Caracterización de las condiciones de seguridad y salud ocupacional en trabajadores informales del sector de la construcción: estudio de línea base en la ciudad de Zamora, provincia de Zamora Chinchipe

Abstract

Abstract: Occupational health and safety in the informal construction sector is characterized by recurring issues such as risk exposure, limited use of preventive measures, and low social protection coverage. Studies have linked these conditions to a lack of formal employment and the absence of structured preventive management systems, highlighting the need to analyze how these dynamics manifest in local contexts. Accordingly, this research examined occupational health and safety conditions among informal workers in the city of Zamora, testing the hypothesis that informality correlates with higher risk exposure and less systematic use of protective measures. The study employed a descriptive design with a mixed-methods approach; structured surveys, direct observation, and the GTC-45 matrix were applied to a sample of 160 workers selected via non-probabilistic sampling, and data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results indicate a predominance of mechanical and physical risks, concentrated at moderate levels but also including high-level risks. Significant accident rates were observed specifically falls and cuts consistent with the identified risks. The use of personal protective equipment (PPE) was found to be inconsistent, characterized by partial availability and disparities between basic and specialized gear; furthermore, low social security enrollment and limited access to formal medical care were noted. The findings suggest that working conditions involve constant risk exposure, unsystematic use of preventive measures, and restricted social protection coverage, underscoring the need to strengthen safety training, promote preventive practices, and facilitate access to protection mechanisms tailored to informal work.