Degrading work: Definition, cause, effect, and protective measures with analysis of cases found in charcoal kilns using rudimentary methods

The present study aims to analyze degrading work by addressing the concept and its applicability in practical situations through definitions, causes, and effects. A parallel will also be drawn to differentiate degrading work from situations that encompass work considered to be in "conditions analogous to slavery." To better illustrate the degradation of work and its direct interference in workers' health, after the general analysis, we will observe the degrading work found in charcoal kilns located in Brazil that use rudimentary production methods. This is because in rudimentary charcoal kilns it is possible to find a greater number of pathologies, such as injuries, trauma, mutilations, ergonomic problems, premature aging, malnutrition, dehydration, psychological distress, burns, cancer, respiratory problems, and poisoning. Finally, an analysis will be made of the protective measures offered by the government, since degrading work was included in the Penal Code in 2003 and its definition only occurred in 2011, through Normative Instruction No. 91 of the MTE.