Profile of healthcare workers involved in accidents with exposure to biological materials in Brazil from 2011 through 2015: surveillance aspects.
Background
Accidents involving biological materials among healthcare providers represent a significant public health problem since they increase the risk of acquisition of viral infections considered to be risk factors for cancer.


Objective
To describe the profile of workplace accidents involving biological materials for healthcare providers.


Method
The profile of accidents for the period from 2011 to 2015 was described based on several sociodemographic, occupational and health variables. Specific incidence rates were stratified in three levels to categorize the Brazilian municipalities as a function of the frequency of events.


Results
Victims were mainly female, nursing technicians and assistants, events mostly occurred during surgical procedures or intravenous medication administration, however, underreporting cannot be ruled out.


Conclusion
The results point to the need for preventive programs to ensure the physical integrity of healthcare professionals, including continuous training, discussion and participation of the involved parties to achieve a positive impact.
['de Souza|Helen Paredes|HP|', 'Otero|Ubirani Barros|UB|', 'da Silva|Valéria Dos Santos Pinto|VDSP|']
accidents, occupational biocompatible materials surveillance of the workers health