Keys to prevention in the latest modification of the construction agreement

On December 10, the latest modification of the VII General Convention of the Construction Sector was published, which in our field of occupational safety incorporates three relevant changes in the preventive structure of the sector, affecting training, competence accreditation and emerging risk management. 

First of all, a complete reordering of ORP training and validations is incorporated (Art. 148 and Annex XIII). The text comprehensively updates the training framework associated with prevention within the Vocational Training system, adapting it to Law 3/2023. Thus, for example, the integration of preventive training within the new FP cycles and the D cycles (medium and higher level) of the Building and Civil Works family include specific training in ORP in an integrated manner. For their part, the C cycles (level 1, 2 and 3 professional certificates) guarantee the acquisition of the Basic Level of Prevention in Construction (NBPC) when they incorporate the unit of competence.

The second highlight is the creation of a sector commission on respirable crystalline silica, in charge of identifying sector activities with their presence and impact on health, as well as proposing technical and preventive measures organizational applicable on site and in associated industrial processes.

Finally, a new framework is established to study coefficients reducing retirement due to hardship, and although it is not strictly preventive it has a strong relationship with management of occupational risks in activities that are especially arduous, toxic or dangerous. The agreement creates a sectoral commission that will analyze which trades could justify reducing pension coefficients due to especially harmful working conditions.