The topic of health, well-being, and occupational safety is strategic to Bracell’s sustainability efforts and the long-term resilience of the business. This topic directly affect people’s experience, team performance, and Bracell’s ability to innovate and grow sustainably.

Employee health and safety—which is crucial to well-being and quality of life—is supported by an Integrated Occupational Health and Safety Management System. This system is aligned with Brazilian legislation, especially the Regulatory Standards (NRs) issued by the Ministry of Labor and Employment (learn more under GRI 403-1 Occupational health and safety management system).

The system is managed by Bracell employees who are part of the Specialized Occupational Safety and Health Engineering Service (SESMT) and the Specialized Rural Occupational Safety and Health Service (SESTR), as required by NR-4 and NR-31.

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.

These initiatives align with our Integrated Management System Manual, and international standards ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC).

At Bracell, safety is a core value, and cultivating a culture of prevention is key to fostering health and well-being in the workplace. See below the initiatives as part of our health and safety management practices.

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)	The purpose of this program is to identify risks and design 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 designed to preventively achieve continuous improvement in our safety culture.
Prevention cards	All employees are issued a prevention card containing a list of ten 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	When accidents or incidents occur, the root causes are investigated and analyzed with the participation of managers, department heads, the Occupational Safety team, the Internal Accident Prevention Committee (CIPA), and those directly involved. 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 are logged and investigated using Root Cause Analysis (see Occupational Safety Inspection Reports (RIST).
Occupational Safety Inspection Reports (RIST)	Occupational Safety Inspection Reports (RIST) serve as an internal audit tool covering safety, health, and environmental issues. These reports cover 199 compliance items (including NR-1, NR-31, NR-12, required training, among others). Reports are prepared on a regular basis by Occupational Safety employees, supporting 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 Bracell employees and contractors are covered by our Occupational Health and Safety Management System.
RADAR – Administrative Disciplinary Rules and Restorative Actions	These rules are designed to embed operational discipline and safe behaviors in Bracell’s mill and forestry operations. In addition to strengthening the safety behaviors of everyone who interacts with our operations, RADAR also establishes a more transparent and fair approach to recognizing good safety practices, as well as a no tolerance stance on unsafe conduct that is liable to cause accidents in our operations.

As part of our employee well-being practices, Bracell  carries out a range of initiatives to support diversity and uphold human rights. In 2024, we updated our employee climate survey and conducted a Diversity and Inclusion Census (learn more under GRI 405-1 Diversity of governance bodies and employees).

Another key initiative in 2024 was our anti-workplace harassment campaign. This internal communication campaign included educational materials and visual content shared with employees under the slogan “It’s Not Whining” (see GRI 405-1 Diversity of governance bodies and employees).

In addition, we produced a Practical Guide to Preventing and Combating Harassment and Other Forms of Violence. The guide presents key concepts, guidelines, and rules for all our employees.

Impacts and risks

In managing the material topic of Occupational health, safety and well-being, Bracell has identified actual and potential impacts and risks, both negative and positive. Based on these findings, we work to prevent or mitigate negative impacts and enhance positive ones.

Potential negative impact	Actual negative impacts	Actual positive impacts
Infectious diseases affecting employees and contractors due to exposure to pathogens. This impact is limited in scope and low in intensity, as we have effective internal controls, formalized policies and procedures, and performance indicators in place.	Ensuring fair working conditions and protecting workers’ rights through collective bargaining agreements.	Ergonomic issues caused by repetitive tasks and inadequate posture during the maintenance and operation of equipment. This impact is limited in scope and low in intensity, as we have effective internal controls in place.
		Health impacts on employees, with leave taken due to work-related physical and psychological illnesses. This impact is broad in scope and of medium intensity.
	Preventing employee illnesses through campaigns and educational initiatives.	Respiratory and skin issues in employees and contractors caused by exposure to hazardous chemical substances. This impact is limited in scope and of medium intensity, with internal control mechanisms in place.
		Serious workplace injuries caused, for example, by operating heavy machinery, working at heights, or in confined spaces. This impact is limited in scope and of medium intensity.