Construction worker with full PPE on a São Paulo high-rise site

Construction worker with full PPE on a high-rise building site in São Paulo, during twilight.

About this subject

In the Brazilian construction industry, the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is mandatory by law, according to Regulatory Standard 6 (NR-6) of the Ministry of Labor and Employment. On large-scale construction sites, such as high-rise buildings in São Paulo, workers wear hard hats, safety glasses, earplugs, gloves, fall arrest harnesses, and steel-toed boots. São Paulo city has the highest number of vertical construction projects in the country, notably along Faria Lima and Berrini avenues, where corporate towers exceed 100 meters in height. Working at height requires specific safety training, such as the NR-35 course, which qualifies professionals to operate on platforms and scaffolding. During twilight, reduced visibility increases risks, making reflective vests and adequate site lighting essential. The construction sector is one of Brazil's largest employers, with about 2.5 million formal workers in 2023, according to Caged data. The Ministry of Labor conducts regular inspections to ensure compliance with safety standards, imposing fines for violations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What PPE is mandatory for working at height in construction?

Mandatory PPE includes hard hat, fall arrest harness with lanyard, safety glasses, earplugs, gloves, and safety boots. NR-35 specifies training and correct usage.

How many formal construction workers are there in Brazil?

In 2023, the General Register of Employed and Unemployed Persons (Caged) recorded about 2.5 million formal workers in the Brazilian construction sector.

What is NR-6 and why is it important in construction?

NR-6 is the regulatory standard that establishes requirements for the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) at work, essential for preventing accidents and occupational diseases.