The hazard pay is another benefit that a worker can receive depending on the conditions under which they carry out their actions.

However, do you know what the characteristics of an unhealthy job are? Or what is the value of this additional fee? 

In this text, we will answer the main questions about this subject that concerns many people.

Therefore, if you are looking for more information, read our complete guide until the end!

The hazard pay is a benefit paid to a group of workers. It is not linked to the function or area of activity, but rather to the working conditions.

Are you in doubt and want examples of which professions receive this benefit? Stay calm! We will explain everything more calmly throughout the article.

For now, let's just make it clear that the hazard pay is paid in the form of a bonus in the salary of employees who have this right.

Continue reading to find out what the amounts are and who can receive this extra payment.

The unhealthy work bonus was created by article 189 of the Consolidation of Labor Laws (CLT).

This law defines that people who work in activities or conditions that cause health problems are entitled to receive a benefit in their salary.

Health problems can be caused by intense or prolonged exposure to harmful environments.

It is worth mentioning that the term unhealthy literally means “that which is not good for your health”.  

Therefore, it is important to differentiate this benefit from hazard pay, which in turn is intended for people who work in professions in which there is a risk to their lives.

Therefore, in unhealthy professions there is no risk to life. However, the work environment can cause various harm to the employee's health.

As stated before, the hazard pay premium is paid to people who work in places where there are conditions that harm their health.

For example: factories with loud noises, which can cause hearing loss in an employee.

At the same time, exposure to high temperatures, cold, humidity, mineral dust, poisons or chemical agents, and ionizing radiation are also unhealthy.

Therefore, there are a large number of jobs that can be included in this benefit. Therefore, check online to see if your position is considered unhealthy.

Some examples of professionals who receive this benefit are:

The amounts of hazard pay vary according to the level of risk an employee faces in their work environment.

Therefore, in companies where the damage to health is low, the additional amount is 10%. On the other hand, if the loss level is medium, the bonus is 20%. Finally, if there is a major health risk, the additional amount is 40%.

Judges and labor technicians define which of these categories a company falls into. Therefore, check the level of unhealthy conditions in your workplace.

The law does not specify what should be the basis for calculating the hazard pay premium.

Therefore, a company can use different bases. For example: the current minimum wage, the minimum wage for the category, the salary of workers, or other values.

Therefore, it is necessary to know what basis the company you work for uses to make this calculation. Then, find out what level of unhealthy conditions your workplace is.

Finally, simply multiply the base value used by the equivalent percentage and you will have the value of your benefit.

To make sure that hazard pay is actually being paid, a person can ask their supervisor what their base salary is. Then check for additions.

If you notice that there are incorrect values, one solution is to contact the union in your area. This institution can also help you understand whether the unhealthy level is calculated correctly.

Finally, if you realize that your profession should not receive this benefit, but rather hazard pay, read our text on the topic indicated below. 

We can help you better understand the conditions under which this bonus is paid and which professionals receive it.