Job-related accidents with chemical substances among nursing workers [Acidentes do trabalho com substâncias químicas entre os trabalhadores de enfermagem.]

Abstract

This study aimed at analyzing job-related accidents with chemical substances among nursing workers. The study was performed at the University of São Paulo (USP) Hospital. In order to collect data, a form was used to survey accidents occurred between 1992 and 2001. Data analysis showed that accidents notified at the USP Hospital are presented in such a way not to allow an in-depth questioning of the job-related exposition to chemical substances, given the fact that the hospital environment hosts hundreds of chemical substances that can potentially cause accidents. Although notifications are few, they are rich in terms of content for analysis, which contributes to subsidize valuable and viable prevention proposals.