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Government insists it has addressed rural violence

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• The Association of Forestry Contractors states that it is not their responsibility to mitigate these risks.

In light of the various acts of violence that for years have affected workers in economic sectors, primarily forestry, in the Macrozona Sur, the Association of Forestry Contractors (Acoforag) has reiterated the State's responsibility for controlling external violence. This comes within the framework of a new legal provision associated with the role of companies in sectors highly exposed to such situations.

The National Policy on Safety and Health established by the Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare specifies that during the 2024-2028 period, employers must take effective measures to reduce and mitigate risks associated with external violence affecting workplaces, especially in highly exposed productive activities such as forestry, transportation, and services.

On this matter, Acoforag's manager, René Muñoz, explained that this policy is binding and that even if the region were to return to normal at some point, the concept of external violence is not the responsibility of companies.

"It is not possible to transfer external security to the private sector—meaning everything related to attacks, assaults, violence, crime, drug trafficking, armed groups. How does the State expect us to adopt the necessary measures to defend ourselves if we are not prepared for that?" When asked about this, the Biobío regional delegate, Daniela Dresdner, assured that the State is taking action, with concrete progress in security and better conditions for work development in these sectors.

"In 2023, there was a 47% decrease in crimes related to rural violence, and this year we are already seeing a 43% reduction from that 47%. So, I believe there is no doubt that the State has been addressing security issues."

Dresdner noted that beyond labor regulations, companies must provide security measures in private spaces. Meanwhile, Acoforag points out that the Government is confusing employers' obligations regarding workplace violence with the State's role in preventing crime and terrorism.

Source: subscription edition ofEl Sur