2023-10-02 17:10:33
Created in 1978, the Regulatory Standards (NRs), as they are known, establish methods and guidelines so that both companies and their employees have a solid basis to prevent accidents, thus enabling the construction of a safe and healthy work environment.
With guidelines and criteria currently established by the Special Secretariat for Social Security and Labor, the employment relationship now has a concrete foundation.
Based on these procedures, companies can guide and instruct their employees on the importance of complying with standards to maintain well-being in the workplace as an integral part of the organizational routine.
Due to constant changes in the job market, regulatory standards are regularly updated with the aim of contributing to improvements in working conditions in companies in general.
Although companies have the obligation to follow regulatory standards, doubts often arise, as there are more than 35 NRs in force.
What are regulatory standards?
Regulatory standards, or NRs, as they are commonly called, represent obligations and responsibilities that employers must observe to ensure the safety and health of their employees in the workplace. These NRs are based on Law No. 6,514.
Since they complement the Consolidation of Labor Laws (CLT), companies must implement specific standards related to the sectors in which they operate.
Workers with a formal contract are protected by the regulations that govern these NRs, as established in the corresponding ordinances.
According to article 157 of the aforementioned law, companies are responsible for:
I – Comply with and ensure compliance with occupational safety and health standards;
II – Instruct employees through work orders, providing guidance on the necessary precautions to avoid work accidents or occupational illnesses;
III – Implement the measures determined by the competent regional body;
IV – Facilitate inspection by the competent authority.
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How many are there currently?
As established in Ordinance No. 787, of November 27, 2018, there are three types of Regulatory Standards (NRs):
General Regulatory Standards
These standards apply to aspects arising from the legal relationship provided for by law, without being conditioned on specific requirements related to activities, facilities, equipment or specific economic sectors.
In other words, they cover general aspects of safety and health at work and general working conditions, regardless of the sector or economic activity.
Special Regulatory Standards
These standards regulate the execution of work considering the activities, facilities or equipment used, but are not linked to specific sectors or economic activities.
In other words, they focus on the specific procedures and requirements related to carrying out the work, regardless of the sector in which it occurs.
Sector Regulatory Standards
Sectoral NRs apply to specific sectors or economic activities. They establish legal obligations related to safety and health at work and working conditions exclusively for certain sectors or segments of the economy.
This classification aims to adapt standards to the different needs and characteristics of different economic sectors, providing specific guidelines when necessary and maintaining general occupational health and safety standards for all companies.
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Is it mandatory to follow?
Yes! Regulatory Standards (NRs) are mandatory for government bodies, public and private companies, in accordance with what is established in NR-1, item 1.2.1.1.
This means that all public or private organizations and entities that have employees governed by the Consolidation of Labor Laws (CLT) must follow the guidelines established in the NRs to guarantee the safety and health of workers.
Article 158 of the law also reinforces the obligation of NRs for employees, highlighting that it is a faulty act to unjustifiably refuse to comply with the procedures and guidelines based on these standards.
This includes compliance with the employer’s instructions, as per item II, which refers to the need to instruct employees on precautions to avoid workplace accidents and occupational diseases, as well as the use of personal protective equipment provided by the company.
Therefore, both employers and employees have clear responsibilities in relation to compliance with the NRs, aiming to ensure a safe and healthy work environment.
Failure to comply with these standards can result in legal penalties and harm the safety and well-being of workers.
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