Abstract
Objective: To review the current scientific literature on occupational accidents involving biological material,
resulting from negligence in the use of personal protective equipment, associated with its risks and
socioeconomic implications. Methods: This is a bibliographic review, based on scientific articles published in
the last five years (2016-2020), only in Portuguese. The following databases were used: VHL, SciELO, LILACS
and PubMed / MEDLINE. Results: 38 articles were selected, of which 21 were read in full and used in this
study. The analysis made possible the perception that factors such as age and gender are associated with the
occurrence of accidents with biological materials, which pose a risk to the health of the worker because they
are vectors of contagious diseases, as well as causing a direct impact on the economy, mainly in the scope of
social security. Final considerations: The exposure of professionals to biological materials, through
accidents, contaminated surgical wounds or manipulation of patients with infectious diseases, can be avoided with the proper use of personal protective equipment, which constitutes an effective barrier against possible occurrences that may compromise the health of the professional.