GRI GRI 3-3 Management of material topics: Health, well-being, and occupational safety

GRI 3-3 Management of material topics: Health, well-being, and occupational safety

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.

In 2025, we adopted the SPQC (Safety, Quality, Productivity and Cost) model in addressing this topic, putting safety first in all decision-making processes. The goal is to strengthen our safety culture as a key driver of Bracell’s overall organizational culture.

We maintain an Integrated Occupational Health and Safety Management System 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 Program for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC).

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.

At Bracell, safety is a core value, and cultivating a culture of prevention is key to fostering health and well-being in the workplace.

In 2025, our Northeast Paper operations achieved significant improvement in safety performance following the implementation of corporate safety policies and programs (see operational safety disclosures under GRI 403-9). 

Across our forestry operations, monthly inspections are conducted at all work fronts, with a focus on accident prevention and compliance with applicable legislation.

A Safety Standstill was also held at the Avaí (SP) and Lençóis Paulista (SP) nurseries to raise awareness about the risks of falls and sprains, which are among the most common causes of accidents in the sector.

To enhance fleet safety and protect neighboring communities, Bracell increased its investment in technology and safety systems for three-trailer road train trucks, including third-party vehicles. Each truck is now equipped with five strategically positioned cameras (front, side, cabin and fatigue monitoring), transmitting real-time footage a Monitoring Center. Artificial intelligence tools support detection of driver fatigue and distractions, contributing to a 90% reduction in unsafe driving behaviors since 2021.

In logistics, in May 2025, our Forestry and pulp transportation teams carried out awareness activities as part of Yellow May—an international campaign to reduce traffic accidents—with an emphasis on responsible driving and the importance of avoiding rushed behavior on the road. We have also deployed technology in forest fire monitoring, using drones and thermal cameras to detect and control heat sources, enabling a fast and cost-efficient response.

Bracell’s partnership with the local fire department ensures fire response teams receive specialized training in areas such as collapsed-structure search and rescue and emergency response to hazardous materials incidents. In turn, Bracell’s Fire responders share expertise in canyon navigation and vehicle extrication.

In terms of well-being initiatives, the Bracell Social Center continued to advance projects under the Well-Being pillar and to promote healthy lifestyles throughout 2025. In March 2025, Casa hosted a lecture titled “Taking Care of Yourself: Health and Well-Being for Women,” in partnership with the Municipal Health Department of Lençóis Paulista. In October, pilates classes were offered to the public as part of the program’s third scheduled session.

Additionally, Bracell provided breast and prostate cancer screening tests at no copayment under the health plans at its operating units.

During the year, we also announced the construction of a breastfeeding support room, offering appropriate facilities and privacy for milk expression and storage. The program includes a multidisciplinary team, composed of a doula, an obstetric nurse and a psychologist, ensuring continuous and comprehensive care.

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.

Safety Performance Index

In our Mill operations, Procurement department and Paper operations, safety culture performance is tracked using a Safety Performance Index (IDS). This metric reflects the weighting scores of Safety Programs, which are assessed based on employee engagement, effectiveness in implementing action plans, and the documentation of behavioral safety observations. Throughout the year, safety campaigns are carried out in operational areas and across our official communication channels, continuously reinforcing safe behaviors. In addition, the Safety Team provides ongoing support by conducting field observations, toolbox talks and training sessions across operational areas, both during regular working hours and in shift operations.