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Coffin Manual Handling Training for Gravedigger
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Posted By Stephen Bridgehouse
Bizarre as it may seem, I am look for a training provider to undertake manual handling training for gravediggers who have to lift, carry and lower coffins.
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Posted By Glyn Atkinson
Why is this bizarre, it's a common job all over the country and there must be hundreds if not thousands of workers involved in this type of work?
That number in itself should warrant a bespoke course in manual handling, and the use of mechanical means for digging out, and lowering of loads in a work place.
Worrying aspects could be loose earth dropping back into the grave when being excavated, correct posture of the handlers, sides being propped up against collapse in dry or wet conditions - very much construction work in another format.
It may not be a job to everyone's taste, but there is scope for a proper assessment of a work process and work area.
It could also be that the grave digger is not the coffin handler, but rather it would be the funeral director's employees, or even relatives, depending on the style and religious nature of the funeral. All should be considered.
Anyone got similar thoughts?
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Posted By Chris Pope
Try the national federation of funeral directors - they have their own safety advisers
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Posted By Jeffrey Watt
Stephen
If my desk wasn't such a mess I would be able to find my guidance on infection risks for grave diggers. If I find it I will send it as it may dovetail with the other work your doing.
Jeff
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Posted By Descarte
I suppose infection risks would include anthrax?
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Posted By Descarte
and bubonic plague?, sorry for split postion.
There was a TV program on recently regarding a archaeological site and the risks associated where they could have been digging up remains of people that had been infected with thte plauge. Obviously you would never intentially do this whilst digger new ones, but churches can be quite old and records kept not any way you get what I mean. Bad day rambling now, should have kept quiet, going back in my box
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Posted By Jenny R Harris
Repetitive manual handling.... sorry to be less than serious but...
As well as being a full time safety practitioner, i am also a Town Councillor.
We have two graveyards where 'Mad' Jim the local blacksmith and his side-kick Brian dig graves for us. The biggest problem we have at the moment is a mysterious nighttime saboteur!!! Who during the hours of darkness creeps into the graveyard and fills in any graves freshly dug by mad Jim and his sidekick Brian. This has caused considerable distress on two occasions when, with vicar, family and friends in attendance the pall bearers could not lower the coffin into the grave!!!
I am not making this up.
To overcome this (as the Police could not provide CCTV!), poor Brian (Jim refused) stakes out the grave at night armed with a spade just in case, his flask and sandwiches and a bible, also just in case.
Seriously I am not making this up. We now have a lone worker issue as well as a raft of complaints to the Police by petrified local residents who report a shadowy figure lurking by night in the graveyard.
Has anyone got a risk assessment for this one... if so Readers digest may be interested in publishing it.
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Posted By Kieran J Duignan
As I've done equally 'bizarre' jobs, I should be pleased to discuss just what you need. If I can't help, I'll point you towards a suitable alternative provider. Call me on 020 8654 0808 during office hours.
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Posted By Neil Cooper
Dear Stephen
We provide manual handling training for hospital porters
which includes the handling of deceased persons. If you
consider this to be an appropriate background for helping
you with your training please contact me on
neil@coopersafety.co.uk
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Posted By Glyn Atkinson
At last, it's Friday and I can pop this one in for the thread -
"It's not the cough that carries you off, it's the coffin they carry you off in !!"
Off now to Turkey for a week of sunshine and rest, hope you all keep safe !!
(Mutter, mutter, yes, dear, - ticket inspection , baggage inspection , passport inspection, catering hall inspection, plane safety inspection , pilot, yes - two, stewardesses, ooh lots, ouch, no I wasn't staring !, food inspection, hotel inspection, pool safety inspection .....I am on my holiday, you know !!!!)
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Posted By Barrie M Dexter
Seems like a DEAD End job to me !!!
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Posted By Jim Walker
Barrie,
Don't make jokes about this grave subject.
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Coffin Manual Handling Training for Gravedigger
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