Rural producers in Brazil are reacting to misinformation suggesting that a new law mandates the exclusive use of helmets over hats on farms. However, the truth is that a long-standing regulation, known as Norm Regulatory No. 31 (NR-31), has been in place since 2005, which already outlines safety protocols for agricultural workers. This law does not mandate helmet use universally; instead, it allows the employment of various personal protective equipment (PPE) depending on the tasks being carried out and the associated risks.

According to NR-31, employers are required to provide adequate PPE for their employees. The choice of PPE hinges on risk assessments for specific activities. The regulation recognizes that hats serve as protection against sun exposure, rain, and splashes, while helmets serve to safeguard against impacts from falls or flying objects. Consequently, both headgear types are permitted under this legislative framework.

The Ministry of Labor has issued statements clarifying that the rules do not impose a blanket requirement for helmets on all rural workers, thereby alleviating the concerns of the agricultural community. This clarification aims to prevent unnecessary confusion and stress among farmers who have been misled by unsigned reports that falsely assert the need for exclusive helmet use in rural settings.