Human rights in the value chain is a material topic for Bracell encompassing monitoring and managing human rights compliance in Bracell’s operations. In people management, fostering an environment that supports diversity, inclusion and a sense of belonging for different identities and individual choices, and ensuring employee well-being, health and safety.

In 2023, Bracell announced its set of long-term sustainability targets and commitments titled “Bracell 2030”, which includes specific Empowering Lives targets:

Promoting equal opportunities for women

Fostering an inclusive work environment  for diversity groups

In 2023 we published a Human Resources Policy that formalizes Bracell’s commitment to sustainable development and best practices that positively impact people and communities. The Policy requires that Bracell respect the dignity and human rights of its employees, contractors, and subcontractors, as well as the rights of indigenous peoples and local and traditional communities. It establishes guidelines on business conduct and on managing human rights impacts, ensuring we deliver on our commitment to maintaining sound labor practices and decent working conditions.

Bracell’s internal labor policies are aligned with international certification requirements and Brazilian laws and regulations, in particular the Regulatory Standards (NRs) of the Ministry of Labor and Employment. The official channels available for handling human rights-related reports, grievances and concerns are amply communicated (read more in GRI 2-25).

Corporate policies—including our Code of Conduct, Procurement Ethics Code, Human Rights Policy, Sustainability Policy and Pulpwood and Fiber Sourcing Policy—provide guidance to stakeholders on mitigating human rights risks and impacts and govern our contracts with suppliers and contractors. These policies support us in mitigating risks related to child labor and forced and slave labor in our value chain, and ensuring compliance with labor, child and adolescent rights.

We also continuously monitor the areas surrounding our eucalyptus plantations to protect human rights in neighboring communities, as part of our pulpwood traceability process.

With the commissioning of our two flexible lines at our Lençóis Paulista (SP) site, we have expanded our forestry operations in the region and some local residents on a particular property have been resettled as a result.

This process is managed in compliance with International Finance Corporation (IFC) Performance Standard 5 – Land Acquisition and Involuntary Resettlement. Within this front, Bracell also manages and works to prevent and/or mitigate the social risks to which workers and their families may be exposed.

Every six months on average, Bracell undergoes an independent audit on compliance with social and environmental standards, including the IFC Performance Standards.

To minimize actual impacts on communities surrounding the mill, we use an approach that includes community mapping, advertising official communication channels, and managing and addressing community concerns.

Bracell also actively manages and works to prevent and/or promptly mitigate the social risks to which workers and their families may be exposed.

The Company’s internal regulations comply with international certifications and Brazilian legislation, in particular the Regulatory Standards (NRs) of the Ministry of Labor and Employment. We also publicize our official channels for receiving reports, complaints and concerns (learn more at Disclosures GRI 2-25).

Bracell operates an Integrated Occupational Health and Safety Management System that is compliant with Brazilian legislation, including the Regulatory Standards (NRs) of the Ministry of Labor and Employment. This system covers all employees and contractors in our operations.

The system is operated by Bracell employees who are members of the Specialized Occupational Health and Safety Service (SESMT) and the Specialized Rural Occupational Health and Safety Service (SESTR), as mandated by NR-4 and NR-31. Each site has a dedicated Occupational Physician, Occupational Nurse, and Nursing Technician.

Our occupational health and safety management practices also include a Risk Management Program (PGR), Rural Occupational Risk Management Program (PGRTR), and Occupational Health Surveillance Program (PCMSO). These programs outline safety standards and procedures applicable to all activities conducted by employees and contractors, in line with our integrated management system policy.

System procedures also include routine requirements as well as specific control measures depending on the risk profiles of individual tasks.

These initiatives align with our Integrated Management System Manual and international standards ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and Cerflor/PEFC.

Our Health and Safety Department includes Process Safety, Emergency Response, and Business Risk functions. These functions conduct risk and hazard assessments across our operations, covering People, the Environment, Assets, and Business Continuity.

We monitor and evaluate Occupational Health and Safety System performance and develop action plans addressing improvement opportunities for hazards and risks identified within our Rural Occupational Risk Management Program (PGRTR) and Risk Management Plan (PGR).

Based on the PGR and task descriptions (see GRI 403-1), we identify the risks associated with each task. We then use this information to create action plans focused on accident and incident prevention as well as opportunities for improvement.

Health and safety performance indicators are monitored by our health and safety team, which presents performance metrics to all departments in monthly meetings, and to the board and management in bi-weekly occupational health and safety meetings.

Health and safety performance is internally assessed by the Health and Safety team and shared with department heads in monthly safety meetings, and with the board and management in bi-weekly Occupational Health and Safety meetings. During these meetings, members discuss performance indicators and opportunities to improve processes.

In 2023, we engaged EHS Brazil to conduct a safety culture assessment in our mill operations to evaluate our level of maturity in health and safety management. The assessment informed the development of a cultural transformation plan (CTP). During the year, we launched a critical risk assessment to inform the development of a Safety Management Manual for our mill operations. We also implemented a new system for managing health and safety indicators.

Additionally that year, we created a Process Safety and Emergency function to ensure equipment is safe and reliable and prevent accidents, incidents, or damage to Bracell’s assets. Our process safety guidelines are compliant with the Regulatory Standards of the Brazilian Ministry of Labor and Employment and are integrated into the PGR program.

Programs, processes, and practices for risk assessment and accident investigation
Hazard Reports	Hazard Reports are issued for all employee roles and tasks. Risk assessments are carried out by a specialized firm using appropriate methods that are compliant with current legislation.
Workplace Environment Condition Reports (LTCAT)	These reports identify areas eligible for hazard bonuses and that require enhanced risk control measures. They also inform action plans that guide prevention efforts.
Risk Management Program (PGR)	This program aims to identify risks and measures to control and prevent them (collective protection equipment, administrative measures, training and personal protective equipment).
Rural Occupational Risk Management Program (PGRTR)	Through this program, we identify, assess, and manage occupational risks in our forestry operations.
Worker protection policies and processes	To shield workers from retaliation, Bracell has policies and processes in place to prevent intimidation, threats, or actions that could negatively impact employment or the workplace environment, such as termination, demotion, loss of income, punishment, and any other unfavorable treatment.
Right of Refusal	All employees have a right to refuse to perform a given task if they feel unsafe, by completing the right-of-refusal field in the Work Clearance form.
Sempre Alerta and Safe Behavior Program	We have two behavioral programs supporting our goal of achieving zero incidents: Sempre Alerta (“Always Alert”), with a focus on our forestry and mill operations, and our Safe Behavior Program, with a focus on mill operations, both of which are designed to preventively achieve continuous improvement in our safety culture.
Prevention card	All employees are issued a prevention card containing a list of 10 self-assessment criteria, which they must carry with their badge. This card includes a reminder of their right to stop their task, immediately notify their supervisor, and only continue the task when the risk has been neutralized or eliminated. The right of refusal is also included in each employee category’s collective bargaining agreement.
Internal Accident Prevention Committee (CIPA)	Bracell has a continuous improvement subcommittee within CIPA that documents safety actions implemented and their practical outcomes.
Accident Prevention Week	A week dedicated to improving employees’ understanding of operational and occupational safety procedures, as well as safe behavior.
Accident and Incident Investigation	In cases of accidents and incidents, the root causes are investigated and determined with the participation of managers, area owners, the Occupational Health and Safety team, the Internal Accident Prevention Committee (CIPA), and those directly involved in the incident. These investigations, conducted in accordance with internal safety procedures, aim to identify the root causes, implement actions to address them, and document lessons learned to prevent recurrence.
Root Cause Analysis	All accidents and incidents occurring in our operations are documented and investigated through Root Cause Analysis (learn more below).
Occupational Safety Inspection Reports (RIST)	Occupational Safety Inspection Reports (RIST) are prepared as part of internal health, safety and environment audits. These reports cover 199 safety compliance items (derived from Brazilian regulatory standards NR01, NR31, NR12 and safety training content). These reports are prepared on a regular basis by occupational safety employees for compliance with applicable regulations and for continuous improvement in our forestry operations. As an additional preventive measure, department-specific and general performance review meetings are held to develop action plans addressing safety inspection items raised by the occupational safety team.
Occupational Health Surveillance Program	This program maps out workers’ tasks and workplaces, the occupational hazards to which they are exposed, and the medical exams required for the prevention of occupational diseases and health protection. It also establishes the frequency at which health checkups are to be conducted. All workers are covered by health and safety management systems.
Administrative Disciplinary and Remediation Rules (“RADAR”)	These rules are designed to embed operational discipline and safe behaviors in Bracell’s mill and forestry operations. In addition to strengthening the safety culture of everyone who interacts with the company’s processes, RADAR also establishes a more transparent and fair approach to recognizing good safety practices, as well as a new tolerance stance on unsafe conduct that causes accidents in our operations.

Through our Occupational Health Surveillance Program (PCMSO), we conduct regular health screening checkups that help to preserve the well-being of our employees. These checkups are focused on the specific occupational risks that each worker is exposed to. If any abnormal results are detected during checkups, the relevant individuals are temporarily relieved of their duties, provided with appropriate treatment based on the recommendations of our medical team, and monitored until their health status normalizes.

As part of our commitment to preventive care and health promotion, we have a Hearing Conservation Program (PCA) designed to protect the auditory health of our workforce. The program includes measures to mitigate noise-related risks, thereby preventing or minimizing work-related hearing impairment. It includes a hearing management system integrated into the environmental management system.

We also regularly provide both individual and group counseling on topics such as maintaining a healthy diet and the importance of exercising regularly (for further details, see GRI 403-6).

Our concern for the health and safety of employees translates into a range of actions, programs, and initiatives:

• Safe Behavior Program: designed to develop safety awareness, this program involves trained professionals who identify and mitigate unsafe behaviors. It encourages a preventive approach rather than punitive measures.
• 100% Safe Journey: this program recognizes safety compliance and good practices demonstrated by employees. Following assessments of compliance with safety standards, winners are announced and awarded bronze, silver, or gold badges.
• Sempre Alerta Program: implemented in our São Paulo operations, this program aims to proactively identify areas and practices in need of improvement and educate employees about their right to refuse unsafe work.
• Toolbox Safety Talks: these talks provide an opportunity for employees and contractors to discuss safety before they start each workday.
• Health and Safety Campaigns: these campaigns promote a culture of health and safety among employees and contractors by disseminating informative and educational materials.
• Incident identification, reporting, documentation and investigation: this program encourages all employees, including contractors, to identify, communicate, and document all incidents occurring within our operations. Following investigation, action plans are developed for each reported case. All this information is evaluated as part of the incident investigation process.

Due to confidentiality considerations and pursuant to Brazilian patient confidentiality laws, Bracell does not disclose occupational health data, access to which is restricted to employees within this department.

We provide Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) training to equip Bracell employees with the necessary theoretical and practical knowledge for their roles. This training, delivered in plain language, is designed to enhance well-being and minimize accidents and incidents. Training is provided to all new hires as part of their onboarding process immediately after joining the company.

In our São Paulo operations, we offer first aid training to employees in both forestry and mill operations, preparing teams for emergency response. The instructors for these sessions are employees from our health department.

We also run an annual training program for the fire teams responsible for responding to fires in our forestry and mill operations, in compliance with the regulations of the São Paulo and Bahia fire departments. These training sessions cover:

• Implementation of strategic actions;
• Use of equipment;
• Defensive driving techniques for firefighting vehicles;
• Use of helicopters for support in fire response;
• Best practices in local community engagement.

Bracell provides health and dental plans for all employees and their dependents, with national coverage. We also offer discounts at drugstore chains, opticians, gyms, educational institutions, and partnerships with organizations such as the Industrial Social Service (SESI), providing access to sports and leisure activities.

Our health management practices help to enhance well-being, prevent diseases, and offer individual and collective counseling to employees on topics such as regular check-ups, healthy nutrition, and the importance of exercising regularly. We also conduct:

• Annual health campaigns: coordinated awareness initiatives on topics including sexually transmitted infections, respiratory diseases, flu vaccination, breast (Pink October) and prostate cancer prevention (Blue November), dehydration prevention, and two annual blood donation drives.
• Bracell Challenge: a program focusing on quality of life, encouraging healthy nutrition and regular exercise.
• Pessoinhas program: multidisciplinary support for pregnant employees and spouses, providing assistance throughout pregnancy up to 6 months after childbirth.
• Corporate Citizenship: extension of maternal leave by an additional 60 days, totaling 180 days of leave, and extended paternal leave by an additional 15 days, totaling 20 days of leave.
• Eucalyptus Run: employees and their families participate in a run around a eucalyptus forest in an event promoting health and well-being.

Our employees and contractors have access to outpatient services, including checkups by nurses and physicians. When necessary, workers are referred for additional exams and specialized medical care. Bracell also has an Emergency Response Plan for incidents at its plants, which operate 24 hours a day and are organized into three shifts. Forestry operations have a Strategic Occupational Safety Plan.

Our Process Safety, Emergency, and Business Risk Management team also assesses risks and hazards associated with production processes and business continuity.

Each mill has a dedicated 24-hour emergency team, including an emergency response team on call during all shifts, along with fire wardens at our São Paulo mill with appropriate emergency response equipment, such as water and chemical fire engines, ambulances, portable cannons, and automated external defibrillators. In Bahia, the emergency team is a member of the Camaçari Industrial Park’s Mutual Emergency Response Plan (PAM), and may be called on to respond in an emergency.

Occupational health and safety management practices
Safe behavior	The safe behaviors outlined in our Code of Conduct are reinforced through clear guidelines for employees.
Occupational health & safety programs	Comportamento Seguro (“Safe Behavior”) and Sempre Alerta (“Always Alert”)—two programs covering all employees, including contractors.
Inspections	Safety inspections to identify unsafe working conditions and behavior, inform continuous improvement, and strengthen our safety culture.
Contractor audits	Six-monthly audits on compliance with applicable legal requirements (read more in Responsible Production, GRI 408-1).
Integrated Management System	Procedures, instructions, and incident investigation forms are Incorporated in Bracell’s Integrated Management System (IMS).

 

All employees and third parties are covered by the occupational health and safety system that covers all forestry and mill operations teams.

 

Employees covered by an occupational health and safety management system
Gender	Bahia			São Paulo			Bracell
	2021	2022	2023	2021	2022	2023	2021	2022	2023
Men	1,235	1,342	1,434	2,592	3,412	4,501	3,827	4,754	5,935
Women	356	436	470	523	715	986	879	1,151	1,456
Total	1,591	1,778	1,904	3,115	4,127	5,487	4,706	5,905	7,391

 

Employee covered by an occupational health and safety management system (%)
Gender	Bahia			São Paulo			Bracell
	2021	2022	2023	2021	2022	2023	2021	2022	2023
Men	78%	75%	75%	83%	83%	82%	81%	81%	80%
Women	22%	25%	25%	17%	17%	18%	19%	19%	20%

 

Third paties covered by an occupational health and safety management system
2021				2022			2023
Gender	Bahia	São Paulo	Bracell	Bahia	São Paulo	Bracell	Bahia	São Paulo	Bracell
Men	3,414	5,946	9,360	3,025	unavailable	3,025	2,671	12,056	14,727
Women	130	494	624	138	unavailable	138	138	1,182	1,320
Total	3,544	6,440	9,984	3,163	12,434	15,597	2,809	13,238	16,047

Note 1: due to a limitation in the system used to collect data on contractors, Bracell cannot provide a breakdown by gender of contractors working in our operations in São Paulo. The system used in 2023 will support breakdowns by gender. Data on contractors in the Tissue project are managed by a third-party firm.

Number and rate of injuries per year, by operation
Employees
BAHIA FORESTRY					BAHIA MILL
Year	Number of injuries (including fatalities)		Injury rates		Number of injuries (including fatalities)		Injury rates
	Lost time	No lost time	Lost time	No lost time	Lost time	No lost time	Lost time	No lost time
2021	0	0	0	0	0	3	0	1.6
2022	0	0	0	0	1	0	0.5	0
2023	0	0	0.00	0.00	0	1	0.00	0.45
Note: the rates have been calculated based on 1,000,000 hours worked and no workers were excluded from the disclosure.

 

Number and rate of injuries per year, by operation
Employees
SÃO PAULO FORESTRY					SÃO PAULO MILL
Year	Number of injuries (including fatalities)		Injury rates		Number of injuries (including fatalities)		Injury rates
	Lost time	No lost time	Lost time	No lost time	Lost time	No lost time	Lost time	No lost time
2021	3	46	1.47	22.6	3	13	1.12	5.98
2022	6	27	1.46	6.82	2	15	0.82	6.14
2023	7	27	1.16	4.46	3	14	1.12	5.22
Note: the 2022 data are based on 4,104,465.27 man-hours worked.					Note: the 2023 data are based on 2,681,610.99 man-hours worked.

 

SÃO PAULO SUPPLY
Employees
Year	Number of injuries (including fatalities)		Injury rates
	Lost time	No lost time	Lost time	No lost time
2021	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
2022	0	0	0	0
2023	0	0	0	0

 

Contractors
BAHIA FORESTRY					BAHIA MILL
Year	Number of injuries (including fatalities)		Injury rates		Number of injuries (including fatalities)		Injury rates
	Lost time	No lost time	Lost time	No lost time	Lost time	No lost time	Lost time	No lost time
2021	0	3	0	0.62	0	3	0	2.17
2022	1	3	0.14	0.41	0	2	0	1.4
2023	1	0	0.19	0.00	0	1	0.00	0.62
Note: the rates have been calculated based on 1,000,000 hours worked and no workers were excluded from the disclosure.

 

Number and rate of injuries per year, by operation
Contractors
SÃO PAULO FORESTRY					SÃO PAULO MILL
Year	Number of injuries (including fatalities)		Injury rates		Number of injuries (including fatalities)		Injury rates
	Lost time	No lost time	Lost time	No lost time	Lost time	No lost time	Lost time	No lost time
2021	4	68	0.43	7.25	1	7	2.1	14.7
2022	3	35	0.3	2.89	2	17	0.62	5.31
2023	9	47	0.59	3.10	5	19	2.32	8.80
Note: the 2022 data are based on 13,135,990.00 man-hours worked.					Note: the 2023 data are based on 2,159,240.2 man-hours worked.

 

SÃO PAULO SUPPLY
Contractors
Year	Number of injuries (including fatalities)		Injury rates
	Lost time	No lost time	Lost time	No lost time
2021	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
2022	2	12	1.72	10.29
2023	1	4	0.48	1.93
Note: the 2023 data are based on 2,068,879.00 man-hours worked.

 

Information on the main types of work-related ill health is not disclosed for confidentiality reasons under the Brazilian General Data Protection Regulation (BR GDPR) and due to doctor-patient privilege.