Occupational exposure to sharp instrument injuries in a federal hospital

Abstract

Introduction: Occupational exposure to potentially contaminated sharp instruments can result in the transmission of several pathogens and diseases. It is therefore necessary to investigate the factors that lead to these events and the interventions that can be used to address them.

Objectives: To assess and describe the frequency of occupational exposure to sharps injury among employees of the Instituto Nacional de Câncer José Alencar Gomes da Silva in 2017 and 2018.

Methods: This was a cross-sectional, exploratory and descriptive study based on the records of occupational accidents involving exposure to biological materials and the reports made to the Institute's Occupational Health Division.

Results: A total of 108 incidents were reported, 87 of which involved sharp instruments. Most accidents occurred in the surgical ward, and involved medical staff. The findings revealed low adherence to clinical and laboratory follow-up protocols. There were several errors in data entry and high rates of missing data for important characteristics of the accidents and victims, which prevented a more thorough description of these incidents.

Conclusions: This study revealed several aspects of occupational accidents, victims and follow-up procedures, allowing for the discussion of strategies that could improve the reporting, prevention and management of these events.

Keywords: health care providers; occupational accidents; sharps injuries; workers’ health; workers’ health surveillance.