In Brazil, the technical standard NR-16 – Hazardous Activities and Operations defines hazardous work conditions and specifies the activities that qualify for additional compensation due to risk exposure.
This Regulatory Standard, established under Brazilian labor legislation, categorizes hazardous activities based on the criteria outlined in its annexes. These include work involving:
- Explosives and flammable materials
- Risk of robbery or physical violence in personal or property security activities
- Electrical energy
- Motorcycle use in professional activities
- Ionizing radiation or radioactive substances
Under Brazilian labor law, employees working under hazardous conditions are entitled to an additional payment on their salary. The determination or exclusion of hazardous conditions is the responsibility of the employer, based on a technical report prepared in accordance with Article 195 of the Brazilian Consolidation of Labor Laws (CLT). This report must also define all risk areas as stipulated in NR-16.
The assessment of hazardous conditions typically involves on-site technical evaluations, workplace risk analysis, and compliance verification with regulatory standards. Given the legal and technical complexity of such assessments, specialized reports and expert analysis play a crucial role in ensuring adherence to labor regulations and providing technical evidence when required in legal proceedings.
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