Brazil Highlights Knee Injuries in Ride‑hail Drivers and Spinal Disorders on Occupational Safety Day

On Brazil's National Day of Prevention of Occupational Accidents (July 27, 2026), orthopaedic surgeon Jonatas Brito warned that long hours, repetitive motions and lack of breaks put ride‑hail drivers and delivery couriers at high risk of knee injuries. He described how drivers keep their knees bent for extended periods while accelerating, braking and navigating traffic, leading to pain, swelling and reduced mobility. Brito advised regular short walks, leg movements during breaks and proper seat adjustment to lessen joint strain.

A separate study released by the human‑resources firm VR found that spinal problems accounted for 65.4% of work‑related absences between January 2022 and July 2026, totaling 36,708 lost workdays. The analysis highlighted that São Paulo contributed about one‑quarter of all cases. Mental‑health issues, while fewer in number, resulted in longer absences, with burnout averaging 34 days per case. VR executive Willian Gil linked the findings to recent updates in Brazil's NR‑1 regulation, emphasizing the need for proactive risk management to protect productivity and employee well‑being.