Brazil: Labour Ministry Issues Manual on Managing Psychosocial Risks at Work
On 16 March 2026, the Ministry of Labour and Employment launched the Manual for the Interpretation and Application of Chapter 1.5 of Regulatory Standard No. 1 (NR‑1), which addresses Occupational Risk Management (GRO).
The purpose of the Manual is to guide employers, employees, and occupational health and safety professionals, as well as related professionals, in implementing a management system focused on preventing risks in the workplace.
The Manual provides technical explanations, concepts, and practical guidance for implementing GRO within organisations, addressing topics such as:
- Identification of hazards in the workplace;
- Processes for assessing, classifying, and controlling occupational risks;
- Implementation of preventive measures and monitoring of workers’ health;
- Development and management of the Occupational Risk Management Program (PGR), including its minimum requirements;
- Management of psychosocial and work‑related risk factors; and
- Structure of the risk inventory and action plan.
It is worth noting that until 26 May 2026, in view of the new terms of NR-1, companies in Brazil must address work‑related psychosocial risk factors in their PGR. Hence, the Manual is relevant as it brings important information to be considered by the companies when updating their PGR to comply with the new terms of the law (NR-1).
Key Action Points for Human Resources and In-House Counsel
- Review the Manual published by the Ministry of Labour and Employment
- Review and update the PGR to include psychosocial risks
- Conduct regular assessments to identify and classify occupational risks as well as to implement preventive measures.
