Unhealthy-conditions supplement and hazard pay in Brazil: who is entitled and how much

*The unhealthy-conditions supplement (adicional de insalubridade) is paid to people who work exposed to agents harmful to health, at rates of 10%, 20% or 40%. Hazard pay (adicional de periculosidade) is 30% of base salary for those working in risky activities, such as with flammables, explosives, electricity, property security and motorcycles.* A worker cannot receive both at the same time: they choose the more advantageous one.

Quick summary

• Unhealthy conditions: 10% (minimum), 20% (medium) or 40% (maximum) — CLT, art. 192 (the CLT is Brazil's Consolidated Labor Laws); activities listed in NR-15 (Regulatory Standard 15).
• Base for the unhealthy-conditions supplement: in practice, the minimum wage, until a new law is passed (STF Binding Precedent 4 — the STF is the Federal Supreme Court).
• Hazard pay: 30% of base salary — CLT, art. 193; activities listed in NR-16.
• Expert examination is how the right is proven (art. 195).
• Effective PPE (personal protective equipment) can eliminate the unhealthy condition (art. 191; TST Precedent 80 — the TST is the Superior Labor Court).
• No combining: the worker chooses one of the two (art. 193, §2).

Comparison

• Unhealthy conditions — When: exposure to noise, heat, chemical or biological agents above the limits · Amount: 10%, 20% or 40% · Standard: NR-15
• Hazard pay — When: flammables, explosives, electricity, robbery and violence in property security, motorcycles · Amount: 30% of base salary · Standard: NR-16

Calculation example

• Medium-degree unhealthy conditions: 20% × R$ 1,621.00 (2026 minimum wage) = R$ 324.20 per month.
• Hazard pay: base salary of R$ 2,500 × 30% = R$ 750.00 per month.

Supplements paid regularly are reflected in vacation, the 13th salary, FGTS (the Severance Indemnity Fund) and overtime.

How to secure the supplement

1. Ask HR whether your activity is classified as unhealthy or hazardous and ask for the technical report (PPRA/PGR or LTCAT).
2. Record the conditions: photos of the environment, type of product, protective equipment provided and PPE delivery records.
3. Contact the union to find out what other workers in the same role receive.
4. In court, the judge orders a technical expert examination to confirm the right — see Evidence in a labor case.

Frequently asked questions

Are motorcycle couriers entitled to hazard pay?

Yes. The CLT includes motorcycle activities among hazardous ones (art. 193, §4), under the applicable regulations.

Does PPE remove the right to the unhealthy-conditions supplement?

If the PPE actually eliminates the harmful agent, yes. Merely supplying it, without proven effectiveness, is not enough (TST Precedent 289).

Can I receive the unhealthy-conditions supplement and hazard pay together?

No. The CLT requires the worker to choose the more advantageous supplement.

Read more in this series

• CLT worker rights: complete guide
• Work accidents: CAT, leave and workers' rights
• Evidence in a labor case: how to gather and organize it
• Night-work supplement: hours, percentage and how to calculate it
• Index: complete guide to labor rights