New NR-01: SESI Guide Helps Identify Psychosocial Risk Factors at Work

In effect since May 26, 2026, the update to the MTE's NR-01 expands risk management within companies and reinforces the focus on workers' mental health · 06/06/2026 · 8 MIN READ · CanalVIP

Among the many factors that influence mental health, how do you identify those that are actually related to the way work is organized? This question takes on even greater importance with the recent update to Regulatory Standard No. 1 (NR-01) of the Ministry of Labor and Employment (MTE), which took effect on May 26, 2026 and strengthened the management of work-related psychosocial risk factors within the Risk Management Program (PGR).

What changed with the new NR-01?

With the update, aspects related to the organization of work have become a more explicit part of the process for managing Work-Related Psychosocial Risk Factors (FRPRT). Previously, the standard focused primarily on physical, chemical, biological, and accident-related agents. Now, psychosocial risks receive the same level of attention within companies' PGR.

This means organizations must demonstrate more clearly how they identify, assess, and monitor the psychosocial risk factors present in the work environment and in the way work is organized. The change represents a significant advance in protecting the health of Brazilian workers.

SESI's methodology for identifying risks

The Social Service of Industry (SESI) has developed a free methodology to support companies in this process. According to SESI's Health Superintendent, Emmanuel Lacerda, "companies need to demonstrate more clearly how they identify, assess, and monitor the psychosocial risk factors related to the work environment and to the organization of work. SESI is prepared to support this process through technical assistance and specialized services."

The methodology combines three complementary perspectives of analysis:

• Listening to workers: through structured data-collection instruments, employees can express their perceptions of the work environment.
• Analysis of work organization: assessment of processes, workflows, working hours, pressures, and organizational demands.
• Technical assessment by OHS specialists: Occupational Health and Safety professionals interpret the data collected and propose corrective measures based on scientific evidence.

"This information makes it possible to identify the work-related psychosocial factors and to support evidence-based decisions," Lacerda explains.

Why does this matter for the construction industry?

The construction industry is one of the sectors with the highest incidence of leaves of absence due to mental disorders in Brazil. Factors such as tight deadlines, working under pressure, long shifts, and challenging physical conditions all contribute to occupational stress, anxiety, and depression among workers.

With the new NR-01, construction firms and developers will need to include psychosocial risk assessment in their Risk Management Programs. This not only meets the legal requirement but also helps improve the work environment, reduce absenteeism, and increase productivity.

How to implement psychosocial risk management

SESI warns that simplistic or isolated interpretations of the data can distort the understanding of the situation and undermine the effectiveness of the measures companies adopt. For this reason, the methodology the institution proposes follows well-defined stages:

1. Initial diagnosis: applying scientifically validated questionnaires to map workers' perceptions.
2. Technical analysis: OHS specialists evaluate the results and identify the main risk factors.
3. Action plan: defining measures to mitigate or eliminate the identified risks.
4. Continuous monitoring: periodic follow-up to assess the effectiveness of the implemented actions.

Expected impacts of the new regulation

The entry into force of the new NR-01 highlights the need for more careful analysis of the factors that affect mental health in the corporate environment. Experts point out that the measure should bring significant benefits:

• Fewer leaves of absence: early identification of psychosocial risks allows for interventions before problems escalate.
• Improved organizational climate: healthier work environments tend to have greater employee engagement and satisfaction.
• Increased productivity: workers with good mental health are more productive and make fewer mistakes.
• Lower costs: fewer leaves of absence and labor lawsuits mean savings for companies.

Conclusion

The update to NR-01 represents a milestone in occupational health management in Brazil. By including psychosocial factors as an integral part of the PGR, the MTE acknowledges that workers' mental health is just as important as their physical safety. SESI, with its free, evidence-based methodology, offers a practical path for companies to comply with the new legal requirement.

For construction and engineering professionals, it is essential to follow these changes and implement the measures needed to ensure not only legal compliance but also a healthier and more productive work environment for everyone.

Source: CBIC — Brazilian Chamber of the Construction Industry and the Industry News Agency