Comparative Analysis of Methodologies for Occupational Safety Risk Assessment in an Artisanal Woodworking Industry

The World Health Organisation (WHO) and the International Labour Organisation (ILO) estimate that 81% of deaths are related to occupational accidents.The management of occupational safety risks is substantial in companies, allowing the identification and evaluation of accidents caused by the lack of compliance with protocols and regulations in work activities.The objective of this study is to evaluate occupational safety risks in a woodworking store in the parish of Atahualpa-Ecuador, by comparing three methodologies (William T. Fine, Colombian Technical Guide (GTC-45, an acronym in Spanish) and Hazard Identification, Risk Assessment and Control Measures (IPERC, an acronym in Spanish) for the proposal of guidelines for the prevention of occupational risks.The methodology focuses on three phases: (i) selection and description of the case study, (ii) comparative analysis of occupational risk assessment methodologies, and (iii) proposal of strategic guidelines using Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats (SWOT) analysis.The occupational risk assessment shows that the William T. Fine methodology was 75% effective due to its adaptability to other industries and contribution to a safer working environment.GTC-45 followed this with 65% effectiveness and IPERC with 50%.Finally, this assessment ensures operational stability to minimize occupational risks in the short term.