Update on health and safety audit of New Zealand's mortuaries

Thursday 17 September 1998

The Occupational Safety & Health Service of the Department of Labour (OSH) today released an update on progress since its report on safety and health standards in New Zealand mortuaries, released over three months ago.

OSH has also become aware of a further four institutions which carry out autopsies, Masterton, Whangarei, Nelson and North Shore hospitals, and have audited accordingly.

Two of these institutions, Nelson and Masterton are of a standard to carry out basic autopsies safely albeit with minor modifications. A third institution, North Shore Hospital, required some minor housekeeping changes but was basically acceptable. Whangarei hospital has had a preliminary audit which suggested some improvements may be required but will be formally audited in the near future.

Of those institutions that did not pass the audit several, Wanganui, New Plymouth have committed themselves to upgrading their facilities. Other institutions (e.g. Tauranga, Hamilton) have improved work place practices but OSH understands are coming to a decision as to whether to persist offering this service. These decisions are expected shortly. Auckland Medical School has made considerable improvements in work practices and the use of personal protection. OSH is expecting a decision shortly as to the chosen solution to Auckland’s mortuary needs in the future.