3.20. Regulatory Norms (NRs) for Occupational Safety: NR 21 - Open-Air Work

Norma Regulamentadora 21 (NR 21), entitled "Open Works", is one of the many NRs that make up the Brazilian legislation on Occupational Safety and Medicine. This standard aims to establish safety guidelines and procedures for work carried out in the open, in order to guarantee the protection of workers against the risks inherent to this type of activity.

1. Introduction

Open-air work is work performed outdoors, without the protection of an enclosed structure, such as a building or factory. This includes activities such as civil construction, mining, agriculture, forestry, fishing, among others. These jobs present a series of specific risks, such as exposure to adverse weather conditions, solar radiation, noise, dust, among others.

2. NR 21 Guidelines

NR 21 establishes that employers must adopt protective measures to ensure that workers are safe while carrying out work in the open. These measures include the installation of temporary shelters, where workers can protect themselves during breaks or in case of adverse weather conditions, the provision of potable water and adequate sanitary facilities, and the implementation of measures to protect against solar radiation, such as use of sunscreen and appropriate clothing.

The standard also establishes that, in the case of operations involving the handling of heavy or dangerous materials, workers must receive adequate training and use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE). In addition, NR 21 determines that open-air workplaces must be kept in adequate conditions of hygiene and cleanliness.

3. Importance of NR 21

NR 21 is essential to ensure the safety and health of workers who carry out outdoor activities. By establishing clear and specific guidelines for this type of work, the standard helps to prevent accidents and occupational diseases, contributing to improving the quality of life of workers and reducing costs related to accidents at work and sick leave.

4. Conclusion

In short, NR 21 is an essential tool for promoting safety in outdoor work. Through its guidelines, the norm provides a safer and healthier work environment for workers, contributing to the prevention of accidents and occupational diseases. Therefore, it is essential that employers and workers know and comply with the provisions of NR 21, in order to guarantee safety and health in open-air work.

As part of our complete course on Occupational Safety, we will discuss in detail each of the Regulatory Norms, including NR 21. Our goal is to provide you with the information and tools you need to understand and apply NRs in your workplace , contributing to the promotion of a safe and healthy work environment for all.