Over time, concerns about worker safety have gained greater attention, given that one of the fundamental rights is human dignity. In this context, regulatory norms entered the scene, to provide a better quality of life for employees, especially in high-risk activities in industry segments. 

As of the NRs, professionals now have their health guaranteed by law. Among them, NR 17, which concerns ergonomic techniques, to provide better working conditions. That’s what we’re going to talk about in today’s article! Continue reading and understand why it is important for your company and how Tecnotri can help your business comply with the law.

What is NR 17?

NR 17 is known as the “ergonomics standard”. It was approved by MTb Ordinance no. 3,214/1978, as amended by MTPS Ordinance no. diseases, in order to ensure the health and well-being of people.

The objective of NR 17 is for companies to adapt working conditions to the psychophysiological characteristics of workers, thus allowing maximum comfort and performance so that they can operate their activities safely.

Why is NR 17 important?

Different workplace illnesses are caused by numerous aspects existing in the places where the functions are performed, such as:

  • Repetitive efforts;
  • Lifting loads;
  • Activities carried out standing throughout the working day;
  • Monotony.

It is worth highlighting that the lack of processes that improve ergonomics at work can, in addition to harming employee health, lead to low productivity for companies. Therefore, failure to comply with NR 17 only brings disadvantages to your business.

What is NR 17 mandatory?

This standard is intended for all workers and companies, regardless of the segment. When we talk about ergonomics, it applies to any work environment, whatever the position or activity.

NR 17 was created precisely to preserve employee health, reducing physical, mental and psychological efforts when performing the role.

How does NR 17 apply to companies?

Check briefly what NR 17 determines:

  1. Individual lifting and transport of cargo/materials

The first rule of NR 17 concerns individual conditions for lifting and transporting loads and is especially concerned with young people aged 14 to 18 and women. The company is responsible for:

  • Evaluate the ergonomic issues of employees’ activities;
  • Understand the professional who will perform this function;
  • Provide adequate transport equipment to reduce impacts on employee health, investing in ergonomic products that suit the work performed.

  1. Workplace furniture and equipment

The furniture in the environment must also guarantee the physical integrity of employees. Therefore, crafting tables need to provide the following:

  • Conditions for maintaining proper posture;
  • Good view;
  • Height and characteristics compatible with the activity;
  • Minimum distance between vision and the focus of activity, preserving vision, neck and spine; 
  • Furniture with dimensions that allow movement; 
  • Pedals or foot support to ensure proper posture and angle;
  • Seat with adjustable height and backrest adaptable to the lumbar region.

  1. Environmental working conditions

This rule refers to the lighting and noise level of the work environment. Noise levels, for example, must follow the determinations of NBR 10152. The temperature of the rooms also needs to be evaluated, as well as the lighting, which must be distributed evenly and diffusely.

  1. Work organization

To follow this rule, the company must take into consideration the points that concern “the psychophysiological characteristics of the workers and the nature of the work to be performed”. In other words, the company needs to check some issues to implement NR 17:

  • Production standards; 
  • The operative method; 
  • The time requirement; 
  • The determination of the content of time; 
  • The pace of work; 
  • The content of the tasks. 

Thus, rules must be established within the company, such as rest breaks, working hours, among other related issues.

What are the consequences of non-compliance with NR 17?

Not complying with the requirements presented by NR 17 can cause several losses to your company, including labor lawsuits and compensation in cases of work accidents.

In addition to the financial impact, there are other connected factors that can also have consequences. When an employee does not have adequate tools to perform their duties, productivity is directly affected.

By failing to comply with NR 17, situations of absence due to illnesses, both physical and emotional, tend to increase. This influences production and even the brand’s image, as working in a company where conditions are bad is bad advertising.

How can Tecnotri help your company comply with NR 17?

Tecnotri has equipment specifically developed to meet different regulatory standards, including NR 17. With innovative and sustainable solutions, the company provides the best for your company and for your employees to perform at their best in their roles, with ergonomics and safety. Discover the product line and find out more.