On March 28, 2025, the Official Mexican STANDARD NOM-017-STPS-2024, Personal Protective Equipment - Selection, Use and Management in the Workplace, was published in the Official Gazette of the Federation, which establishes the minimum requirements that employers must meet in relation to the selection, use and management of personal protective equipment (PPE) within the workplace. This update responds to the need to strengthen safety and health at work, minimizing occupational risks through the correct selection and use of protective equipment.
This standard reinforces the need to carry out a risk analysis before determining what type of personal protection is necessary, ensuring that appropriate measures are taken to minimize the dangers to which workers may be exposed. With these changes, the authority emphasizes that the use of PPE should be a complement to other security measures and not the first option of protection.
The objective of the Standard is to establish the minimum requirements for the selection, use and management of personal protective equipment provided to workers to protect them from risk factors, agents or pollutants in the work environment, in order to prevent accidents and diseases at work. The Standard will apply to all workplaces in the national territory where the use of personal protective equipment is required to protect workers against risks derived from the activities they carry out.
MAIN BUSINESS OBLIGATIONS
NOM-017-STPS-2024 imposes a series of new responsibilities for employers, which must be implemented within the established deadline. The most relevant points are detailed below:
1. Occupational Risk Analysis:
· A detailed and documented analysis of the occupational risks present in each job is required.
· This analysis should be updated periodically, especially when changes are made to processes, tools or working conditions.
· It is essential to justify the selection of the PPE in writing, ensuring that it corresponds to the specific risks identified in the work environment.
· The risk assessment should include technical measurements and evidence of environmental conditions that may pose a hazard to workers.
2. EPP Certification Verification:
· Employers must ensure that the EPP complies with applicable Mexican Official Standards or, failing that, with national or international technical standards.
· All PPE used in workplaces must have the corresponding certification.
· The use of equipment that does not guarantee the safety of workers should be avoided, which could lead to sanctions by the labor authority.
· In addition, it is recommended to establish relationships with reliable suppliers that offer certified equipment and in compliance with current regulations.
3. EPP Life Cycle Control and Recording:
· It is mandatory to keep detailed records of the acquisition, distribution, use, maintenance and replacement of the EPP.
· Documented monitoring of periodic inspections and equipment performance evaluations must be kept.
· This documentation will be key in case of inspections by the STPS.
· The traceability of each equipment will allow us to identify fault trends and anticipate replacement needs with greater efficiency.
4. Continuing Worker Training:
· The obligation to train workers on the use, maintenance and limitations of PPE is established.
· It's not enough to provide equipment; it's critical that employees understand its importance and use it effectively to minimize risks.
· Training should be provided on a regular and documented basis.
· It should include practical sessions, emergency simulations, and knowledge tests to ensure that employees acquire the necessary skills.
5. Regulatory Oversight and Compliance:
· A constant monitoring system must be implemented to ensure compliance with the standard.
· Employers will be responsible for ensuring that workers use the PPE correctly at all times.
· The lack of oversight could result in administrative and economic sanctions.
· The appointment of internal occupational safety and health managers is recommended to monitor the implementation of these provisions.
IMPLICATIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS FOR COMPANIES
Failure to comply with this rule may result in economic and administrative sanctions, will take effect at the end of September 2025, providing a period of transition for companies to adjust their processes and ensure compliance. During this time, it is crucial that organizations carry out internal audits and adjustments to their occupational safety programs.
We hope that this information will be useful. For any questions or additional questions, you can contact our partner Andrew Grepe within grepe@glzabogados.com.
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