Cultural formation in occupational safety is crucial because it fosters a safety-first mindset among employees and management, reducing the risk of accidents and enhancing compliance with safety protocols . Educating and raising awareness among the workforce ensures that safety practices become an inherent part of daily operations, rather than discrete actions. This cultural shift leads to more consistent safety behaviors, an ideal work performance, and contributes to social well-being . The presence of a strong safety culture typically correlates with improved morale, productivity, and reduced absenteeism, ultimately impacting overall workplace performance positively .

Implementing an SG-SST in industries such as the metalworking sector helps in identifying and mitigating numerous occupational hazards that affect workers' health in the short, medium, and long term . The structured approach offered by SG-SST ensures consistent application of safety standards and employee training, resulting in a safer work environment and lower incidence of workplace accidents and diseases . Moreover, adhering to OHS protocols increases operational safety and can lead to cost savings by preventing costly accidents and health-related claims .

Social responsibility plays a critical role in enhancing the competitiveness of businesses implementing OHS systems by improving brand reputation, employee satisfaction, and customer loyalty . Companies that demonstrate commitment to social and environmental responsibilities often enjoy a competitive advantage, as stakeholders are increasingly valuing ethical practices. This focus on social responsibility aligns business objectives with broader societal goals, fostering goodwill and attracting clients and partners inclined towards responsible business practices . By integrating OHS systems within a framework of social responsibility, businesses can achieve not only compliance but also strategic differentiation in the market .

Investing in environmentally friendly practices can enhance a company's occupational health and safety outcomes by ensuring cleaner production processes that minimize exposure to harmful substances, thereby reducing health risks for employees . Such investments often include implementing cleaner technologies and processes that not only comply with environmental regulations but also enhance workplace safety by reducing the potential for exposure to hazardous conditions . Moreover, environmentally conscious practices foster a culture of foresight and responsibility, encouraging proactive health and safety measures that contribute to overall well-being .

Small businesses can overcome resistance to adopting OHS systems by enhancing awareness and providing access to clear and concise information on the benefits of such systems. Offering training sessions and workshops to demonstrate how safety measures improve operational efficiency and worker well-being could ease the transition . Moreover, leveraging government incentives or subsidies designed to assist smaller firms in implementing such systems may alleviate cost concerns. Partnering with industry associations to share best practices and success stories can inspire confidence and motivate compliance . Coordinating these efforts with practical support from experienced OHS professionals can ensure sustainable and effective adoption of safety protocols .

Failure to implement a proper Occupational Health and Safety Management System (SG-SST) at Hotel El Portal de La Dorada could result in non-compliance with Resolution 0312 of 2019 and potentially lead to legal implications, including fines or closure of the establishment . Additionally, the absence of a formal safety protocol increases the risks of workplace accidents and occupational diseases, which can affect employee welfare and operational continuity .

Key regulations in Colombia's occupational health and safety (OHS) landscape include the Resolution 2400 of 1979, which created the statute of industrial safety, and Law 9 of 1979, the national health code. The decree 1443 of 2014 and subsequently decree 1072 of 2015 also play crucial roles in guiding the SG-SST (Sistema de Gestión de Seguridad en el Trabajo) framework . Challenges in implementation include inefficiency in system application, lack of obligatory policies, high system costs, and resistance to change, especially among small enterprises in the metalworking sector. Additionally, there is a crucial lack of knowledge about regulations among workers due to inadequate training and information access .

Inadequate worker training hinders effective OHS implementation by leaving employees unaware of essential safety protocols, which results in non-compliance and increased risk of accidents and health issues . Without proper training, employees may not fully understand the importance of OHS measures or how to properly execute them, reducing their effectiveness . High system costs present another formidable barrier as they can deter small and medium-sized enterprises from investing in comprehensive OHS programs, despite their potential to mitigate long-term health-related costs and improve worker safety . These financial constraints can lead to incomplete or superficial adherence to regulations, diminishing the overall impact of OHS systems .

The history of occupational health legislation in Colombia highlights progressive advancements such as the Resolution 2400 of 1979 and decree 1072 of 2015, which provide a substantial foundation for ongoing policy developments that focus on workplace safety . Understanding past legislative milestones and their impact can help policymakers identify effective strategies and areas needing reform, especially concerning enforcement and compliance challenges . By learning from historical experiences—such as the evolution of safety standards and company responses—future policies can be more effectively tailored to address current inefficiencies and anticipate emerging risks, ensuring robust protections for workers across industries .

Companies can move beyond mere compliance by investing more in human capital, their environment, and stakeholder relationships, which results in enhanced corporate social responsibility . Experiences show that beyond compliance actions, such as investments in environmentally friendly technologies and respectful business practices, can significantly boost a company's competitiveness . Thus, implementing a robust OHS system in alignment with broader corporate strategies can improve market standing and ensure healthier working conditions while enhancing the company's competitive edge .