Aplicação da NR 6 em obras de pequeno porte no município de Crateús: análise prática da utilização de Equipamentos de Proteção Individual (EPI)

Abstract

The construction industry is a sector of great socioeconomic relevance; however, it presents high rates of occupational accidents, especially in small-scale construction projects, which are characterized by short deadlines, informality, and weaknesses in safety management. In this context, the proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), in accordance with Regulatory Standard No. 6 (NR-6), is essential for accident prevention. This study analyzes the perception of construction workers in small-scale construction projects in the municipality of Crateús regarding the use of PPE and the compliance of practices adopted at construction sites with the regulation. In this sense, a quantitative approach of an exploratory and descriptive nature was adopted, based on the application of a questionnaire to construction workers, comprising 29 responses distributed across eight small-scale construction projects. The results demonstrate that, although workers understand the importance of PPE, relevant shortcomings persist, such as failures in the regular supply of equipment, absence of records of delivery and replacement, low frequency of supervision of PPE use, lack of adequate storage locations, and the use of equipment without systematic verification of the Certificate of Approval (CA). Furthermore, collective protection measures are not always prioritized, highlighting noncompliance with the hierarchy of risk control established in the current legislation. Thus, it is concluded that the main obstacles to the effective application of NR-6 in small-scale construction projects are associated with organizational and managerial deficiencies related to occupational safety, rather than a lack of knowledge on the part of workers. Therefore, it becomes indispensable to strengthen safety management practices, with investments in planning, continuous training, systematic supervision, and greater commitment from those responsible for construction projects, with the purpose of consolidating a preventive culture and contributing to the reduction of occupational accidents in the construction industry in the municipality of Crateús.