A municipal school cook in Praia Grande, Brazil, has been awarded R$10,000 in compensation after suffering severe burns in a workplace accident. The incident occurred when a pressure cooker exploded, causing first and second-degree burns to her face, chest, and arms.
The court ruled that the Prefeitura de Praia Grande (Praia Grande City Hall) was liable for the injuries sustained by the employee, known as a "merendeira" (school lunch worker). The judgment held the municipality responsible for failing to ensure a safe working environment.
The compensation of R$10,000 was awarded specifically for "danos morais," which translates to moral or psychological damages. This type of compensation in Brazilian law addresses the non-physical suffering, trauma, and emotional distress caused by the incident.
The case highlights the importance of workplace safety standards, particularly in public institutions like schools where kitchen staff operate industrial equipment daily. The ruling serves as a reminder of the legal obligations employers have to protect their workers from preventable hazards.