Code of practice for funeral workers: managing infection risk and body bagging.
There is substantial variation in the advice given to funeral workers on handling bodies with infection risk. Inconsistent advice results in inappropriate practice. A model code of practice is presented that uses risk assessment in response to statutory and executive responsibilities to provide health and safety advice to funeral workers. The code of practice should increase compliance with safety requirements, avoid unnecessary bagging and allow bereaved families freer access to the deceased.
Birmingham Health Authority, St. Chads Court, 213 Hagley Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham. surinder.bakhshi@hq.birminghamha.wmids.uk
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D001424:Bacterial Infections / Q000517:prevention & control; D017848:Blood-Borne Pathogens; D019983:Guideline Adherence; D017408:Guidelines as Topic; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D017053:Infection Control / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards*; D009027:Mortuary Practice; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control*; D015397:Program Evaluation; D018570:Risk Assessment; D006113:United Kingdom; D014777:Virus Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control; D000078329:Workforce