Objective:
This study analyzed the occurrence, characteristics and consequences of occupational accidents involving exposure to biological material for workers and the institution.
Methods:
This exploratory study using quantitative analysis of data was performed in a hospital that is a member of the Occupational Accidents Prevention Network, São Paulo, Brazil. Data concerning accidents in 2010 were collected from the database of the hospital's Safety and Occupational Medicine Department. Interviews were conducted with injured workers (n = 77) and their immediate supervisors (n = 30).
Results:
The results showed that 77 workers were victims of accidents, 55 (71.4%) of which participated in the study, most were women (94.6%) and nursing auxiliaries (67.8%). Among the respondents, 30.4% of the workers were injured while performing venipuncture.
Conclusion:
For 67.9% of the workers, the accident caused preoccupation, fear, discomfort due to prophylaxis, lack of emotional control, and family problems. A total of 93.3% of the 30 supervisors identified absenteeism as a consequence.
Nursing; Occupational health; Accidents, occupational; Exposure to Biological Agents