title: [Study of work accidents related to human body fluids exposure among health workers at a university hospital].
abstract: This descriptive and exploratory study from a quantitative approach aimed to characterize workers who were victims of work accidents related to human body fluids exposure and to evaluate the accident victim care protocol. The population consisted of 48 workers who were victims of work accidents involving exposure to human body fluids, from July 2000 to June 2001. Data were collected through a form and interviews. Results showed that nursing workers presented higher accident risk levels and that 87.50% involved piercing and cutting material, such as needles and butterflies (70%). As to the accident-related situation/activity, the workers indicated that 25% were due to an "inadequate act during the procedure"; 19.64% mentioned that "it happened" and 29.17% answered that they did not have any suggestion. This study provided important tools to review and elaborate strategies to prevent accidents involving exposure to human body fluids.
authors.affiliation: Hospital Universitário, Universidade de São Paulo.
authors.forename: Ana Cristina
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Balsamo
authors.forename: Vanda Elisa Andres
authors.initials: VE
authors.lastname: Felli
mesh_terms: D000062:Accidents, Occupational / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D001938:Brazil / Q000453:epidemiology; D002391:Catchment Area, Health; D005122:Exudates and Transudates; D006282:Health Personnel; D006785:Hospitals, University; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*