3.7. Regulatory Norms (NRs) for Occupational Safety
Occupational safety is a set of measures adopted to minimize accidents at work, occupational diseases and protect the physical integrity of the worker. Regulatory Norms, also known as NRs, play a crucial role in the implementation of these measures. In this context, NR 7 - Occupational Health Medical Control Program (PCMSO) is one of the most important standards.
NR 7 - Occupational Health Medical Control Program (PCMSO)
The NR 7 establishes the mandatory elaboration and implementation of the Occupational Health Medical Control Program (PCMSO) by all employers and institutions that admit workers as employees. The main objective of the PCMSO is the prevention, tracking and early diagnosis of work-related health problems, including those of a subclinical nature, in addition to verifying the existence of cases of occupational diseases or irreversible damage to the health of workers.
The PCMSO must be planned and implemented based on the risks to workers' health, especially those identified in the assessments provided for in the other NRs. The program must include, among other actions, mandatory admission, periodical, return to work, job change and dismissal medical examinations.
Medical Examinations
Medical examinations consist of a clinical evaluation, including occupational anamnesis and physical and mental examination, and may be complemented by laboratory and other tests, according to the risks to which the worker is exposed in the work environment. The frequency of these exams varies according to the type of risk, the age of the worker and the nature of the work.
Responsibilities
The employer is responsible for implementing the PCMSO, and must ensure that all exams and other procedures established in the program are carried out. The PCMSO must be coordinated by an occupational physician, who is responsible for carrying out the medical examinations or directing the worker to carry them out, in addition to issuing the Occupational Health Certificate (ASO).
Occupational Health Certificate (ASO)
The ASO is a legal document that certifies the aptitude (or not) of the worker to carry out his duties in the company. It must be issued upon admission, upon change of function, periodically, upon return to work after sick leave and upon dismissal.
Registration and Conservation of Data
The data obtained in the medical examinations, including clinical evaluation and complementary examinations, the conclusions and the applied measures must be recorded in an individual clinical record, which will be under the responsibility of the PCMSO coordinating physician. Records must be kept for a minimum period of 20 years after the worker leaves.
In summary, NR 7 is a vital tool for preserving the health of workers, being essential for the early detection of occupational diseases and for promoting a safe and healthy work environment.
Understanding and correctly applying Regulatory Norms, such as NR 7, is the responsibility of all employers and workers, being essential for guaranteeing the rights and duties of each one and for promoting a safe and healthy work environment .
