How to protect yourself from high-risk occupations in Brazil

High-risk occupations expose workers to dangers that can jeopardize their safety, health, or lives. These risks are linked to the type of work performed, the work environment, or the equipment used

High-risk occupations are present across different sectors of the economy and are essential to the functioning of society.

From electricians to healthcare professionals, truck drivers, and construction workers, many of these jobs involve hazards that can compromise workers’ health, physical integrity, and even their lives.

Despite their importance, these professionals are not always fully aware of the risks involved or do not receive adequate protection to perform their duties safely.

Understanding how to minimize these dangers is essential to reducing accidents and ensuring better quality of life in the workplace.

In this article, you will learn about the main high-risk occupations in Brazil, understand the factors that make them dangerous, and discover how preventive measures, statutory benefits, and life insurance can make a difference in the daily lives of these workers.

What are high-risk occupations?

High-risk occupations are those in which there is a high probability of accidents, physical injuries, exposure to harmful agents, or situations of extreme stress. They may involve:

• Working at heights;

• Contact with flammable or chemical products;

• Exposure to viruses, bacteria, and biological agents;

• Operation of heavy machinery;

• Activities involving traffic with a high accident rate;

• Risk of violence or direct confrontations.

  
  

Because of these factors, high-risk occupations require strict safety protocols, appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), and, in many cases, additional statutory labor benefits, such as unhealthy work allowances or hazard pay.

What are the main high-risk occupations in the labor market?

Although many activities are classified as hazardous, some high-risk occupations stand out due to the frequency of incidents and the daily exposure of workers to adverse situations. See the main ones:

1. Healthcare professionals

Doctors, nurses, and nursing technicians are constantly exposed to biological and infectious agents.

In addition to the risk of disease transmission, these professionals face heavy workloads and emergency situations that can affect both their mental and physical health.

2. Electricians

Handling wires, cables, and high-voltage networks places electricians among the workers most vulnerable to serious or even fatal accidents. In addition to electricity hazards, they often work at heights, which increases the risks.

3. Motorcycle couriers

Delivery workers are among those most exposed to traffic accidents in Brazil. Pressure to meet deadlines, congested urban traffic, and adverse weather conditions make this one of the country’s most dangerous occupations.

4. Truck drivers

Like motorcyclists, truck drivers face long hours on the road, accident risks, cargo theft, and poor resting conditions. Extended shifts increase the likelihood of fatigue and health problems.

5. Sanitation workers

Professionals working in sanitation are exposed to chemical and biological agents, especially in unhealthy environments such as wastewater treatment plants. Risks increase when work is carried out in confined spaces.

6. Gas station attendants

Although it may seem like a low-risk activity, this job involves direct contact with flammable fuels, as well as risks related to urban violence, such as robberies.

7. Chemical industry workers

Exposure to toxic, flammable, and corrosive substances places chemical industry professionals among those who most require protective equipment and strict safety protocols.

8. Construction workers

One of the sectors with the highest rates of workplace accidents in Brazil. Cuts, falls from height, electric shocks, and accidents involving heavy machinery are common, making construction one of the most dangerous fields.

9. Public and private security

Police officers, guards, and private security personnel deal daily with the risk of armed confrontations, violence, and extremely stressful situations, and are considered workers in constant danger of losing their lives.

What does NR-1 say about high-risk occupations?

NR-1 (Regulatory Standard No. 1) is the foundation of occupational health and safety rules in Brazil. It defines the rights and duties of employers and workers and sets out how the other regulations must be applied.

The main points of NR-1 that directly affect high-risk professionals are:

• Mandatory training: companies must train employees to deal with hazardous situations.

• PPE: the provision of personal protective equipment, guidance on its use, and enforcement are the employer’s responsibility.

• Risk Management Program (PGR): a requirement to identify and monitor occupational risks and implement preventive measures.

• Right to refuse: workers may refuse tasks that pose a serious and imminent risk to their life or health.

When properly applied, NR-1 helps companies reduce the likelihood of accidents, comply with labor legislation, and contribute to a safer work environment.

How can risks be reduced in dangerous occupations?

Although it is not possible to completely eliminate hazards, there are measures that can minimize their impact on those who work in high-risk jobs:

• Use of PPE: helmets, gloves, safety goggles, vests, and masks are essential.

• Ongoing training: preparing workers to respond to emergencies.

• Hazard pay and unhealthy work allowances: statutory rights designed to financially compensate for occupational risks.

• Life insurance: protection for workers and their families in the event of accidents or fatalities.

• Safety policies: inspections and audits within companies to ensure protocols are followed.

The role of life insurance for those in high-risk occupations

Life insurance is a protection tool that goes beyond workplace prevention. It provides coverage in cases of death, permanent disability, serious illness, or temporary incapacity.

For workers in high-risk occupations, having this protection means greater peace of mind when performing their duties, knowing that their dependents will be financially supported in the event of unforeseen circumstances.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions about high-risk occupations

What are high-risk occupations?

High-risk occupations are those in which workers are exposed to accidents, occupational diseases, or violence.

Examples include doctors, nurses, electricians, truck drivers, motorcycle couriers, gas station attendants, construction workers, and public security professionals.

Which jobs are considered risky?

Risky jobs involve significant exposure to physical, chemical, biological, or ergonomic hazards.

These include heavy machinery operators, workers at heights, cargo transport drivers, and professionals who work in unhealthy environments.

What are high-risk jobs?

High-risk jobs require specialized training and strict safety protocols. Examples include firefighters, police officers, professional divers, offshore oil platform workers, and high-voltage electricians.

What are the five types of risk?

The five main types of workplace risk are:

• Physical: noise, vibrations, radiation;

• Chemical: dust, gases, toxic vapors;

• Biological: viruses, bacteria, fungi;

• Ergonomic: poor posture, repetitive strain;

• Mechanical: machinery, falls, sharp tools.

  
  

Conclusion

High-risk occupations are essential to the functioning of society, but they expose workers to situations that demand extra caution.

Whether due to exposure to toxic substances, traffic accident risks, or the threat of violence, these professionals need special protection.

In addition to safety measures, proper training, and PPE, benefits such as unhealthy work allowances and hazard pay, combined with life insurance, are fundamental to providing greater peace of mind.

If you work in a high-risk occupation or know someone who does, thinking about ways to protect yourself is an essential step to ensure not only your safety but also your family’s well-being.

Source: RH Portal