Abstract
Objective: To verify through a literature review the occupational risks due to negligence and the difficulties in the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) by health professionals and students, as well as to briefly describe their understanding and real use in Brazil. Methods: Integrative Literature Review, whose articles were searched in the SCIELO, MEDLINE and LILACS databases. Results: It was concluded that the neglect of biosafety rules in health care places prevails, mainly due to factors such as the lack of understanding of the importance of PPE, the scarcity of financial resources and the simple convenience, associated with disinterest and self confidence. High numbers of accidents with exposure to biological materials, sharps and the possibility of cross infections related to this bad practice are evidenced. Continuing awareness programs on the use of PPE for health professionals and students should be carried out. Final considerations: It was observed in the literature articles a significant negligence of professionals regarding the use of PPE for factors such as the lack of knowledge and training, the lack of necessary resources, the comfort generated by the self-confidence of routine procedures and even disinterest.