Evaluation of Physical Risk during Necropsy and Morgue Activities as Risk Management Strategy

Zoe Del Fante, Nicola Di Fazio, Adriano Papale, Paola Tomao, Fabio Del Duca, Paola Frati and Vittorio Fineschi
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Zoe Del Fante: Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopaedic Science, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 336, 00161 Rome, Italy
Nicola Di Fazio: Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopaedic Science, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 336, 00161 Rome, Italy
Adriano Papale: Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Epidemiology and Hygiene, Italian Workers’ Compensation Authority (INAIL), Monte Porzio Catone, 00078 Rome, Italy
Paola Tomao: Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Epidemiology and Hygiene, Italian Workers’ Compensation Authority (INAIL), Monte Porzio Catone, 00078 Rome, Italy
Fabio Del Duca: Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopaedic Science, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 336, 00161 Rome, Italy
Paola Frati: Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopaedic Science, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 336, 00161 Rome, Italy
Vittorio Fineschi: Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopaedic Science, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 336, 00161 Rome, Italy

IJERPH, 2021, vol. 18, issue 16, 1-14

Abstract: Physical risk assessments allow us to understand work-related critical issues, thus representing a useful tool in risk management strategies. In particular, our study focuses on the identification of already known and emerging physical risks related to necropsy and morgue activities, as well as crime scene investigations. The aim of our study is, therefore, to identify objective elements in order to quantify exposure to such risk factors among healthcare professionals and working personnel. For the research of potentially at-risk activities, data from the Morgue of Policlinico Umberto I Hospital in Rome were used. The scientific literature has been reviewed in order to assess the risks associated with morgue activity. Measurements were performed on previously scheduled days, in collaboration with the activities of different research units. The identified areas of risk were: microclimate; exposure to noise and vibrations; postural and biomechanical aspects of necropsy activities. The obtained results make it possible to detect interindividual variability in exposure to many of the aforementioned risk factors. In particular, the assessment of microclimate did not show significant results. On the contrary, exposure to vibrations and biomechanical aspects of load handling have shown potential risk profiles. For this reason, both profiles have been identified as possible action targets for risk management strategies.

Keywords: risk management; physical risk; autopsy (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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