Safety during tough tasks
Workers in the funeral industry are often at risk of injuries linked to high levels of manual handling and lifting required by their job. As obesity increases in the population, they are faced with moving larger individuals who sometimes require specialist equipment. And well as carrying heavy loads, they frequently have to navigate challenging spaces such as small rooms which limit movement, and narrow flights of stairs.
To help protect them from injury, advice has been shared by the National Society of Allied and Independent Funeral Directors (SAIF). The two-part guide, published in the organisation’s member magazine SAIFInsight, includes guidance on safer manual handling techniques and potential hazards to be aware of.
It also highlights the employer’s responsibility to reduce the risk to workers. Author Simon Bloxham, from Safety for Business, said: “Manual handling is such an inherent part of working in a funeral home and can cause injury so easily.”
