Occupational accidents with biohazards: the perception of the injured worker

Abstract

This qualitative research aims at identifying the perception of health care workers of different categories from a specialized institution in emergency health service in the city of Goiânia regarding the context involving biohazard accidents. Firstly, 382 workers were given a questionnaire in order to identify those who had experienced an accident, 39 of which also took part in an interview addressing the general aspects of the accidents. Among the main accident causes to be highlighted are: unattention, non-adherence to preventive measures, patient's severity and hurry. Among the experienced feelings the main ones are: inconfidence, fear of contamination, rage, and even calmness. Half reported no consequence resulted from the accident. Data points to the need of self-worth concerning the worker's health and also of programs aiming at occupational safety enhancement.