also analyzed.
labor

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 103


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

Image. 4.13. Space for materials and/or debris


STEP 2. Personnel of the Job Positions.
As mentioned, it is not possible to determine an exact number of staff.
exposed to certain conditions, we will limit ourselves to the initial description and detail

carried out for this construction.


STEP 3. Risk Assessment.
Para este punto se realiza el cumplimiento de las fichas descritas en el
next table and presented in ANNEX 5

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 104


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

Table 4.4. List of forms to fill out in Construction 2.


SHEETS OF RISKS
SECTION JOB POSITION TO EVALUATE ACCORDING TO

ITS ORIGIN
JUST FINISHED 01 Workplace
1.B.1. Plastering
WALLS. 04 Tools
manuals
1.B.2. Painting 01 Workplace
01 Workplace
2.B.1. Cutting and preparation 04 Tools
2. JUST FINISHED of ceramic manuals
FLOORS 02 Machines
01 Workplace
2.B.2. Placement and
04 Tools
ceramic season
manuals
01 Workplace
3.B.1. Place elements 05 Manipulation of
CEILING
support objects
3.B.2. Install ceiling 04 Tools
manuals
4. OTHERS 4.B.1. Access routes and
05 Manipulation of
AREAS O waste objects
SECTIONS. 20 Physical load
4.B.2. GENERALITIES 24 Gestión preventiva
13 Noise

STEP 4. Risk Assessment and Outcomes.


En base a los cuestionarios llenados (ANEXO 5) se obtiene lo siguiente.

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 105


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

Table 4.5. Results of the completed questionnaire forms.


RISK SHEETS CRITERION /
JOB POSITION TO EVALUATE ACCORDING TO CONDITION
ITS ORIGIN

01 Workplace Very Poor


1.B.1. Plastering
04 Improvement Tools
manuals
1.B.2. Painting 01 Workplace Deficient
01 Workplace Deficient
2.B.1. Cutting and preparation 04 Improvement Tools
made of ceramic manuals
02 Machines Deficient
01 Workplace Improvement needed
2.B.2. Placement and
04 Correct Tools
ceramic season
manuals
01 Workplace Very deficient
3.B.1. Place elements 05 Manipulation of Improvement
support objects
3.B.2. Install ceiling 04 Improvement Tools
manuals
4.B.1. Access roads and Improvement needed
05 Manipulation of
waste objects
20 Physical load Deficient
4.B.2. GENERAL 24 Deficient Preventive Management
13 Noise Improable

STEP 5. Prioritize the assessed risks according to origin.


The results obtained in the previous step are analyzed according to the evaluated aspect and the

grade for each work section, in this methodology it is not possible


locate in positions or hierarchization since the analysis of the same point
corresponds to various sections or job positions, it is simply presented
the following table as a summary of the results.

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 106


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

Table 4.6. Risk Hierarchy


Condition. Times that are
Origin
repeat
Very deficient 2
Workplace Deficient 2
Improvement needed 1
Tools Improvement needed 3
manuals Correct 1
Machinery Deficient 1
Manipulation of Improvement needed 2
objects
Poor Preventive Management 1

Noise Improving 1
Physical load Deficient 1

4.1.3. PUBLIC WORK: CONSTRUCTION OF ELECTRIC NETWORKS


SUBTERRANEAN
To provide variety to the type or characteristic of the chosen constructions in the
In this work, a public construction is chosen to analyze its
particularities, this work takes place in the urban area of the city of
Azogues.
This is about the construction of underground electrical networks STAGE 1, which
it consists of establishing the necessary underground structure so that through the
the same deploy electrical and telecommunications networks; their objective
The main goal is to improve the visual aesthetics of the city center, it is expected that

the entire sector has this type of networks, the first stage is analyzed that
has been developing since April 2010. The promoter of the work is the
Electric Company Azogues, and it is developed by a consortium or company
private construction managed by a team of professionals: Engineers
civilians and architects.

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 107


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

This work employs the FINE method for risk analysis and assessment.

STEP 1. Sections and workstations.


Based on the preliminary information collection format ANNEX 1, it
obtained the following information:
The average number of workers employed in construction is 35.
at 45 with the characteristic of variations according to the week or even days by
many reasons among them the staff turnover characteristic of
informality of this work area.
From this number, a small part maintains a stable employment relationship and
recognized before the law with acknowledgment of their labor rights, the
the rest are workers with temporary contracts depending on the
need for construction.
The sections and work positions specifics are detailed to
continuation and the images of the tools used are arranged in
ANNEX 3.

1. REPLACEMENT OF WELLS, SEWER SYSTEM AND


PIPE CONNECTIONS.
1.A. Description.- before the development of this project, beneath the layer
There were old sewer systems under the asphalt or concrete of the street.
drinking water, the same as for the purposes of the new network provisions will have
to be relocated, modified, or changed in order to create the physical space
suitable for the transition to the new system. For this, a series of
activities that will be listed below as positions of
trabajo.

1.B. Job positions


1.B.1. Breaking or opening of concrete and wells - with the help of hammers
manual tires or with larger machinery (BOB CAT) are
break the layer of concrete or asphalt that covers the previous installations,
Additionally, the breaking of the sewage wells is carried out.

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 108


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

Image 4.14. Concrete break.


Tools / machinery / resources
Pneumatic hammer (BOB CAT), backhoe, electric generator,
small tools: picks, shovels, wheelbarrows, etc.
1.B.2. Excavation.- Once the previous material has been removed, it is carried out

excavation either manual or with machinery (Backhoe) to remove the


earth and other materials necessary to leave the appropriate space for the
arrangement of the structures and connections that would later be made.

Image 4.15. Excavation


Tools / machinery / resources
Backhoe, hand tools: picks, shovels, wheelbarrows, etc.
1.B.3. Pipe connections, fittings, and piping.- Due to the new
pipe layout and other pre-existing elements, at this point is
it is necessary to make new water pipe connections, fittings, etc., that
they allow the distribution of drinking water to be interrupted.

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 109


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

Image 4.16. Pipe connection


Tools / machinery / resources
Hand and electric saws (grinder or cutter), pliers, socket wrenches,
sealing material (pipe glue), flanges, elbows, Teflon, etc.
1.B.4. Casting of new well.-Finally, the new well is cast or made.
concrete well to replace the previous one.

Image.4.17. Casting.
Tools / machinery / resources
["concrete mixer","vibrator","wheelbarrow","hand saw","grinder","tools"]
minors.
2. DEVELOPMENT OF DUCTS AND INSTALLATION OF PIPE FOR
NETWORKS.
2.A. Description.- Once the necessary space is established, the construction is carried out

duct in which the pipe is arranged through which the cable passes
what forms the electricity or telecommunications network; for this it is necessary
the following activities analyzed as jobs.

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 110


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

2.B. Job positions


2.B.1. Improvement and compaction material. - On the cleared bed
materials are placed in order to improve the weight support surface
total and the construction, layers of are arranged and piled gravel, stone, rock
of different sizes according to the recommendations of the responsible engineers
this stage.

Image 4.18. Compaction


Tools / machinery / resources
Wheelbarrows, hand tools: shovels, picks, etc. Vibratory compactors or
compactors, electric generator.
2.B.2. Duct structure assembly - the duct that protects the pipes
the networks, is a kind of box cast in reinforced concrete with bars of
iron, to build them, it is necessary to first create a structure
that supports the concrete while it is fresh, this structure is what gives the
final form of the duct, is built in wood and with steel accessories that
Once the concrete has cured, they will mostly be removed.

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 111


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

Image 4.19. Duct assembly.


Tools / machinery / resources
saw horse, saw, hand saws, electric saw, hammer, nails
generator, etc.
2.B.3. Placement of pipes and assembly of ducts - the pipes are arranged (9
for electrical network and 3 for telecommunications), on top of these is placed
improvement materials are used to fill the gaps
between the tubes, the walls of the duct are melted as required in each
construction sector.

Image.4.20. Placement of pipes.


Tools / machinery / resources
Wheelbarrow, hand tools, tampers, concrete, etc.
2.B.4. Sidewalk and/or street casting. - Once the pipes are placed,
accessories, water networks, etc., a layer of concrete of 7 is fused

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 112


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

centimeters to cover the networks and to keep the road passable for both
pedestrians as for vehicles, the casting for being in large proportions and
dimensions are made with the help of a mixer.

Image 4.21. Sidewalk and/or street casting


Tools / machinery / resources
Mixer, vibrator, palettes, and accessories, concrete mixer, minor tools.
STEP 2. Personnel of the Workstations.
As mentioned, it is not possible to determine an exact number of personnel.
exposed to a certain condition, we will limit ourselves to the initial description and detail

made for this construction.

PASO [Link]ón de Riesgos.


For this point, the filling out of the forms described in ANNEX 6 will be carried out.
with the help of the risk matrix, assessments, probability, and sources of risks
described in point 3 of the previous chapter.
STEP 4. Risk Assessment and Results.
Using the methodology, the charts and assessments presented are obtained
the following.

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 113


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

Table 4.7. Risk Assessment Construction 3.

SUMMARY TABLE OF RISKS AND THEIR CLASSIFICATION.

TYPE
POSITION RISK CP DE CHARACTERISTICS
RISK
Noise exposure 12
Implement measures of
Exposure to High
12 short-term prevention.
vibration
Projection of Implement measures of
9 Medium
fragments medium-term prevention.

Posture fatigue 6 Study the possibilities


prevention measures to
Fall to the same Low
4 implement. Analyze the
level
profitability of them.
Bruises / Cuts 4
Exposure to noise 12
Fall to different
12 Implement measures of
level High
short-term prevention.
Trapping
10
(vehicles)
Projection
9
fragments
Implement measures of
Cuts / Blows 9 Medio
medium-term prevention.
Fatigue due to posture 9

Collapse 8
Implement measures of
Cuts / fractures 12 High
short-term prevention.
Cuts 9
Implement measures of
Exhibition Medium
8 medium-term prevention.
substances

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 114


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

chemicals
Falls at the same Study the possible
6 Under
level. prevention measures to
implement. Analyze the
Posture fatigue 6 Low
profitability of them.
Cuts 9 Medium
Implement measures of
Falls at the same
9 Medium medium-term prevention.
level.
Exposure to noise 6
Entrapment Study the possible
8
(machinery) prevention measures to
Skin irritation 6 to implant. Analyze the
Posture fatigue 6 Low profitability of the same.

Trapping
(machinery) 6

Vibrations 9
Implement measures of
Exposure to noise 8 Medium
medium-term prevention.
Blows / Cuts 8
Exhibition Study the possible ones
6
particles (dust) prevention measures to
Low
Falls at the same implement. Analyze the
6
level. profitability of them.
Implement measures of
Hits / Cuts 12 High
medium-term prevention.
Posture-related fatigue 9 Implement measures of
Medium
Noise exposure 8 medium-term prevention.
Projection Study the possible
6
fragments Under prevention measures to
Fall to different 6 implant. Analyze the

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 115


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

level profitability of the same.


Vibrations 9
Exposure to noise 8 Implement measures of
Medium
Trapping medium-term prevention.
8
(machinery)
Exhibition
6 Study the possibilities
particles
preventive measures to
Fall to different Low
6 implement. Analyze the
level
profitability of them.
Blows / Cuts 6
Trapping Implement measures of
10 High
(vehicles) short-term prevention.
Vibrations 9 Implement measures of
Average
Exposure to noise 8 medium-term prevention.
Skin irritation 6 Estudiar las posibles
prevention measures to
Under
Fatigue from posture 6 implant. Analyze the
profitability of them.

STEP 5. Prioritize the evaluated risks.


According to the score obtained in table 4.7., it is ranked by risks.
found; the same risk may be present in several sections or
job positions, the highest risk obtained is analyzed. Thus:

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 116


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

Table 4.8. Risk Hierarchy.


Hierarchization Risk Score
Hits with or
against objects.

Different fall
level
Exposure to
1 12
noise

Exposure to
vibration

Cuts / fractures

Trapping
2 10
(vehicles)
Projection of
fragmentos
3 Fatigue from 9
posture
Falls at the same time
level.
Collapse
Exhibition
4 substances 8
chemicals
Trapping
(machinery)
Skin irritation
5 Exhibition 6
particles (dust)

4.1.4. SMALL SCALE CONSTRUCTION (WOODEN HOUSE)


It is a renovation to an already existing construction with the
characteristic that most of the it will be the same in wood, beams,
walls, ceilings, etc., the woodworking was mostly done
on the upper floor of the original house. In order to cover more and varied
activities it was decided to evaluate this construction which, although small,

proportion is very important in this study as it gives it another point of

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 117


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

analysis, the activities carried out will be related to jobs in


wood, is developed below according to the methodological steps already
known.
The FINE method is used.

STEP 1. Sections and job positions.


En base al formato de recolección preliminar de información ANEXO 1, se
obtained the following information:

The average number of workers employed in construction is 5 to


10 with the characteristic of variations according to week or even days for
many reasons including staff turnover typical of informality
from this work area.
Of this number 2 corresponds to construction foremen and the others are
helpers or as they are known, work officers, the sections and positions of
Specific jobs are detailed below and the images of the
The tools used are listed in ANNEX 3.

1. DEMOLITION
1.A. Description.- As mentioned, this construction consists of
remodel an existing house for which it is necessary to demolish and clear
parts that will not be considered; this demolition is carried out solely with
hand tools.

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 118


UNIVERSIDAD DE CUENCA

Image 4.22. Original construction and demolition debris


1.B. Job positions
1.B.1. Roof removal. - Basically detach and remove the roof.
the wooden structure, braces, beams, etc.
Tools / machinery / resources
Hammer, electric grinder, scaffolding, combo, crowbar or little devil
1.B.2. Wall removal.- With the help of hammers, mallets, and others
tools destroy the original structure in order to clear the place for the
new structure.
Tools / machinery / resources
Hammer, electric grinder, scaffolding, combo, crowbar or little devil

2. ASSEMBLY OF STRUCTURE
2.A. Description.- The structure of a house is made up of the
foundation, the horizontal frameworks (first floor platform, mezzanine in the
case of a two-story house and ceiling), vertical frameworks (partitions
supporting and self-supporting and roof structure; in this
punctual construction the necessary structures will be described as:
Assembly of posts or pillars (vertical framework) Assembly of beams, braces,
about cracks (horizontal framework) roofing, beveled.

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 119


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

Image 4.23. Main structural components.


2.B. Job positions
2.B.1. Assembly of poles or pillars (vertical framework). - Uses pillars or
posts, which are embedded in their base and are responsible for receiving the
efforts of the housing structure through the main beams
anchored to these, on which the weight of the roof rests.

Tools / machinery / resources


Square, hammer, chisel, gouge, drill, circular saw, chainsaw, drill,
etc.
2.B.2. Assembly of beams, braces, over braces (horizontal framing)
The pillars or posts are joined together by a horizontal framework.
that serves as bracing or support and distribution of loads
generated towards the pillars and the foundation, these also form part of the
visual aesthetic exterior of certain parts of the construction.

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 120


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

Image 4.24. Bracing (horizontal structure)


Tools / machinery / resources
Escuadra, martillo, azuela, formón, barreno, sierra circular, motosierra, taladro,
etc.
2.B.3. Roofing.- Roofing refers to any structure of a
building located above the sky of the top floor, whose function is to receive a
coating to insulate the home from the environment, protecting it from
cold, heat, wind, rain and/or snow.

Image 4.25. Roof


Tools / machinery / resources
Square, hammer, chisel, gouge, drill, circular saw, chainsaw, drill,
saw 45º.

3. CHAMFERED
3.A. Description.-It consists of filling the spaces of the structure with
wood arranged in rows of tables joined together that form the walls

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 121


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

of the housing, according to the decision of the builder and/or owner these can
cover the frameworks or leave them exposed for decorative reasons.

Image 4.26. Beveled


Tools / machinery / resources
Squad, hammer, chisel, plane, circular saw, drill, 45º saw.
3.B. Puestos de trabajo
3.B.1. Beveled Walls and Ceiling.
Tools / machinery / resources
Square, hammer, chisel, gouge, drill, circular saw, chainsaw, drill
saw 45º.

4. COVER
4.A. Description.- On the structure or roofing, the cover is placed that
serves to protect the elements, it consists of metal sheets with
coating or insulation and paint.
4.B. Job positions
4.B.1. Install roof. - The cut sheets are placed according to the required measurements.

about the structure; which are fixed in place by bolts.


Tools / machinery / resources
Square, hammer, chisel, circular saw, drill, 45º saw.

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 122


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

5. GENERAL ASPECTS
5.A. Descripción.-vale la pena resaltar ciertos aspectos o actividades que
they are present in this work; the same ones that can be part of others
activities already described but due to their importance and the imminent risk that
presents deserve a separate analysis.
5.B. Job positions.
5.B.1. Cutting and preparation of wood.- before any activity that
involves the placement, modification, or arrangement of elements that form
structures in this work, it is logical that these must be cut and adapted to
the appropriate conditions for its disposal.

Image 4.27. Cutting and preparing wood.


Tools / machinery / resources
Square, hammer, chisel, carving tool, drill, circular saw, chainsaw
drill, saw 45º.
5.B.2. Coating - the original walls that will not be covered with
Wood finishes will be covered with stone materials and cement.
(polished), also in this activity, activities such as cutting are needed.
stone and use of cement.

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 123


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

Image. 4.28. Coatings


Tools / machinery / resources
Metal and wooden pallets, grinder or circular saw, wheelbarrow,
scaffolding.
5.B.3. Electrical and plumbing installations.- Concurrently with the progress of
the construction involves work or tasks related to electrical installations and
plumbing: placement of cables, pipes, and other necessary accessories.

Image 4.29. Electrical installations.


Tools / machinery / resources
Cutting knife, pliers, screwdriver, plumbing tools: wrench
tube, spout, scaffolding.
5.B.5. Sealing.-To preserve the wood and protect it from the elements, it
cover with insulating material, in this case, it is of natural origin; linseed oil

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 124


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

Image 4.30. Sealing.


Tools / machinery / resources
Hand brushes, scaffolding.
STEP 2. Staff of the Workplaces.
It is not possible to determine an exact number of personnel exposed to certain
condition, we will limit ourselves to the initial description and detail made for this
construction.
STEP 3. Risk Assessment.
At this point, the form described in ANNEX 7 will be filled out.
with the help of risk charts, assessments, probability, and source of
risks described in point 3 of the previous chapter.
STEP 4. Risk Assessment and Results.
Using the methodology, the tables and assessments presented yield the
next.

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 125


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

Table 4.9. Risk Assessment

SUMMARY TABLE OF RISKS AND THEIR CLASSIFICATION.

TYPE
PLACE DE CHARACTERISTICS
RISK CP
O RISK
O
Fall to Implement measures of
12 High
different level short-term prevention.
Fatigue from Implement measures of
8 Medium
posture medium-term prevention.
Hits /
6
Cortes
Projection
fragments 6
dust
Falls to Study the possible measures of
6
same level. Low prevention to implement. Analyze
Overexertion the profitability of them.
6
o
Fatigue due to
6
posture
Fatigue due to
6
effort
Falls to Implement measures of
9 High
same level. short-term prevention.
Fatigue from Implement measures of
8 Medium
posture medium-term prevention.
Hits / Low Study the possible measures of
6
Cuts prevention to be implemented. Analyze

AUTHOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 126


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

Projection the profitability of them.


fragments 6
powder

Overexertion
6
o

Fall to
8 Medium
different level Implement measures of
Fatigue from mid-term prevention.
8 Medium
postura
Falls to the
6 Under
same level.
Hits /
6 Under Study the possible measures of
Cuts
prevention to implement. Analyze
Projection
6 Under the profitability of them.
fragments
Fatigue due to
6 Under
effort
Cuts / Very
4
fractures Under It must be considered the

Trapping convenience of correcting the


Very
for or between 3 causes that give rise to risk.
Under
objects
Fall to
8 Medium Implement measures of
different level
medium-term prevention.
Falls to 6 Half

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 127


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

same level.
Beatings /
6 Under
Cuts
Projection
fragments 6 Under Study the possible measures of
dust prevention to be implemented. Analyze
Fatigue due to the profitability of them.
6 Low
effort
Fatigue due to
6 Low
posture
Cuts / Very
4
fracturas Under It should be considered the

Trapping convenience of correcting the


Very
for or between 3 causes that give rise to risk.
Under
objects
Fall to Implement measures of
12 High
different level short-term prevention.
Falls to Implement measures of
6 Medium
same level. medium-term prevention.
Fatigue from
6 Low
effort
Hits / Study the possible measures of
6 Low
Cuts prevention to implement. Analyze
Projection the profitability of them.
6 Low
fragments
fractures 4 Under
Trapping It must be considered the
Very
for or between 3 convenience of correcting the
Under
objects causes that give rise to risk.
Fall to Implement measures of
6 High
different level medium-term prevention.

AUTHOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 128


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

Hits /
6 Medium
Cortes
Projection
6 Low
fragments
Fatigue due to
6 Under
posture
Projection
6 Low
fragments
Fall to Implement measures of
12 High
different level short-term prevention.
Falls to Implement measures of
6 Medium
same level. medium-term prevention.
Sunstroke 6 Low
Blows / Study the possible measures of
6 Under
Courts prevention to be implemented. Analyze

Cuts the profitability of them.


6 Low
fractures
Cut / Implement measures of
12 High
Lacerations short-term prevention.
Projection
9
fragments
Implement measures of
Noise 9 Medium
medium-term prevention.
Risk
9
Generado
Falls to the
6
same level.
Study the possible measures of
Hits /
6 Low prevention to be implemented. Analyze
Cuts
the profitability of the same.
Fatigue due to
6
posture
Cut / 12 High Implement measures of

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 129


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

Lacerations short-term prevention.


Projection Implement measures of
9 Half
fragments medium-term prevention.
Falls to
6 Low
same level. Study the possible measures of
Skin irritation 6 Under prevention to implement. Analyze
Fatigue due to the profitability of them.
6 Under
posture
Fall to
6
different level
Hits /
6 Study the possible measures of
Courts
Low prevention to implement. Analyze
Projection
6 the profitability of them.
fragments
Fatigue due to
6
posture
Fall to
6
different level Implement measures of
Medium
Fatigue due to medium-term prevention.
6
posture

Skin irritation 4 It should be considered the


Very
convenience of correcting the
Falls to Under
4 causes that give rise to risk.
same level.

STEP 5. Prioritize the evaluated risks.


According to the score obtained in table 4.9, it is prioritized by risks
found; the same risk may be present in several sections or
job positions, the highest risk obtained will be analyzed. Thus:

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 130


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

Table 4.10. Risk prioritization.


Hierarchization Risk Score
1 Fall different 12
level
2 Cut / 12
Lacerations
3 Falls at the same 9
level.

4 Projection 9
fragments (dust
heterogeneous
5 Fatigue from 8
posture

6 Sunstroke 6
7 Fractures 6
8 Skin irritation 4
9 Trapping by 3
or between objects

STEP 6. Decision on Prevention Measures.


Specifically for these constructions and based on the results
found is presented specific recommendations in matters of
prevention, with this the two methodologies used in the four are covered
constructions, that is to say, by covering the sources of risk generators

logically, the specific aspects or risks generated are covered, such as


falls, blows, etc., already mentioned in the relevant tables, as follows:

Workplace
Situation: Ranges from poor to very poor
Affected jobs: All.

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 131


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

Characteristics found.- The sites where the various develop


construction activities present serious deficiencies such as:
general disorder, inadequate and anti-ergonomic spaces to develop the
work working at height without necessary protective measures, use
inadequate stairs, lack of protective equipment, etc.

Prevention measures:
The floor must be consistent, non-slip, and will constitute a set
homogeneous, flat, and smooth and will remain clean, will have disposal places of
materials outside the pathways and properly marked.
For work at heights greater than 1.80 m, scaffolding must be provided with
belts and/or safety nets evaluating their weight resistance
worker.
To have storage spaces and arrangement for materials and equipment.
Improve work habits and organization.
Provide hand ladders made of durable materials (preferably iron), in
If it is made of wood, ensure that the beams are made of a single piece.
and the steps assembled more than nailed.
There must be signage indicating the risks and measures to be taken, so
such as the mandatory use of personal protective equipment for respiratory pathways, eyes and

hearing protection will require prior training for its use,


cleaning and storage.
2. Machines
Affected job positions: Filling, casting, cutting, and welding
Found characteristics: Ranges from correct to very deficient
Prevention measures:
Do not change or adapt the machine for other unspecified uses.
Do not allow untrained workers to handle and use the machinery.
Protect control organs to prevent unintentional activations.
Provide grounding in case the power supply is electrical
The operator must be trained in the proper operation of the machine, particularly if
They are dangerous machines.

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 132


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

There must be signage indicating the risks and measures to be taken, thus
such as the mandatory use of personal protective equipment for respiratory tracts, eyes and

hearing protection will require training for its use beforehand,


cleaning and storage.
In addition, there will be means available for heavy machinery in motion.
acoustic and visual alarms that alert to movements.

3. Lifting and transportation and handling or loading of objects.


Jobs affected: Generally, it may affect indirectly.
to all sections.
Characteristics found: Very deficient
Preventive measures:
Do not improvise or build pulleys or lifting devices.
Clearly mark the maximum load that the lifting element can support.
Instruct the correct way to lift loads to reduce risks.
Avoid lifting loads when there is a risk of falling on personnel.
Do not leave loads suspended in lifting equipment.
Do not wrap the rope around the body to lift or lower a load.
Do not wrap the rope around your hands to lift or lower a load.
Place safety signage indicating risks and warnings.
The lifting or manual transport will be carried out under appropriate conditions.
must train on the correct methods of lifting and transporting
manual loads to prevent muscle injuries,
Provide the necessary protective equipment including a lumbar belt.

4. Hand tools
Affected job positions: General to all sections.
Characteristics found: improvable and deficient according to the sections.
Prevention measures:
Try to use the most suitable one according to the characteristics of the work,
maintain their proper condition.
Look for the tool to adapt to the worker and the situation.

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 133


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

Have a sufficient number of tools according to the need.


Equipping with tool holders for working at height.
Specify places to put down the tools when not in use.
Do not change the use of each one of them to avoid blows, projection of
particles, etc.
Provide personal protective equipment such as goggles, gloves, and helmet for
to protect oneself

5. Electrical installations.
Affected job positions: generally speaking, especially in the section of
cutting and welding.
Characteristics found: Very deficient
Prevention measures:
Only qualified and authorized personnel should perform installations, all the
equipment and installations provisional are installed and preserved by
specialized personnel
All the elements of the installations they must have dimensions and
suitable characteristics.
The supply voltage and its should be indicated on all power outlets.
use.
It will be equipped with lightning protection and grounding.
The staff will be trained to handle cables or other electrical aspects.
The high-voltage connection supplying the work will be at 7.62 m or more.
height of areas frequented by workers.
Workers in contact with electrically charged elements will possess
adequate personal protective equipment.

6. Noise
Affected jobs: Generally all, especially foundry, cutting
and compaction.

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 134


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

Characteristics found: Deficient


Prevention measures:
Carry out periodic control and monitoring to improve the situation, starting from a
initial assessment that determines the average noise generation based on the
which necessary measures are established such as isolation, protective equipment or
others.
Take actions to improve the current conditions as indicated by the law.
The machines and/or tools (vibrating compactors, pneumatic hammers, etc.)
they must have cushioning devices
In case the noise level to which the workers are exposed
justify, perform audiometric tests on the workers who are
afectados
Provide hearing protection equipment to all workers as the
acoustic pollution expands through sectors that are indirectly
related to the sources, training is provided in their use, cleaning, and disposal.

7. Soldadura
Affected jobs: Directly to welding activities and
indirectly to nearby facilities.
Characteristics found: Deficient.
Prevention measures:
The subjected workers these activities will be especially
informed about the danger and protective measures.
Portable barriers or curtains will be placed to prevent contamination in areas.
neighbors
The contact personnel use appropriate protective equipment
Medical examinations will be conducted on workers who are affected by
these pollutants
It will be about ensuring that a single worker does not prolong this type of work due to

extended periods of time, rotate staff to reduce exposure.

8. Physical Load

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 135


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

Affected jobs: All sections


Found characteristics: Very deficient.
Prevention measures:
The job must combine standing position. and sitting, it must be established
breaks and providing support.
As much as possible, keep the column in a straight position, avoiding inclinations and
prolonged and repeated twists..
Keep the arms below shoulder level, this through the use of
scaffolding at the ideal height, the position of the same must be adapted according to

the necessity
The force needed to perform a task will be such that it does not require support on
body and legs.
The weights that must be handled do not exceed 25 kg.
Train on the correct lifting of loads and provide the equipment for
necessary protection including lumbar belts.

9. Preventive management
Found characteristics: Very deficient
Preventive measures:
Accept the provisions of the regulations and apply what is stated in Chapter V in the
point corresponding to the managerial part.

From the above, it is concluded that there is little management carried out in the area of

risk prevention, in the following chapter it is detailed for the majority of


phases of construction, the aspects that must be applied and maintained
to reduce the detected risks.

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 136


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

CHAPTER V. PREVENTIVE ACTIONS.

CHAPTER V. PREVENTIVE ACTIONS.


In addition to the specific aspects found and analyzed in the previous chapter,
The objective of this will be to cover the largest number of activities or phases.
that the construction has, detailing for each one the recommendations or
actions that improve the current risk situation.
The message that is to be sent will have different recipients, so it
divide into two groups; one aimed at the managerial side of the projects:
owners, promoters, professionals and others in charge of the
project management, and another group aimed at the labor aspect, to the
workers.
It exposed is a compilation of national regulations and
bibliographic recommendations from different sources.

5.1. RESULTS FOUND.


In Chapter IV it was observed that the risk assessment highlighted certain
activities that for the analyzed work and specific activity deserved more
attention and priority when carrying out preventive activities and
corrective, but the problem is that each construction is unique with its
respective characteristics, risks, and details that make extrapolation impossible
the results found and ensure that this will be the behavior in
all, that is to say the same risks, the same scores or conditions of
the activities; therefore, the recommendations that follow
they aim to cover the general phases of construction and for
specific cases require a greater analysis to consider them and/or
apply them.

5.2. PREVENTIVE ACTIONS.


5.2.1. Managerial:
No recommendation, disposition, regulation, etc., will have a direct result.
in the face of any event or abnormal condition that one wishes to reverse or improve, if

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 137


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

the management, administration or personnel in charge of the activity does not present its

total support and willingness to implement and maintain these recommendations.


This is why at this point it is essential to start with the recommendations.
what management or administration should take to improve the situation
regarding the risks in the constructions evaluated in this work and
also generally for any construction.

Employers are required to ensure their workers conditions


of work that do not pose a danger to their health or life. (Art. 410 Code
of Work)
This article and many more in this and other regulations dictate and
they recognize the responsibility of employers in terms of risks due to it
that the recommended activities should be assumed as inevitable in
its achievement.

2. For compliance with the law and remembering that managerial planning
will cover or include all other minor points regarding prevention
in any collective and permanent workspace that has more than ten
workers, employers are required to prepare and submit to the
approval of the Ministry of Labor and Employment (current ministry of
labor relations) through the Regional Labor Directorate, a
hygiene and safety regulations, which will be renewed every two
years.
In every workplace where more than fifteen people work
workers must organize a Safety and Hygiene Committee for Work
integrated in an equal manner by three worker representatives and three
employer representatives, who will designate from among their members
a President and Secretary who will serve for one year in their roles and may be
re-elected indefinitely. If the President represents the employer, the
The secretary will represent the workers and vice versa. Each representative
will have a substitute elected in the same way as the holder and that will be

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 138


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

principalized in case of absence or impediment of this one. Once the period is completed

For those who were elected, the President and Secretary must be appointed.

3. It is the management's duty to comply with all legal aspects such as


how: to ensure and acknowledge the labor relationship before organizations
relevant, it must also comply with the provisions related to activities
specifics that are outlined below and that also enforce it
exposed in case of outsourcing work whether in the case of: subcontractors,
hooks, intermediaries, and in general to all the people who give or
assign jobs to another natural or legal person, regarding their
workers.

Formulate and implement the business policy and make it known to everyone.
personal. Anticipate the objectives, resources, responsible parties, and programs in this area.

of occupational safety and health, inside the works;

Identify and assess risks, initially and periodically, with the


the purpose of properly planning preventive actions.
Combat and control risks at their origin, in the means of transmission and in
the worker, prioritizing collective control over individual control. In case that the
if collective prevention measures prove insufficient, the employer must
provide, at no cost to the worker, the clothing and equipment of
appropriate personal protective equipment.

Schedule the gradual replacement and as briefly as possible of the


procedures, techniques, means, substances and hazardous products by
those that pose a lesser or no risk to the worker.
Development and implementation of preventive measures, including the
related to working and production methods that ensure a
highest level of protection for the safety and health of workers.
Maintain a record and notification system for workplace accidents,
incidents and occupational diseases and the results of the
risk assessments carried out and the proposed control measures,

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 139


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

Registry to which the corresponding authorities and employers will have access
and workers.
Investigate and analyze incidents, accidents, and work-related illnesses, with
the purpose of identifying the causes that originated them and taking actions
corrective and preventive measures aimed at avoiding the occurrence of similar events.
Inform workers in writing and by any other means about the
occupational risks to which they are exposed: and train them in order to prevent them,
minimize and eliminate them.
Establish the necessary mechanisms to ensure that only those
workers who have received the proper training can access
high-risk areas.
Assign according to the number of workers the nature of their activities, a
safety worker delegate, a safety and health committee and establish
a health service at work, in accordance with current national legislation.
Promote the adaptation of work and job positions to the
workers' capabilities, taking into account their physical health status and
mental, taking into account ergonomics and other related disciplines
with the different types of psychosocial risks at work.
Comply and enforce all to intermediaries, contractors, and outsourcing companies.
current regulations in labor and occupational safety and health; plans
risk prevention and affiliation with the Ecuadorian Institute of Security
Social.
Submit the Regulation to the Ministry of Labor for approval.
Internal Health and Safety or, where applicable, minimum prevention plans
of risks for specific works or services to be provided. Such documents
they must be reviewed and updated every two years and whenever the
working conditions are modified, with the participation of employers and
workers.
Register the Joint Committee with the Ministry of Labor and Employment,
Safety and Health, as well as the Internal Regulation of Hygiene and Safety
what Article 434 of the Labor Code refers to and send a copy of the
same to the General Occupational Risks Insurance of the IESS.

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 140


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

Affiliate workers to the Ecuadorian Social Security Institute, IESS;


y
Implement a risk prevention program that will include the
following aspects.
• Policy on Occupational Health and Safety.

• Safety and Health at Work Plan or Manual.

• Reglamento interno de Seguridad y Salud en el Trabajo.

• Procedures for the organization's activities.

• Work instructions.

• Records of the risk prevention system.

Employers will be responsible for ensuring that workers undergo the


pre-employment, periodic, and retirement medical exams, in accordance with the risks
to which they are exposed in their work.
Employers, individually or collectively, must install and implement
emergency response systems in the event of major accidents:
Fire, explosion, leak or spill of substances, natural disasters or
other events of force majeure. In the case of consortia or individuals
legal and professional entities can maintain the cited formally for their
activities, adapting according to the case to specific constructions with
variation of personnel, construction proportion, etc., but maintaining the
procedures, regulations, and other legal aspects required.

4. The above points are based on a prior risk assessment for


to know the current situation of your activities, the development of this work
it can mean an example or case study for future applications.

5. Another recommendation to the administration or management is the explicit obligation


by the workers in complying with what is provided in the matter of
prevention, otherwise the appropriate mechanism may be sought for
persuasion reaching even the separation of its activities according to
the law states.

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 141


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

Lastly, these provisions should be seen as a starting point.


towards a substantial improvement in construction activities, not as a
a law that should be followed only to avoid legal inconveniences, rather
to become aware of the economic, image, labor, and social benefits
professionals that a good risk prevention management brings with it.

5.2.2. Labor.
Logically, this point must be known and applied by the management.
from the work, it has been addressed in the relevant section regarding the labor part since

they will be the actors who apply and put into practice each
recommendation.
It will be about following the necessary sequence for a general activity of
construction like this:

1. Access to the work in the urban road.- The accesses to the works are
points in which a series of risks occur, primarily
collisions and crashes with vehicles. For this reason, it becomes very important that we

define and mark the access to the work and take into account the risk as well
high rate of accidents, separating access for vehicles and pedestrians. In the
works that invade the public road it is necessary to assign an operator to supervise
and controlled the flow of people and the circulation of vehicles at the site. In
this work, access to it is from a small street of a
nearby urbanization, which does not have much traffic either from vehicles or from

pedestrians.
Protective equipment.- make the use of protective equipment similar to the
from the activities inside the work as follows: eye protection, hearing, clothing
suitable work and above all reflective safety vests and/or photo
luminescent.

2. Excavations and earthworks.- These excavations can


vary by a few centimeters up to several meters deep according to it
necessary; the most common risks are: falls from different levels, falling the

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 142


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

same level collapse or downfall, falling of objects or tools


in manipulation, falling objects or detached tools,
overexertion, improper postures or repetitive movements, exposure to
chemical agents (dust), exposure to physical agents (noise and vibrations),
etc., some of them identified and analyzed in the present work.
Preventive Measures.- If justified according to the scale and proportion of the work,
prior to the initiation of any excavation work, the following will be carried out
corresponding soil analysis to establish the appropriate measures of
security, it will be investigated and the existence and nature of the
underground facilities that may be found in work areas, in
in the case of the presence of electrical conduits, drinking water, lines
telecommunications, sewage, etc., the project management will inform about them by
written to the respective entities before the start of it and will decide
by mutual agreement with them the preventive measures that should be adopted.
When the excavations may affect existing buildings, it will be done
previously a study regarding the need for supports, or for
other means that ensure the integrity of the mentioned constructions.
All trees, poles, stone blocks, as well as materials and objects
that are located in the vicinity of the future excavation, will be
removed or solidly braced, if the execution of the work could be
compromise your balance.
In all excavation work carried out with unstable slopes,
An adequate shoring or containment will be arranged from a certain point.
depth that will depend on the characteristics of the land. At no
in such a case, that depth must exceed the value of 1.50 meters. In the
manual excavations that require shoring will be carried out as needed
depth and by strips whose maximum height will be determined by the
land conditions. At no time the depth of the strip
The slope to be supported will be more than 1.50 meters. All wood used in
shoring must be of good quality and without defects, for trenches of 1.5 m to
2.5 m deep, the wood for shoring must have a thickness not
less than 4 cm, for trenches deeper than 2.5 m, the thickness of

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 143


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

wood for bracing shall be no less than 7 cm. The unbracing will be carried out from
down up maintaining the maximum height values of the uncovered strip
previously established, that is to say not exceeding 1.50 meters. On land of
defective or questionable stability, the unblocking will be carried out simultaneously
the filling will be done or the shoring will be considered a loss.

In excavations using mechanical means with unstable slopes and


Entry of persons is prohibited at a depth greater than 1.50 meters.
The support of said excavations must be carried out from the outside, so that
so that workers do not have to enter the excavation.
Protection equipment:
Collective protections: Traffic signs, proper signage of
safety and health, management of machinery and trucks, irrigation of areas of
machine work (without flooding),
Personal protection: Safety helmet, leather gloves, mask,
high visibility fluorescent vest, safety boots with toe cap and insole
steel, hearing protectors.

3. Demolitions.- Before starting the execution of a job


a prior study will be carried out by a competent technician. It will comply with
lo siguiente:
Examination of the resistance of the various elements of the demolition works
its influence on the stability of the whole.
Influence of demolition on neighboring works.
Chronological plan of the demolition in order to prevent at any moment,
certain parts of the construction are subjected to stresses higher than the
that they can withstand.
Study of the protective measures that must be adopted.
Before proceeding with the actual demolition, the following must be carried out:
following operations.
Suppression of water, electricity, telephone, and other connections
facilities that serve the building;

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 144


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

Removal of unstable elements that are likely to provoke


fortuitous collapses, such as chimneys or antennas; and,
Bracing of the different parts, both of the construction itself
said like that of the neighboring constructions whose stability may remain
committed during the demolition work. In order to prevent the
presence and entry of unauthorized persons to the work that will be carried out,
the entire area of the work must be surrounded by a fence in which
A sign prohibiting entry to unauthorized persons must be posted on the door.
In general, demolitions should all be carried out at the same level. Only
in special cases and when the safety of the people present is at risk
lower floors are fully secured.
Protective gear - safety helmet, leather gloves, mask
high visibility fluorescent vest, safety boots with toe cap and insole
steel, hearing protectors.

4. Foundation: Piling work. - It must be done by workers.


qualified. It is prohibited to carry out simultaneous work at different levels in the
vertical, the assemblers will be equipped with tool belts
comfortable to wear and suitable for them.

Prefabricated piles.- The prefabricated piles, whether made of concrete or wood


The intubated patients must comply with the following security measures:
They will be stored in places where they cannot slide or move.
unforeseen, nor in those places that are hard to access or at the edge of slopes.
The piles will have a pair of secure hooks located at the top for
they can be hoisted without the risk of swaying. And another pair on the sides,
to facilitate the ability to be loaded and unloaded.
In the event that the pole is made of wood and is creosoted, the personnel who
the driver will use gloves and glasses, protecting the other parts with creams
of the skin that remain uncovered.
The piles must be handled by means of ropes, never applying them
hands directly on them.

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 145


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

Keep only the essential number of workers on site.


for this task.
The unloading of piles must be done under the supervision of a worker.
qualified.
Protective equipment: safety helmet, leather gloves, clothing
work, fluorescent vest, waterproof suits, boots with toe cap and insole
steel, anti-impact and dust protection glasses, seat belt, yes
it is not possible to protect against falls from height by other means such
such as nets, railings, complete formwork.

5. Building and metal structures.-For risk prevention in


The processes involved in the construction phase will take the following steps
measures:
Materials used.- All materials will be of adequate quality and
free from visible defects, will have the necessary strength to withstand the
efforts to which they must be subjected with the corresponding coefficient
of security, they must be kept in good condition and will be
replaced when they no longer meet such requirements.
Overloads.- Structures will not be loaded with materials, devices or in
any load that could cause its sinking, being extreme
such precautions in those of recent construction, in addition care will be taken
that there is no inversion of efforts in the structures
design.
The accumulation of materials on structures and platforms will be done in the
essential measure for the execution of the work, and without exceeding
never the loads for which they have been designed.
In the assembly and lifting of metal structures, it remains
it is prohibited to perform any type of work or movement with risks of
fall from a height exceeding one meter eighty centimeters and especially
walk on structural profiles, without the use of protective means
collective or, failing that, appropriate personal protective equipment.
These tasks will be carried out by qualified personnel.

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 146


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

To reduce the risk of these jobs, the assembly of the parts will be done.
on the ground, whenever possible. In case of inability to use the
previous system, work platforms, or similar devices will be used,
equipped with all the prescribed protective elements for them.
The assembly of the pieces that are mounted and their fixation in the location.
definitely, it will be done before releasing them from the support cables, or they will be left

properly guyed.
The provisional or definitive collective protections that must be installed, are
They will be installed in the ground, whenever possible, before their elevation.
Personal protective equipment:
Safety helmet, leather boots with steel toe and/or rubber boots,
depending on the work to be carried out, leather gloves, safety belt
safety goggles with impact protection, if welding is performed in this operation,
screen, gloves, sleeves, apron and gaiters, mask

6. Slab Casting.- In the construction work of slabs with risk


For ceilings higher than 1.8 meters, the following measures will be taken:
prevention
Installation of safety net under the slab in construction.
Use of scaffolding.
Use of regulatory gateways.
Use of safety harness secured to a fixed point or with a securing system
sliding.
The transit and direct support of workers on the parts is prohibited.
fragile slabs. To this end, walkways or other means will be provided.
equivalents, conveniently supported by sturdy elements.
All openings in the slabs will be covered with platforms, mesh.
metallic, networks or similar elements that are strong enough and anchored
to the structure to prevent the fall of people or materials.
Personal protective equipment:

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 147


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

Safety helmet, leather boots with steel toe and/or rubber boots,
depending on the work to be done, leather gloves safety belt
anti-impact safety glasses.

7. Finishes in construction:
Plastering.- To adopt preventive measures, the following will be taken into account
materials to be applied in plastering work. Protection will be mandatory.
the hands through the use of gloves. Actions will be taken to the extreme with the use of

chemical products, for which the MSDS safety sheets will be requested
supplier.
Polishing - For polishing work, the use of methods will be preferred.
wet to avoid contamination of the area and the worker's exposure to
particulate matter. When this is not possible with reference to the level
maximum permissible will resort to collective and/or individual protection
specific;
Painting.- For painting processes using diluents (solvents), it
fire prevention measures will be intensified. A ...
adequate air circulation in the work area, also avoiding the
unnecessary exposure of other workers. The use of will be mandatory.
respiratory protection with a specific filter for the substances used.
Installation of sanitary fixtures and plumbing.- Special care will be taken not to

access electrical installations, gas and other services. Comply with the
Recommendations for the safe lifting of loads.
Carpentry work.- Specific recommendations will be taken into account.
protection for machinery and use of appropriate tools for each type of
work. In addition to protection against mechanical risks, protection will also be provided to

workers about risks such as noise, dust, solvents, etc., and about the
ergonomic risks.
Personal protective equipment: Safety helmet, leather boots with
steel template and/or rubber boots, depending on the work to be done,
PVC and leather gloves, protective cap against paint in the hair,
dust mask and self-filtering

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 148


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

8. Covers and roofs - these jobs are generated at heights greater than 1.80
m, so it is necessary:
Before carrying out work on roofs and rooftops, it will be mandatory to verify
that all its elements have sufficient resistance to withstand the weight
of the workers and materials that are to be placed on them. Thus
the resistance of the points that are used must be verified
fastening of safety devices or work equipment.
The risk of falls from height for individuals due to the perimeter edges must
to protect oneself by one or more of the following means:
Safety scaffolds that will meet the established conditions for the
same.
Protection nets.
Regulatory handrails.
When work needs to be carried out on roofs and rooftops whose materials
of poor, questionable, or fragile nature resistance, will be used the
necessary devices for the work to be carried out without the workers
they are supported directly on the covers; for this, platforms will be used,
walkways or boards, and the following conditions will be met in their use:
They will be placed in such a way that they rest on two or more load-bearing elements and

without the possibility of flipping or sliding.


They can be moved without the need for the worker to rely on the
cover.
In case of inability to use the previous means, a must be installed.
collection system (network or similar) under the cover.
Use of fastening devices.- Any work carried out from one meter
eighty centimeters above the ground level will require the use of a harness.
security. If the work is done at a fixed position, it will be enough to tie it to
a resistant point of the structure. If the worker has to change location
For work, you must use tie ropes fixed between two points.
resistants of the structure or other horizontal or vertical fastening systems to
which will attach the harness through a sliding system or lifeline.

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 149


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

The anchor points of the safety harness and lifeline must be


independent of those used for scaffolding tie-downs.
It is prohibited to perform work on rooftops, scaffolds, or any other place.
exposure to the risk of falling from heights, when conditions are present.
intense rains, winds or any other that threaten the stability of the
facilities or people.
In buildings, public works, factory chimneys, and in general, in all
the places where maintenance work should be carried out with risk of
fall from height, metal hooks will be projected and installed properly
anchored, resistant to oxidation and suitable for bearing a unit load of
750 kilograms
Personal protective equipment: Safety belt or harness secured
to a resistant point of the building structure, safety boots,
safety helmets.

9. Welding and Cutting Works.- Barriers or curtains will be placed


laptops in the process area, in order to prevent contamination from
UV radiation, to the neighboring areas. For the execution of welding work.
electric, the worker must wear an apron and fake sleeves, gloves
protectors, face shield with adequate filter for the type and intensity
of the radiation.
For all welding and cutting work, workers will be provided with the necessary equipment.

equipment to protect the respiratory tract, unless some is available


device that eliminates.
For welding and cutting work in tunnels or confined spaces, it must be
provide ventilation systems and the percentage of must be monitored
oxygen and welding gases such as nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide
carbon, ozone, metallic fumes, whose concentrations must be
below the permissible limits.
Personal protective equipment: work clothing, safety helmet,
cinturón de seguridad, guantes de cuero, calzado de seguridad, gafas y

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 150


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

dustproof.
Rubber gloves, masks
10. Hand tools.- Any tool assigned to a person
will ensure safe operating conditions, damaged tools
will be replaced.
In hand tools, provide a tool with a handle of the
thickness, length, and shape that facilitate comfortable handling, minimize weight
the tools (except for percussion tools).
When precision tools are used, support will be provided to the
hand. Tools will be chosen that can be handled with a minimum
force.
Minimize the vibration and noise of manual tools, provide a
enough space and stable foot support for handling the
mechanical tools.
Make sure that the tools used are not damaged.
inspect and carry out regular maintenance.
Train workers before allowing them to use tools
mechanics.
Every percussion tool such as chisels or cold chisels will be free of
edges.
Every cutting tool will be kept well sharpened and transported in
boxes, bags, or in pods.
Every hammer head must be well secured to its handles and these must
to be of good quality and appropriate length.
Any wedge, chisel, or object that is to be hammered; it must be held by
a pair of pliers of appropriate length. The use of extensions is not allowed.
tube or other similar material to increase the lever arm of the wrenches.
For the use of pick and shovel, the minimum distance between workers will be 4 m.
Tampering hammers - Manual hammers with one or two handles will be
made of good material, free of splinters or any other protrusions. The handles
they must be well secured to the hammer itself.

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 151


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

The use of mechanical hammers is prohibited in confined or closed spaces.


driven by internal combustion engine.
These jobs must be evaluated using ergonomic methods and must
be careful that the weight does not exceed 23 Kg.

Screwdrivers - It is prohibited to use screwdrivers as chisels.


or levers. Everyone will be transported in suitable boxes or tool carriers.
The handles of the screwdrivers used for electrical work
They must be made of insulating material.
Jack for lifting weights.- Select the jacks according to the load that
They must lift. It is prohibited to place a load on the cat that exceeds the indicated limit.

by the manufacturer.

11. Heavy machinery. - The operation of heavy construction machinery will be


carried out solely by qualified and authorized personnel with a license for the
effect.
Precautions will be heightened in case these machines are used.
for the maintenance and construction of public roads:
Machines will be avoided from being parked in circulation areas when
this will indicate the presence of the machines by
proper signage, at night it will be mandatory to use signals
luminous
During the downtime of the machines, if they are within the area of
Work will have its environment marked with danger signs to avoid risks.
due to brake failure or run over during start-up.
The measures mentioned above also apply to the work of
maintenance and construction of public roads.
It is prohibited to work or remain within the working area of the machinery
of earthmoving to prevent accidents or impacts.
It is prohibited to sleep or eat in the shade of the moving machines.
lands. This ban will be reinforced with signs and notices.
The earthmoving machines will be equipped with a system of
Acoustic signaling for reverse.

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 152


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

Work will not be done in the vicinity of power lines until they have been
taking the necessary precautions and protections against electrical contacts.
Transportation of people on machines is strictly prohibited.
No replanning or measurements will be made, nor any kind of work on the
areas where the machines are operating without having been first
clearly determined the range of the machine,
When a dump truck must approach an edge of a slope or cut,
with the consequent risk of overturning, wedges or will be placed on the ground
obstacles that indicate the limit of approach.
In the case of the earth-moving truck (dumper), the obstacle will be
situated two meters from the edge or slope.
The internal paths of the work will be established in the plans with their
necessary signage, that organizes the mandatory directions and
preferential
The maximum speed established will never be exceeded inside the work.
for each case.
In cases where visibility may decrease due to dust produced
due to the circulation of the machines, an irrigation system will be established, which without

Wet or make the roadway slippery, reduces dust.


Personal protective equipment:
Work clothes, non-slip boots, rain suit and rubber boots, belt
elastic anti-vibration lumbar support, anti-splash goggles, dust mask with
mechanical filter noise-canceling ear muffs.

12. Safety signage


It is the builder's obligation to place preventive, informative signage.
obligation and information. in order for the risk to be easily identified
for the workers or staff entering the work areas.
Safety signs must be respected by all personnel in the
work, whether it is operational and/or administrative staff. Likewise, it must be

respect all safety instructions.

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 153


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

The signage must be placed in visible locations, in good condition and


will proceed based on the following criteria:
a) Symbols will be preferred over written words.
b) The symbols, shapes, and colors must adhere to the provisions of the
standards of the Ecuadorian Institute of Normalization and in their absence, the following will be used

those with international significance.


The signage to be used for accident prevention will be:
a) Optics, external or built-in lighting in such a way that shapes combine
geometric shapes and colors

b) Acoustic, intermittent or continuous at moments and areas according to the type of


risk that arises, this must be different from the ambient noises.
In the workplaces, signs or warning notices must be placed for
the various cares or dangers, in addition to the continuous training of the staff
Regarding the same, these signs will have the indicated color and arrangement.
in the relevant regulations.
Hinder pedestrian or vehicular free transit as little as possible.
Provide and maintain access means to all residences or premises
commercial establishments located along the route of the works.

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 154


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Based on the objectives set at the beginning of the research and the
results, observations, analysis and evaluations made during development
this work concludes the following:

The evaluated and observed constructions have certain characteristics.


and it is estimated that they are a trend in other works both local and
nationals, logically excepted multinational and large companies
proportion that will show significant differences, these conditions o
characteristics that can be clearly observed in the images
shown in this work are the following:

a) The general development of activities in construction presents many


aspects to improve; labor informality, lack of training in
specific construction work and in the area of security, the
absence of collective and personal protective devices, the null
managerial or administrative management regarding the issue of risks and its
prevention, the adaptation or improvisation of elements, tools and
own accessories for these tasks, the lack of planning of
activities that allow better process controls and improvement
efficiency when obtaining results, among others, mark as
first approach the overall vision of the results found.

b) Technological advancement in construction is developing alongside


with the availability of technology at the national level, that is, it is still not

has machinery and tools from the 'first world', rather it


continues with almost artisanal characteristics with a discreet support
of relatively modern mechanical elements, this is already highlighted
that the trend towards manual labor or those in which the emphasis is on
human part without the respective prevention, it means elders
possibilities of occupational risks.

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 155


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

c) The evaluated constructions still reflect a perception of work


carried out by employees as a devalued task,
devalued, compared to what it should actually mean,
aspect, level of preparation or formal education of the workers,
social perception of the work being done, unfortunately
this trend is marked, this is mentioned as part of the improvement that is
wait for this work to obtain would be to change this image to a
better perception of these tasks before society, to position the
construction worker as any other in activities
industrial workers in general, through the improvement of their work environment and

of the conditions in which it develops.

2. Diving deeper into the central theme of risks and their prevention, it is concluded that

next
a) First of all, the general perception of risks of everything is emphasized.
type in each of the evaluated activities, it is not required to
knowledge or experience on the subject to notice that the problem is
imminent and that the necessary actions have not been taken for it
improvement, it is generally concluded that management in prevention is
deficient.

b) Most of the risks encountered and addressed basically


In tables 4.2, 4.5, 4.8, and 4.10, they pertain to the absence of aspects.
basics of prevention and protection measures, that is, they do not mean
risks that involve complex activities such as biological risks,
radiations, lighting, thermal aspects, etc. rather they are
aspects related to fiscal and environmental risks that are simple and basic
such as falls, blows, cuts, run-overs, physical fatigue and aspects
purely ergonomic factors that must be taken into account. What was explained
it also highlights the relative simplicity of the actions to be taken to
change this reality, many of the points detailed in chapter V

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 156


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

they obey devices and actions that do not deserve greater trouble to
the time to apply them requires a commitment from
employer to provide and maintain these devices or actions
permanently and with the necessary feedback from the
achieved results.

c) The general methodology used for identification and valuation of


risks mark a logical and simple sequence that deserves to be used, the
specific or punctual evaluation methodology, whether the FINE method
or the CHECK LIST method, they resemble each other in certain aspects such as

for example, the subjectivity that the observer presents at the moment of
filling out the respective form directly affects the results and varies
from one observer to another, for this it is concluded that before carrying out

the person in charge must be fully aware of these observations


la normativa, metodología, aspectos legales, etc., y además
familiarized with the area to be observed in order not to assess the situation in
based on an instant impression that may or may not be the one that represents
the true situation.

d) The specific evaluation methods are also applicable and


useful, the difference is that the Check-List method means a
greater depth of analysis since each point to be filled must
to be developed after a thorough understanding and analysis of
many factors including the legal one, the comparison made for
approving or not a specific point depends on data and statements
concrete in relation to dimensions, arrangements, stocks,
absences, etc., of tangible elements such as instruments, accessories,
procedures, signs, signaling, etc., unlike the second method
that for its qualification requires a simple observation of the moment
in which the respective form is completed, it only requires a
prior knowledge in risk sources and the specific risks that
these can generate, the latter has greater flexibility and

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 157


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

coupling at the moment of observing new aspects that initially do not


they were planned.

e) The methods are basically observational, with the difference that


The results obtained will not be simple comments on what was observed.
they will be reflected in documents obtained through a methodology
and whose results in scales or ratings of conditions are
valuable management decision-making instruments, as opposed to simple
comments that are not supported by a formal process

3. The legal aspect, very important in this context, allows for clarifying it.
next

a) National legal regulations and conventions and recommendations by


the involvement of the relevant organizations such as WHO and ILO, etc., is extensive, the

existence of laws, regulations and others that are not focused or


unified, complicate their interpretation and practical use or application. If
Well, the general principle is the prevention of risks and support.
total protection for the worker, there are no regulations and bodies
specific legal measures that allow us to achieve this objective, if we compare
with regulations from other countries, especially from the European Union with their

community regulations or specifically that of Spain which has


specific laws to be applied more easily. It is expected that a
evolution and substantial improvements in these aspects by the state.

b) The regulations also show some weakness in relation to


sanctions by the state against the person in charge of a work that does not
meets the analyzed conditions, that is, there is no
appropriate response that compels the employer to take action on this
subject; monetary sanctions are not related to the high ones
budgets that are managed for large-scale works, moreover

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 158


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

the investigation and sanction process can be very long and with the
characteristic of the absence at first glance of the necessary staff that
dedicate yourself to these controls, so it was observed that all the works
studied despite handling a sufficient number of people, not
does not have or maintain regulations or committees as required by law, nor
at least has a risk assessment and preventive measures
basic.

4. Risk analysis and evaluation as a basis for preventive management.

a) The work done represents enormous importance within the


the area of prevention forms the basis of any future action such as
regulations to be approved by the corresponding entity, committees,
management systems, etc., becomes the starting point since without
these basic diagnostic actions, any additional effort not
leads to the obtaining of appropriate and sought-after results.

5. Limitations of the present work


a) Although the main objective set in the design of this
research means evaluating and identifying occupational hazards in the area of
construction, the presentation of preventive measures was fulfilled
had a different approach, I intended issue and distribute the
recommendations in the form of brochures or practical usage manuals of
first hand, in addition, a greater closeness was sought from
the professionals who carry out this work, the limitation was the lack of
support from the organizations that group these professionals and are mentioned

In Chapter I, since in the last year these organizations have lost


protagonism due to reductions in their budgets and limitations
legal.

6. Final conclusions.

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 159


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

The result obtained is clear, I believe that the management in the area of
security, just like other areas such as the environmental area
They show slight intentions to improve in our environment, the process.
It is starting with certain government activities such as changes
in the law, requirements and demands that must be met, but
this process requires and needs a lot of evolution to reach
acceptable levels of management.
This process must also change the mindset of those who
they manage and develop these projects, taking advantage of prevention as
a medium and long-term investment, not as an imposition
unwanted that must be fulfilled, analyze the economic benefits of
image, social, among others, and maintain an internal policy
appropriate and consistent with the serious shortcomings and needs found.
Research like this is expected to trigger the need for
make radical changes and that the situation and the environment in which it
develop these activities substantially for benefit
social and economic of everyone.

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 160


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

BIBLIOGRAPHY

1. Construction. Available en:


[Link] Consulted October 05,
2009.

2. Construction Chamber Quito. Construction in Ecuador. Available


Consulted December 05, 2009.

3. López, A. The construction company. Chamber of Construction of Azogues.


2009. I, 23, 24.

4. Safety regulations for construction and public works. Agreement


Ministry of Labor and Employment 00174. Thursday, January 10, 2008 - R. O.
No. 249

5. Encyclopedia of Health and Safety in the Workplace. Third Edition; 2001.


International Labour Organization, I.L.O.

6. Palomeque C, Hygiene and safety in the construction of large works.


Ecofield. 2000. Available en: [Link]/services/cv-
[Link]. Consulted January 2010.0

7. Occupational risk prevention. Spain. Technical Library, Group


editorial CEAC S.A. 2000.

8. Risk Prevention: Measures and Controls. Madrid Spain. Institute


superior business studies. Human resources area CEPYME.
2001.

9. Brief History of Industrial Safety. Available at: [Link]-


[Link]/highlights/brief-history-of-industrial-safety-
[Link]. Consulted February 2010

10. Constitution of the Republic of Ecuador. Monday, October 20, 2008 - R.


o. no. 449

11. Regulations on occupational safety and health and improvement of


working environment Decree 23-93.

12. Codification of the Labor Code

13. Social Security Law

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 161


UNIVERSIDAD DE CUENCA

14. Regulation of the Andean Instrument for Occupational Safety and Health
RESOLUTION 957
15. Andean Instrument for Occupational Safety and Health Decision 584
16. The case of Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. INTERNATIONAL OFFICE
FROM THE WORK WORKING DOCUMENT. José Carlos Bartra et al.

17. Assessment of Occupational Risks. Trade union section of UGT in FEVE -


Cantabria

18. Important sector for the dynamism of the economy in 2009 Rueda, G.
Director MarketWatch. 2009. Available at http: [Link]
Consulted June 10, 2009

19. Construction materials sector. Chamber of small industry of


Pichincha CAPEIPI: Available en: [Link].
Consulted June 12, 2009.

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 162


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

ANNEXES:

ANNEX 1.
PRELIMINARY INFORMATION COLLECTION FORMAT

ANNEX 2.
JOB EVALUATION FORMAT

ANNEX 3.
TOOLS USED IN CONSTRUCTION

ANNEX 4.
BUILDING CARDS 1.

ANNEX 5.
CONSTRUCTION CARDS 2.

ANNEX 6.
CONSTRUCTION CARDS 3.

ANNEX 7.
CONSTRUCTION CARDS 4.

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 163


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

ANNEX 1. PRELIMINARY INFORMATION COLLECTION FORMAT


IDENTIFICATION ANALYSIS AND EVALUATION OF RISKS
PRELIMINARY INFORMATION COLLECTION FORMAT (IP-001)
Construction: Site manager: Date:
Made by: Time:
Section Puestos de # Sensitivity Conditions to General observations
work work Special analyze
ores
01 02 03 04 05
06 07 08 09 10
11 12 13 14 15
16 17 18 19 20
21 22 23 24
01 02 03 04 05
06 07 08 09 10
11 12 13 14 15
16 17 18 19 20
21 22 23 24
01 02 03 04 05
06 07 08 09 10
11 12 13 14 15
16 17 18 19 20
21 22 23 24
01 02 03 04 05
06 07 08 09 10
11 12 13 14 15
16 17 18 19 20

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 164


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

21 22 23 24
01 02 03 04 05
06 07 08 09 10
11 12 13 14 15
16 17 18 19 20
21 22 23 24
01 02 03 04 05
06 07 08 09 10
11 12 13 14 15
16 17 18 19 20
21 22 23 24
01 02 03 04 05
06 07 08 09 10
11 12 13 14 15
16 17 18 19 20
21 22 23 24
01 02 03 04 05
06 07 08 09 10
11 12 13 14 15
16 17 18 19 20
21 22 23 24
01 02 03 04 05
06 07 08 09 10
11 12 13 14 15
16 17 18 19 20
21 22 23 24
01 02 03 04 05

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 165


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

06 07 08 09 10
11 12 13 14 15
16 17 18 19 20
21 22 23 24

Section Positions of # Sensitivity Conditions to General observations


work work Special analyze
ores
01 02 03 04 05
06 07 08 09 10
11 12 13 14 15
16 17 18 19 20
21 22 23 24
01 02 03 04 05
06 07 08 09 10
11 12 13 14 15
16 17 18 19 20
21 22 23 24
01 02 03 04 05
06 07 08 09 10
11 12 13 14 15
16 17 18 19 20
21 22 23 24
01 02 03 04 05
06 07 08 09 10
11 12 13 14 15
16 17 18 19 20

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 166


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

21 22 23 24
01 02 03 04 05
06 07 08 09 10
11 12 13 14 15
16 17 18 19 20
21 22 23 24
01 02 03 04 05
06 07 08 09 10
11 12 13 14 15
16 17 18 19 20
21 22 23 24
01 02 03 04 05
06 07 08 09 10
11 12 13 14 15
16 17 18 19 20
21 22 23 24
01 02 03 04 05
06 07 08 09 10
11 12 13 14 15
16 17 18 19 20
21 22 23 24
01 02 03 04 05
06 07 08 09 10
11 12 13 14 15
16 17 18 19 20
21 22 23 24

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 167


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

CODES OF CONDITIONS TO ANALYZE.


SAFETY CONDITIONS
01 Workplace
02 Machines
03 Lifting and transportation
04 Hand tools
05 Object manipulation
06 Electrical installation
07 Pressure and gas apparatus
08 Fires and explosives
09 Chemical substances
Environmental
10 Chemical contaminants
11 Biological contaminants
12 Ventilation and air conditioning
13 Noise
14 Vibrations
15 Lighting
16 Heat and cold
17 Ionizing radiation
18 Non-ionizing radiation
19 Hyperbaric works

WORKLOAD
20 Physical load
21 Mental load
ORGANIZATION OF WORK
22 I work shifts
23 Organizational factors.
24 Preventive Management

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 168


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

ANNEX 2. JOB EVALUATION FORMAT


IDENTIFICATION ANALYSIS AND RISK EVALUATION
JOB POSITION EVALUATION FORMAT (ER-01)
Construction: Responsible on Date:
work:
Made by: Time:
Section: Position:
Source of Risk Generated Risk Probability Consequence CP Abnormal Condition
cia d

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 169


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

CONDITIONS CODES TO ANALYZE.


SAFETY CONDITIONS
01 Workplace
02 Machines
03 Elevation and transport
04 Hand tools
05 Object manipulation
06 Electrical installation
07 Pressure and gas apparatus
08 Fires and explosives
09 Chemical substances
ENVIRONMENTAL
10 Chemical contaminants
11 Biological contaminants
12 Ventilation and air conditioning
13 Noise
14 Vibrations
15 Lighting
16 Heat and cold
17 Ionizing radiation
18 Non-ionizing radiation
19 Hyperbaric Works
WORKLOAD
20 Physical load
21 Mental load
ORGANIZATION OF WORK
22 I work shifts
23 Organizational factors.

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 170


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

APPENDIX 3. CONSTRUCTION TOOLS

Popsicles

Manual or mobile concrete mixer.

Mixer truck.

Angle grinder.

Scaffolding.

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 171


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

ANNEX 4.
BUILDING CARDS 1.

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 172


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 173


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

AFFECTED PERSONS
JOB POSITION
Conditions of SECTION
security DATE

02. Machines. CUMPLIMENTADO POR:

The machine is being used for work. Do not change


o adapt the machine for other uses not
YES NO specified.
corresponding to the same. (ART.91;D2393)

Do not allow untrained workers to handle and use the


The worker is previously trained. YES NO
machinery.

3. The command bodies are arranged to ...


so that they avoid involuntary movement. YES NO Protect command organs.

4. All aggressive parts (cutting, trapping, etc.) IF Provide and use protections against these risks.
has the appropriate protection.

5. If operated with a voltage higher than 24 volts


YES Do not provide grounding.
has grounding connection. (ART.94;D2393)

6. In operations with projection risk, no


removed by existing safeguards, they are used YES Do not provide and train in the use of PPE
personal protective equipment.

7. The interruption or the restoration, after a


interruption of the power supply, leaves the YES NO This requirement must be fulfilled:
machine in a safe position.

The operator must be trained in the correct handling of the


8. The worker has been trained and prepared in it. machine, in particular, if it is about machines
YES NO dangerous.
machine operation.

There is a manual of instructions where it


specify how to carry out safely the It should be drafted or demanded from the manufacturer of it.
normal or occasional operations in the YES NO
machine.

EVALUATION CRITERIA.
VERY
DEFICIENT IMPROVABLE: CORRECT
DEFICIENT
2 and 8 deficient 2 disabled without None
2 and 8 deficient
more one count 2 and 8. deficient.
deficients

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 174


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

Conditions of AFFECTED PERSONS


JOB POSITION
security SECTION
03. Elevation and DATE

Transport. COMPLETED BY:

1. The ropes and elements used for lifting


traction loads are made of durable material and YES Do not improvise or build pulleys or lifting devices.
specifically prepared for these activities.

The maximum load is marked and visible.


YES NO Comply with the specified.
(ART.100;D2393)

3. The lifting and lowering of loads are slow and Instruct on the correct way to lift loads to
YES NO reduce risks.
avoiding balancing.

4. Lifting loads is avoided when it is found Avoid lifting loads when there is a risk of falling
personal close to or under the same. IF NO about personnel.

5. The lifting devices are left with loads


YES DO not avoid doing it.
suspended.

6. The workers who handle these elements


YES Not to provide and instruct in its use.
they must use the necessary protective equipment.

7. The rope is wrapped around the body to raise or lower.


YES NO Avoid doing it.
a load.

8. The staff does not wrap the rope around their hands.
YES Do not avoid doing it, grip tightly with both hands.
to lift or lower a load.

9. There is safety signage that indicates


YES To provide and instruct in its use.
risks and warnings.

10. Manual lifting or transport is done in


YES DO NOT apply what is established in regulations and laws.
suitable conditions.

Assessment Criteria.

DEFICIENT IMPROVABLE:
VERY CORRECT
Four At least one
DEFICIENT None
Disabled without situation
1 deficient. deficient.
count 1. deficient

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 175


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

AFFECTED PERSONS
Conditions of JOB POSITION

security SECTION

04. Tools DATE

COMPLETED BY:
Manuals.

1. The tools will be built with


Try to use the most suitable one according to the characteristics.
resistant materials, appropriate in size and without YES NO of the work, maintain their proper condition.
defects (ART.95 D2393)

2. The tools used are for design. Seek that the tool adapts to the worker and to the
YES NO
ergonomic. situation.

3. The amount of tools is sufficient.


available based on the production process and the YES NO Have more tools.
number of workers.

4. Are hand tools used in work at height? YES NO If not used, go to point 6.

They are placed in tool holders to prevent them from falling.


YES To provide tool holders for performing work at height.
(ART. 95.7;D2393)

No tools are observed in open hallways, or others. Specify places to deposit the tools while
YES NO
elevated places. . (ART. 95;D2393) do not be used.

7. Suitable cases are available for storage.


YES NO Equip and use these protections to avoid cuts.
sharp cutting tools.

8. Each tool is used only for the intended purposes. Do not change the use of each of them to avoid bumps.
YES NO
unique to each of them. particle projection, etc.

9. Personal protective equipment is used when


Provide PPE such as glasses, gloves y helmet for
risks of projections or of YES NO
to protect oneself from any risk of this type.
cuts.

VALUATION CRITERIA.

VERY
DEFICIENT IMPROVABLE: CORRECT
DEFICIENT
Three or more Up to three None
More than five
deficient deficient deficient.
deficient

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 176


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

AFFECTED PERSONS
Conditions of JOB POSITION

security SECTION

05. Manipulation of DATE

COMPLETED BY:
objects.

Workers are trained to lift loads. Instruct on the aspects to consider when lifting loads.
weighed correctly. (ART.64; A.M.0174) YES NO

2. Bend your knees and keep your back straight while


YES NO Instruct on the correct way to lift loads.
lift load.

3. Objects are used whose manipulation involves -


risk of cuts, falling objects or overexertion. YES NO Change to 7.

The staff wears standardized safety footwear.


when the fall of objects can cause harm. YES NO Use appropriate footwear. Steel toe.
(ART.182;D2393)

The staff uses a lumbar belt to lift objects.


YES Do not supply and verify its use.
heavy on the floor.. (ART.184 ;D2393)

6. Staff exposed to cuts wear gloves or other YES Provide and verify its use.
protective measure.. (ART. 181; D2393)

7. There are free ways and access available for


YES NO Improve the roads and accesses.
to mobilize with objects.

8. Objects are mobilized o materials that generate


Provide collective protection mechanisms (wet the
heterogeneous dust particles in visible quantities or YES NO
surface without waterlogging, ventilation, etc.
appreciable.

9. When handling objects or materials that generate


heterogeneous powder the equipment is used protection YES NO Equip and use the necessary equipment
pertinent.

EVALUATION CRITERIA.

VERY
IMPROVABLE: CORRECT
DEFICIENT DEFICIENT
A deficient None
More than 4 1 Deficient.
excluding 1. deficient.
deficient

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 177


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

Conditions AFFECTED PERSONS


JOB POSITION
Environmental. SECTION
06. Installations DATE

Electrical. COMPLETED BY:

All temporary equipment and facilities


they are installed and maintained by personnel YES NO Onlytrainedandauthorizedpersonnelwil carryout
installations.
specialized

All elements of the facilities have


IF NO Avoid improvisation and improper use.
appropriate dimensions and characteristics.

It is indicated in all the electrical outlets that


YES NO Specify for each outlet.
power supply voltage and its use.

4. There is protection against lightning and connection to


earth. YES NO Equip and instruct in its use.

5. The staff is trained to handle cables or others


YES NO Instruct and ensure proper handling.
electrical aspects.

All installations are safe and fixed. YES NO Avoid makeshift installations without insulation or fastening.

7. The high voltage connection that supplies the work is at


7.62 m o more than the height of areas frequented by YES NO Comply with what is stipulated.
workers.

8. Workers in contact with elements with


electrical charge have appropriate equipment of YES NO Equip and instruct in its use.
personal protection.

YES NO

YES NO

Based on ART. 30; Regulation on safety for construction and public works

EVALUATION CRITERIA.

VERY Improvement possible:


DEFICIENT CORRECT
DEFICIENT At least one
Less than 5 None
More than 5 situation
Deficient deficient.
deficient deficient

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 178


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

AFFECTED PERSONS
JOB POSITION
Conditions SECTION
Environmental. DATE

13. Noise. COMPLETED BY:

The noise in the work environment causes discomfort.


occasionally or habitually. YES NO Carryoutperiodiccontrolandmonitoringtoimprovethe
situation.

The noise continuously forces one to raise their voice to two. It may be necessary to conduct more monitoring.
YES NO specific.
people who talk half a meter apart.

Efforts have been made to improve the conditions One must abide by what is established.
current according to ART.53.4;D2393
YES NO

4. The machines and/or tools (vibratory compactors, Improve the condition of these machines and devices of
pneumatic hammers, etc.) have devices for YES NO
damping. (ART.53.8;D2393) damping.

5. The personnel affected by noise and/or vibrations use the


YES NO Provide and verify the use of appropriate protective equipment.
necessary protective equipment.

6. Audiometric tests were conducted on the


Provide and require the use of seat belts for work in
workers affected by these pollutants YES NO
ladder larger than three meters.
(ART.53.8;D2393)

7. Measurements have been made to determine the level. Carry out measurements according to the regulations.
YES NO Measures should be planned to reduce
initialnoiseinthearea. the noise levels and eliminate complaints.

8. The adaptation of measures has been planned. Preventive measures must be established to reduce the
YES NO
preventivemeasuresaimedatreducingnoise. existing noise levels

YES NO

YES NO

VALUATION CRITERIA.
Improvement needed:
DEFICIENTE:
VERY At least one CORRECT
Two or more
DEFICIENT situation None
deficient without
5 and 7 deficient. deficient without deficient.
count 5 and 7.
count 5 and 7.

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 179


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

Conditions AFFECTED PERSONS


Environmental. JOB POSITION

Welding SECTION

Radiations DATE

COMPLETED BY:
Ionizing.

1. Activities or equipment that generate are available.


ultravioletradiation,/infraredasprocessesof YES NO Skipthenextquestionnaire.
weldingorfusionofmetals.

2. Workers subjected to these activities


they are specially trained about the danger and YES NO It is necessary to train and instruct properly.
protective measures. (ART.61.1;D2393)

3. Portable barriers or curtains are placed to One must comply with what is established.
avoid pollution in neighboring areas. YES NO
(ART.58;A.M.0174)

4. The contact personnel use protective equipment


appropriate. (ART.58;A.M.0174) YES NO Equip and instruct in its use.

5. Welding periods are sporadic or non-continuous. The effect is greater in continuous and long-term jobs.
YES NO
(long periods of time) of time.

Medical exams were conducted on the workers. In the case of stable workers, try to monitoring
IF NO
that are affected by these pollutants ( doctor

YES NO

YES NO

YES NO

YES NO

EVALUATION CRITERIA.
Improvement needed:
DEFICIENT
VERY At least one CORRECT
One or more
DEFICIENT situation None
deficient without
2 and 5 deficient. deficient without deficient.
count 2 and 5.
count 2 and 5.

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 180


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

AFFECTED PERSONS
JOB POSITION
Workload SECTION
20. Physical Load. DATE

COMPLETED BY:

Theworkallowsforthecombinationofstandingopposition-
sitting. YES NO Set pauses and provide supports.

2. The column is kept in a straight position. YES NO Avoid inclinations and twists.

3. The arms are kept below the level of the


YES Not to adapt and redesign the workplace.
shoulders.

[Link] work requires physical effort. YES NO Move to point 7.

5. To carry out the task, only the force of the Theforcenecessarytocarryoutthetaskwil besuchthatitdoesnot
YES NO will require support from the body and legs.
hands.

The work cycles are longer than 1 minute. YES Continuous and repetitive movements should be avoided.

The weights to be handled are less than 25


YES NO Reducetheweightsand/orthefrequencyofhandlingthem.
Kg..

8. Staff has been trained on the proper The worker must be trained on correct handling.
YES NO of loads.
load manipulation.

It is controlled that loads are managed properly. [Link],itisnecessaryto


YES NO establish a follow-up program.
correct.

YES NO

VALUATION CRITERIA.

VERY IMPROVABLE:
DEFICIENT CORRECT
DEFICIENT: At least one
Three deficient None
2, 3 and 7 situation
excluding 2, 3 and 7. deficient.
deficient deficient

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 181


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

AUTHOR: ENG. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 182


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

ANNEX 5.
CARDS CONSTRUCTION 2.

AUTHOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 183


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 184


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

AFFECTED PERSONS
JOB POSITION
Conditions of SECTION
security FECHA

02. Machines. COMPLETED BY:

The machine is being used for work Do not change


o adapt the machine for other uses not
YES NO specified.
corresponding to the same. (ART.91;D2393)

Do not allow untrained operators to handle and use the


The worker is adequately trained beforehand. YES NO
machinery.

The command organs are arranged to


so that they avoid unintentional movement. YES NO Protect command organs.

4. All aggressive parts (cut, entrapment, etc.) YES Do not provide and use protections against these risks.
has the appropriate protection.

5. If it is activated with a voltage above 24 volts


YES DO NOT provide grounding.
It has a grounding connection. (ART.94;D2393)

6. In operations with projection risk, no


removed by the existing safeguards, are used IF Provide and train in the use of PPE
personal protective equipment.

7. The uninterruptibility or the restoration, after a


interruption of the power supply, leaves the IF NO This requirement must be met:
machine in a safe situation.

The operator must be instructed on the correct handling of the


8. The operator has been trained and instructed in it. machine, in particular, if it refers to machines
YES NO dangerous.
operation of the machine.

There is a manual of instructions where it


specify how to safely perform the It must be drafted or required from the manufacturer.
normal or occasional operations in the YES NO
machine.

EVALUATION CRITERIA.
VERY
DEFICIENT Improved CORRECT
DEFICIENT
2 and 8 deficient 2 deficient individuals without None
2 and 8 deficient
but one count 2 and 8. deficient.
deficient

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 185


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

AFFECTED PERSONS
Conditions of JOB POSITION

security SECTION

04. Tools DATE

COMPLETED BY:
Manuals.

The tools will be built with


Try to use the most suitable one according to the characteristics
resistant materials, appropriate in size and without YES NO from the work, maintain the appropriate condition of them.
defects (ART.95 D2393)

2. The tools used are design tools. To ensure that the tool adapts to the worker and to the
YES NO
ergonomic. situation.

The quantity of tools is sufficient


available depending on the production process and of the YES NO Have more tools.
number of workers.

Are manual tools used for work at height? YES NO If not used, proceed to point 6.

5. They are placed in tool holders to prevent them from falling.


YES Provide tool holders for working at height.
(ART. 95.7;D2393)

6. No tools are seen in open hallways, or others Specify places to deposit the tools while
IF NO
elevated places. . (ART. 95;D2393) do not use us.

7. Suitable cases are available for storage.


YES NO Equip and use these protections to avoid cuts.
sharp-pointed tools.

8. Each tool is used solely for its intended purposes. Do not change the use of each of them to avoid blows,
YES NO
specific to each of them. projection of particles, etc.

Personal protective equipment is used when


Provide PPE such as glasses, gloves y helmet for
risks of projections or of YES NO
to protect oneself from any risk of this kind.
cuts.

EVALUATION CRITERIA.

VERY
DEFICIENT IMPROVABLE: CORRECT
DEFICIENT
Three or more Up to three None
More than five
deficient deficient deficient.
deficient

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 186


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

AFFECTED PERSONS
Conditions of JOB POSITION

security SECTION

05. Manipulation of DATE

COMPLETED BY:
objects.

Workers are trained to lift loads Instruct on the aspects to consider when lifting loads.
weighed correctly. (ART.64; A.M.0174) IF NO

2. Bend the knees and keep the back straight while


YES Do not instruct on the proper way to lift loads.
lift load.

3. Objects are used whose manipulation involves -


risk of cuts, falling objects, or overexertion. YES NO Pass to 7.

4. Staff wear standardized safety footwear.


when the fall of objects can cause damage. YES NO Use appropriate footwear. Steel toe.
(ART.182;D2393)

The staff uses a lumbar belt to lift objects.


YES Equip and verify its use.
heavy from the floor.. (ART.184 ;D2393)

6. Staff exposed to cuts wear gloves or other YES Provide and verify its use.
means of protection.. (ART. 181;D2393)

7. There are routes and free access for


YES NO Improve the roads and access.
mobilize with the objects.

Objects are moved o materials that generate


To provide collective protection mechanisms (to wet the
heterogeneous dust particles in visible quantities or YES NO
surface without puddles), ventilation, etc.
appreciable.

9. When manipulating objects or materials that generate


heterogeneous powder is used the equipment protection YES NO Provide and use the necessary equipment
relevant.

EVALUATION CRITERIA.

VERY
IMPROVABLE: CORRECT
DEFICIENT DEFICIENT
A deficient one None
More than 4 1 Deficient. without counting on 1. deficient.
deficient

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 187


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

AFFECTED PERSONS
JOB POSITION
Conditions SECTION
Environmental. DATE

13. Noise. COMPLETED BY:

The noise in the work environment causes discomfort,


occasionally or habitually. YES NO Performperiodiccontrolandmonitoringtoimprovethe
situation.

The noise constantly forces one to raise their voice. It may be necessary to carry out more monitoring.
YES NO specific.
people talking half a meter apart.

Efforts have been made to improve conditions. The established rules must be complied with.
current according to ART.53.4;D2393
YES NO

4. The machines and/or tools (vibratory compactors, Improve the condition of these machines and devices.
pneumatic hammers, etc.) have devices for YES NO
damping. (ART.53.8;D2393) damping.

5. The personnel affected by noise and/or vibrations use the


YES NO Provide and verify the use of appropriate protective equipment.
necessary protective equipment.

6. Audiometric examinations were carried out in the


Provide and enforce the use of seat belts for work in
workers who are affected by these pollutants YES NO
ladder over three meters.
(ART.53.8;D2393)

7. Measurements have been made to determine the level Carry out measurements according to the regulations.
YES NO Measures should be planned to be adjusted, to decrease
initialnoiseinthearea. noise levels and eliminate complaints.

8. The adaptation of measures has been planned. Preventive measures must be established to reduce the
YES NO
preventivemeasuresaimedatreducingnoise. existing noise levels

YES NO

YES NO

EVALUATION CRITERIA.
IMPROVABLE:
DEFICIENT
VERY At least one CORRECT
Two or more
DEFICIENTE: situation None
deficient without
5 and 7 deficient. deficient without deficient.
count 5 and 7.
count 5 and 7.

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 188


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

AFFECTED PERSONS
JOB POSITION
Workload SECTION
20. Physical Load. DATE

COMPLETED BY:

Theworkallowsforthecombinationofstandingopposition-
sentado. YES NO Establish breaks and provide support.

The column remains in a straight position. YES NO Avoid inclinations and twists.

3. The arms are kept below the level of the


YES NOT Adapt and redesign the workplace.
shoulders.

[Link] job requires a physical effort. YES NO Move to point 7.

5. To carry out the task, only the strength of the... The force required to carry out the task wil be such that not
YES NO it will require support from the body and legs.
hands.

The work cycles are longer than 1 minute. YES NO Se debe evitar realizar movimientos continuos y repetitivos.

The weights that must be handled are less than 25.


YES NO Reduce the weights and/or the frequency of handling.
Kg..

8. Staff has been trained on the correct The worker must be trained on proper handling.
YES NO of loads.
load manipulation.

9. It is controlled that the loads are managed properly. [Link],itisnecessaryto


IF NO establecer un programa de seguimiento.
correct.

YES NO

EVALUATION CRITERIA.

VERY IMPROVABLE:
DEFICIENT CORRECT
DEFICIENT At least one
Three deficient None
2, 3 and 7 situation
not counting 2, 3, and 7. deficient.
deficients. deficient

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 189


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 190


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

ANNEX 6. CONSTRUCTION CARDS 3.

CONSTRUCTION NUMBER 3. UNDERGROUND ELECTRICAL NETWORKS.


Section: WELL REPLACEMENT Position: Concrete breakage and wells
Risk Source Generated Risk Consecuencia Probabilidad CxP Anomalous Condition
Machinery Exposure to noise 4 3 12 Inevitable generation
Projection of
Machinery 3 3 9 Lack of protection
fragments
Machinery Vibration exposure 4 3 12 Inevitable Generation
Material en espacio de
Workspace Fall at the same level 2 2 4
work
Tools Fatigue due to posture 3 2 6 Continuous postures.
manuals.
Tools
Bruises / Cuts 2 2 4 Inappropriate uses.
manuals.

CONSTRUCTION NUMBER 3. UNDERGROUND ELECTRIC NETWORKS.

Section: WELL REPLACEMENT Position: Excavation


Source of Risk Generated Risk Consecuencia Probabilidad CxP Anomalous Condition
Machinery Exposure to noise 4 3 12 Lack of protection
Projection of
Machinery 3 3 9 Lack of protection
fragments
Machinery Entrapment 5 2 10 Lack of elements of

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 191


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

(vehicles) alarm
Workspace Fall at a different level 4 3 12 Disorder
Workspace Collapse 4 2 8 Lack of support
Tools Inadequate use (without
Hits / Cuts 3 3 9
manuals. protection
Activities
Posture fatigue 3 3 9 Anti-ergonomic
removal.
CONSTRUCTION NUMBER 3. UNDERGROUND ELECTRICAL NETWORKS.
Section: WELL REPLACEMENT Position: Pipe connections
Source of Risk Generated Risk Consequence Probability CxP Anomalous Condition
Tools Inadequate space and
Cuts 3 3 9
manuals. work
Exhibition substances
Chemical substances 4 2 8 Falta de protección
chemicals
Tools
Cuts / fractures 4 3 12 Without preventive measures
electric
Clutter, objects on the floor
Workspace Falls at the same level. 2 3 6 absence of networks or
safety rope.
Inadequate space of
Workspace Posture fatigue 3 2 6
work

CONSTRUCTION NUMBER 3. UNDERGROUND ELECTRICAL NETWORKS.

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 192


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

Section: STRUCTURE ASSEMBLY Position: Casting


Source of Risk Generated Risk Consequence Probability CxP Anomalous Condition
Tools
Cortes 3 3 9 Inadequate use
manuals.
Machinery Exposure to noise 4 2 8 Lack of protection
Trapping
Machinery 4 2 8 Distracciones
(machinery)
Concrete Skin irritation 3 2 6 Lack of protection
Disorder and objects in
Workspace Falls at the same level. 3 3 9
floor
Inadequate space of
Workspace Posture fatigue 3 2 6
work
CONSTRUCTION NUMBER 3. UNDERGROUND ELECTRICAL NETWORKS.
Improvement material,
Section: PIPE FABRICATION Position:
compaction
Risk Source Generated Risk Consecuencia Probabilidad CxP Abnormal Condition
Lack of elements of
Machinery Vibrations 3 3 9
damping
Machinery Exposure to noise 4 2 8 Lack of protection
Tools
Bruises / Cuts 4 2 8 Inadequate use
manuals.
Objects / Materials Particle exhibition 3 2 6 Lack of protection
Disorder and objects in
Workspace Falls at the same level. 3 2 6
floor

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 193


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

CONSTRUCTION NUMBER 3. UNDERGROUND ELECTRICAL NETWORKS.


Section: PIPELINE MANUFACTURING Position: Structural assembly
Source of Risk Generated Risk Consequence Probability CxP Anomalous Condition
Workspace Fall from a different level 3 2 6 Objects on the floor
Tools Lack of protection / Use
Bruises / Cuts 3 4 12
manuals. inadequate
Object manipulation Projection fragments 3 2 6 Lack of projection
Machinery Exposure to noise 4 2 8 Lack of protection
Absence of barriers
Cutting machinery Hits / Cuts 4 3 12
protectors
Workspace Posture-related fatigue 3 3 9

CONSTRUCTION NUMBER 3. UNDERGROUND ELECTRIC NETWORKS.


Section: PIPE MANUFACTURING Position: Placement of pipes
Source of Risk Generated Risk Consequence Probability CxP Abnormal Condition
Objects / Materials Particle exhibition 3 2 6 Lack of protection
Lack of elements of
Machinery Vibrations 3 3 9
damping
Machinery Exposure to noise 4 2 8 Lack of protection
Workspace Fall from a different level 3 2 6 Objects on the floor

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 194


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

Trapping
Machinery 4 2 8 Distractions
machinery
Tools
Bruises / Cuts 3 2 6 Lack of protection
manuals.

CONSTRUCTION NUMBER 3. UNDERGROUND ELECTRICAL NETWORKS.


Section: PIPEWORK MANUFACTURING Position: Sidewalk casting
Source of Risk Generated Risk Consequence Probability CxP Anomalous Condition
Trapping Lack of elements of
Machinery (Mixer) 5 2 10
(vehicles) alarm
Machinery Exposure to noise 4 2 8 Lack of protection
Lack of elements of
Machinery Vibrations 3 3 9
damping
Concrete Skin irritation 3 2 6 Lack of skin protection
Workspace Fatigue from posture 3 2 6 Anti-ergonomic space.

AUTHOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 195


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

ANNEX 7. CONSTRUCTION CARDS 4.


CONSTRUCTION NUMBER 4. WOODEN HOUSE.
Section: DEMOLITION Position: Removal of the roof
Risk
Source of Risk Consecuencia Probabilidad Accounts PayableAnomalous Condition
Generated
Fall to There are no scaffolding or ropes of
Workspace 4 3 12
different level security
Fall to
Ladder. 2 3 6 Inadequate stairs
different level
Tools Hits /
3 2 6 Lack of protection
manuals. Cuts
Manipulation Projection Lack of proper protection
3 2 6
objects fragments tool.
Falls at
Objects / Materials 2 3 6 Disorder, objects on the floor
same level.
Overstrain Lack of lumbar protection, objects
Objects / Materials 3 2 6
o heavy.
Activities Fatigue from
4 2 8 Antiergonomic
removal. posture
Actividades Fatigue from
3 2 6 Overexertion
removal. effort

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 196


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

CONSTRUCTION NUMBER 4. WOODEN HOUSE.


Section: DEMOLITION Position: Removal of walls
Risk
Source of Risk Consecuencia Probabilidad Accounts PayableAnomalous Condition
Generated
Falls to
Workspace 3 3 9 Disorder, objects on the floor
same level.
Tools Hits /
3 2 6 Lack of protection
manuals. Cuts
Manipulation Projection Lack of projection and adequacy
3 2 6
objects fragments tool.
Overexertion Lack of lumbar support, objects
Objects / Materials 3 2 6
o heavy.
Activities Fatigue due to
4 2 8 Antiergonomic
removal. posture
CONSTRUCTION NUMBER 4. WOODEN HOUSE.
Section: STRUCTURE ASSEMBLY Position: Assembly of posts or pillars
Risk
Risk Source Consecuencia Probabilidad CxP Anomalous Condition
Generated
Fall to Disorder, objects on the floor absence
Workspace 4 2 8
different level of safety nets or ropes.
Falls to the
Workspace 3 2 6 Disorder, objects on the floor
same level.
Tools Cuts / 4 1 4 Without preventive measures

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 197


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

electric fractures
Tools Hits /
3 2 6 Lack of protection
manuals. Courts
Manipulation Projection Lacks projection and suitable
3 2 6
objects fragments tool.
Trapping
Lack of lumbar protection, objects
Objects / Materials for or between 3 1 3
heavy.
objects
Fatigue from Lack of lumbar protection, objects
Objects / Materials 3 2 6
effort heavy.
Activities Fatigue due to
4 2 8 Antiergonomic
removal. posture
CONSTRUCTION NUMBER 4. WOODEN HOUSE.
Section: STRUCTURE ASSEMBLY Position: Horizontal framework
Risk
Source of Risk Consecuencia Probabilidad CxP Anomalous Condition
Generated
Fall to Disorder, objects on the floor absence
Workspace 4 2 8
different level safety nets or ropes.
Falls to
Workspace 3 2 6 Mess, objects on the floor
same level.
Tools Cuts
4 1 4 Without preventive measures
electric fractures
Tools Hits /
3 2 6 Lack of protection
manuals. Cortes
Objects / Materials Trapping 3 1 3 Lack of lumbar protection, objects

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 198


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

by or between heavy.
objects
Manipulation Projection Lack of projection and adequacy
3 2 6
objects fragments tool.
Fatigue due to Lack of lumbar support, objects
Objects / Materials 3 2 6
effort heavy.
Activities Fatigue due to
3 2 6 Antiergonomic
removal. posture
CONSTRUCTION NUMBER 4. WOODEN HOUSE.
Section: STRUCTURE ASSEMBLY Position: Techumbre
Risk
Source of Risk Consecuencia Probabilidad Accounts PayableAnomalous Condition
Generated
Fall to
Workspace 4 3 12 Lack of safety elements
different level
Falls to
Workspace 3 2 6 Disorder, objects on the floor
same level.
Tools
fractures 4 1 4 Without preventive measures
eléctricas
Fatigue due to
Objects / Materials 3 2 6 Mess, objects on the floor
effort
Tools Hits /
3 2 6 Lack of protection
manuals. Cuts
Entrapment
Lack of lumbar protection, objects
Objects / Materials for or between 3 1 3
heavy.
objects

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 199


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

Manipulation Projection Lack of projection and adequacy


3 2 6
objects fragments tool.

CONSTRUCTION NUMBER 4. WOODEN HOUSE.


Section: BEVELING Position: Beveled
Risk
Source of Risk Consecuencia Probabilidad CxP Anomalous Condition
Generated
Fall to
Workspace 3 2 6 Poorly positioned scaffolding
different level
Tools Hits /
3 2 6 Lack of protection
manuals. Cuts
Manipulation Projection Lack of projection and adequacy
3 2 6
objects fragments tool.
Fatigue due to
Workspace 3 2 6
posture
Manipulation Projection Lack of projection and adequacy
3 2 6
objects fragments tool.

BUILDING NUMBER 4. WOODEN HOUSE.


Section: COVER Position: Put on cover
Risk
Source of Risk Consecuencia Probabilidad Accounts PayableAbnormal Condition
Generated
Fall to
Workspace 4 3 12 Lack of safety elements
different level
Workspace Falls to 3 2 6 Clutter, objects on the floor

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 200


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

same level.

Conditions Extreme temperatures without


Sunstroke 3 3 6
environmental protection.

Tools Cuts
4 1 4 Without preventive measures
electric fractures
Tools Hits /
3 2 6 Lack of protection
manuals. Cortes

BUILDING NUMBER 4. WOODEN HOUSE.


Section: GENERAL ASPECTS Position: Cutting and preparation of wood
Risk
Source of Risk Consecuencia Probabilidad CxP Anomalous Condition
Generated
Falls to
Workspace 3 2 6 Mess, objects on the floor
same level.
Tools Hits /
3 2 6 Lack of protection
manuals. Cortes
Projection Lack of projection and appropriate
Cutting machinery 3 3 9
fragments tool.
Cut / Poor disposition and lack of resources
Cutting machinery 4 3 12
Lacerations ["of protection."]
Cutting machinery Noise 3 3 9 Lack of personal protection.
Fatigue due to
Workspace 3 2 6 Anti-ergonomic space.
posture

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 201


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

CONSTRUCTION NUMBER 4. WOODEN HOUSE.


Section: GENERAL ASPECTS Position: Coating
Risk
Source of Risk Consecuencia Probabilidad Accounts PayableAnomalous Condition
Generated
Falls to
Workspace 3 2 6 Clutter, objects on the floor
same level.
Plastering Skin irritation 2 3 6 Lack of protection.
Projection Lack of proper protection
Cutting machinery 3 3 9
fragments tool.
Cut /
Cutting machinery 4 3 12 Lack of protective equipment.
Lacerations
Fatigue from
Workspace 3 2 6 Antiergonomic Space.
posture

CONSTRUCTION NUMBER 4. WOODEN HOUSE.


Section: GENERAL ASPECTS Position: Electrical and plumbing
Risk
Source of Risk Consecuencia Probabilidad CxP Anomalous Condition
Generated
Fall to
Workspace 3 2 6 Lack of safety elements
different level
Tools Hits /
2 3 6 Lack of protection
manuals. Cutters

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 202


UNIVERSITY OF CUENCA

Manipulation Projection Lack of projection and adequacy


3 2 6
objects fragments tool.
Activities Fatigue from
3 2 6 Anti-ergonomic
removal. posture
BUILDING NUMBER 4. WOODEN HOUSE.
Section: GENERAL ASPECTS Position: Sealed
Risk
Source of Risk Consecuencia Probabilidad Accounts PayableAnomalous Condition
Generated
Falls to
Workspace 2 2 4 Disorder, objects on the floor
same level.
Drop to
Workspace 3 2 6 Lack of safety elements
different level
Sealer Skin irritation 2 2 4 Without protection

Fatigue from
Workspace 3 2 6 Antiergonomic
posture

AUTOR: ING. SAÚL ORTIZ SANTACRUZ 203

You might also like