Brazil considers safety regulations for waste collectors

A legislative proposal is currently under analysis in the Brazilian Chamber of Deputies aimed at improving safety for waste collectors. The project seeks to mandate systems on garbage trucks to protect workers who are transported on the exterior of the vehicles.

The debate involves legal complexities regarding the Brazilian Traffic Code (CTB). While Article 235 of the CTB classifies carrying people on the outside of a vehicle as a serious infraction, legal interpretations have historically distinguished between transporting passengers and the specific operational needs of waste collection workers.

Additionally, existing occupational health and safety standards (NR 01 and NR 38) outline employer responsibilities, including the duty to implement preventive measures, inform workers of occupational risks, and minimize risk factors through collective protection or administrative organization.