Proposal for Occupational Safety Protocols in the Construction of Infrastructure for Electrical and Data Networks at the Plodis S.A. Industrial ParkOccupational Safety

Abstract

Occupational safety in the construction of electrical and data infrastructure, vital for industrial development, entails significant inherent risks. This global reality persists in Ecuador due to regulatory gaps. This research diagnosed safety challenges at Plodis S.A. Industrial Park, aiming to propose comprehensive occupational safety protocols. These protocols were based on technical risk identification using the IPER matrix and participatory observation, in alignment with International Labour Organization guidelines and the ISO 45001:2018 standard. The findings from the diagnostic phase were revelatory, uncovering a comprehensive and troubling spectrum of occupational hazards. These included highly prevalent biomechanical and physical risks directly associated with activities such as deep excavation and the operation of heavy machinery. This confirmed the sector's intrinsic danger and the inadequacy of merely formal protocols. To address this, the research proposes innovative solutions under the hierarchy of risk controls, prioritizing elimination and engineering. These solutions included the implementation of horizontal directional drilling to avoid open trenches and the use of automated safety systems on heavy machinery to prevent collisions or entrapment. Complementarily, robust administrative controls and continuous training are prioritized to strengthen the safety culture and foster active staff participation. In conclusion, these protocols represent a comprehensive proposal, based on real diagnoses and international principles, they can significantly elevate construction safety standards. Their effective implementation is projected to result in a significant reduction in workplace accidents, a substantial improvement in workers' occupational health, and an overall optimization of operational efficiency. Ultimately, they promote a safer, more productive, and welfare-conscious environment for all employees.