Health and safety at work : a comparative analysis of the Brazilian enforcement framework

Da Silva, MEM

Abstract

The rate of work place accidents and consequential work place fatalities in Brazil is very
high. This thesis intends to analyse whether a structured enforcement body with clear
policies, regulations, standards and guidance is necessary to improve working conditions
and to provide a safe work environment in Brazil.
Central to this study is the Brazilian Enforcement Framework. This thesis will focus on
enforcement powers and the forms of punishments that are provided to cover breaches of
health and safety legislation. It will also focus on the structure of the Enforcement Body.
An assessment will be made of the Brazilian Judiciary System, Health and Safety at Work
Legislation and the political, social and economic issues. This will be done in order to
identify if improvements alone to enforcement will be sufficient to reduce the high level of
work place accidents.
The study concluded that Brazil lacks clear and specific health and safety at work
legislation which takes into account the circumstances today such as the working
environment, the work force, working relationships and what is necessary to provide
protection to the general public. The conclusion also claims that the political, social and
economic reality in Brazil does not include a perspective that contributes to promoting a
health and safety culture generally.
Therefore this thesis does not recommend that a newly structured enforcement body be
constructed, it goes far beyond that and recommends that a whole new model of Health and
Safety at Work should be created. The recommendation follows the conclusion that a
newly structured enforcement body will not be enough to reduce the level of accidents at
work to a more acceptable level. The recommendation takes into account Brazil's reality
today and a genuine commitment towards health and safety at work on all levels.

Citation

Da Silva, M. Health and safety at work : a comparative analysis of the Brazilian enforcement framework. (Thesis). Salford : University of Salford

• Thesis Type: Thesis
• Deposit Date: Oct 3, 2012
• Award Date: Jan 1, 2009