The second vice president of the Spanish government and Minister of Labor, Yolanda Díaz, has announced a significant agreement with union leaders Unai Sordo from CC OO and Pepe Álvarez from UGT, aimed at reforming the Occupational Risk Prevention Law that has been in place for 30 years. This pact notably excludes employers' associations, highlighting a union-centric approach to workplace safety. The key focus of the reforms is to enhance the enforcement of mental health surveillance and preventive measures, thus aiming to minimize workplace incidents before they can cause harm.

Díaz emphasized the importance of prevention in the workplace, stating that the goal is to "avoid causing harm" rather than responding to incidents after they occur. The agreement was crafted following discussions in social dialogue, which is a cornerstone of labor relations in Spain. The proposed measures will be approved by the Ministry of Labor and will not require parliamentary discussion, allowing for a swifter implementation of these critical changes to workplace health and safety standards.

This move reflects a growing recognition of the importance of mental health in the workplace, particularly in light of increasing awareness of occupational stress and related disorders. The response has been overwhelmingly positive from the unions, who see this as a vital step forward in protecting workers’ rights and wellbeing, while critics might raise concerns about the exclusion of employers from this dialogue. Ultimately, the update to the law is expected to enhance the overall safety culture within Spanish companies, ensuring that employee health remains a top priority.