Occupational patterns and risks of occupational accidents with biological material: A cross-sectional study, Brazil,...

To characterize the profile of occupational accidents involving biological material in Brazil and identify patterns associated with these events.

This study employed a cross-sectional design using secondary data from occupational accidents registered in the Notifiable Health Conditions Information System (SINAN) between 2015 and 2019. Absolute and relative frequencies were used to describe demographic variables, working conditions, and types of exposure. Multiple correspondence and hierarchical clustering analyses were employed, using values of the v-test to evaluate associations between categories and groupings.

Between 2015 and 2019, Brazil reported 69,663 cases of occupational accidents involving exposure to biological materials. Nursing professionals accounted for 70.9% of the reported cases, with a predominance of women (82.0%) and workers in the 30-39 years age group (36.7%). Most accidents occurred in the Southeast (46.0%) and involved percutaneous exposure (88.3%), with needles being the main causative agent (92.1%). Significant differences were identified between the three occupational groups. Group 1 (cleaning workers) had a low education level, male predominance, high percutaneous exposure, and low vaccination rates against hepatitis B. Group 2 (nursing) stood out for its high vaccination rates, female predominance, and accidents related to medication administration. Group 3 (dentistry/medicine) had higher education, a predominance of young people, and accidents involving glass and blades, as well as mucosal exposure, with a high usage rate of personal protective equipment.

Three patterns of occupational accidents with exposure to biological material were identified in Brazil, differentiated by occupation, education level, vaccination profile, and type of exposure.