OCCUPATIONAL ACCIDENT DUE TO COVID-19 INFECTION IN HEALTH AND SOCIAL-HEALTH WORKERS IN THE FIFTH SANITARY AREA OF ASTURIAS

ABSTRACT

Introduction: In Spain, COVID-19 infection in the health and socialhealth workers is considered as an occupational accident (OA) if the Occupational Risk Prevention Services (ORPS) certificate it.The aim of our study was to verify it in our area and to correct deficiencies. Material and Method: Descriptive study from May 28, 2020 to January 27, 2021.The health Inspection Unit of our area required OA certificate to the ORPS, and the assessment by the National Institute of Social Security (NISS) when the private insurance fund denied OA. Results: Total of 204 cases (55.4% healthcare workers, 52.5% from public centres (33.3% in our area). ORPS OA certificate 61.8%. NISS recognised OA 41.2%. OA recognition was greater in socio-health and private workers than in sanitary and public workers.The medical inspection Unit intervention partially improve the results. Conclusions: Despite complying with legal requirements there were no OA recognition in all cases of COVID-19 infection in these workers. The medical inspection Unit was not guarantor enough.