Occupational Accidents Experienced by Pathology Laboratory Employees in Türkiye

Pathology laboratory professionals are frequently exposed to diverse occupational hazards including chemical and physical risks. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of occupational accidents and identify determinants influencing their occurrence in pathology laboratories. A structured, self-reported online survey was administered to 486 laboratory personnel—comprising consultant pathologists, residents, and laboratory technicians—working in secondary and tertiary care centers across Türkiye. Of the 486 participants, 364 (74.9%) reported having experienced at least one occupational incident. However, fewer than half of these incidents were recognized as occupational accidents (p < 0.001) and only 27.5% were officially reported. The pathologists had a significantly higher accident rate (78.6%) than assistant health personnels (69.9%) (p = 0.029). Multivariate analysis revealed that the odds of experiencing an accident were 1.73 times higher among pathologists compared to allied health personnel (p = 0.029). Furthermore, the risk of occupational accidents was inversely correlated with professional tenure. It has been determined that all laboratory workers, especially pathologists, are at risk of occupational accidents. Clear definitions of occupational accidents and increased awareness of preventive strategies are essential. The education of laboratory staff on safety protocols should be prioritized and the importance of timely reporting to occupational health and safety units should be emphasized in interventions.