Allusive picture. Source: TeiCONSA
In late July, the Brazilian government announced a review of the 36 occupational health and safety regulatory standards (NRs) that rules worksites in Brazil. According to the government, the proposal aims to "flexibilize" and "modernize" these norms. The trade union movement is concerned that this revision will result in weaker norms and therefore less safety at the workplace.
Given the importance of the topic, the Building and Wood Workers’ International (BWI) set up a Working Group consisting of several BWI affiliates in Brazil. The Working Group made a detailed analysis of the government’s proposals, its implication to construction workers, and developed recommendations to ensure the safety and health of construction workers. These discussions were systematized into a document and presented to the Tripartite Committee.
Aloisio Costa, Secretary of Health and Safety for CONTICOM expressed his concern about the removal of the items which relate to Regional and National Standing Committees. He stated, "The workers will lose space to participate in this important regional and national discussions."
Cidia Santos, Responsible for Supervising Construction Projects in STICC POA, expressed her concern about the trainings on OHS. She said, "Since trainings are critical to ensure safe working conditions, they should be periodic at each phase of the project."