Brazil labor law: Differences between health and danger bonuses

Under Brazilian labor law (CLT), workers are entitled to specific financial compensations based on their working conditions: 'insalubridade' (unhealthy conditions) and 'periculosidade' (dangerous conditions).

'Insalubridade' applies to employees exposed to harmful physical, chemical, or biological agents—such as excessive noise, extreme heat, or toxic substances—at levels exceeding legal tolerance limits. The bonus is calculated in minimum, medium, or maximum degrees based on the intensity and duration of exposure.

'Periculosidade' refers to activities that present an imminent risk of fatality, such as handling explosives, flammable materials, high-voltage electricity, or certain security and motorcycle-related tasks. Unlike the graduated unhealthy bonus, this is a fixed percentage of the employee's registered remuneration.

Legislation prohibits the simultaneous receipt of both bonuses; employees must choose the one that is most financially advantageous. Recognition of these conditions requires technical reports from safety specialists and documentation such as the 'Perfil Profissiográfico Previdenciário' to ensure correct calculations for severance and special retirement benefits.