Introduction

To identify the occupational hazards of nursing professionals at Materials and Sterilization Centers (MSC).

Materials and Methods

An exploratory, quantitative study conducted in 77 nursing professionals from MSCs of two public hospitals from November to December 2015. A semi-structured template was used to characterize the sample, besides a piece of advertisement on health-related risks used by the European Trade Union Institute (ETUI), which is validated and disclosed by the institution. The data was analyzed using the Windows “Excel” software and the results were graphically displayed. During the time of research, the provisions of Resolution 466/12 were respected after being approved by the Ethics Committee in Research (CEP, for its acronym in Portuguese) in the CAEE No. 50772015.6.0000.5183.

Results

With regards to the ergonomic risks observed, awkward postures prevailed when performing activities in 64 (90%); in relation to the physical risks, very loud or perturbing noises prevailed in work performance in 66 (93%) and inappropriate temperature in 60 (85%); with respect to the chemical risks, gases and aerosols were evidenced in 46 (65%); and among the biological risks, 67 (95%) were vulnerable to infections.

Discussion and Conclusions

It is possible to conclude that occupational hazards are present at the Sterilization and Material Centers in both hospitals and it is evident the need for the nursing professionals to be aware of the existent risks, with the aim of ensuring worker safety and health in their work.

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