Análisis de la percepción del riesgo laboral en trabajadores de pequeñas empresas del sector metalmecánico en la localidad de Puente Aranda, Bogotá

Abstract

This study aimed to analyze occupational risk perception among workers in small metalworking companies found in Puente Aranda, Bogotá, to compare workers’ subjective perception with the actual exposure conditions observed in their production processes. A quantitative, non experimental, cross-sectional, and descriptive study was conducted using a risk perception instrument and direct non-participant observation of working conditions. The sample consisted of 34 workers, and 25 work situations were assessed, resulting in 850 risk assessment records. The findings showed an average worker age of 43 years and an average job tenure of 19 years. The main activities observed were machining, welding, cutting, assembly, and machinery operation. About occupational safety conditions, 55.9% of workers reported affiliation with an occupational risk insurance provider, while only 5.9% reported having received occupational safety and health training. Although 100% of the workers reported receiving personal protective equipment, 76.5% indicated that the replacement or delivery period exceeded 12 months. About risk perception, workers identified 46.2% of the assessed situations as present; however, objective observation identified the presence of 62.0% of the situations, revealing a gap of 15.8 percentage points. Likewise, the average perceived risk level was lower than the observed real risk level, with an average perceived risk level of 99.53 compared to an observed real risk level of 125.00. The most underestimated hazards were welding fumes and metal dust inhalation, awkward postures, contact with moving machine parts, same-level falls, and exposure to chemical substances. The study concludes that there is a significant gap between workers’ subjective perception and the objective risk conditions observed in the workplace. This gap may be related to hazard normalization, long work experience, limited occupational safety training, and insufficient recognition of effective controls. These findings highlight the need to strengthen preventive management, training, supervision, timely delivery of personal protective equipment, and the implementation of technical and administrative controls in small metalworking companies.