Accidents with biological material: factors associated with the non-use of personal protective equipment in Southern Brazil

Abstract

Personal protective equipment (PPE) should be adopted by all professional groups exposed to risks of contact with biological material. The aim is to analyze factors associated with the non-use of PPE by workers affected by occupational accidents with biological material. A quantitative, cross-sectional study was conducted to analyze notification forms of occupational accidents with biological material in municipalities in southern Brazil, from 2014 to 2019. Adjusted and unadjusted data analysis was performed and, subsequently, hierarchical analysis was used, and associations between independent variables and the outcome were established. The frequency of non-use of PPE over the years was 76.5%. At the end of the hierarchical analysis, the factors associated with the non-use of PPE were: years of accident occurrence, formal work status, recapping of materials, venous/arterial puncture, medication administration, inadequate disposal of materials, use of materials such as blades and lancets, and exposure of intact and non-intact skin. The factors analyzed showed a significant association with the non-use of PPE and work accidents with biological material, and highlight the importance of intervention strategies based on the reality experienced in each work environment.

Key words:
Occupational accidents; Biohazard material; Personal protective equipment; Occupational health