Introduction
Mortuary transport plays a pivotal role in the funeral industry. It’s the bridge that connects the family’s loss with the final resting place. However, a concerning issue is emerging within this essential service – a lack of training. This deficit not only affects the quality of service but has far-reaching implications for the funeral industry, community, and more directly, the grieving families. In this blog post, we will discuss how this lack of training manifests and what needs to be done to address it.
Lack of Training: A Multifaceted Problem
The issues arising from inadequate training in mortuary transport are varied. From a lack of knowledge on how to handle the deceased respectfully, to not understanding the health and safety procedures, and even the basics like professional attire and interaction with grieving families.
Health and Safety Risks
The exposure to bloodborne pathogens and chemicals like formaldehyde, which is prevalent in the funeral industry, mandates rigorous training. Not knowing or understanding the risks or the importance of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) can have serious health implications for the transporters. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has guidelines, but without proper training, these may not be adequately followed.
Moreover, the physical act of lifting and moving bodies is another area where a lack of training can lead to severe injury. Correct lifting techniques are essential to avoid muscle strain or more serious musculoskeletal injuries. Typically, two people should work together to move a body, using their leg muscles to lift rather than their backs. Proper equipment like body boards and stretchers should be utilized to assist in moving heavier weights. However, without training and clear instruction, mortuary transporters may not employ these best practices consistently, leading to preventable workplace injuries.
These risks aren’t just confined to the transporter. Improper handling techniques and a lack of hygiene procedures can potentially lead to the further spread of infectious diseases, impacting community health.
Emphasizing proper training and adherence to safety guidelines is not just a matter of individual health. It’s about ensuring the safety and well-being of all those connected with the process, from the professionals involved to the bereaved families and wider community. As such, the need for comprehensive training within this industry cannot be overstated.
Lastly, there are concerns about the inconsistent provision of PPE to mortuary transporters by funeral homes. As frontline workers in this industry, transporters should be provided with the necessary PPE, as recommended by OSHA, to perform their duties safely. Some industry professionals argue that unions could play a vital role in ensuring this provision, along with pushing for better training and safer working conditions. These steps would not only benefit the transporters but also have a broader positive impact on the funeral industry and the communities they serve.
Interacting with Grieving Families
One of the most sensitive aspects of mortuary transport is interacting with grieving families. These interactions need empathy, professionalism, and sometimes, just the right words. Without proper training, transporters might unintentionally say or do something that could add to the family’s pain.
Professional Appearance
Even something as seemingly simple as attire is of vital importance in the mortuary transport industry. Wearing a suit and tie goes beyond mere aesthetics; it’s an outward demonstration of respect for the deceased and their family. It signals the gravity and solemnity of the occasion, and moreover, it fosters trust. When a mortuary transporter presents themselves professionally, it reassures the family that the transporter is competent and knows how to perform their duties with care and respect.
Impact on Families
Families entrust mortuary transporters with their loved ones during a deeply emotional and vulnerable time. Inadequate training can lead to mistakes or insensitivities that compound the grief of families. It can disrupt the process of mourning and closure, leaving families with a negative experience during an already difficult time. This is the most immediate and poignant impact of the lack of professional training in the field.
Negative Impact on Funeral Industry and Community
This lack of training can tarnish the image of the entire funeral industry. When families have a bad experience with a mortuary transporter, they associate that experience with the funeral home as well. This can lead to loss of reputation and trust within the community.
The Solution
To counter the prevailing issues, it is essential that mortuary transporters receive comprehensive training. This training should include both technical aspects, such as compliance with OSHA guidelines, the proper use of PPE, and correct lifting techniques, as well as the development of soft skills like empathetic communication and appropriate interaction with grieving families.
It is imperative that funeral homes and mortuary transport companies take a leading role in ensuring that this training is not only available, but also mandatory. Industry associations could further support this initiative by offering certifications and continuing education opportunities.
Unions could play a pivotal role in ensuring the welfare of mortuary transporters. By representing the interests of these workers, unions can advocate for fair wages, reasonable working hours, and the enforcement of training programs. Through collective bargaining, they can help establish a standard of practice that is adhered to across the industry. This not only safeguards the rights and safety of the transporters but also serves to uplift the overall standard of service provided, consequently benefiting families during their time of loss.
Conclusion
The importance of training in mortuary transport cannot be overstated. It is not just about following procedures; it’s about providing a service that respects the deceased, supports the grieving families, and serves the community with integrity. By investing in training, the funeral industry invests in its own future and the community it serves. Through well-trained, empathetic, and professional transporters, the industry can ensure that they are part of a healing process and not an added strain.
For access to OSHA training and a comprehensive mortuary transport resource guide in both Spanish and English, download the MortuaryTransporter app.
