Nalu Vasconcelos
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Q1
Level I
Amazon (148 suppliers): √148 = 13 farms
Caatinga (12 suppliers (<16unid!): 20% of 12 = 3 farms
Cerrado (731 suppliers): √731 = 28 farms
So, the total number of farms to be audited is 44.
If there are based on a higher risk area, due to deforestation and social issues in the Amazon and Cerrado, and the soil degradation and desertification risks and social issues in the Caatinga this number can be increased.
Level II
The Ports were divided in groups (Table 2 in Appendix 2 of ProTerra Certification Protocol 4.0):
A: 2 ports are located within 200km distance,
The number of samples: 2*20%(rounding upwards)+1(Port Authority)=2
B:long distance and non-centralized manager organization
The number of samples: 1(ports)+1(management organization)=2
Total of Level II : 2+2+1(security company)+1(Cleaning company)=6
Level III
1 subcontractor
Q2
The first audit must be conducted at the Economic Operator (EO). This includes verifying core suppliers not included in the sampling, by reviewing internal audit programs, contracts, terms and conditions, and the requirements outlined in Sections 6.2.5 and 6.2.6 of the Audit Protocol. Next, the Level I and Level II suppliers selected in the sampling must be audited. These audits must be completed within 60 days after the EO audit.
The Corrective Action Plan (CAP) for non-core suppliers must be submitted within 30 days after the last verification audit of the core suppliers. At least 80% of non-core suppliers must be covered. Its importante to high light that non-conformities identified in core suppliers must be submitted and verified within a maximum of 6 months from the last core supplier verification audit.
Q3
The verification process will include different core suppliers from the various defined groups, ensuring proper representation across regions or operational categories.
Q4
Only one ProTerra certificate will be issued for the Economic Operator. This certificate will include: details of the certified organization (EO); core suppliers that were verified during the audit cycle.As an auditor, when assessing an organization’s compliance with Principle 4 of the ProTerra Standard — which focuses on ensuring safe and healthy working conditions — I would take a hands-on and practical approach. This means reviewing relevant documents, observing the actual working environment, and having open conversations with workers.
CORE Indicators and Acceptable Evidence
4.1.1 CORE – Occupational Health and Safety Management System
check: Existence of formal health and safety policies and procedures.
evidence: Safety manuals, inspection records, action plans, designation of responsible personnel.
4.1.2 CORE – Risk Assessment
check: Up-to-date risk assessments for all activities.
Evidence: Risk assessment reports, risk maps, mitigation records.
4.1.3 CORE – Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
check: Availability, suitability, mandatory use, and replacement of PPE.
evidence: PPE inventory, distribution records, field observation of PPE use, worker interviews.
4.1.4 CORE – Health and Safety Training
What to check: Regular and effective safety training for workers.
Evidence: Training records, attendance lists, training materials, interviews.
4.1.5 CORE – First Aid and Medical Care
What to check: Access to first aid and medical services.
Evidence: First aid kits, trained personnel, contracts with local clinics.
4.1.6 CORE – Sanitary and Rest Facilities
check: Adequate hygiene, rest, and meal facilities.
Evidence: Physical inspection of facilities, worker interviews, maintenance logs.
4.1.7 CORE – Accident and Incident Reporting
check: Systems for recording and analyzing accidents and near misses.
Evidence: Accident logs, investigation reports, corrective actions.
4.1.8 CORE – Worker Participation
check: Worker involvement in health and safety management.
Evidence: Meeting minutes, safety committees, interviews with worker representatives.My name is Nalu Vasconcelos, and I’m joining this course as an auditor with SCS Global Services. I’m an agronomist with a Master’s and PhD in Soil Biology, and I have extensive field experience across Brazil (Cerrado and some natural areas).
For over five years, I’ve worked with greenhouse gas and carbon inventories, which has deepened my engagement with sustainability and climate-related topics. I’m excited to learn from all of you and to share experiences throughout this course. avasconcelos@scsglobalservices.com
