Work accidents with sharp materials in a multi-professional team in an emergency unit - doi: 10.4025/cienccuidsaude.v9i2.8537

Abstract

The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of accidents with sharp-edged materials among the health workers of an emergency unit in public hospital in Belo Horizonte. We were also interested in identifying the type of involved materials, the predisposal conditions, under-notification rates, and the main factors involved. The data were collected using a structured questionnaire applied to 144 health workers, in December 2006. Ninety-six accidents occurred, and the highest prevalence was among the clinicians group. The lack of attention was identified as the main predisposal factor (56.2%). Needles were involved in most of the accidents (82.0%). The under-notification rate of accidents was 68.3%, mostly related to low risk of contamination (36.5%). Results suggest further thoughts on professional practice and protection of occupational health aiming at the reduction of risk of accidents with sharp-edged materials among professionals of emergency units, providing incentives for an accurate report of accidents.