Mexico's Ministry of Labor has published an updated version of NOM-017, the official standard governing the selection, use, and management of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in workplaces. The changes aim to improve worker safety in line with current risks and workplace conditions—and they carry new obligations for employers.
The revised standard, NOM-017-STPS-2024, was published in Mexico’s Official Gazette on March 28, 2025, and will come into force in the last week of September 2025. That gives companies just six months to align their internal processes and achieve compliance.
This blog post dives into the key updates, and what they mean for your business.
Key Changes in NOM-017-STPS-2024
Here's a breakdown:
Mandatory Certification of PPE
Previously, having certified PPE was a recommendation. Now, it’s a requirement. Employers must ensure that all PPE provided to workers is certified by an accredited certification body.
Action Required: verify that your PPE providers are certified and recognized by an official accreditation entity.
Clear Classification of Workplace Risks
The previous version lacked detailed classifications of workplace risks. The new standard offers specific descriptions of the types of risks employers must consider—including biological risks, which are now explicitly covered.
Action Required: update your workplace risk assessments an ensure they reflect the new risk categories outlined in the NOM.
PPE for Visitors in Mandatory
Under the old rules, PPE for visitors (such as suppliers or inspectors) was optional. The revised NOM requires companies to provide PPE to a range of non-employees entering the workplace, including:
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Inspectors
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Advisors
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Auditors
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Verifiers
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Buyers
Action Required: maintain a stock of appropriate PPE for visitors and integrate this into your workplace protocols.
Contractor Responsibility Shift
One of the most significant changes is the elimination of the contractor as the sole party responsible for PPE. Previously, employers just needed to inform contractors about workplace risks and safety rules. Now, the employer is fully responsible for ensuring that all workers—including those from service providers or specialized subcontractors—are aware of the risks, understand safety measures, and are properly equipped with certified PPE.
Action Required: implement oversight systems to verify that all third-party workers meet NOM-017 standards.
Final Thoughts: its Time to Prepare
The new NOM-017-STPS-2024 is twice as long as its predecessor and much more comprehensive. For safety, compliance, and legal protection, employers must act fast to update their policies, training programs, and procurement processes.
With the countdown underway, it’s time to prepare.
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