Objective  To understand the occurrence and characteristics of acute occupational poisoning accidents in Baoshan District, Shanghai.

  Methods  The data of acute occupational poisoning in Baoshan District of Shanghai from 2000 to 2021 were collected and analyzed by descriptive epidemiological method.

  Results  From 2000 to 2021, 63 events of acute occupational poisoning accidents were reported in Baoshan District, including 171 poisoning cases and 36 deaths (case fatality rate 21.05%). In general, the incidence of the accidents showed a downward trend. Involved 14 industries, these accidents caused by 26 chemicals in 7 categories, of which ammonia (18 cases, 50.00%), hydrogen sulfide (6 cases, 16.67%) and carbon monoxide (3 cases, 8.33%) were top three chemicals. And most cases were distributed in the industries of chemical raw materials and chemical products manufacturing (11 cases, 17.46%), metal products, machinery and equipment repair(10 cases, 15.87%), handling and warehousing logistics(7 cases, 11.11%). Improper use of personal protective equipment and failure to equip with effective personal protective equipment were the main causes of these accidents. The fatality rate (36.96%) of acute occupational poisoning occurred in confined space was higher than that in other places(15.20%)(P < 0.05).

  Conclusions  In recent years, the incidence of acute occupational poisoning in Baoshan District has generally shown a downward trend, but the poisoning risk still exists, among which the risk of poisoning caused by carbon monoxide and hydrogen sulfide is very high. We should continue to do well in the prevention of acute occupational poisoning and the supervision of allocation and wearing of personal protective equipment of workers, especially in confined space, to effectively protect the life, health and safety of workers.