Tourism continues to be the backbone of the Canary Islands' economy, but the sector faces increasing challenges regarding workplace safety. In this context, the Garrigues law firm recently organized the traditional working breakfast on the Canary Islands' Workplace Environment and Accidents, in Gran Canaria. The event focused on analyzing the occupational risks faced by employees in the tourism sector, with particular emphasis on the legal implications arising from workplace accidents, both in terms of corporate and criminal liability.
Carlos Arroyo Soriano and Sergio Quintana Pérez, attorneys specializing in labor law, explained the labor, criminal, and civil liabilities that tourism companies may face in the event of an accident. In their presentations, they highlighted how both large hotel chains and small tourism service companies, often with rotating and diverse staff, face a high exposure to both physical and psychosocial risks. From falls and accidents resulting from heavy lifting to the increasing incidence of mental disorders, statistics have revealed that the tourism sector is one of the most affected by workplace accidents in the Canary Islands.
One of the key points of the event was the need to have clear and effective response protocols for any incident. Experts emphasized the importance of having a well-defined action plan to act quickly in the hours and days following an accident. This not only facilitates immediate medical attention but also helps avoid common mistakes that can worsen the situation, both in terms of health and legal liability. Garrigues placed particular emphasis on the complexity of civil liability claims arising from these accidents, which can sometimes reach very high figures and pose a considerable financial risk to companies.
The event also touched on the importance of prevention and ongoing employee training. In a tourism environment like the Canary Islands, with thousands of employees working in frequently changing conditions, from customer service to infrastructure maintenance, it is essential that all levels of staff be trained in safety protocols and how to avoid accidents. However, the increasing pressure on workers, high demands for customer service, and constant staff turnover in the sector also contribute to exposure to psychosocial risks, such as stress and anxiety, which can lead to work-related disorders.
Finally, the Garrigues conference also served as a reminder of the relevance of recent case law on the subject, which is rapidly evolving to adapt to the new risks emerging in the workplace. According to experts, greater investment in risk management, as well as the establishment of transparent corporate liability policies, are essential to mitigate the consequences of accidents and avoid additional legal complications that could affect the stability and reputation of tourism companies. In this way, Garrigues reaffirms its commitment to training and raising awareness among tourism companies in the Canary Islands about the importance of a culture of prevention, which not only benefits the health and safety of companies but also the workforce.
