The Compensated Danger

Certain jobs are inherently dangerous. Some, in fact, can be life-threatening. In Brazil, the labor law, Consolidação das Leis do Trabalho (CLT), lists the jobs that are deemed dangerous. It also provides an added benefit for those employees who perform dangerous jobs.

According to Article 193 of the CLT, activities that expose workers to electricity or to substances that are flammable or explosive are considered dangerous. So too are jobs that are at higher risk of robbery and physical violence, such as personal security. And the list also includes anyone who rides a motorcycle as part of their work. 

The added benefit these workers get is called Adicional de Periculosidade. In English, it’s hazard pay or a danger pay allowance. The CLT provides a legal right to additional compensation of 30% to employees who perform dangerous jobs.

The additional 30% is calculated based on the employee’s monthly salary. Amounts related to bonus, profit sharing, and other types of benefits aren’t considered in the calculation. However, the 13th salary is included.

There’s no distinction between levels of danger under Brazilian law. An activity is either dangerous or it’s not. And if it is, the employee should get the additional 30% on top of their salary.

If you own a business in Brazil, you’ll want to make sure you’re paying your employees properly. You may even want to do a wage analysis before hiring. Understanding what jobs require hazard pay will be key to calculating your company’s potential risk and financial obligations.