3.17. Occupational Safety Regulatory Standards (NRs): NR 18 - Working Conditions and Environment in the Construction Industry

Work safety is a crucial aspect in any industry, and it is even more vital in the construction industry, where risks are high and the consequences of an accident can be severe. Regulatory Standard 18 (NR 18) - Working Conditions and Environment in the Construction Industry is one of the main guidelines that regulate work safety in this industry.

NR 18 is a regulatory standard issued by the Brazilian Ministry of Labor and Employment. It establishes administrative, planning and organizational guidelines, which aim to implement control measures and preventive safety systems in the processes, conditions and work environment in the Construction Industry.

NR 18 covers a wide range of aspects, including, among others, the installation of construction sites, the use of equipment and machinery, the execution of foundation works, the carrying out of demolitions and the execution of work at height . The norm also establishes requirements for the training and qualification of workers in the construction industry.

Application of NR 18

NR 18 is applicable to all phases of a construction work, including planning, execution and maintenance. It applies to all workers in the construction industry, including direct employees, contractors, temporary workers and interns.

Requirements of NR 18

NR 18 establishes a series of requirements that must be met by companies in the construction industry. Among the main requirements are the elaboration of a Program of Work Conditions and Environment in the Construction Industry (PCMAT), the carrying out of safety training, the implementation of protection measures against falls, the use of individual protection equipment and collective work, and carrying out regular inspections in the workplace.

Program for Working Conditions and Environment in the Construction Industry (PCMAT)

The PCMAT is a program that must be designed and implemented by all companies in the construction industry that employ 20 workers or more. The PCMAT must contemplate the requirements contained in NR 18 and other regulatory norms for work safety.

The PCMAT must be prepared by a legally qualified professional in occupational safety and must be implemented under the responsibility of the employer. The program must contain, among other elements, the identification of risks in the work process, the definition of safe working methods, the specification of individual and collective protection equipment, and the forecast of protection measures against falls.

Safety training

NR 18 requires that all workers in the construction industry be trained in occupational safety. Training must be carried out before the start of activities and whenever there is a change in methods, processes or work operations. Training must address the risks associated with the work, risk control measures, the correct use of protective equipment and actions to be taken in an emergency.

Protective equipment

NR 18 establishes that workers in the construction industry must use individual and collective protection equipment appropriate to the risks at work. Protective equipment must be provided free of charge by the employer and must be in perfect working order. In addition, workers must be trained in the correct use of protective equipment.

Regular inspections

NR 18 requires that workplaces in the construction industry be regularly inspected to identify and correct unsafe conditions. The inspections must be carried out by a qualified professional in occupational safety and must involve checking the condition of the equipment, installations and working methods.

In conclusion, NR 18 is an essential regulatory standard for work safety in the construction industry. It establishes a series of requirements aimed at preventing work-related accidents and illnesses. Compliance with NR 18 is essential to ensure a safe and healthy work environment for workers in the construction industry.

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