Identifying the applicable working arrangement
NOM-037-STPS-2023 regulates health and safety conditions for people working under the telework arrangement defined in the Mexican framework. This should not be confused with occasionally checking email outside the office. The organisation needs to determine which people and locations fall within the scope before developing the corresponding policy and documentation.
Policy and agreed locations
Management includes a written policy and identification of agreed work locations. If several locations are used, checking only one and assuming all are the same is insufficient. Lighting, ventilation, installations and space require a task-related review. Connectivity is necessary for work but does not itself demonstrate health and safety.
Checklists and validation of conditions
The standard provides for verification mechanisms involving the safety and hygiene commission. A physical visit requires consent, and alternatives are available through checklists and the information specified. Self-assessment does not transfer all responsibility for improving conditions with personal resources to the worker. Informative appendices must be distinguished from the obligations in the main provisions.
Organisation and disconnection
Telework organised with prevention in mind includes working time, communication and respect for disconnection. It extends beyond providing a chair or computer. Ergonomic and psychosocial factors, information, training and procedures for changes or incidents must be considered, without turning preventive oversight into indiscriminate surveillance of domestic life.
Example of a location change
In a hypothetical example, someone proposes moving their remote workstation to another fixed location. Before assuming the previous conditions remain valid, they report the change and the corresponding check is performed. The review identifies needs and records validation. A single photograph of the new desk cannot by itself assess the entire environment or organisation.
Maintaining review over time
Conditions can change through equipment, layout, tasks or personal circumstances. The initial check should be supplemented with the required follow-up and channels for reporting difficulties. This entry does not resolve contractual disputes or set financial compensation. The specific case requires review of the NOM, labour legislation and applicable agreements, retaining relevant evidence and restricting access to data.
