RESUMO Estudo não experimental, descritivo qualitativo, que objetivou identificar os riscos ambientais que possam comprometer a saúde ou representar risco de acidentes no trabalho em matadouros. Foi baseado na análise dos processos de trabalho e dos aspectos físico-ambientais da sala de abate de um matadouro de bovinos. Utilizou-se um instrumento de coleta de informações baseado nas legislações, considerando biossegurança. Encontraram-se locais úmidos, ruídos excessivos, alternância de temperaturas e o trabalho determinado pelo número de animais abatidos; que geram problemas de caráter físico e psíquico, destacando-se cortes, lesões por esforços repetitivos, estresse e contaminação por patógenos.

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Objective To discuss the risks related to the possibilities of accidents and contamination in autopsy rooms, especially the biological risk.Methods This is an exploratory study. The databases Lilacs, MEDLINE and SciELO virtual library were searched; from 2000 until 2017; from the following inclusion criteria: articles available in full, in Portuguese, English and Spanish languages; and those that portrayed the central theme of the article.Results 53 articles were analyzed, to following the sub-themes: chemical, ergonomic, biological and accident agents; exposure to radioactive materials; electrical and electronic equipment.Conclusions The death cause is essential for epidemiological surveillance. The prevalence of diseases in the population poses risk to autopsy room professionals. Often these diseases are not detected before death; can coexist with other conditions and be ignored; or don’t have morphological evidence at autopsy. M.tuberculosis, hepatitis virus, HIV and prions were the main pathogens identified. They can be transmitted by blood and aerosols; but there are other risks such as sharps, chemicals and radioactive materials.