Prácticas de contratación y las razones del incumplimiento legal en prácticas de seguridad ocupacional: estudio sobre la percepción de empleadores que contratan trabajadores informales de construcción

Abstract

Abstract: Informal employment in Ecuador's construction sector remains a key issue that hinders compliance with legal obligations regarding occupational health and safety, particularly in the city of Loja, where temporary hiring for small-scale projects is common. Research shows that employers often rely on verbal agreements, forgo formal contracts, make informal payments, and fail to register workers with the IESS (Social Security Institute); these practices undermine employer accountability and heighten workplace risks. Against this backdrop, this study aims to understand how informal hiring practices influence employers' perceptions of responsibility regarding workplace safety and to identify the reasons cited for regulatory non-compliance. By examining the significant link between hiring informality and a diminished sense of responsibility for occupational health and safety, the findings will shed light on how informality shapes workplace safety management and provide valuable insights for developing strategies to raise awareness and foster a culture of prevention within the construction sector.