Decree 1072 of 2015 updated for 2026: what the SG-SST chapter requires and what changed with the 2026 decrees
Decree 1072 of 2015, Colombia’s Single Regulatory Decree for the Labour Sector, compiles the regulatory decrees within the national labour sector’s remit, and its Book 2, Part 2, Title 4, Chapter 6 is the one that governs the Occupational Safety and Health Management System (SG-SST). Because it is amended and supplemented frequently, the usual search is “Decree 1072 of 2015 updated” with the current year. This guide summarises what Chapter 6 requires, which articles are most consulted and what changed in 2026.
What Decree 1072 of 2015 is
It is the compilation of the regulatory decrees within the labour sector’s remit in force in 2015, organised into books, parts, titles and chapters. It created no new obligations at the time: it incorporated, among others, Decree 1443 of 2014 (SG-SST); instruments with force of law, such as Decree-law 1295 of 1994, retain their own legal status. It has been amended and supplemented on numerous occasions since 2015, so the current text should be checked in SUIN-Juriscol or Función Pública’s Regulatory Manager, together with subsequent amending instruments, rather than in an old PDF.
What Chapter 6 requires: the SG-SST
Chapter 6 defines the SG-SST as a logical, staged process based on continual improvement and the PDCA cycle (plan, do, check, act). Its main requirements:
- Occupational safety and health policy signed by senior management, with objectives and commitments (Articles 2.2.4.6.5 to 2.2.4.6.7).
- Employer obligations (Article 2.2.4.6.8): define responsibilities, allocate resources, comply with regulations, manage hazards and risks, prepare the annual work plan, prevent and promote, ensure participation and set up the COPASST (joint OHS committee).
- ARL obligations and worker responsibilities.
- System documentation and record retention for 20 years in the cases provided.
- Hazard identification, risk assessment and evaluation with a defined methodology; the decree does not prescribe a single methodology and GTC 45 is a technical method that may be used if it meets Article 2.2.4.6.15.
- Initial evaluation of the SG-SST (Article 2.2.4.6.16) and annual work plan (Article 2.2.4.6.17).
- Training, induction and re-induction.
- Hazard and risk management, prevention and control measures, occupational medical examinations and management of change.
- Structure, process and outcome indicators (Articles 2.2.4.6.19 to 2.2.4.6.22).
- Investigation of incidents, accidents and occupational diseases (Article 2.2.4.6.32).
- Annual audit and senior management review (Articles 2.2.4.6.29 to 2.2.4.6.31).
- Preventive and corrective actions and continual improvement (Articles 2.2.4.6.33 and 2.2.4.6.34).
The most consulted articles
- Article 2.2.4.6.23: hazard and risk management, with the hierarchy of controls (elimination, substitution, engineering controls, administrative controls and PPE).
- Article 2.2.4.6.27: procurement, so that purchases meet SG-SST requirements.
- Article 2.2.4.6.28: contracting, obligations towards contractors and suppliers.
- Article 2.2.4.6.12: minimum system documentation.
What changed in 2026
- Decree 1040 of 2026: adds Chapter 8 to Title 1, Part 2, Book 2 of Decree 1072 of 2015, with the policy and protocol for preventing workplace harassment, violence and discrimination, and requires them to be coordinated with the SG-SST and the competent bodies, including the workplace coexistence committee. See our guide to Decree 1040 of 2026.
- Decree 0991 of 2026: adds Section 9 to Chapter 6 of Title 1, Part 2, Book 2 and regulates the affiliation and contributions of independent and autonomous digital delivery workers. It is in force from publication for tripartite dialogue and technological preparation, but contribution, withholding, reporting and collection duties become enforceable only after the non-extendable 12-month period counted from the Ministry of Health’s certification of full technological operability.
- Resolution 0312 of 2019: remains the minimum standards rule that develops Chapter 6.
Penalties
Non-compliance with the SG-SST is sanctioned under Law 1562 of 2012 and Decree 472 of 2015 (compiled in Decree 1072 itself), with fines graded by company size and severity, and closure measures in cases of imminent risk. The unannounced inspections under Resolution 4179 of 2025 directly verify the Chapter 6 documents.
How Sabentis helps
Sabentis structures the SG-SST following Chapter 6: policy management, hazard identification and risk assessment, annual work plan, training, medical examinations, accident investigation, indicators and audit, with a legal matrix that is updated when the decree changes. Explore the organisational management and planning modules and our article on OHS regulations in Colombia.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I consult the updated Decree 1072 of 2015?
In SUIN-Juriscol or Función Pública’s Regulatory Manager, together with subsequent amending instruments; an old PDF is not enough to identify the current text.
What is the difference between Decree 1072 and Resolution 0312?
The decree establishes the SG-SST and its obligations; the resolution sets the verifiable minimum standards to comply with it.
Who does Chapter 6 apply to?
Public and private employers, entities engaging personnel under civil, commercial or administrative contracts, solidarity-economy and cooperative organisations and temporary-work agencies and, within those settings, employees, contractors, cooperative workers and temporary agency workers.
