Ongoing program trains tobacco producers on NR-31

Companies associated with SindiTabaco (Interstate Tobacco Industry Union) have ongoing activities to raise awareness among integrated producers so that agricultural practices are aligned with occupational safety and health standards in rural work. For example, Regulatory Standard No. 31 (NR-31) is the subject of periodic training, which takes place through courses conducted in partnership with Senar (National Rural Learning Service).

In these meetings, the training course "Correct and Safe Application of Agricultural Pesticides – NR-31" addresses various topics in a theoretical and practical way. The main topics are: product labeling, first aid, operating and maintenance technologies for application equipment, correct and safe use of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment), transportation and storage of pesticides, final disposal of empty containers and triple rinsing, among others.

Groups are frequently formed to train new producers. This year, training sessions have already taken place in the Rio Grande do Sul municipalities of Agudo, Caiçara, Camaquã, Candelária, Chuvisca, Jaguari, Santa Cruz do Sul, Sinimbu, and Vale do Sol. According to Fernanda Viana Bender, technical advisor at SindiTabaco, in addition to producers, the NR-31 course is also offered to new agricultural advisors from integrating companies. “We currently have 178 training sessions mapped out in Rio Grande do Sul alone. And there are also schedules in the tobacco-producing regions of Paraná and Santa Catarina,” she says.

With 10 to 15 places available per training session, it is expected that more than 2.000 tobacco farmers will be trained this year in Rio Grande do Sul alone. This demonstrates the sector's commitment to providing important training to tobacco farmers integrated with the companies.

What is NR-31?

NR-31 is the Regulatory Standard that addresses occupational safety and health in agriculture, livestock farming, forestry, logging, and aquaculture in Brazil. It was created by the Ministry of Labor and Employment and defines what employers and rural workers must do to prevent accidents and illnesses at work.

What does it cover?

• Proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Safety in the use of equipment and pesticides
• Mandatory training and development.
• Organization of the rural work environment
• Accident prevention and first aid.

Because it's important?

NR-31 helps to:

• Reducing accidents in the field
• Improving the quality of life of workers
• Ensure legal compliance (avoids fines and penalties).

What could cause problems (and fines)?

• Lack of PPE or incorrect use
• Applying pesticides without training.
• Pesticide storage facility not in compliance with regulations.