Health and Safety Issues in New Zealand ... - Business.govt.nz

Comments on Institution E
• This institution does not meet the standards required of a basic facility. The
mortuary area is perforated by a lift which traverses all floors of the building, four
of which are used by different departments. The lift acts as a giant pump to
disperse air throughout the building.
• Work practice reforms were about to be implemented at the time of the first OSH
audit. These reforms were completed shortly after but the items were included in
the improvements required by OSH. The work practices in existence had
negative implications for infection control procedures.
• The facility is totally unsuitable in its current state for high-risk cases, or as a
teaching venue for students. At the time of the audit, its “control” procedures for
ingress and egress from the autopsy suite were nonexistent.
• It is acknowledged that considerable work practice improvements have already
occurred. It is OSH’s view that the autopsy suite in its current state is completely
unsuitable and major modifications need to be undertaken. Currently risks are
controlled by the use of upgraded personal protection. If the institution does not
address engineering controls, improvement and stop notices may have to be
contemplated.
Health and Safety Issues in New Zealand Mortuaries 21