Brazilian labor courts rule on worker health and privacy violations

Brazilian labor courts have issued rulings regarding worker rights involving health and privacy.

The 10th Chamber of the Regional Labor Court of the 3rd Region upheld a conviction against an environmental engineering company. The company must pay compensation for moral damages to a worker who developed acute renal failure due to working conditions. Evidence showed the worker performed manual labor outdoors with direct sun exposure, insufficient access to drinking water, and inadequate facilities for food, hygiene, and rest.

In a separate case, the Superior Labor Court (TST) ordered a company to pay R$ 20,000 in moral damages to a worker whose blood was collected without authorization. The employee had fainted at work and was taken to the company's medical service. Upon regaining consciousness, she was informed of a negative pregnancy test. The court ruled that the unauthorized collection violated her physical integrity and privacy, despite the company's claim that the worker had sought the service herself.