Conference Agenda

Workers in Colombia’s metal-mechanical sector routinely endures physically demanding conditions (including awkward postures, repetitive motions, and manual handling of heavy loads) that place them at high risk for work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). Although national regulations, from the 1991 Constitution to Resolution 0312 of 2019, enshrine the right to dignified working conditions and explicitly advocate for active breaks as a preventive health strategy, their practical implementation remains inconsistent due to cultural resistance, logistical gaps, and weak managerial commitment. Through a systematic review of scientific literature and regulatory documents published between 2019 and 2025, this monograph examines the dual role of active breaks: as a protective measure against MSDs and occupational stress, and as a catalyst for productivity gains-such as enhanced focus, reduced absenteeism, and improved task quality. Findings suggest that, far from disrupting workflow, well-adapted and participatory active break programs foster a virtuous cycle where worker well-being and operational efficiency reinforce each other. However, a significant gap persists between policy mandates and on-the-ground practices. This study calls for reimagining occupational health and safety not as a bureaucratic checkbox, but as a living, human-centered practice embedded in the daily rhythms of industrial work.