Brazil Adds Mental Health to Workplace Safety

Brazil is stepping up efforts to support mental health in the workplace. Until recently, the country’s labor regulations focused almost exclusively on physical safety. Employers were expected to protect workers from things like falling objects, sharp tools, machine malfunctions, and toxic exposure. Mental health risks rarely made the list.

That, however, has changed. Regulatory Norm NR-1, one of 38 workplace safety rules, now requires companies to address psychosocial risks such as stress, pressure from results, and workplace harassment. These factors can lead to burnout, anxiety, and depression - issues that harm both employee well-being and productivity.

Under the new rule, companies must incorporate psychosocial risk management into their Occupational Risk Management Programs (PGRs). This includes identifying hazards, taking preventive action, and building a healthier work environment.

The data speaks for itself. Mental health disorders account for 38% of all sick leave in Brazil, costing the social security system more than BRL$12 billion in recent years.

Companies have until May 26 to update their PGRs. That could mean training leadership to spot red flags, launching awareness campaigns, rolling out stress management tools, or establishing clear protocols to prevent harassment. Employers may also consider offering access to counseling or other support services.

By recognizing that mental health matters as much as physical safety, Brazil is sending a clear message: a healthy workplace is a safe workplace. And for businesses, taking care of employee mental health isn’t just the right thing to do - it’s a smart investment in performance, morale, and long-term success.