Mexico NOM-001-STPS-2008 Explained (Employer Guide)
Learn what Mexico NOM-001-STPS-2008 requires. Covers workplace safety conditions, facilities standards, employer duties, and STPS inspection compliance
What Is NOM-001-STPS-2008?
NOM-001-STPS-2008 is an Official Mexican Standard that establishes minimum safety and structural conditions for buildings, premises, installations, and work areas used by employees in Mexico.
It is issued by the Secretaría del Trabajo y Previsión Social (STPS) and applies to the physical environment where work is performed.
Mandatory labor safety standard
NOM-001-STPS-2008 is legally binding and enforced during STPS inspections, regardless of company size or industry.Scope covering physical work environments
The NOM applies to buildings, premises, installations, and work areas where employees carry out their duties, including offices, warehouses, factories, and mixed-use facilities.Focus on safe workplace conditions
It addresses risks arising from unsafe layouts, inadequate access, poor flooring, unsafe stairs, insufficient lighting, and other structural hazards.Role within Mexico’s safety framework
NOM-001 serves as the baseline safety standard for physical workplaces, supporting other NOMs that regulate specific risks such as fire, equipment, or PPE.
In practice, NOM-001-STPS-2008 ensures that the physical conditions of the workplace do not create preventable risks. STPS inspectors frequently review this NOM early in inspections, as it establishes the foundation for safe operations across all other safety standards.
Purpose of NOM-001-STPS-2008
NOM-001-STPS-2008 exists to ensure that the physical conditions of workplaces in Mexico are safe, functional, and suitable for daily operations. Many workplace accidents occur not because of machinery or processes, but because of unsafe layouts, poor access, damaged floors, or inadequate lighting. This standard addresses those foundational risks.
The regulation places clear responsibility on employers to maintain safe premises where employees and others can move, work, and evacuate without unnecessary danger.
Prevention of workplace accidents and injuries
The standard aims to reduce falls, slips, collisions, and structural hazards caused by unsafe floors, stairs, platforms, corridors, or poorly designed work areas.Protection of employees, visitors, and third parties
NOM-001 applies to anyone who enters the workplace, including employees, contractors, visitors, and service providers, ensuring safe access and movement throughout the premises.Employer responsibility for physical safety conditions
Employers are legally responsible for inspecting, maintaining, and correcting unsafe structural or environmental conditions, not just responding after incidents occur.
In practice, NOM-001-STPS-2008 makes physical workplace safety a continuous maintenance obligation. During STPS inspections, employers must show that facilities are actively monitored and kept in safe condition, not merely compliant on paper.
Who Must Comply With NOM-001-STPS-2008
NOM-001-STPS-2008 applies broadly to employers based on control and use of the workplace, not ownership status or company size. If employees perform work in a physical space, the employer has obligations under this standard.
Employers operating any workplace in Mexico
Any employer with employees working in Mexico is required to comply with NOM-001 for the physical conditions of the spaces where work is performed, including offices, warehouses, factories, and service locations.Responsibility for leased or owned facilities
Compliance applies whether the workplace is owned or leased. Employers cannot transfer responsibility to landlords for conditions that affect employee safety during daily operations.Shared responsibility in multi-tenant buildings
In shared buildings, employers remain responsible for the safety of areas under their control, such as offices and internal workspaces, while coordinating with building management for common areas.
In practice, STPS evaluates who controls the work environment, not who owns the building. Employers that assume landlords or property managers are solely responsible often face findings during inspections when unsafe conditions affect employee safety.
Core Safety Conditions Required Under NOM-001
NOM-001-STPS-2008 establishes minimum physical safety conditions that every workplace must meet to prevent accidents caused by the work environment itself. These requirements focus on how spaces are organized, maintained, and structurally secured for daily use.
General Workplace Conditions
Employers must ensure that work areas are orderly, clearly defined, and free of hazards that could cause injuries during normal operations or emergencies.
Cleanliness, order, and safe organization
Work areas must be kept clean and organized to prevent obstructions, accidental contact, or unsafe movement of people and materials.Identification and elimination of unsafe conditions
Employers must identify hazards such as damaged surfaces, poor lighting, exposed edges, or blocked access and correct them promptly.Delimitation of work zones and circulation areas
Workspaces, walkways, and circulation routes must be clearly marked to separate operational areas from pedestrian movement and reduce collision or fall risks.
Structural Safety Requirements
The physical integrity of workplace structures is a core obligation under NOM-001.
Floors, walls, ceilings, and load-bearing elements
Structural components must be stable, resistant, and suitable for the loads and activities performed, without cracks, instability, or deterioration.Prevention of slips, trips, and falls
Floors must be even, non-slip where required, and free from holes, abrupt level changes, or loose materials that could cause falls.Stability and integrity of structures
Buildings and installations must remain structurally sound at all times. Employers must address damage, wear, or modifications that compromise safety.
In practice, STPS inspectors physically assess these conditions on-site. Unsafe layouts, poor maintenance, or structural deficiencies are among the most common findings under NOM-001, even in office-based workplaces.
Circulation Areas, Stairs, and Elevated Platforms
NOM-001-STPS-2008 places strong emphasis on safe movement within the workplace. Many serious accidents occur during routine circulation, not during core work tasks. For this reason, the standard defines clear requirements for walkways, stairs, ramps, ladders, and elevated platforms.
Pedestrian and vehicle circulation separation
Employers must clearly separate pedestrian walkways from vehicle routes where forklifts, carts, or other mobile equipment operate. Markings, barriers, or physical separation must be used to prevent collisions.Safety requirements for stairs, ramps, ladders, and platforms
These access points must be designed for safe use, with uniform steps, stable surfaces, adequate width, and proper slope. Temporary or improvised access structures are not permitted.Handrails, railings, and guard protections
Stairs, ramps, and elevated platforms must have handrails or guardrails where there is a risk of falling. These protections must be securely installed and maintained.Exterior and emergency stair conditions
Exterior stairs and emergency access routes must be weather-resistant, well maintained, and free of obstructions to ensure safe evacuation at all times.
In practice, STPS inspectors closely examine circulation routes and elevated areas. Missing railings, poor separation of traffic, or unsafe stairs are frequent findings under NOM-001, even in low-risk workplaces.
Emergency Routes and Access Conditions
NOM-001-STPS-2008 requires employers to ensure that emergency routes and access conditions allow safe and rapid evacuation under all circumstances.
These requirements focus on physical readiness, not emergency planning documents. Routes must work in real conditions, including low visibility or high-stress situations.
Emergency exits and evacuation routes
Workplaces must have sufficient emergency exits and clearly defined evacuation routes based on layout, occupancy, and use of the space. Routes must lead to a safe area outside the risk zone.Accessibility and obstruction-free paths
Evacuation routes and exits must remain free of obstacles at all times. Furniture, storage, equipment, or temporary installations cannot block or reduce exit capacity during working hours.Marking and visibility requirements
Routes, exits, and emergency doors must be clearly marked with visible signage. Where required, markings must remain visible in low-light or power-loss conditions.Accessibility for persons with disabilities
Employers must consider safe evacuation access for persons with disabilities, ensuring routes and exits do not create additional barriers during emergencies.
In practice, STPS inspectors physically walk emergency routes. Any obstruction, poor visibility, or impractical access condition is treated as an immediate safety risk under NOM-001, regardless of written procedures.
Ventilation, Lighting, and Environmental Conditions
NOM-001-STPS-2008 requires employers to maintain adequate environmental conditions so that employees can work safely and move through the workplace without unnecessary risk. Poor ventilation and lighting are treated as physical hazards when they affect health, visibility, or safe circulation.
Artificial ventilation system requirements
Where natural ventilation is not sufficient, employers must install artificial ventilation systems that maintain acceptable air quality and prevent accumulation of heat, fumes, dust, or contaminants.Preventive and corrective maintenance obligations
Ventilation systems must be maintained in good working condition. Filters, ducts, and mechanical components must be inspected and serviced to ensure continuous and effective operation.Lighting conditions in work and circulation areas
Work areas, corridors, stairs, and emergency routes must have adequate lighting to allow safe task performance and movement. Lighting must prevent glare, shadows, or low-visibility conditions that increase accident risk.Recordkeeping for ventilation maintenance
Employers must keep records of inspections, maintenance, and corrective actions related to ventilation systems, especially where artificial systems are used to control environmental conditions.
In practice, STPS inspectors assess both physical conditions and maintenance evidence. Insufficient lighting, poorly maintained ventilation, or missing maintenance records are common findings under NOM-001, even in office-based environments.
Employer Obligations Under NOM-001-STPS-2008
NOM-001-STPS-2008 places direct responsibility on employers to actively monitor, document, and correct physical safety conditions in the workplace. Compliance is ongoing and preventive. Employers are expected to identify risks before accidents occur, not respond only after incidents.
Conducting annual visual safety inspections
Employers must perform at least one documented visual inspection each year to evaluate buildings, premises, installations, and work areas for physical safety risks.Identifying and documenting unsafe conditions
Any unsafe structural, environmental, or access-related condition must be formally identified and recorded. Informal awareness without documentation is not considered compliance.Correcting hazards in a timely manner
Once a hazard is identified, employers must take corrective action within a reasonable timeframe, prioritizing risks that could cause serious injury or accidents.Informing employees about safe use of facilities
Employers must inform employees about safe circulation routes, emergency exits, and proper use of workplace facilities to prevent accidents during daily operations.
In practice, STPS inspectors expect to see evidence of active safety management, not one-time inspections. Missing inspection records, unresolved hazards, or uninformed employees often result in findings under NOM-001, even when facilities appear generally well maintained.
Worker Obligations Under NOM-001-STPS-2008
NOM-001-STPS-2008 also assigns clear responsibilities to workers to help maintain safe physical conditions in the workplace. While employers carry the main legal duty, employee behavior directly affects day-to-day safety and inspection outcomes.
Proper use and conservation of work areas
Workers must use facilities, circulation routes, stairs, platforms, and workspaces only for their intended purpose. Misuse, unauthorized modifications, or careless behavior that creates hazards is not permitted.Reporting unsafe conditions to the employer
Employees are required to report damaged floors, poor lighting, blocked exits, unstable structures, or any condition that could create a safety risk, so corrective action can be taken promptly.Cooperation in maintaining workplace safety
Workers must cooperate with safety inspections, follow internal safety instructions, and support corrective measures aimed at keeping facilities safe and functional.
In practice, STPS inspectors often observe employee conduct during inspections. Unsafe use of facilities or unreported hazards can result in findings against the employer, reinforcing the importance of employee awareness and cooperation under NOM-001.
Inspection, Monitoring, and Corrective Actions
NOM-001-STPS-2008 requires employers to manage workplace safety as a continuous control process, not as a one-time facility check. STPS expects employers to regularly inspect physical conditions, document findings, and verify that corrective actions are completed.
Annual visual inspection process
Employers must carry out at least one documented visual inspection each year covering buildings, premises, installations, circulation areas, stairs, platforms, lighting, and ventilation conditions.Documentation of findings and corrective measures
Inspection results must be recorded, identifying unsafe conditions, affected areas, and the specific corrective actions required. Documentation must clearly link risks to actions taken.Follow-up on repairs and improvements
Identified hazards must be corrected within reasonable timeframes. Employers must track repairs and improvements to confirm that risks were effectively eliminated.Continuous monitoring of facility safety
Beyond the annual inspection, employers must monitor facilities on an ongoing basis. Changes in layout, equipment, occupancy, or use of space require reassessment of safety conditions.
In practice, STPS inspectors review inspection records and verify whether corrective actions were completed. Repeated findings, unresolved hazards, or lack of follow-up documentation are treated as compliance failures under NOM-001.
Mandatory Documentation and Recordkeeping
Under NOM-001-STPS-2008, compliance must be demonstrable through records that reflect the real condition of the workplace. STPS inspectors rely on documentation to confirm that safety inspections are performed, hazards are corrected, and employees are informed about safe use of facilities.
Inspection reports and logs
Employers must keep records of annual visual inspections, including dates, inspected areas, identified hazards, and responsible personnel. These logs must be current and complete.Records of repairs and corrective actions
Documentation must show what corrective measures were taken, when repairs were completed, and how identified risks were eliminated or controlled.Evidence of zone marking and signage
Employers must maintain evidence that work zones, circulation areas, emergency routes, and hazard areas are properly marked and maintained as required.Documentation provided to workers
Records must demonstrate that employees received information or instructions related to safe use of facilities, circulation routes, and emergency access conditions.
In practice, STPS checks for consistency across records. Inspection findings, repairs, markings, and worker information must align with actual workplace conditions. Missing or outdated documentation is a common cause of non-compliance under NOM-001.
NOM-001-STPS-2008 During STPS Inspections
During STPS inspections, NOM-001-STPS-2008 is reviewed as a baseline workplace safety standard. Inspectors focus on the physical condition of facilities and whether employers actively monitor and correct risks that could cause accidents.
What labor inspectors typically review
Inspectors visually assess buildings, work areas, circulation routes, stairs, platforms, emergency exits, lighting, and ventilation to confirm that physical conditions are safe and functional.Documents commonly requested
STPS usually requests annual inspection reports, corrective action records, evidence of repairs, zone marking documentation, and records showing that employees were informed about safe facility use.Common compliance failures identified by STPS
Frequent findings include missing inspection records, unresolved hazards, damaged floors or stairs, blocked emergency routes, poor lighting, and lack of evidence that corrective actions were completed.How employers should prepare for inspections
Employers should ensure inspections are up to date, hazards are corrected, documentation is organized, and physical conditions match records before an inspection occurs.
In practice, inspectors from Secretaría del Trabajo y Previsión Social compare documentation against real conditions. Any mismatch between what is recorded and what exists on-site often results in immediate findings under NOM-001.
Penalties and Risks for Non-Compliance
Failure to comply with NOM-001-STPS-2008 exposes employers to financial penalties, legal exposure, and operational risk, even when no accident has yet occurred. STPS treats unsafe physical conditions as preventable risks, not minor issues.
Administrative fines and sanctions
STPS may impose fines when inspection records are missing, hazards are not corrected, or facilities do not meet minimum safety conditions. Repeated or unresolved findings increase penalties.Increased liability in workplace accidents
If an accident occurs and unsafe physical conditions were previously identified or undocumented, employer liability increases significantly under labor and civil law.Operational and legal risks for employers
Serious safety deficiencies can result in corrective orders, partial suspension of activities, or mandatory repairs before operations may continue.Heightened exposure for foreign companies
Foreign employers often face additional scrutiny due to documentation gaps or misunderstanding of local safety rules. This increases enforcement risk during inspections.
In practice, NOM-001 non-compliance often becomes the starting point for broader inspections, triggering review of other safety and labor obligations.
Relationship With Other STPS Safety Standards
NOM-001-STPS-2008 functions as the physical foundation of Mexico’s occupational safety system. Other STPS standards build on the assumption that workplaces already meet the minimum structural and environmental safety conditions required under NOM-001. When these basics are missing, compliance with other NOMs is weakened.
Relationship with NOM-002 (fire safety)
NOM-002 relies on safe building layouts, clear circulation routes, functional emergency exits, and unobstructed evacuation paths. If floors, stairs, or exits do not meet NOM-001 requirements, fire safety compliance under NOM-002 is automatically compromised.Relationship with NOM-017 (personal protective equipment)
NOM-017 addresses PPE as a last line of defense. However, unsafe floors, poor lighting, or unstable platforms under NOM-001 cannot be corrected through PPE alone. Physical hazards must be eliminated or controlled at the facility level first.Relationship with NOM-019 (safety and hygiene commissions)
Safety and Hygiene Commissions formed under NOM-019 are responsible for identifying and monitoring unsafe physical conditions. Their inspection findings and corrective actions frequently focus on NOM-001-related risks.Why NOM-001 is a foundational safety requirement
NOM-001 establishes safe buildings, access, and environments. Without it, preventive services, PPE programs, and emergency planning cannot function effectively.
In practice, STPS inspectors often start with NOM-001. Failures here tend to trigger deeper reviews across multiple safety standards.
Common Employer Mistakes With NOM-001 Compliance
Many employers fail NOM-001-STPS-2008 not because facilities are unsafe, but because physical safety is managed informally and without proper follow-through. STPS inspections focus on evidence, consistency, and ongoing control, not intent.
Treating inspections as a formality
Some employers conduct annual inspections only to meet a requirement, without actively identifying risks or following up on findings. STPS expects inspections to drive real corrective action.Failing to document corrective actions
Repairs may be completed, but without records showing what was fixed, when, and why. Undocumented corrections are treated as if they never occurred.Ignoring minor structural hazards
Small issues such as uneven floors, damaged steps, poor lighting, or missing markings are often dismissed internally but cited by inspectors as safety risks.Poor coordination between facilities, HR, and safety teams
When facility management, HR, and safety operate separately, inspection findings are missed, records are incomplete, and corrective actions are delayed.
In practice, these mistakes create gaps between actual conditions and documented compliance. During STPS inspections, even minor unmanaged issues can result in findings under NOM-001.
Why Foreign Companies Commonly Struggle With NOM-001
Foreign employers often underestimate NOM-001-STPS-2008 because it focuses on physical workplace conditions, not payroll or contracts. In Mexico, STPS treats facility safety as a direct employer obligation, regardless of leasing arrangements or global policies.
Lack of familiarity with STPS inspection practices
Many foreign companies are not aware that STPS inspectors physically walk facilities and compare conditions against documented inspections. Visual findings often carry more weight than written explanations.Misunderstanding landlord versus employer responsibilities
Employers frequently assume landlords are responsible for structural safety. Under NOM-001, employers remain responsible for any condition that affects employee safety in areas they use or control.Fragmented compliance management
Facilities, HR, and safety are often managed by different vendors or teams. This leads to missing inspection records, delayed repairs, and poor follow-up on identified hazards.Overreliance on non-Mexico-specialized providers
Global providers may focus on HR administration but do not manage local facility inspections or STPS readiness. Generic checklists rarely meet inspection expectations.
In practice, NOM-001 failures usually surface during the first STPS inspection. Without local expertise and coordinated facility oversight, foreign employers are often caught unprepared despite having otherwise compliant operations.
How Human Resources Mexico (HRM) Supports NOM-001 Compliance
Human Resources Mexico (HRM) manages NOM-001-STPS-2008 as an ongoing facility safety obligation, not a one-time inspection task. By operating exclusively in Mexico, HRM aligns physical workplace safety with how STPS actually inspects and enforces the standard.
Mexico-only compliance and employer model
HRM works solely within Mexico, with local teams that understand how STPS evaluates buildings, work areas, circulation routes, and structural safety under NOM-001.Facility safety documentation coordination
HRM helps organize annual inspection records, corrective action logs, repair evidence, and safety markings so documentation reflects real workplace conditions.Inspection-ready compliance support
Safety records and facility conditions are maintained in an inspection-ready state, reducing last-minute fixes and exposure during STPS visits.Integrated HR, payroll, and labor safety oversight
Facility safety compliance is coordinated alongside HR and payroll, preventing gaps caused by disconnected vendors or unclear responsibilities.Local teams supporting STPS audits
HRM’s local teams support employers during inspections, assist with document presentation, and help manage corrective actions if findings arise.
By combining local presence with integrated compliance management, Human Resources Mexico turns NOM-001 from a reactive facilities issue into a controlled and inspection-ready process for employers operating in Mexico.
If you are hiring or employing staff in Mexico and want to ensure your workplace meets NOM-001 requirements, reach out to HRM to discuss and get a custom proposal tailored to your hiring and compliance needs in Mexico.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is NOM-001 mandatory for all workplaces in Mexico?
Yes. NOM-001-STPS-2008 applies to any workplace in Mexico where employees perform work in a physical space. Applicability is based on use of the premises, not industry type or company size. Offices, warehouses, factories, and service locations are all covered.
Does NOM-001 apply to office-only environments?
Yes. Office-only environments are fully subject to NOM-001. STPS evaluates flooring, stairs, lighting, ventilation, circulation routes, emergency exits, and general structural safety, even when no industrial activity is present.
How often must workplace safety inspections be conducted?
Employers must conduct at least one documented visual inspection per year. In addition, inspections should be repeated whenever workplace conditions change, such as renovations, layout changes, or increased occupancy.
What documents does STPS request under NOM-001?
STPS typically requests annual inspection reports, corrective action records, repair evidence, zone marking documentation, and records showing that employees were informed about safe use of facilities.
How does HRM help companies comply with NOM-001?
Human Resources Mexico supports NOM-001 compliance through its Mexico-only model. HRM coordinates facility safety documentation, maintains inspection readiness, and integrates workplace safety with HR and payroll for employers operating in Mexico.
