The implementation of Regulatory Standard 32 and the occupational accidents control

Introduction
The Regulatory Standard 32 (NR-32), created in 2005, is the first occupational health and safety standard of the health sector in Brazil. This study aimed to investigate the implementation process of a university hospital to follow safety and health worker’s measures required by the NR-32, correlating it to work-related accidents involving exposure to biological material occurred in the hospital.

Methods
An exploratory study using a qualitative and quantitative approach. During the period of 2007 to 2009 we conducted a work-related accidents survey and a documental data collection by the Environmental Risk Prevention Program and Control Program and the Occupational Safety Board coordinator were interviewed. The accidents data were electronically processed and analyzed using Microsoft Excel Program. The interviews were transcribed and categorized as “advances” and “challenges” in law enforcement.

Results
The work-related accidents showed a decrease over the period in which various NR-32 standards were being adopted, such as continuous training of workers and changes in the workplaces. The accidents involving percutaneous exposure were the most prevalent among health workers during the study period (79,8%). Throughout the hospital departments, we found that safety devices required by NR-32 are still not being fully implemented. According to the Occupational Safety Board coordinator, the health workers adoption of standard precautions is considered the biggest challenge. 

Discussion
This study indicate that strategies to prevent occupational accidents involving biological material should include collaboration between managers, security services and workers, aiming to improve job conditions, especially directed at work organization and supply of materials with safety devices.