What is hazardous-conditions allowance (insalubridade)?
The insalubridade allowance is extra pay for work under conditions harmful to health, through exposure to physical, chemical or biological agents above the tolerance limits of Regulatory Standard 15. The grade is set by a technical report from an occupational physician or engineer: minimum, medium or maximum.
The allowance is 10%, 20% or 40% according to the grade, calculated on the national minimum wage rather than the employee's salary, unless a collective agreement provides otherwise. In 2026, with the minimum wage at R$ 1,621.00, the allowances are R$ 162.10, R$ 324.20 and R$ 648.40 a month.
The allowance is part of remuneration for as long as the exposure lasts: it enters the base of overtime, vacation pay, the 13th salary, notice pay, FGTS, INSS and IRRF. It ceases when the company eliminates or neutralises the agent, including through effective protective equipment, and it does not stack with the hazard premium (periculosidade): the employee picks the more favourable one.
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A hospital cleaner earns R$ 1,900.00 and is exposed to biological agents at medium grade. The allowance is 20% of R$ 1,621.00, or R$ 324.20 a month, added to the salary. INSS, FGTS and the vacation and 13th-salary accruals are all calculated on R$ 2,224.20.
Frequently asked questions
Is insalubridade calculated on the minimum wage or on the employee's salary?
On the national minimum wage, under the CLT and Binding Precedent 4 of the Supreme Court, unless the category's collective agreement sets a more favourable base.
What are the insalubridade grades?
Minimum (10%), medium (20%) and maximum (40%), set by a technical report based on the annexes of NR-15. In 2026 that is R$ 162.10, R$ 324.20 and R$ 648.40 a month.
Can an employee receive insalubridade and periculosidade together?
No. When entitled to both, the employee opts for the more favourable one. Collective agreements may allow stacking, but the legal rule is a choice.