ASSESSMENT OF SAFETY AND HEALTH CONDITIONS ASSOCIATED WITH MORTUARY OPERATION IN IBADAN METROPOLIS, OYO STATE

Abstract

Workers in the mortuary, like in other departments of the health facilities face hazards and risks, most of which are occupational-related infections, injuries and deaths. Health-care workers suffer needle-stick injuries frequently and other conditions that could predispose Mortuary workers to hazards include poor waste management and hygiene practices, symptoms of musculoskeletal disorder and presence of bacterial and fungi on inanimate surface in the mortuary. This study therefore, aimed at assessing safety and health conditions associated with mortuary workers.

A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among public and private mortuary workers in Ibadan metropolis, using total sampling method. Data was collected using structured questionnaire. The questionnaire was used to collect data on socio-demographic characteristics, level of awareness on health issues, exposure to chemical hazards, knowledge and practice of personal protective equipment use and symptoms of musculoskeletal disorders and prevalence of injuries among respondent.

The respondents’ age was 38.6 ± 12.1 years and mostly male (85.5%). They are permanent staff (63.8%) and had no prior mortuary- related training (68.1%). One third (33.3%) and 44.9% of the respondents had hepatitis and tetanus vaccination respectively. Respondents (81.2%) were highly aware of health issues relating to their work while one third had good knowledge of diseases that can be contracted from their work place. Among respondents exposed to body fluid or blood splash on open cut and eye, 33.3% and 45% had been vaccinated against hepatitis. As a results of chemical exposure, 85.5% and 53.6% had experienced eye irritation and breathing difficult respectively while 14.5 and 10.1 had also experienced hyposmia and nose bleeding. Respondents (81.2%) had a good knowledge of PPE and its use while only 44.9% had good PPE usage practice. Respondents (81.2%) feel pain after each day’s work while two thirds feel pain in their back region compared to other parts. Repetitive movements, awkward positions and carrying of loads heavier than 20 kg were statistically significant with pains felt after each day’s work. Respondents (73.9%) had been injured from their work routine. The most causes of injury reported were burns from chemical splash and needle stick injury. Mortuary workers (58.8%) had experienced injury more than three times in the last six months. Therefore, trainings and workshops should be organised for Mortuary workers on health and safety conditions associated with their routine work, so as to reduce the hazards.