In more detail
These provisions, which regulate the so-called "Chair Law", require employers to provide chairs or seating for their employees and allow periodic breaks during the workday. The deadline for compliance with these new obligations is 14 December 2025.
Notably, the provisions do not apply if employees stand for less than three consecutive hours during their shift.
The obligations imposed by the Chair Law must be implemented in all workplaces that have personnel performing tasks or activities in a standing position, within the service, commerce, and similar sectors, and, when the nature of the work allows it, in industrial establishments, when their employees carry out activities in prolonged standing positions, that is, for more than three continuous hours.
In the event of non-compliance, employers may face fines ranging from MXN 28,285 to MXN 565,700 pesos (USD 1,528.91 - USD 30,578.37), which could be imposed per affected employee.
Employers are required to carry out a risk assessment to identify workplace health and safety conditions, as well as to determine the ergonomic risk level for each employee working in a standing position. This assessment aims to implement the necessary preventive and corrective measures.
Recommended actions
Employers are required to carry out the following compliance measures:
- Conduct a risk assessment in accordance with applicable regulations.
- Allow employees to take periodic rest breaks during their shifts.
- Provide chairs with backrests or suitable seating, clearly indicating their location in the workplace.
- Make necessary workplace adjustments to comply.
- Document inspection reports through the Joint Committee on Health and Safety.
- Maintain evidence of compliance with the Chair Law and applicable Mexican Official Standards, including:
- NOM-019-STPS-2011: Joint Committee on Health and Safety – Inspection reports
- NOM-030-STPS-2009: Preventive safety and health services in the workplace
- NOM-017-STPS-2024: Personal protective equipment – Selection, use, and management in workplaces
Companies must implement the Chair Law provisions and maintain verifiable evidence of compliance no later than 14 December 2025.
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Santiago Valle and Ventura Jauregui, Law Clerks, have contributed to this legal update.
