When hiring employees in Colombia, employers are required by law to provide occupational risk insurance through an ARL (Administradora de Riesgos Laborales). As a key component of Colombia's social security system, the ARL protects workers against work-related accidents and occupational illnesses while helping companies maintain full workplace safety compliance.
1. What Is ARL?
An ARL is a specialized entity responsible for managing workplace safety, occupational disease prevention, and worker protection. Unlike general healthcare (EPS), which covers non-occupational illnesses and general medical needs, the ARL specifically handles health risks, injuries, and disabilities resulting directly from work activities.
2. Remote People’s ARL Provider and Coverage
Remote People’s official ARL provider in Colombia is ARL SURA (Seguros SURA).
Entity Registration: All employees hired through Remote People's local legal entity (Horizonte Recursos Humanos Colombia S.A.S.) are formally registered under ARL SURA.
Scope of Coverage: ARL SURA covers workplace accidents and occupational illnesses (incapacidad de origen laboral), as well as compliance with Colombian Occupational Health & Safety (SG-SST) regulations.
Health Provider (EPS) Synergy: Conveniently, SURA also serves as one of the primary options for employees' mandatory general health insurance (EPS), streamlining healthcare administration across both general and work-related health services.
3. Why Is ARL Required?
Under Colombian labor law, ARL coverage is 100% mandatory for all formally employed individuals from their very first day of work. Key reasons for this requirement include:
Legal Compliance: Employers must enroll every employee in an ARL before they start working. Failure to do so can result in severe financial penalties and legal liability.
Employee Protection: Provides medical care, rehabilitation services, and disability compensation in the event of a work-related accident or occupational disease.
Employer Liability Shield: If an occupational incident occurs, the ARL covers medical costs and statutory disability payments, protecting the employer from direct financial liability.
Workplace Safety Standards: The ARL works with employers to implement and monitor the mandatory SG-SST (Sistema de Gestión de la Seguridad y Salud en el Trabajo) to maintain a safe work environment.
4. What Remote People Clients Must Know
Employer-Paid Benefit: ARL contributions are 100% employer-funded. The premium rate depends on the risk classification of the employee’s role (ranging from Risk Level I for low-risk office/remote work to Risk Level V for high-risk occupations).
Day-One Registration: Remote People ensures that all workers hired in Colombia through Horizonte Recursos Humanos Colombia S.A.S. are registered with ARL SURA prior to their official start date.
Full Process Handling: Remote People manages registration, risk classification assessment, monthly premium payments, and ongoing SG-SST compliance.