Here is the ergonomics legislation from
Ecuador
The information here was collated from official online sources by Ergo Global ergonomists. All information is for general purposes and cannot be considered 1-to-1 legal advice. Ergo Global disclaim any liability relating to the information provided on this page.
To Note
Ecuador does not have a single “ergonomics act,” but ergonomics regulation is integrated into its Executive Decree 255-2024.
This decree has no specific references to regulations that exclusively affect remote workers.
Page last updated: 02/07/2026
The Duties of
The Employer
-
Article 15 - On Employers
Employers shall have the following duties regarding occupational safety and health:
1. To designate those responsible for occupational safety and health, as established in these Regulations, guaranteeing the independence of their functions;
2. To identify hazards, assess and control occupational risks;
3. Train and inform workers about the prevention and protection measures to be adopted;
4. Ensure comprehensive management of workers' health;
5. Monitor and analyze working conditions and health;
6. Install and implement an emergency response system for natural hazards and human-caused risks;
7. Maintain records, documentation, and notification of information on occupational safety and health;
8. Investigate workplace accidents and suspected occupational diseases;
9. Ensure compliance with the rehabilitation, recovery, and reintegration process for workers who have suffered a workplace accident or occupational disease; and
10. Specifically guarantee the protection of priority groups and/or those in vulnerable situations. -
Article 40 - Classification of Occupational Risks
In accordance with the technical standards defined in this area, the following classification of occupational risks is recognized:
1. Physical risks;
2. Chemical risks;
3. Biological risks;
4. Safety risks;
5. Ergonomic risks; and,
6. Psychosocial risks. -
Article 45 - Ergonomic Risks
Ergonomic risks are those caused by excessive physical exertion, repetitive movements, or unnatural postures during the performance of work, which can lead to fatigue, errors, accidents, occupational diseases, or musculoskeletal disorders as a result of inadequate design of facilities, machinery, equipment, tools, or workstations. -
Article 49 - Implementation of Prevention and Protection Measures
In every workplace and/or center, according to the occupational risks identified and assessed, prevention and protection measures will be implemented to avoid or minimize work-related accidents and occupational diseases. The hierarchy for implementing prevention and/or protection measures will be:
1. Elimination;
2. Replacement;
3. Engineering control;
4. Administrative control; and,
5. Worker control.
The Duties of
The Employee
-
Article 16 - On Workers
Workers shall have the following rights regarding occupational safety and health:
1. To receive, free of charge, induction, education, and training on occupational safety and health, with emphasis on the occupational risks associated with the activities they perform and the possible consequences for their health;
2. To perform their duties in a suitable and conducive work environment for the full exercise of their physical and mental faculties, guaranteeing their safety and health at work;
3. To request the competent authority to conduct an inspection of the workplace when it is considered that safe and healthy working conditions do not exist;
4. To participate in education and training programs on occupational safety and health;
5. To interrupt their work activity when there is an imminent danger that puts their integrity and health at risk or when material damage occurs;
6. To be aware of the provisions issued by those responsible for occupational safety and health, the Comprehensive Public Health Network, and entities of the National Social Security System regarding temporary or permanent changes to job positions, tasks, or activities. in order to safeguard their safety and health at work, to facilitate an informed decision;
7. To request and receive information on the results of the occupational medical evaluation, demanding compliance with the principles of confidentiality and data protection regarding their health status, limiting access to this information to medical personnel, without it being used for discriminatory purposes or to their detriment;
8. To receive first aid in emergencies, as well as to be transferred to a health facility where they can continue their care;
9. To receive the benefits from the National Social Security System to which they are entitled;
10. To receive incentives or recognition from the employer when they have distinguished themselves through acts of protection of life or health in the workplace, outside of their daily duties and within the framework of occupational safety and health management;
11. To have job security in the event of a work-related accident during the period in which they receive temporary disability benefits. They must also have job security during the period in which an occupational disease is presumed;
12. To receive rehabilitation, recovery, and reintegration into the workforce, following a work-related accident or occupational disease, with the aim of recovering their work capacity;
13. To receive from the entities of the National Social Security System the supply and renewal of orthotic devices, prostheses, and assistive devices, whose use is deemed necessary;
14. In workplaces and/or centers, pregnant women have the right to be absent during the workday, without any reduction in their remuneration, to undergo prenatal examinations, with prior authorization from the Comprehensive Occupational Health Service; and,
15. To receive the same level of protection in occupational safety and health, without any differential treatment based on type of contract, special working hours, or other contractual conditions at the workplace. -
Article 227 - Employee Rights to Occupational Safety Information
Employees shall have the right to demand information about occupational safety in their workplaces, about the necessary occupational safety material which they should be given based on working conditions, and about concessions and guarantees. Employers shall be obliged to satisfy these requirements.
What's next?
Step 1
Run an ergonomics audit following these regulations.
Step 2
List out the gaps in your ergonomics policy.
Step 4
Contact Ergo Global for more support where needed.
