This is a cross-sectional descriptive and quantitative study, which aimed to investigate the occurrence of occupational accidents in adolescent workers. It was conducted from April to August 2008, with a random sample of 308 adolescents between 14 and 18 years of age. The results showed that 168 (54.5%) were workers, 42% of those claimed to have suffered typical occupational accidents; 18.5% were commuting to work when the accident occurred; 14.9% were prevented from working; 51.4% did not had a formal work contract and most were male. Cuts and perforations were the most frequent accidents (27.5%), burning was the main injury (26.9%) and parts of the body most affected were hands and fingers (40.4%). This study concluded that occupational accidents are configured as an expression of violence against young workers and a serious public health problem. This topic should be incorporated with priority on the agenda of public health services and the nurse, with the health team, may be the prime movers of this process.
Adolescent; Child Labor; Occupational Accidents; Occupational Health; Nurse
