The Confederation of Entrepreneurs of Galicia (CEG) held the forum "Return to the future of occupational risk prevention" in Santiago de Compostela, organized in collaboration with the Galician Society of Occupational Risk Prevention (SGPRL) and the Xunta de Galicia. The event aimed to analyze workplace accidents, as well as the evolution, current challenges, and best practices in occupational safety and health.
The CEG considers that occupational risk prevention "must be understood as a strategic investment in people, in the sustainability of companies, and in the competitiveness of the Galician productive fabric". Thirty years after the approval of the Law on Prevention of Occupational Risks, the challenge is to continue advancing in reducing accidents and consolidating a preventive culture integrated into the daily management of organizations, through training, information, awareness, and the application of good practices adapted to the reality of each sector and company.
They emphasize that this commitment, especially in a business fabric composed mainly of SMEs and micro-SMEs, requires providing tools and advice that allow preventive obligations to be transformed into effective and applicable measures. The transformation of work environments demands anticipating new risks and adapting preventive strategies to technological, demographic, and organizational changes, paying special attention to psychosocial risks and the well-being of workers.
In this context, the CEG advocates for "collaboration between administrations, business and trade union organizations, as well as real social dialogue that incorporates the knowledge and experience of those who know firsthand the reality of workplaces". The objective is to move towards a more effective, practical prevention model adapted to the needs of companies and people.
Recently, the CEG approved the Comprehensive Plan for the Improvement of Prevention, Labor Well-being, and Healthy Return to Work in Galicia 2026-2029. This agreement highlights the importance of social dialogue to find shared solutions, combining worker protection with business needs and the responsible use of public resources. Among the preventive measures mentioned are the reinforcement of prevention for musculoskeletal disorders and psychosocial risks, advanced prevention programs, a free sectoral self-assessment tool, and aid for investment in ergonomic equipment in SMEs.
The plan also includes measures for labor well-being, such as the Labor Well-being Strategy and Health Promotion, with programs for psychological and musculoskeletal care. The return to work after a temporary incapacity is also addressed, seeking a model that accompanies the safe return to work. At the state level, the specialty of Occupational Medicine is reinforced.
The institutional opening of the event was attended by the vice-president of the CEG, Antonio Fontenla, and the manager of the Galician Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (ISSGA), Adela Quinzá-Torroja. Also participating were the president of the Galician Society of Occupational Risk Prevention, Carlos Montes, and a round table was moderated with managers from companies such as Civis Global, Ence, Grupo Arestora, Navantia Ría de Ferrol, and Grupo Nogar.
