Strategy for Prevention and Control of Occupational Injuries Sports Related in a Public Utility Company

Abstract

This article presents Empresas Públicas de Medellín’s (EPM) strategy for the prevention and control of occupational sports injuries. The strategy works alongside EPM’s physical activity program to increase the overall quality of life of the Company’s employees, and is based on Colombian legislation that stated in 2012 that occupational accidents should also include those that occur when recreational, sporting and cultural activities are carried out on behalf of, or while representing an employer. The article presents concepts, policies and activities related to the practice of sports at EPM, and how these are aligned with the systemic approach of ergonomics. The article also looks at how EPM has managed to reduce these kinds of accidents, and how the strategy has strengthened actions for prevention and health promotion in an occupational context. In doing so, it has ratified the Company’s Business Commitment with the wellbeing and overall quality of life of its employees.

Empresas Públicas de Medellín (EPM) is a public utility company that provides electricity, natural gas, water supply, basic sanitation, waste management, information technology and communication services that meet the very highest international standards of quality in Medellín, Colombia. Organized as a “state-owned, industrial and commercial enterprise”. With 6000 employees and 10.583 family members who are beneficiaries of a set of services for health and safety within a framework of prevention and promotion as a strategy to improve quality of life.