Occupational accidents: an analysis of the Brazilian scientific production in health

Abstract

This study intends to evaluate, through bibliographical research, the scientific production from 1994 to 2005, on health workers' occupational accidents, and especially workers in the pre-hospital service. Twenty-eight papers were selected from eight journals, mainly from the southeast area (75%). The principal aspects studied were: epidemiological (42%), knowledge on risks and occupational diseases (25%), under-notification of accidents (12%), and prevention and promotion of health (12%). Of the studies referred to, 74% were about nursing workers, 22.5% the multi-professional team, and 3.5% students. 100% of the studies were carried out in hospitals. Most of the accidents were related to the handling of sharp objects (42%). In spite of the activities involved, none of the studies evaluated the occupational accidents among workers of the pre-hospital service, although they are also part of the emergency service.