CAUSAL FACTORS IN MICROBIOLOGICAL LABORATORY ACCIDENTS AND INFECTIONS
Abstract
This research was conducted to uncover causal factors of accidental infections and injuries in microbiological laboratories. Less than 20 per cent of the infections were caused by recognized and recorded accidents. As many as 80 per cent of the infections were caused by unsafe acts that occurred without realization or recognition. These are described as 'micro-mistakes' resulting in the release of undetected amounts of pathogens to the workers' environment. More than three-quarters of the injuries were caused by unsafe acts. Unsafe conditions caused 10 per cent of the accidents. Dried cultures, infected eggs, and aerosolized cultures were the most hazardous forms of infectious microorganisms. Younger workers and those with less technical training experienced more accidents than older workers or those with more training. Interviews with accident-involved and accident-free persons provided insight into the role of human factors. Accident involved persons tended to lack accident perception ability and to be inflexible in their work habits. They also were inclined toward excessive risk taking, working at excessive speeds, and intentional violation of regulations. Accident free workers were more conservative in evaluating safety and seemed able to develop defensive work habits.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 1965
- Accession Number
- AD0615012
Entities
People
- G. B. Phillips
Organizations
- United States Army Biological Warfare Laboratories