A atividade laboral dos assistentes sociais e o acesso ao adicional de insalubridade.

Abstract

The aim of this study is to discuss the work activity of social workers, addressing the concept of hazard pay and these professionals’ access to such bonus. Its specific objectives are to present a brief history of the professional training of social workers in Brazil as well as their practice areas which are: health, social security, housing, business, socio-legal field, social movements and education; quote the concept of hazard pay, indicating norms about it and the extent to which the envisaged rules benefit the social worker; identify and list norms and Brazilian Courts’ rulings regarding the granting of this payment bonus to social workers. Bearing in mind that the social worker's labor is in most cases associated with direct contact with social pains, it is believed that, when fulfilling such activities, many are exposed to risky situations, which brings up the need of assessment in granting hazard pay to these professionals. Therefore, the lack of equity of Brazilian Courts’ rulings in regard to social workers is displayed through the analysis of court decisions to grant or reject requests of hazard pay related to education and social service. It is concluded that the access to hazard pay to social workers has been neglected, since despite working in conditions similar to those of other occupational categories benefitted from this right, such bonus is still not granted to them. It is also evident the absence of specific laws and norms referring to unhealthy work conditions, showing in addition to the lack of knowledge about their labor rights, the lack of professional development programs and the State's lack of interest in these issues.