Work-related accidents in hospital environment: associated factors

The hospital environment is characterized by large numbers of risks from chemical, biological, physical, psychosocial, that if strengthen to affecting the health of workers, both those of direct patient care as the support services to provide care, exposing them to favourable conditions for the occurrence of accidents at work. To analyse the factors associated with accidents at work in a hospital unit of Lisbon and Tagus Valley between 2001 and 2010. Retrospective cross-sectional longitudinal Study, for the period from January 1, 2001 to December 31, 2010. The information was obtained through registration of surveys of labour accident notification concerning anonymous 668 employees. Data collection was performed, by one of the researchers, after authorisation of the Board of Directors during the month of August 2011, on working days between the 09:00 and the 17:00 hours in the service of human resources. Over the 10 years they have been notified 668 accidents at work, with an increase in notifications of 2001 (1.3) for 2010 (13). The higher prevalence of accidents fell in nurses 45.4, in feminine gender 88.3, in age group of 18 to 29 years 40 and 54.5 with degree. On average the accidents occurred at 13.2 hours, 50 relapsed in the first three hours of work and 69.2 in the first two days. Where there was greater notification of accidents was in inpatient services 41.8, followed by the emergency service 18, theatre 9.1 and accidents in itinere 7.5. The factors more prevalent were needle prick 41.2, the fall of the worker 17.2 and excessive efforts/inappropriate movements 13.2. The tools/instruments/appliances accounted for 55.8 of accidents, the mobilization of patients by 11.1 and pavement damaged or wet by 10.5. Resulted in absolute incapacity for work 24.9. In this type of accidents, the main factors were the fall of worker 34.9, excessive efforts or inadequate movements 31.9, mobilizing patients 24.7 and blows/cut caused by object 17.5. In itinere accidents accounted for 22.9. The professional group of MAA was the most reached 63.3 and possess qualifications that are smaller than the 9 year 42.8. The sprain/distention injury was responsible for 35.5 of these accidents followed by bruises/crimps 32.5. The Pearson correlation showed a significant positive association (p 0.000) between the number of accidents with incapacity the length of service and age group, and a significant negative correlation with the educational level, the time of the accident, the day of the week, the number of hours completed by the time of the accident and the day of the accident relatively to the last day of rest. The factors associated with accidents differ depending on its severity and relate to age, length of service, time and type of activity performed. The data obtained provide subsidies to implement preventive measures in order to act on the causes and consequently minimise this labour problem