WHAT IS LOCATIVE RISK? - JOB - 2025

The locative risk refers to the physical conditions of the workplace that can cause accidents within the normal activities of any company. These conditions include inadequate signage, poor condition of facilities, absence of fire extinguishers, etc.

Locative risks may be conditioned by geographical characteristics, the construction of the facilities and even the distribution of spaces in the workplace.

These conditions determine the highest number of workplace accidents. This is because they are of a permanent nature, therefore they affect the development of all the activities carried out within a given space.

For this reason, the control of locative risk factors is essential within the administration of any company.

Proper management of these risks determines the well-being and safety of workers and therefore conditions their productivity.

Locative risk factors

There are different locative risk factors that must be understood and controlled to avoid accidents within the workplace.

- Distribution of spaces

In all workplaces, the space must have a distribution that allows workers a comfortable and safe movement.

Therefore, it is necessary that there is a free space of 2 square meters for each worker, discounting the space occupied by furniture, machines and equipment.

- Floors / floors

Floors can be a very important risk factor, since workers are in permanent contact with them. Therefore, it is very important that the floor of the workplace is uniform, without gaps or protrusions that can cause accidents during movement.

Likewise, it is important that the floors are kept clean and have non-slip surfaces in those places where workers must walk.

Finally, when it comes to floors located near heat sources such as ovens, fireplaces and open flames, it is necessary that the material be slow-burning.

- Roofs or covers

The height of the ceiling is also related to the distribution of space. In this sense, it is necessary to have a minimum height of 2.5 meters for office work and 3 meters for industrial work.

- Distribution of machines and equipment

The space on the floor around the machines must be sufficient to allow the proper tasks of the workers. For this reason, the minimum space between two machines should be 0.8 meters.

- Internal circulation areas

In addition to the considerations regarding the distribution of equipment, it is necessary to consider the transit areas through which people and vehicles move.

In areas where people move, there needs to be a space of 0.8 meters if the movement occurs in one direction and 1.6 meters if it occurs in both directions.

Regarding vehicles, the measurement of the vehicle plus 0.5 meters on each side of it must be considered. If it is a double traffic lane, the width of the vehicles must be added, plus 0.5 meters on each side and 0.4 of space between them.

- Stairs and ramps

In those cases where workplaces have several levels, they must have stairs or ramps, even in those cases where they have elevators.

Stairs or ramps must be non-slip and kept clean and clear of any object that may obstruct the way. In addition, they must have guard rails on the sides where there is no wall.

- Doors

The distance and the size of the doors are also a fundamental factor in the analysis of the locative risks.

In the event of a fire, earthquake or any other emergency that requires evacuation, the arrangement of the doors is essential to protect people's lives.

The maximum distance that a person must travel between one door and another must be 45 meters and the doors must have a minimum width of 1.2 meters for 50 people and 0.5 meters for every 50 more people.

On the other hand, in those cases where the doors lead to stairs, there must be a landing. That is, the steps cannot go directly to the door.

- Signage

The signage of the work spaces is essential in the prevention of risks. They are essential to draw attention to risks, prohibitions or obligations.

Its main function is to alert workers to possible risk situations that may arise in the work environment. However, it must also be designed to guide behavior in emergency situations.

- Health services

Health services are another fundamental factor in the definition of locative risk. The state of health of the facilities of any workspace depends largely on them.

Bathrooms should have washable walls and good ventilation. In cases where natural ventilation is not possible, a mechanical extraction system must be available.

In those cases where workers have interaction with toxic substances, it is necessary to have double rooms for changing clothes.

- Order and cleanliness

Finally, order and cleanliness are essential to preserve the health and safety of employees within the work environment.

The order is essential to avoid the presence of objects or substances that may represent risks within the work. In addition, the proper storage and organization of elements and materials facilitates and speeds up the work of employees.

On the other hand, the correct disposal of waste is essential to maintain the state of health within the workplace. This includes checking for leaks, spills, or leaks. Criteria that help reduce the risk of occupational accidents.

The importance of locative risk control

The control of locative risks is essential for the development of any work environment. Thanks to this practice, it is possible to:

• Reduce the risk of workplace accidents
• Distribute the workspace efficiently, comfortably and safely
• Organize the use of available resources efficiently, for example with regard to waste disposal
• Increase the performance of working times
• Increase the performance of work items and raw materials
• Build relationships of mutual trust between employees and employers
• Inspire credibility and reliability to customers and suppliers
• Stimulate the development of safe work behaviors
• Generate a pleasant work environment for both workers and managers.

References

1. Mancera, M. (SF). Locative risk factors. Recovered from: manceras.com.co.
2. Navarro, L. (SF). Locative Risk Training. Recovered from: academia.edu.