Economically, in terms of size and diversity Brazil is comparable to Canada with similar bases in resource extraction, agriculture and aviation. That said, there is a huge difference between the working cultures in Canada and Brazil which continues to deal with issues such as child labour and forced labour (iol.org).
The multiple actor strength that typifies the OSH field internationally is also true here, but the dynamic is different. In agriculture, for instance, Brazil is a major supplier of food directly to Europe, but in order to achieve the European standards of quality and food safety, some factories here are set up using European codes, standards, and even inspectors. At the same time, food that is produced for the domestic market is generally far inferior; there’s growing concern about pesticide contamination.
Brazil’s current pro-worker government has mostly acted to set up legal protections for workers. As yet, Occupational Health and Safety Training has not been a central priority. Barriers exist, such as education levels among low-skilled workers and the ability to enforce standards. I’ve attached a typical video which is of a basic standard, but which lacks the sophistication of the new generation of what one now might find in Canada.
Within certain internationally integrated industries here such as gas and oil, trainings are in many cases will be on par with international norms. Closing this gap and raising the domestic standards is a big challenge and also an opportunity in the years ahead.
