Acidentes em atividade acadêmica no âmbito de uma instituição pública de ensino superior

Abstract

The relationship between work, man and education is shown as an ontological-historical category, where performing work and educating is presented as a process inherent exclusively to the human being, in an inseparable bond. Based on this thought, this research sought to address the accidents that occur with students during the development of academic activities in their professional training process at the Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais. Learning environments often involve exposing students to different types of physical, chemical, biological, ergonomic, mechanical and psychosocial risks that, when not properly observed, can result in accidents with physical, psychological or even material damage. A predominantly qualitative methodological approach was chosen with the use of some quantitative data. The investigation strategy used was a case study with students from the Faculty of Dentistry, with sequential evaluation methods through the application of a semi-structured questionnaire for students from the 5th to the 10th period and, subsequently, an in-depth interview with students who have suffered any type of academic accident identified through the previous form. The students, subjects of the research, recognized being exposed to environmental risk agents in dental clinics, and since the initial periods they already see themselves as professionals when caring for patients and performing procedures with different levels of complexity. This burden of responsibility is often accompanied by feelings such as insecurity, fear, and nervousness, due to inexperience and stress for being in a continuous process of teacher evaluation, and these are some of the identified factors that can contribute to the occurrence of accidents in academic activity. We found an emphasis in the academic approach on exposure to biological risk agents in detriment of other risk agents, mentioned superficially in the initial periods, when practices in care clinics had not yet started. There is a partial lack of knowledge on the part of the students about the procedures to be adopted in case of accidents and the importance of communicating to those responsible the occurrence of near accidents and accidents without injuries, in order to avoid their recurrence with greater severity and damage. Based on the research results and understanding that knowledge frees us, we created a Practical Guide to Health and Safety at work aimed mainly at students, with basic information to assist in the recognition and identification of environmental risks, preventive measures and procedures to be followed in case of accidents.