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A Child or Adolescent is Involved in a Work-Related Accident Every 3.5 Hours

06/12/2018 - 12h43

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WILLIAM CASTANHO
JOANA CUNHA

Nearly 16 thousand Brazilian children and adolescents up to the age of 18 were involved in accidents while working between 2012 and 2017, according to data from the Digital Observatory of Labor Health and Safety (Observatório Digital de Saúde e Segurança do Trabalho) from the Public Labor Ministry (MPT) and the International Labor Organization (OIT).

In other words, every three and one-half hours a child or adolescent is a victim of a labor related accident in Brazil.

Research carried out by the entity revealed that 187 children and adolescents died under work related circumstances between 2007 and 2015 - the last year in which data is available - according to Sinan (Information System for Injuries and Notifications), from the Health Ministry. During the same period, 518 lost one of their hands.

Based on these numbers, the MPT initiated an eradication campaign which this year highlighted the World Cup and will gain greater visibility and strength on Tuesday (the 12th), when the International World Day Against Child Labor is celebrated. The data could actually be underreported, since not all incidents are properly registered.

In 2016, 1.8 million children and adolescents in the country were involved in unregistered child labor, with 998 thousand of those in conditions outside of the law.

According to Brazilian law, the minimum age for entering the workforce is 16 years of age.

Earlier than this, at 14 or 15 years of age, apprenticeship programs are permitted. At 16 or 17 years of age, an adolescent is allowed to work as long as he is properly registered and not exposed to physical, psychological or sexual abuse.

The law prohibits that minors below 18 years of age perform activities with dangerous equipment or in partially unhealthy environments.

Any type of work undertaken by minors between the age of 5 and 13 years is outside of the law and should be abolished, according to the legislation.

Aloisio Mauricio /Fotoarena/Folhapress
According to Brazilian law, the minimum age for entering the workforce is 16 years of age
According to Brazilian law, the minimum age for entering the workforce is 16 years of age

Translated by LLOYD HARDER

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