Occupational health hazards among mortuary attendants at ndola teaching and arthur davison children’s hospitals

Abstract

Background: Just like employees from other occupations, Mortuary attendants are exposed to various hazards that may put their health at risk as they perform their duties. Objectives: The study was aimed at identifying occupational health hazards that mortuary attendants face at Ndola Teaching and Arthur Davison Children's Hospital mortuaries and to establish the infection control mechanisms in place. Methods: A descriptive crosssectional study was done among all (12) mortuary attendants at the two facilities. Data was collected through questionnaire interviews and by observation. Then entered and analysed using descriptive statistics by SPSS Statistics version 20 software, and presented using tables and graphs. Ethical approval was obtained from the Tropical Disease Research Centre at Ndola Teaching Hospital. Results: 100% experienced frequent exposure to solvents, detergents and fixatives, 54.5% of which was frequent formalin exposure. 18.2% and 27.3% frequently experienced needle pricks and contact with cadaver fluids respectively. 36% had contact with verminous/infectious bodies once.100%, affirmed the existence of some form of control mechanisms but confirmed not receiving any vaccination, 45.5% said Personal Protective Equipment was only provided sometimes and they were forced to work even without PPE, 100% reported absence of Standard Operating Procedures and Manuals but indicated presence of reporting mechanisms in case of hazard exposure. Conclusions: Occupational health hazards are common in public mortuaries in Ndola and experiencing these hazards impacts on the worker's health and well-being, affecting their work performance and quality of services offered. The findings of this project will hopefully help develop plans to promote health and safety.

Workplace hazards in forensic mortuaries in Saudi Arabia: A survey of forensic mortuary personnel

“…Half (50%) of the present study participants were vaccinated against HBV when compared to no forensic mortuary staff being vaccinated against HBV in the Ndola study conducted in Zambia. 14 However, the percentage of forensic mortuary staff vaccinated against HBV in the present study is lower than that reported in a Chinese study where more than two thirds of staff were immunised. 19 These findings show variations in universal precautions being followed in different countries.…”

“…9 Many factors play a major role in compliance with using PPE, including PPE availability at the workplace. 14 The UK Royal College of Pathologists recommends using standard protective clothing for all forensic autopsies. 16 The present study revealed that not all workplaces always provided PPE and not all forensic mortuary personnel always used PPE.…”

“…9 In Ndola, Zambia, the prevalence was only 18.2%. 14 These incidents could result from improper training and handling of sharp objects in the forensic mortuary. Therefore, safe sharp practices should be followed to reduce injury and its consequences.…”

“…A literature review was performed to identify existing relevant surveys, and accordingly, we used these previous studies to assist in developing our questionnaire. 9,14 Three academicians in forensic medicine reviewed the questionnaire for content validity. Further, their comments and suggestions were discussed among the authors and considered in the development of the final version of the questionnaire.…”

Work Conditions of the Mortuary Attendant in Ghana: A Qualitative Study

“…9,10 Despite their crucial role in the healthcare system coupled with the many health hazards they are exposed to in their line of duty, mortuary workers in developing countries are often overlooked in studies on health and safety among health workers. 5,7 Also, people work for various incentives including financial rewards, which are necessary to increase productivity; 11 however, mortuary attendants in some developing countries are sometimes recruited and paid meagre salaries from internally generated funds of their facilities. 12 In Ghana, it has been noted that the lack of formal training and education makes it difficult if not impossible for mortuary attendants to seek career progression and promotion.…”