ASEPAL President calls for stronger training on PPE use
In 2024, a total of 796 fatalities were recorded because of workplace accidents in Spain, an increase of 10.4% compared to the previous year, despite a slight decrease in the overall incidence rate of workplace accidents. Speaking at ASEPAL’s most recent general assembly, Javier Muñoz, president of the Association of Personal Protective Equipment Companies (ASEPAL), underlined the urgent need to improve training in the correct use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and to strengthen collaboration with the Ministry of Work in enforcing tighter regulations across high-risk sectors.
The assembly placed a clear spotlight on the evolving landscape of occupational safety in Spain and the deeply concerning rate of workplace incidents. Once again, the figures for 2024 confirmed a troubling pattern: 796 deaths from workplace accidents, a 10.4% increase in fatal incidents compared to 2023, even as the overall accident rate showed a slight decline. “These are figures that pain us,” said Muñoz. “The reality is that we have yet to establish a clear downward trend in accidents during working hours.” He reiterated the association’s call for improved PPE training and closer institutional collaboration to enforce stricter protections in sectors where risks are highest.
ASEPAL reached a milestone of 119 member companies in January 2025. “This growth has enabled us to consolidate our services, enhancing training, strengthening technical communication, and expanding our online PPE Guide, which has become a key tool for the prevention sector,” said Verónica Hernández, ASEPAL’s technical secretary. At an institutional level, ASEPAL has deepened its cooperation with CEOE and ESF to promote a circular economy and support sustainability initiatives. “We’ve been working actively to ensure legislation reflects the real, day-to-day needs of the sector,” added Muñoz. A major highlight for 2025 will be the hosting of the 1st National PPE Congress, scheduled for 21-22 May.
Focus on respiratory protection
Board member David Martínez presented ASEPAL’s latest initiative around the so-called fit test, a certification and accreditation system for verifying the fit of respiratory protective equipment. ASEPAL is leading this pioneering initiative in Spain to improve safety in sectors with high levels of respiratory risk, while also building stronger institutional recognition for the issue. “This marks a first step toward setting more rigorous standards for worker safety,” said Martínez. The initiative forms part of a wider strategic plan to elevate quality standards in the industry, including the launch of an ASEPAL Quality Seal.
Looking ahead, ASEPAL will continue its work in three priority areas: regulatory influence, innovation and training, and the sharing of good practice. “2025 will be a pivotal year,” Muñoz concluded. “With major challenges on the horizon, including the review of the Occupational Risk Prevention Act and the delivery of our PPE Congress, ASEPAL will remain a strong voice for the sector, standing up for our member organisations and championing workplace health and safety.”