Needlestick injuries remain the major source of risk of acquiring bloodborne diseases (AIDS, hepatitis B and C). Therefore, it is a priority discussing strategies of intervention based in sources of risk. The purpose of this study was to analyze needlestick injuries occurred at a university hospital. A data base construction made possible to identify the situations in which those accidents occur and standards of tendencies along the years. The data pointed out that the majority of needlestick injuries occurred while performing or assisting procedures. The introduction of the first prevention measures (universal precautions) reduced the total number of needlestick injuries. However, changes in needlestick-injury rates related to the recapping were not observed. Authors discussed the use of different prevention strategies: introduction of safety devices, changing the training focus, and the reorganization of the work environment and work practices.