Occupational safety and health training in Colombia: challenges and paradigms for telework and remote work

Abstract

Background: Telework and remote work have become permanent working modalities in Colombia, driven by the COVID-19 pandemic and strengthened by regulations such as Law 2121 of 2021, Decree 555 of 2022, and Law 2466 of 2025 (Labor Reform). However, professional training in occupational safety and health (OSH) remains anchored in face‑to‑face paradigms that do not adequately address the new ergonomic, psychosocial, and organizational risks inherent to these modalities. Objective: To critically analyze the disarticulation between traditional OSH training programs and the current needs of telework in Colombia, proposing an educational paradigm shift focused on specific competences for virtual and remote work environments. Methodology: Critical narrative review of scientific literature published between 2020 and 2025, complemented by analysis of Colombian regulatory frameworks, ILO/WHO international standards, and a review of OSH academic programs offered by Colombian universities. Results: 90\% of Colombian workers prefer hybrid schemes (EY, 2024). Main risks include musculoskeletal disorders (>65\%, ILO), stress and technostress (60\%, Harvard 2021), visual fatigue, isolation, and disconnection difficulties. However, less than 15\% of OSH training programs in Colombia include specific modules on digital ergonomics or psychosocial risks in virtual environments, evidencing significant curricular obsolescence. Conclusions: OSH training must integrate digital ergonomics, technostress management, the right to disconnect, and risk assessment in domestic settings. A four‑pillar model is proposed: digital ergonomics; management of psychosocial risks and technostress; virtual communication and training competences; and promotion of the right to disconnect and work‑life balance.