SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic — President Luis Abinader joined the Ministry of Labor on Wednesday as it presented 1,087 Workplace Safety and Health Program certifications to 633 companies and public institutions that complied with the country’s occupational safety regulations.
The certifications recognize organizations that met the requirements established under Regulation 522-06 on Occupational Safety and Health, which sets standards for identifying workplace hazards, implementing prevention programs, training employees, providing protective equipment, and maintaining safe working conditions. The ceremony was held at the Sheraton Hotel in Santo Domingo.
Government Highlights Prevention as a National Priority
Labor Minister Eddy Olivares Ortega described the event as the largest certification ceremony since the program was launched. He also noted that it was the first time a sitting Dominican president had attended the annual recognition, calling it evidence that workplace health and safety has become a national priority under the Abinader administration.
According to Olivares, preventing occupational accidents should be viewed not merely as a regulatory obligation but as an ethical, legal, and human commitment aimed at protecting workers’ lives, health, and dignity. He emphasized that building a culture of prevention requires cooperation between the government, employers, and employees.
The minister said Regulation 522-06 serves as the country’s primary legal framework for promoting safe workplaces. It is supported by the Dominican Constitution, the Labor Code, and conventions of the International Labour Organization (ILO), which recognize occupational safety as a fundamental workplace right.
Reducing Workplace Accidents
Olivares noted that thousands of workplace accidents are reported annually to the Dominican Social Security System through the Dominican Institute for Prevention and Protection of Occupational Risks (IDOPPRIL). In response, the Ministry of Labor plans to continue expanding workplace inspections, technical assistance, training programs, and employer support initiatives designed to reduce occupational incidents.
He also highlighted broader labor achievements in the Dominican Republic, including historically high wage increases, continued efforts to formalize employment, and one of the country’s lowest unemployment rates in recent years. According to the minister, these initiatives reflect the government’s strategy of combining economic growth with stronger worker protections.
Business and Labor Organizations Recognized
Special recognition was presented to several organizations for supporting workplace safety initiatives, including the Confederation of Employers of the Dominican Republic (COPARDOM), the Association of Merchants and Industrialists of Santiago (ACIS), the Autonomous Trade Union Confederation (CASC), and the Emergency Operations Center (COE).
For the first time, several public institutions also received workplace safety certifications after meeting national standards. These included the General Directorate of Customs, the Superintendency of Banks, and the National Drug Control Directorate (DNCD).
Private Sector Supports Investment in Worker Protection
Celso Juan Marranzini, president of the National Council of Private Enterprise (CONEP), congratulated the certified organizations, saying each certification reflects a commitment to protecting employees while improving business productivity and competitiveness. He reaffirmed the private sector’s support for cooperation among government, employers, and labor organizations.
Gabriel del Río Doñé, president of CASC, said the certifications help safeguard workers’ lives, promote decent work, and contribute to labor stability. He also praised President Abinader’s continued support for policies benefiting the country’s workforce.
Companies Receiving Recognition
Among the organizations recognized for outstanding implementation of occupational safety management systems were Banco Popular Dominicano, Barrick Pueblo Viejo, AES Dominicana, Corporación Aeroportuaria del Este, CEDIMAT, Molinos del Valle, Rizek Dominicana, Aeropuerto Internacional del Cibao, Group Pharma Corp., Baltimore Dominicana (Baldom), Hire Horatio RD, Central Romana Corporation, Cutler-Hammer Industries, Hageco Constructora, B. Braun Medical, Agro Productores de Arroz de la Provincia Duarte, and Fiesta Bávaro Hotel.
The record number of certifications underscores the Dominican government’s continued efforts to strengthen occupational safety standards while encouraging both public institutions and private companies to adopt comprehensive workplace risk prevention practices.