Keywords
construction
regulations
informality
occupational accidents
Abstract
This study examines the main deficiencies in the implementation of occupational risk prevention regulations in the construction sector in the Dominican Republic (D.R.) during the years 2023 and 2024. Although the country has a well-established legal framework, particularly with Law 87-01 and Regulation 522-06, serious difficulties are identified in their practical application. This issue is especially pronounced in construction projects characterized by high informality, lack of effective supervision, and an underdeveloped preventive culture. These regulatory shortcomings have led to an increase in workplace accidents, making construction one of the most hazardous sectors in the country. Using a mixed-methods approach that includes documentary review, statistical analysis of data from IDOPPRIL, and case studies of accidents, the study identifies the main obstacles to proper regulatory enforcement: high informality, insufficient oversight, inadequate training, absence of safety committees, and a limited culture of prevention in the workplace. The study also addresses the institutional context that perpetuates these failures, such as the Ministry of Labor’s limited capacity to inspect private construction sites, lack of incentives for formalization, and poor coordination among entities responsible for occupational safety. Furthermore, it highlights the urgent need to implement measures to reduce accidents during commuting, particularly those involving motorcycles, which account for a significant portion of incidents. As a result of the analysis, specific recommendations are proposed to improve regulatory enforcement, such as updating the current regulation, mandating the inclusion of private construction sites in inspection plans, digitizing safety monitoring on construction sites, and strengthening preventive education. This work aims to serve as a technical and awareness-raising tool for the formulation of more effective public policies on occupational safety and health
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“In the Dominican Republic, despite a relatively sound legal framework (Law 87-01 and Regulation 522-06), occupational risk prevention in construction was poorly enforced during 2023–2024, in a sector where informality exceeds 85%.” — Eusebio Abreu et al. (2026), Conscious Management Journal, 4(1).
“IDOPPRIL data cited in the study show 49,513 occupational incidents across all sectors in the Dominican Republic between October 2023 and October 2024, a 5.3% rise on the previous period, of which 98.8% were workplace accidents.” — Eusebio Abreu et al. (2026), Conscious Management Journal, 4(1).
“The study identifies technical, budgetary and staffing constraints at the Dominican Ministry of Labour and IDOPPRIL: many inspections are reactive, taking place after an accident, and coverage of small, informal or rural construction sites is insufficient.” — Eusebio Abreu et al. (2026), Conscious Management Journal, 4(1).
“Commuting accidents weigh heavily in Dominican occupational injury figures: IDOPPRIL recorded 11,564 in 2023 and, in 2024, at least 9,545 of 49,694 cases, which the study links to the need for measures targeting motorcycle commuting.” — Eusebio Abreu et al. (2026), Conscious Management Journal, 4(1).
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