On July 17, 2026, Government Decree No. 127-2026—amending Government Decree No. 229-2014 (the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation issued by the President of the Republic)—was published in the Official Gazette.
The amendment aims to update occupational safety standards in Guatemala by modifying Article 90 of Decree 229-2014. Manual load handling must not exceed the maximum weight limits described below:
- Males aged 18 to 22: maximum 20 kg (44 pounds).
- Males aged 22 and older: maximum 45.36 kg (100 pounds).
- Females: a limit equivalent to 75% of the weight permitted for males, in accordance with ILO standards.
- The employment of women for the manual transport of loads is prohibited during a medically confirmed pregnancy or for the 10 weeks following childbirth.
- It must be ensured that, in no case, the accumulated mass handled individually exceeds 10,000 kg per 8-hour shift for distances of less than 10 meters, or 6,000 kg per 8-hour shift for distances not exceeding 20 meters.
When manual load handling cannot be avoided, it must be performed close to the torso with the back straight, avoiding twisting and bending, and utilizing smooth, spaced-out lifting movements.
The decree enters into force on July 25, 2026.
