Occupational accidents with exposure to biological material in a university hospital in Pernambuco.

INTRODUCTION

Occupational accident with biological material consists of the worker's contact with blood and/or other organic fluids during their working shift.

OBJECTIVES

To describe the epidemiological profile of occupational accidents with exposure to biological material reported in a university hospital in Pernambuco, Brazil, from 2009 to 2019.

METHODS

This is an analytical, cross-sectional, retrospective study that analyzes 134 notification forms of accidents with exposure to biological material. Bivariate analysis was performed with Fisher's exact test.

RESULTS

Women had more accidents, 83.6% (n = 112). Nursing professionals represented 45.5% (n = 61) of cases. Percutaneous exposure predominated in 70.9% (n = 95). Drug administration and inadequate disposal of sharps accounted for 62.7% (n = 84), and gloves were the most worn personal protective equipment, 62.7% (n = 84). Of those injured, 62.7% (n = 84) had been fully vaccinated against hepatitis B.

CONCLUSIONS

This study refers us to the relevance of broad and comprehensive information about worker health policies, including technical-professional foundation, labor rights, the importance of records, and prevention awareness.