Management of health care waste: perceptions of the
employees of the Veterinary Hospital of a public university
Waste of health services, management, workers, perceptions, veterinary hospital
The aspects related to environmental and health issues are closely related, this is perceived in
studying solid waste. A large share of solid waste, despite the small amount, is health care
waste (RSS) these are results from human or animal health activities. This study is a
qualitative research that aims to analyze workers' perceptions about the management of SSR
in the veterinary hospital of a public university, knowing the possible risks to the environment
and health. The study data were obtained by observations of two focus group meetings; one
group contained nine statutory workers in the career of administrative technician in education
and the other with outsourced workers. Data were analyzed after categorization by content
analysis. The results revealed different perceptions between the two groups, which may be
related to the opportunity of education, work condition and type of hiring. The different
perceptions varied from the definition of RSS, knowledge of management stages, laws
applied to the theme, understanding of health risks and environmental impacts. It revealed a
need for greater concern of the Institution with the theme, investments in measures of
protection and prevention and training of professionals.