Introduction
Taking care of workplace health and safety is fundamental for any company that aims not only to comply with laws but also to create a productive and healthy environment for its employees. In Brazil, Norma Regulamentadora 1 (NR1) sets out the general rules for managing workplace risks, serving as the foundation for all other standards. In this context, noise in the work environment often appears as a subtle risk, but one that can have a major impact on employee health and the legal compliance of companies.
This article covers NR1, the importance of managing noise, what can happen when noise is not managed properly, and how OTOH can help overcome these challenges—turning compliance into a competitive advantage for your business.
NR1 and Workplace Risk Management
The May 2025 version of NR1 focuses on the Programa de Gerenciamento de Riscos (PGR — Risk Management Program). The PGR is a continuous process that involves identifying, assessing, and controlling hazards and risks present in the workplace. It requires companies to:
Identify hazards by recognizing what can cause health problems or accidents.
Assess risks by analyzing the likelihood of harm and the potential severity of the consequences.
Implement control measures and create actions to eliminate, reduce, or control risks.
Monitor and review by tracking control measures and evaluating their effectiveness to revise the PGR periodically or when there are changes at work.
Noise, being a physical agent, is one of the risks that must be included in the PGR. NR1 does not set noise limits but refers to other standards such as NR15 (Insalubrious Activities and Operations) and NR17 (Ergonomics), which establish exposure limits and necessary control measures. Even so, NR1 clearly requires an active and organized approach to manage all risks, including noise.
The Impact of Noise on Health and NR1 Compliance
Excessive workplace noise is a serious health and safety issue. Its effects go far beyond hearing loss—which is already a serious and irreversible problem. Constant exposure to high levels of noise can cause numerous health issues, as demonstrated by studies and reports from the European Environment Agency (EEA) [1]:
Sleep Difficulties: Trouble falling asleep, disrupted or unrefreshing sleep, leading to fatigue, irritability, and impaired thinking.
Stress and Mental Health: Increased stress, anxiety, depression, and irritability, directly impacting employee well-being and work capacity.
Difficulty Concentrating: Impaired attention, memory, and learning ability, especially in children exposed to transport noise.
Heart Problems: Constant noise can raise blood pressure, increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Other Effects: It can contribute to the development of type 2 diabetes, obesity, and even memory problems in cases of prolonged and intense exposure.
The Impact of Noise on Business Operations
In addition to the direct impact on workers’ health, poor noise management leads to serious consequences for NR1 compliance and for the company itself. These consequences go beyond health issues and can represent a significant financial burden:
Legal Issues and Fines:
If noise is not properly identified, assessed, and controlled in the PGR, the company may face hefty fines from agencies such as the Ministério do Trabalho e Emprego. Non-compliance can bring severe sanctions and harm to the company’s reputation.
Labor Lawsuits:
Employees who develop health problems due to noise (such as noise-induced hearing loss—PAIR) can file lawsuits. These actions may result in considerable indemnities and pensions secured under Tema 555, which can amount to up to 75% of the company’s payroll value [2].
Increased Accidents:
Distraction caused by noise can lead to mistakes and accidents at work, putting everyone’s safety at risk. Noisy environments affect attention and communication—crucial factors to prevent incidents. While it’s difficult to quantify the cost of accidents specifically caused by noise-related distraction, the overall increase in accidents and productivity loss is a direct consequence of noisy environments, generating significant costs for businesses.
Lower Productivity:
Noisy workplaces hinder concentration, communication, and overall employee well-being, lowering productivity and work quality. Globally, noise pollution costs the economy about US$ 5 trillion a year in lost productivity [3]. In the US alone, productivity losses due to environmental noise already exceed US$ 81 billion [4].
Damage to the Company’s Image:
Companies that neglect their workers’ health and safety may suffer reputational damage, making it harder to recruit and retain top talent. This affects both the employer brand and public perception of the company.
OTOH’s Continuous Sound Monitoring: The Solution for Managing Noise and Complying with NR1
Given the challenges posed by workplace noise and NR1 requirements, OTOH offers a modern and comprehensive solution: continuous sound monitoring. Our services are designed to transform the way companies manage noise, ensuring compliance, protecting employees’ health, and enhancing operations.
How OTOH Transforms Noise Management:
- AI-Powered Smart Sensors: Our sensors are easy to install and use artificial intelligence to identify noise sources, enabling active and remote management. This means you don’t just measure noise, you know where it comes from and what causes it.
- Real-Time Data, 24/7: With a user-friendly platform available on any browser, you access real-time data. This clear vision enables quick, effective decisions, identifying problems before they get serious.
- Personalized Assessment: OTOH does not offer one-size-fits-all solutions. Our team of acoustics specialists assesses your specific needs, suggesting the optimal number of sensors and the best installation points, so you get a complete understanding of sound in your environment.
- Reduced Risks and Costs: By identifying and managing noise efficiently, your company significantly reduces the risks of fines, lawsuits, and accidents. Moreover, optimized management can lead to long-term cost savings.
- Greater Well-Being and Productivity: A workplace with controlled noise directly contributes to employee well-being, resulting in greater focus, clear communication, and naturally, increased productivity.
Conclusion
NR1 is clear: managing workplace risks is an ongoing and comprehensive responsibility. Noise, with its subtle yet harmful effects, demands special attention. Failing to manage it is not just a health risk for workers but also a legal and financial issue for companies.
With OTOH’s continuous sound monitoring, your company not only meets NR1 requirements but goes beyond, creating a safer, healthier, and more productive work environment. Invest in smart noise management and turn a challenge into a competitive edge for your business.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is NR1?
NR1 is the Regulatory Standard that sets out general guidelines for managing occupational risks in Brazil and serves as the foundation for all other NRs.
Why is noise an important risk under NR1?
Noise is a physical agent that can cause serious health problems for workers (such as hearing loss, stress, and cardiovascular issues) and create legal and financial consequences for companies that fail to manage it properly.
How can OTOH help my company comply with NR1 regarding noise?
OTHO offers continuous sound monitoring using smart sensors and artificial intelligence that allow you to identify noise sources, access real-time data, and implement effective control measures—ensuring compliance and a safer work environment.
What are the benefits of OTOH’s continuous sound monitoring?
Benefits include risk and cost reduction (fines, lawsuits), improved employee well-being and productivity, personalized assessment of company needs, and real-time data access for quick decision making.
References
[1] European Environment Agency. Environmental noise in Europe 2025. Available at: https://www.eea.europa.eu/en/analysis/publications/environmental-noise-in-europe-2025. Accessed: Jul. 7, 2025.
[2] Tema 555/stf. Available at: https://jurisprudencia.stf.jus.br/pages/search?base=acordaos&sinonimo=true&plural=true&page=1&pageSize=10&sort=_score&sortBy=desc&isAdvanced=true&origem=AP&classeNumeroIncidente=ARE%20664335. Accessed: Jul. 7, 2025.
[3] Silencio Network. The Real Cost of Noise: How it Affects Us All. Available at: https://silencionetwork.medium.com/the-real-cost-of-noise-how-it-affects-us-all-c8b5046c9a80. Accessed: Jul. 7, 2025.
[4] PMC. Valuing Quiet: An economic assessment of US environmental noise .... Available at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4819987/. Accessed: Jul. 7, 2025.
[5] Governo Federal. Norma Regulamentadora No. 1 (NR-1). Available at: https://www.gov.br/trabalho-e-emprego/pt-br/acesso-a-informacao/participacao-social/conselhos-e-orgaos-colegiados/comissao-tripartite-partitaria-permanente/normas-regulamentadora/normas-regulamentadoras-vigentes/nr-1. Accessed: Jul. 7, 2025.
