September 19, 2025
Health and Safety Certifications in Manufacturing: Keys for Compliance and Productivity in Mexico
Published 09/19/2025
Table of contents
- Health and Safety Certifications in Manufacturing: Keys for Compliance and Productivity in Mexico
Nearshoring, the USMCA, and growing foreign investment are redefining manufacturing in Mexico. In this environment, health and safety (H&S) certifications are no longer just a formality: they protect employees, boost productivity, and build trust with clients and investors.
For companies setting up or expanding operations in Mexico, designing an H&S system from day one prevents fines, reduces accidents, and standardizes processes to meet binational expectations: ISO/OSHA for headquarters and NOM-STPS for compliance with Mexican law.
⚙️ Why Are H&S Certifications Important in Manufacturing?
In modern manufacturing, health and safety (H&S) certifications are no longer seen as a simple legal requirement: they have become a strategic asset that directly impacts profitability, productivity, and a company’s reputation. Each certificate represents both compliance with a regulation and a commitment to people, business partners, and long-term sustainability.
The importance of meeting H&S certifications lies in the following areas:
📜 Legal and Regulatory Compliance
Holding H&S certifications ensures that a company operates within the Mexican legal framework (NOM-STPS) and, when relevant, under international standards such as ISO 45001. This avoids fines, penalties, and operational delays, while also providing certainty to investors that the project complies with local obligations from day one.
🛡️ Reducing Workplace Risks and Accidents
Implementing H&S systems helps identify hazards, establish controls, and train personnel in incident prevention. Fewer accidents mean fewer production stoppages, lower medical costs, and a more stable environment for employees.
According to a systematic review published on ResearchGate (2018–2023), organizations that adopt ISO 45001 report an average 32% reduction in workplace injuries within the first two years of certification. This confirms that investing in H&S management systems not only ensures compliance but also delivers measurable improvements in safety and operational continuity.
⚡ Sustained Productivity by Preventing Unexpected Downtime
A safe environment translates into operational continuity. Certifications help establish clear prevention and response protocols, avoiding costly supply chain interruptions. In industries such as automotive and aerospace, where delivery times are critical, this becomes a key competitive advantage.
👩🔧 Attracting and Retaining Skilled Talent
Top professionals seek companies that value their well-being. A plant with occupational safety certifications reflects an organizational culture that prioritizes people, making it easier to attract engineers, technicians, and specialized operators. It also reduces staff turnover, directly lowering training costs and improving operational stability.
🌍 Building Trust with Global Clients and Investors
In a global market, reputation is as important as technical capacity. H&S certifications are a seal of trust that shows international clients and investors the company meets recognized standards and can integrate seamlessly into multinational supply chains. This opens the door to larger contracts and long-term partnerships.
🏭 H&S Certifications in Manufacturing in Mexico
Setting up a plant in Mexico requires compliance with a wide regulatory framework in workplace health and safety, as well as international standards that prevent accidents, build client confidence, simplify audits, and strengthen corporate reputation.
🌐 ISO 45001: Health and Safety Management
ISO 45001 is the most widely recognized international standard for occupational health and safety management systems. Its purpose is to identify risks, implement controls, and promote a prevention culture across all organizational levels.
For international companies operating in Mexico, adopting ISO 45001 helps:
- Align processes with headquarters and global clients.
- Facilitate audits and supplier certifications.
- Reduce incidents and improve key safety indicators.
📑 Critical NOM-STPS for Manufacturing
At the same time, every plant in Mexico must comply with the Official Mexican Standards (NOM-STPS) issued by the Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare, covering everything from risk management to ergonomics and psychosocial factors.
Key standards include:
- NOM-017-STPS-2008. Requires the provision and use of personal protective equipment (PPE) based on workplace hazards.
- NOM-019-STPS-2011. Regulates the integration and operation of workplace safety and hygiene committees.
- NOM-030-STPS-2009. Defines preventive safety and health services, including diagnostics and prevention programs.
- NOM-035-STPS-2018. Requires identification and management of psychosocial risk factors such as stress, workplace violence, and organizational climate.
- NOM-036-1-STPS-2018. Addresses ergonomics and manual material handling to prevent musculoskeletal injuries.
📌 Additional NOMs may apply depending on the type of operation
NOM-002-STPS-2010: Requires companies to have fire prevention and response systems, brigades, and plans in place. Includes equipment such as extinguishers, hydrants, alarms, and staff training for evacuation and emergency control.
NOM-004-STPS-1999: Establishes minimum safety requirements for machinery and equipment to prevent risks. Regulates physical safeguards and safety devices that prevent direct contact with moving or hazardous parts.
NOM-005-STPS-1998: Aims to prevent accidents and poisoning by regulating the safe handling, storage, and transport of hazardous chemicals. Covers labeling, safety sheets, proper storage, staff training, and contingency plans.
NOM-026-STPS-2008: Defines colors, symbols, and visual or auditory safety signals used in workplaces to indicate risks, emergency exits, fire equipment, or restricted areas.
OSHA: A Reference Framework for U.S. Companies
Although not legally applicable in Mexico, OSHA guidelines serve as a technical reference for multinationals headquartered in the United States. Applying these standards helps with internal audits and the harmonization of critical processes such as lockout/tagout (LOTO), confined spaces, hot work permits, and hazardous energy control.
🤝 American Industries: Your Strategic Partner in Mexico
When a foreign company decides to establish operations in Mexico, one of the biggest challenges is starting up in full compliance with occupational health and safety regulations. That is where American Industries comes in, with over 45 years of experience helping international companies set up in Mexico quickly and safely.
We are a Mexican company offering comprehensive solutions for foreign investment. As your strategic partner, we simplify the market entry process with services such as:
- Site selection and industrial real estate in the most competitive manufacturing regions.
- Shelter model, ensuring legal, fiscal, and labor compliance from day one.
- Management of H&S certifications, including ISO 45001, NOM-STPS, and OSHA frameworks as references.
- Expat support, helping international talent adapt seamlessly.
- Fast startup under the shelter model with NOM compliance.
🎯 Benefits of Having a Partner Already Certified
Working with a partner like American Industries not only facilitates your company’s installation in Mexico but also provides tangible operational advantages:
- Lower unexpected costs by reducing accidents, penalties, and staff turnover.
- More stable operations, with safe processes that prevent stoppages and production losses.
- Greater supply chain confidence, opening doors to international clients and partners.
- Compliance with industry certifications from day one, giving you an edge over competitors.
In short, starting up with a partner already certified accelerates growth, minimizes risks, and enhances your company’s global reputation.
🚀 Start in Mexico with the Backing of an Expert Partner: American Industries
H&S certifications in manufacturing are not just a requirement—they are the foundation of a safe, productive, and competitive operation in Mexico. They protect employees, lower costs, and build trust with international clients.
With American Industries as your partner, foreign companies ensure a fast, secure startup under global standards, maximizing the value of their investment.
If you are planning to move your manufacturing operations to Mexico, reach out to us. Schedule a free H&S gap assessment and receive an action plan within 5 business days: start@americanindustriesgroup.com
📚 Sources
- 🔗 https://www.nsf.org/mx/es/sistemas-de-gesti%C3%B3n/sistemas-gesti%C3%B3n-ambiental-seguridad-salud-ambiental/seguridad-salud-ocupacional
- 🔗 https://scispace.com/pdf/la-norma-iso-45001-2018-y-la-reduccion-de-accidentabilidad-ilnlycv6.pdf
- 🔗 https://www.alfapublicaciones.com/index.php/alfapublicaciones/article/view/247
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