Análisis de la accidentabilidad laboral y los costos asociados a los accidentes de trabajo en una empresa de hidrocarburos

Abstract

This research analyzes occupational accident rates and the costs associated with workplace accidents that occurred between 2023 and 2025 in a public company within Ecuador’s hydrocarbon sector. The study adopts a quantitative approach, with a non-experimental and longitudinal design, using official records of occupational accidents, lost workdays, restricted workdays, wages, and total hours worked. To evaluate accident trends, occupational safety indicators were applied, including frequency rate, and risk rate, which made it possible to identify patterns and levels of accident severity. Additionally, the economic valuation of workplace accidents was carried out through the application of internationally recognized methodologies, such as the NTP 540 Technical Note and Heinrich’s model, in order to estimate the direct and indirect costs derived from occupational accident rates. The results show a significant reduction in the total cost associated with workplace accidents throughout the analyzed period, highlighting a notable decrease between the initial year and subsequent years. However, the findings indicate that a limited number of risk account for most accidents, mainly those related to mechanical and safety risks, emphasizing the need to strengthen targeted preventive actions. The study concludes that occupational accident rates generate a relevant economic impact on the organization and that the implementation of adequate preventive measures contributes both to worker protection and to the reduction of economic losses.