Brazilian courts issue rulings on occupational health and workplace misconduct

The Superior Labor Court (TST) in Brazil has upheld a decision ordering a telecommunications operator to pay R$ 80,000 in moral damages to a former saleswoman. The court found a direct link between the employee's psychiatric disorders, including depression, insomnia, and anxiety, and her work environment in Canoas, Rio Grande do Sul. The ruling cited excessive pressure to meet targets, lack of corporate structure, and instances of moral harassment as contributing factors to her condition.

In a separate case, the Labor Court in Aracaju ordered Viação Atalaia LTDA to pay R$ 800,000 in compensation following a public civil action by the Labor Public Ministry of Sergipe. The company was found to have systematically underreported occupational accidents and diseases by failing to issue mandatory Work Accident Communications (CATs). This failure prevented the proper recording of health data in official systems and deprived workers of legal protections, such as temporary job stability and FGTS deposits during accident-related leaves.