Health and Safety Normative Resolution No. 1 has been reviewed bringing new obligations for employers

At a glance

• Requirements of existing employer risk management programs to be extended.
• Psychosocial factors likely to impact mental health must now be identified and mitigation measures taken.
• New requirements will apply from May 2026. 

Normative Resolution no 1 issued by the Ministry of Labor requires companies to implement measures to prevent and manage occupational risks in the workplace through a mandatory health and safety document called ‘Risk Management Program’ (PGR in Portuguese). This requirement is applicable to companies regardless of the headcount. 

What is new?

Under the reviewed document, in addition to the physical, biological, ergonomic, and accident risks, psychosocial factors must also be considered by the employer. Given this, employers must identify potential factors that may affect employees’ mental health and adopt measures to mitigate the risks associated with mental illnesses associated with the work/workplace.

This new measure by the Ministry of Labor was expected to come into force on May 26, 2025, but after discussions between the Ministry of Labor and several unions, it has been postponed to May 2026. However, in practice, many companies are already reviewing their PGR to assess likely psychosocial factors and prevent allegations of burnout and future medical leave.