Workplace safety in the construction industry is an extremely relevant topic, given the high-risk nature of the sector. Historically, the construction industry has presented some of the worst safety conditions, resulting in a large number of workplace accidents every year. In this context, Regulatory Standard 18 (NR 18) , which deals with Working Conditions and the Environment in the Construction Industry, is the main legal instrument for establishing prevention guidelines.

NR 18 , approved in 1978 and motivated by serious accidents, such as the Rio-Niterói bridge disaster, underwent a significant reformulation. The updated text, which came into effect in 2020, transformed NR 18 from an application standard to a safety management . The aim was to simplify, reduce bureaucracy, and harmonize the rules with other Regulatory Standards.

The Evolution Towards a Risk Management Program (RMP)

The main change brought about by the new NR 18 was the replacement of the old Occupational Health and Safety Program (PCMAT) and the Environmental Risk Prevention Program (PPRA) with the Risk Management Program (PGR) .

The Occupational Risk Management Plan (PGR) is mandatory for all construction sites, regardless of the number of workers, and must address occupational risks and their respective preventive measures. The preparation of the PGR is the responsibility of a legally qualified occupational safety professional . However, for smaller construction sites—up to 7 meters high and with a maximum of 10 workers—the PGR may be prepared by a qualified occupational safety professional.

• The PGR (Proposed Law) should include crucial documents, such as:
• The living area project, in accordance with item 18.5 of NR 18.
• The electrical design for the temporary installations.
• The designs for collective protection systems (SPCQ).
• The designs for Personal Fall Protection Systems (PFPS), when applicable.
• The relationship and technical specifications of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

Contracted (subcontracted) companies also have responsibilities. They must provide the contracting party with an inventory of occupational risks specific to their activities, so that these are properly included in the overall project risk management plan.

Costs of Non-Compliance with NR-18 and the Importance of Investment

Failure to comply with workplace safety can lead to significant losses for managers, whether through fines imposed by the Ministry of Labor or fatal accidents, which generate legal problems and serious administrative and financial consequences. One study found that the estimated average cost of fines for non-compliance with NR 18 ( ) was, on average, three times greater than the cost of adapting to eliminate the risks.

In general, investing in reducing or eliminating workplace risks is less costly for the company than paying fines.

Studies show that compliance with NR 18 tends to be higher on construction sites with a larger number of workers. Small companies often demonstrate greater recklessness and a more critical level of safety. One of the most neglected items on construction sites is related to living areas .

Proper implementation of the requirements of NR 18 is essential, even in small-scale construction projects, as the cost of a workplace accident can be extremely high.

Computer Vision and Innovation in Occupational Safety (NR-18)

The new NR 18 encourages the adoption of alternative solutions and the use of equipment, technologies, and other devices that promote technological advancement in worker safety, hygiene, and health. This regulatory openness is vital for the construction industry to integrate modern management and monitoring tools.

In the context of workplace safety , advanced monitoring systems, such as those based on computer vision, represent a frontier of innovation, although they are not specifically detailed in the NR 18 made available.

The adoption of new technologies in civil construction, aligned with the safety principles of NR 18, can include the implementation of more effective safety monitoring systems. To explore more about how companies are using advanced technology for inspection and compliance, you can consult OPTIKON .

The implementation of innovative solutions must be carried out under the responsibility of a legally qualified occupational safety professional. Such innovations must be included in safety procedures and, if they involve alternative solutions to collective measures, require special authorization, risk analysis, and a work permit.

In short, NR 18 not only mandates compliance with minimum workplace safety , but also establishes a management framework (PGR) that seeks to prevent accidents and encourages the continuous improvement of working conditions in the construction industry, embracing the future with responsibility and technology.