Santo Domingo.- In an event led by President Luis Abinader, the Ministry of Labor delivered this Wednesday 1,087 certifications of the Occupational Health and Safety Program to 633 companies and institutions that met the established standards, as part of the actions to strengthen the prevention and protection of Dominican workers.

The certifications were granted to companies and institutions that met the requirements established in Regulation 522-06 on Safety and Health at Work. During an event held at the Sheraton Hotel, companies and institutions that have stood out for implementing good occupational risk prevention practices were also recognized.

During the activity, organized by the Ministry of Labor, through the General Directorate of Hygiene and Industrial Safety (DGHSI), Minister Eddy Olivares Ortega stated that the Government continues to consolidate a culture of prevention and protection of workers.

Olivares Ortega highlighted that this is the largest certification ceremony carried out in the history of the program and highlighted that, for the first time, a President of the Republic participates in this activity, which, he said, shows that safety and health at work have become a State priority under the management of President Luis Abinader.

The official pointed out that the prevention of occupational risks should not be assumed as a simple administrative requirement, but as an ethical, legal and human commitment aimed at protecting the life, health and dignity of workers. He added that the culture of prevention must be a shared responsibility between the State, employers and workers.

During his speech, he indicated that Regulation 522-06 constitutes the main instrument to guarantee safe work environments, based on the Constitution, the Labor Code and the conventions of the International Labor Organization (ILO), which recognize safety and prevention as fundamental rights.

Olivares Ortega explained that every year there are thousands of workplace accidents reported to the Dominican Social Security System through the Dominican Institute for the Prevention and Protection of Occupational Risks (Idopril), which is why he reaffirmed the commitment of the Ministry of Labor to strengthen inspection, training, technical assistance and support programs for companies to reduce these incidents.

Likewise, he highlighted the delivery of special recognitions to the Employers' Confederation of the Dominican Republic (Copardom), the Association of Merchants and Industrialists of Santiago (ACIS), the Autonomous Confederation of Classist Trade Unions (CASC) and the Emergency Operations Center (COE), for their support of occupational health and safety policies.

The minister also valued the incorporation, for the first time, of public institutions into the program, among them the General Directorate of Customs, the Superintendence of Banks and the National Directorate of Drug Control (DNCD), which complied with the established standards regarding workplace safety.

Minister Olivares assured that the Dominican Republic has made important progress in labor matters, being among the countries with the best performance on the continent in respect for labor rights, in addition to achieving historic wage increases, strengthening the formalization of employment and maintaining one of the lowest unemployment rates in recent years.

At the end, the minister pointed out that these actions are part of President Luis Abinader's vision of promoting economic growth accompanied by the effective protection of workers.

Celso Juan Marranzini highlights investment in prevention and protection of workers

The president of the National Council of Private Enterprise (Conep), Celso Juan Marranzini, congratulated those recognized and highlighted that each certification reflects the organizations' commitment to prevention, safety and health of their workers.

He affirmed that investing in the protection and well-being of people strengthens the productivity and competitiveness of companies, while reaffirming the commitment of the business sector to tripartite dialogue between the Government, workers and employers.

Gabriel del Río values ​​President Abinader's commitment to the workers

Gabriel del Río Doñé, president of the Autonomous Classist Trade Union Confederation (CASC), valued the delivery of certifications to companies that comply with safety and health standards at work, highlighting that these contribute to protecting the lives of workers, strengthening labor peace, and promoting decent work.

He also highlighted President Luis Abinadera's support for the workers and his constant concern for the advancement of the working class and the country.

Certifications were delivered to companies for compliance with occupational safety standards

The certifications were granted to companies and institutions that met the requirements established in Regulation 522-06 on Safety and Health at Work and Resolution 04-2007, regulations that establish the obligation to identify, evaluate and control occupational risks, implement prevention programs, train personnel, provide protective equipment and guarantee safe working conditions.

As part of the event, organizations that have demonstrated excellence in the implementation of workplace health and safety management systems and outstanding performance in the program were also recognized.

Among them are Banco Popular Dominicano, Barrick Pueblo Viejo, AES Dominicana, Corporación Aeroportuaria del Este, Centers for Diagnostic and Advanced Medicine and Medical Conferences and Telemedicine (Cedimat), Molinos del Valle, Rizek Dominicana, Cibao International Airport, Group Pharma Corp., Baltimore Dominicana (Baldom), Hire Horatio RD, Central Romana Corporation, Cutler-Hammer Industries, Hageco Constructora, B. Braun Medical, Agro Rice Producers of the Duarte Province and Fiesta Bávaro Hotel.

The Emergency Operations Center (COE) received special recognition for its contribution to the training of emergency brigades.

Likewise, the Employers' Confederation of the Dominican Republic (Copardom), the Autonomous Confederation of Classist Trade Unions (CASC) and the Association of Merchants and Industrialists of Santiago (ACIS) were recognized for their contribution to strengthening the culture of prevention and safety in the workplace.

Domicem, Warling Sánchez, Playa Grande Golf & Ocean Club, Refinería Dominicana de Petróleo (Refidomsa), AES Andrés LNG, Brenntag Caribe, SAM y Equipos, S.R.L., Safety Extreme and the First Aid Evaluation Corps (Cepasi) were also recognized for their outstanding response to emergency situations.

In addition, Almacenes Unidos, the Popular Association of Savings and Loans (APAP), Banco Fondesa, Banco BHD, Hoteles Catalonia, Consorcio Minero Dominicano (Cemento Panam), Frito-Lay, Grupo Ramos, Laboratorio Amadita, Metro Gas, Cibao International Airport, Bepensa Dominicana, Colgate-Palmolive, Fumigadora Marte, Industrias Macier, Moca and Malespín Constructora, among others, received recognition. entities.

The Recognition Program for Excellence in Safety and Health at Work, created in 2020 by the Ministry of Labor, seeks to encourage the implementation of effective management systems, promote continuous improvement and consolidate a preventive culture that protects the life, health and dignity of workers.