Health and safety standards in New Zealand mortuaries.
OBJECTIVE
To establish the degree of compliance with health and safety standards in New Zealand mortuaries.


METHODS
A mortuary audit tool was developed based mainly on British mortuary health and safety standards. This was tested and then applied to all identified mortuaries.


RESULTS
Less than 50% (seven out of 15 institutions) met the standards required to carry out "basic" autopsies. Only one institution had mortuary facilities that were deemed suitable for "high risk" procedures. Where necessary, recommendations for improvements were made.


CONCLUSIONS
New Zealand (and preferably Australasian-wide) standards need to be established and adopted for mortuaries. Some rationalisation of mortuary services so as to isolate risk (and improve quality control?) is necessary. People working in mortuaries need to adhere to stricter work practices while working in purpose-designed environments that minimise their risk.
Walls
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CB
Departmental Medical Practitioner, Occupational Safety and Health Service, Department of Labour, Wellington.
D019985:Benchmarking / Q000458:organization & administration; D006804:Ergonomics; D019983:Guideline Adherence / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D017408:Guidelines as Topic; D006801:Humans; D017053:Infection Control / Q000592:standards*; D008330:Management Audit; D009027:Mortuary Practice / Q000592:standards*; D009520:New Zealand; D016272:Occupational Health; D011786:Quality Control; D012307:Risk Factors