The silent normalization of biological exposures in operating rooms: an overlooked occupational crisis

Operating room personnel are exposed to biological hazards such as needlestick injuries and blood and body fluid exposure, which pose risks of bloodborne infections. However, many of these incidents remain unreported. Underreporting is driven by normalization of exposure, fear of blame, workload, and limited knowledge of reporting procedures. This leads to underestimation of occupational risk and weakens prevention strategies. Improving reporting systems, education, and institutional support is essential to enhance occupational safety in perioperative settings.