Occupational Health Hazards Facing Mortuary Attendants

The mortuary is the most neglected and ignored place in almost all the hospitals. It is not having even basic facilities for the departed souls, public and officials working there. The risk of working in a mortuary is enormous; Cadavers pose the risk of infection like tuberculosis, HIV, Hepatitis B and C viruses to mortuary attendants. High risk of psychological stress among mortuary attendants, leading or contributing manifestations such as alcoholism and substance abuse is present. It is suggested that the staff should be educated on the risks involved in their work and on the preventive measures they could employ to minimize them. Measures like stress management, vaccination, improved mortuary hygiene and use of personal protective equipment (PPE) need to be instituted as a matter of urgency.