3.4. Regulatory Norms (NRs) for Occupational Safety: NR 4 - Specialized Services in Safety Engineering and Occupational Medicine (SESMT)

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Occupational Safety is an area of ​​activity whose main objective is the prevention of accidents and work-related illnesses. To ensure the safety of workers, there are several Regulatory Norms (NRs) that must be followed by companies. One of the most important is NR 4, which deals with Specialized Services in Safety Engineering and Occupational Medicine (SESMT).

NR 4 establishes the obligation of public and private companies, which have employees governed by the Consolidation of Labor Laws (CLT), to organize and maintain the SESMT in operation. The objective is to promote health and protect the integrity of the worker in the workplace.

The SESMTs are composed of a team of professionals in the area of ​​work safety, which includes work safety engineers, work doctors, work nurses, work nursing assistants and work safety technicians. The number of professionals in each SESMT varies according to the risk level of the company's main activity and the total number of employees.

The main responsibilities of the SESMT include the application of knowledge of safety engineering and occupational medicine to the work environment and all its components, including machinery and equipment, in order to reduce or even eliminate the risks existing there to the health of the worker. worker. In addition, the SESMT must also collaborate in the development and execution of training programs for work teams.

Another important responsibility of the SESMT is carrying out programs to control the health of workers, which include admission, periodic, return to work, job change and dismissal medical examinations. These exams are essential to detect possible work-related health problems at an early stage and to ensure that the worker is fit for the job he will perform.

In addition, the SESMT must keep records of accidents and work-related illnesses, carry out statistical analysis of accidents, carry out safety inspections in the workplace, among other activities. This information is essential for identifying existing risks in the work environment and for planning preventive actions.

It is important to emphasize that the implementation and maintenance of the SESMT is a legal obligation of companies and failure to comply with this standard can result in penalties, such as fines and even banning the establishment. In addition, the existence of an efficient SESMT can significantly reduce the number of accidents and work-related illnesses, contributing to the health and well-being of workers and to the company's productivity.

Therefore, NR 4 is a fundamental norm for work safety and must be strictly followed by companies. Through SESMT, it is possible to promote a safer and healthier work environment, preventing accidents and occupational diseases and ensuring the health and physical integrity of workers.

Knowing and understanding NR 4 and other regulatory standards is essential for all professionals working in the field of work safety. Therefore, it is important to invest in training and constant updating, whether through courses, lectures, workshops or even reading books and scientific articles on the subject.

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83.5. Occupational Safety Regulatory Standards (NRs): NR 5 - Internal Commission for Accident Prevention (CIPA)