VELAVO, ELSSA Integrate to Promote Dignified Workplaces

The Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare (STPS) and the Institute of Social Security (IMSS) announced a new integration between the Voluntary Labor Verification Program (VELAVO) and the Safe and Healthy Work Environments Program (ELSSA). This collaboration aims to create dignified, safe, and healthy workplaces, allowing companies already participating in ELSSA to enroll in VELAVO concerning workplace safety and health. 

"We further strengthen our collaboration with the VELAVO and ELSSA programs. Our shared objective this time is to promote best practices, encourage, and facilitate trainers to develop self-management programs, safety, health, and effective prevention strategies," said Mauricio Hernández, Director of Economic and Social Benefits, IMSS.

The integration of VELAVO and ELSSA aims to promote proactive compliance with labor and social security regulations, as reported by IMSS. Companies participating in VELAVO will be exempt from labor inspections related to general working conditions for one year. Those engaging in ELSSA will also receive this exemption, regardless of their employee headcount.

Meanwhile, Zoé Robledo, General Director, IMSS, highlighted the positive impact of the ELSSA program, citing a 50% reduction in workplace accidents among participating companies. The program has also encouraged compliance with NOM-37 and NOM-36, which concern workplace mental health and ergonomic risks. Robledo further affirmed that this initiative is just the beginning of ongoing labor efforts under the López Obrador administration, soon to be carried forward by Claudia Sheinbaum’s administration.

The VELAVO program allows workplaces to declare compliance with labor regulations using a simple, efficient digital platform, reducing documentation review times. ELSSA is a voluntary, non-punitive program designed to help businesses implement health and safety strategies.

ELSSA currently engages over 13,000 companies and has provided more than 104,000 consultations in workplaces, benefiting over four million individuals. The collaboration between the IMSS and STPS is crucial for improving labor conditions across companies of all sizes.